A ''generic'' or ''universal'' role-playing game system is a role-playing game system designed to be independent of

setting Setting may refer to: * A location (geography) where something is set * Set construction in theatrical scenery * Setting (narrative), the place and time in a work of narrative, especially fiction * Setting up to fail a manipulative technique to eng ...

and genre. Its rules should, in theory, work the same way for any setting, world, environment or genre in which one would want to play.

History

The term "generic" has been used since the earliest days of gaming to describe a system that can be used for any type or style of game. There is some dispute among role-playing enthusiasts on when the concept of a generic system originated and which was the first one published. According to Shannon Appelcline, Chaosium's '' Basic Role-Playing'' (''BRP'', 1980), was the first generic role-playing system. ''BRP'' was a "cut-down" version of Chaosium's '' RuneQuest'' role-playing game and formed the foundation for the '' Stormbringer'' RPG, and was also adopted for '' Call of Cthulhu'', the first horror role-playing game. The publication of '' GURPS'' (''Generic Universal Role-Playing System'', 1986) as a completely setting-independent game and its commercial and creative success added credence to the movement. The development of the '' Hero System'' (1989) from the

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...

role-playing game '' Champions'' also had a profound influence in popularizing the concept. It truly became a dominant subject in RPG design with the release of the Third Edition of '' Dungeons & Dragons'' (2000) and the '' d20 System'' along with the creation of the

Open Gaming License The Open Game License (OGL) is a public copyright license by Wizards of the Coast that may be used by tabletop role-playing game developers to grant permission to modify, copy, and redistribute some of the content designed for their games, nota ...

(OGL).

Definition

The '' Fuzion'' 5.02 rules uses the term "generic" to describe its basic ruleset as separate from its ''Champions'' and '' Interlock'' forerunners. In the second paragraph of the introduction to ''GURPS'' 3rd Edition the authors define "generic" as a means to satisfy players and game masters of many styles of play and feel for rules. This is repeated in the updated 4th edition rules along with acknowledgments to ''Champions'' as the first truly flexible character creation system. Some ''d20'' derivative, such as Green Ronin Publishing's Mutants & Masterminds and '' True20 Adventure Roleplaying'', are presented as fully generic systems.

Other influential generic systems

* Blacksburg Tactical Research Center's '' EABA'' * Eden Studios' '' Unisystem'' * Evil Hat Productions' FATE rpg * Grey Ghost Press' '' FUDGE'' * Guardians of Order's '' Tri-Stat System'' * Pinnacle Entertainment Group's '' Savage Worlds'' *

R. Talsorian Games R. Talsorian Games (RTG) is a publisher of role-playing game books and accessories. Originally based in Berkeley, California, but moved to Renton, Washington in 1997. Their titles include the ''Cyberpunk 2020'' series and anime-related titles su ...

's '' Fuzion'' and '' Interlock System'' * West End Games's '' D6'' and '' Masterbook'' systems

References

External links

* {{curlie, Games/Roleplaying/Genres/Universal, Universal Roleplaying Systems
Reviews of Generic RPGs
at RPGnet Role-playing game systems