The renowned and cherished universe of Discworld, conceived by the late Terry Pratchett, is set to make a significant return to the realm of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) after a hiatus spanning over 25 years. This resurgence not only encompasses the forthcoming Discworld TTRPG but also includes a lineup of new board games inspired by iconic novels such as The Colour of Magic, Night Watch, and Going Postal, among others.
Modiphius, a prominent British publisher renowned for its adaptations of renowned franchises like Star Trek and Dune into TTRPGs, is spearheading the development of the eagerly awaited Terry Pratchett Discworld RPG. Backed by Terry Pratchett’s estate, Modiphius pledges to uphold the essence of the Terry Pratchett Discworld series, promising to infuse the games with the trademark humour, satire, and captivating fantasy elements that have endeared Terry Pratchett’s work to legions of fans worldwide.
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The focal point of this endeavour, the Discworld TTRPG, will immerse players into the bustling metropolis of Ankh-Morpork, a vibrant urban landscape teeming with diverse guilds and overseen by the ever-vigilant City Watch. This setting serves as the backdrop for many of Pratchett’s beloved narratives, including tales featuring the valiant exploits of the City Watch, as chronicled in Guards! Guards!, Thud!, and Snuff. Moreover, the TTRPG promises to extend its narrative tendrils beyond the confines of Ankh-Morpork, offering players the opportunity to explore the expansive and intricately crafted Discworld universe.
While this marks the first entirely original Discworld TTRPG in over a quarter of a century, it’s worth noting that a previous adaptation utilising Steve Jackson’s GURPS system, co-designed by Terry Pratchett himself alongside Phil Masters, debuted in 1998. However, Modiphius’ forthcoming iteration represents a fresh and innovative take on the beloved franchise, poised to captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike with its immersive storytelling and inventive game-play mechanics.
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In tandem with the development of the Discworld TTRPG, Modiphius has also announced plans to expand the franchise into the realm of board games. Past endeavours in this domain have yielded titles such as Thud!, a strategic abstract game reminiscent of hnefatafl, and Discworld: Ankh-Morpork and The Witches, the latter of which forms part of an unfinished trilogy by acclaimed designer Martin Wallace. Notably, Discworld: Ankh-Morpork was re-branded as Nanty Narking and transported to a Victorian London setting in 2019, showcasing the enduring appeal and adaptability of Pratchett’s imaginative universe.
To realize these ambitious projects, Modiphius intends to launch a Kickstarter campaign in late 2024, inviting fans to contribute and participate in shaping the future of Discworld gaming. Furthermore, the publisher has expressed a commitment to soliciting feedback from the community via surveys, underscoring its dedication to ensuring that each instalment in the Discworld gaming series honours the legacy and spirit of Terry Pratchett’s enduring creation.
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The forthcoming Discworld TTRPG and accompanying board games represent a momentous occasion for fans of Terry Pratchett’s iconic series, offering a fresh avenue through which to delve into the rich tapestry of characters, locales, and narratives that define the Discworld universe. With Modiphius at the helm, this resurgence promises to deliver an immersive and unforgettable gaming experience that pays homage to the wit, whimsy, and boundless imagination of Terry Pratchett.
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