Here’s my first attempt at an Apocalypse World hack: Today’s World, a game for exploring our dystopian present:

Here’s my first attempt at an Apocalypse World hack: Today’s World, a game for exploring our dystopian present:

Here’s my first attempt at an Apocalypse World hack: Today’s World, a game for exploring our dystopian present:

Drug dealers smuggle contraband into prisons with drones. You can pay back alley body-modders to install microchips in your hands with cryptographic currency. Powerful corporations track your every move, while vast government surveillance systems scan your emails. Militaries wage cyberwarfare across the globe. Cult leaders have the ear of world leaders. A washed up game show host is now the President of the United States.

This isn’t some dystopian cyberpunk future. It’s Today’s World.

Today’s World is a rule-lite role playing game about the strangeness of modern life. It’s suitable for telling many stories in contemporary settings, from exploring complex social issues to wallowing in the absurdity of the human condition. Inspirations range from literary sources like William Gibson’s “Blue Ant” trilogy to pulpy entertainment like the Gotham TV series to more gonzo sources like Nathan Barley and Crank. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of any of these things: the fact that you’re alive and breathing means you’re already living in Today’s World.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6OKZxuHP8vSblJGVkVsZDNzTWs/view?usp=sharing

12 thoughts on “Here’s my first attempt at an Apocalypse World hack: Today’s World, a game for exploring our dystopian present:”

  1. Seibei As written, not necessarily, but there’s a pretty good chance of getting a 6- since there’s a -2 penalty for anyone who doesn’t have a special shooting move. Also, on a 7-9 you only get to choose one, so if you choose no ricochet, you accidentally hit someone else, and if you do choose not to shoot anyone else, then you might get hit by a ricochet.

  2. Greg Gelder Startup will be the next one. I had been planning “cult,” but I think that might have to turn into a separate game to handle it appropriately. I’m also planning “Fixers for hire” and “childhood friends.” Open to suggestions/requests as well!

  3. Startup and childhood friends both sound great, I agree, cult sounds like a different game. “Extended Family” might be interesting as well as “Non-governmental organization”.

  4. I read through your playbooks and decided that I (as a real person) am one of them. This cuts a little too close to home. I am just glad I am not an adventurer.

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