If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Role smartphone app enables live RPGs without the pens and paper

If you like role-playing, or are keen to try but a bit wary of all the books and dice, this free smartphone game may be a dream come true.

role

Role is an iOS app designed to bring players together in meat space for a bit of traditional storytelling gaming.

Designed by San Francisco indie The Soap Collective, Role is based on a simple pen-and-paper RPG system, so it's not as detailed and technical as games like Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons. In the vein of narrative driven, rules-light games like Risus, it emphasises collaborative story telling over min-maxing and the loot cycle.

It sounds like a great way to pass the time with friends over a few beers, and maybe introduce them to the wider world of tabletop gaming. You can read the rules [PDF] if you like, or just grab it on the App Store now. It's free; The Soap Collective intends to monetise via pre-fab content packs.

Cover image for YouTube video

Sign in and unlock a world of features

Get access to commenting, homepage personalisation, newsletters, and more!

Related topics
About the Author
Brenna Hillier avatar

Brenna Hillier

Contributor

Based in Australia and having come from a lengthy career in the Aussie games media, Brenna worked as VG247's remote Deputy Editor for several years, covering news and events from the other side of the planet to the rest of the team. After leaving VG247, Brenna retired from games media and crossed over to development, working as a writer on several video games.

Comments