Enter the Matrix (by way of the OSR/NSR)

Blogs
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My Secret Santicorn blog for @Florik who requested:
OSR/NSR modules and Matrix Game scenarios: similarities, differences and ways to adapt, possibly even convert them

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Iā€˜m blown away. Have to read it three more times, or six. Will check back then.

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I too didnā€™t know much about Matrix Games prior to everyone discussing them in the cauldron and even then I yet to set a side time to really understand how to play them. I appreciate your walk through on how to adapt other games into matrix games and what makes matrix games fun to play, i.e., the conflicting desires and mechanics.

I have yet to hear of using them for prepping another TTRPG and tbh I love the idea of mixing matrix games, TTRPGs, and war games together. That sounds like a grand time and definitely ā€œplaying the worldā€ as you said.

Lol maybe itā€™s crowded already, tho perhaps microscope or similar games for building the world can come into play, or perhaps microscope overlaps too much with matrix gamesā€™ role in this multi game cocktail? I dunno for now. Worth exploring! :3

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I personally know very little about Microscope but from my understanding I think it kind of systemitizes the concept of playing through the worldbuilding prep collectively. My understanding is all these game types have significant overlaps and their own strengths and weaknesses. You could run an entire RPG campaign as a narrative matrix game or you can run a wargame purely as a matrix game. What draws me to it is the idea of competing faction interests that get played out through roleplay among players. It can be a fun way to introduce a bit of narrative PVP without feeling like you are going against the spirit of the game. A lot of RPGs benefit from faction play but donā€™t provide mechanical support for faction turns. Running that on the side as a matrix game could be really fun and straightforward.

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So I have read it a couple more times. The initial explanation of Matrix Games is as good as everyone says, but also helpful simply as a collection of links.

The second part is about converting an OSR adventure, and the Wyrm of Brandonsford is such a great example. It made me want to play the Matrix Game version of this right away.

The third part came completely unexpected. What, turn the thing on its head, use a Matrix Game to create a story arch for a D&D campaign?! Love the ideas here. An all around great post, thank you!

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