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Quick Look: Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine

Updated: May 14, 2023

Basic Roleplaying


Basic Roleplaying (BRP) is a tabletop roleplaying game system that has been around for over 40 years. Created by Chaosium, it has been used in popular games like Call of Cthulhu and RuneQuest. BRP is known for its easy-to-learn mechanics, which allow players to focus on roleplaying and exploring the setting that the game master has prepared.


Chaosium has been at the forefront of the tabletop gaming industry, with many of its games receiving critical acclaim and a loyal following. BRP has been a staple in their game development, providing gamers with a simple and intuitive system that allows for immersive roleplaying experiences.


Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine


Recently, Chaosium announced the release of a new edition of Basic Roleplaying, titled Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine. This new release is an update to the core BRP system and provides game creators with a flexible and adaptable system that can be used for any setting or genre.


The new edition includes all the core rules for character creation and advancement, combat, magic, psychic powers, mutations, superpowers, weapons, equipment, and vehicles. Players can use this book to create a seamless roleplaying experience using an existing setting or one of their own design.


The Universal Game Engine is available in PDF format, with a hardcover version set to be released later in 2023. This new release is significant for the gaming industry, as it provides more freedom and flexibility for game creators to develop unique and engaging games.


The Open RPG Creative License


Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine is released under the Open RPG Creative License (ORC) initiative. This initiative, spearheaded by Paizo, allows game creators to use the BRP system to develop their own games, royalty-free, and without further permission from Chaosium.


The ORC initiative provides a more open and collaborative approach to game development, allowing for more innovation and creativity in the industry. By making the BRP system available to a broader range of game creators, Chaosium hopes to foster a more inclusive and diverse gaming community.


What's Inside


The Universal Game Engine provides gamers with all the core rules necessary for character creation and advancement. Players can create unique characters by selecting from a variety of options, including abilities, skills, and attributes. The system also includes rules for character advancement, allowing players to improve their characters over time.


Combat is a crucial component of many roleplaying games, and Basic Roleplaying: The Universal Game Engine provides detailed rules for deadly and tactical combat. The system includes rules for attacks, defense, damage, and more. The combat system is designed to be intuitive and easy to understand, allowing for fast-paced and engaging gameplay.


Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine includes rules for a wide range of abilities and items, such as magic, psychic powers, mutations, superpowers, weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The system provides a variety of options for players to create unique characters with different abilities and items. These rules are applicable to any setting or genre, allowing for endless possibilities in gameplay.


One of the most significant features of Basic Roleplaying is its applicability to any setting or genre. The rules are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing game creators to use them in a variety of contexts. This means that players can use the system to create games in a wide range of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and more.


Final Thoughts


When compared to other popular RPG systems such as Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder, the BRP system has a distinct focus on roleplaying and storytelling rather than combat and mechanics. This makes it a great choice for players who prioritize storytelling and character development over combat.


The Open RPG Creative License, which allows game creators to use the BRP rules engine to develop their own games royalty-free, has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. It encourages creativity and innovation while reducing the barriers to entry for game developers. This could lead to a surge of new and unique games that utilize the BRP system, leading to a more diverse and exciting gaming landscape.


Overall, Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine is a great choice for players looking for a flexible and adaptable RPG system that prioritizes roleplaying and storytelling. The system's ease of use and accessibility make it a great choice for new players, while the flexibility and potential for creativity make it appealing to experienced gamers.


Gamers who enjoy storytelling and character development should definitely consider giving the BRP system a try. Additionally, the Open RPG Creative License opens up new possibilities for game creators, so gamers should keep an eye out for new and innovative games utilizing the BRP system in the future.



In this article, some content was generated using ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI. The generated content was then edited and arranged for accuracy and readability by RPGPDFs.

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