Roll for Mutation: Post-Apocalyptic TTRPG History: Ep. 4 Apocalypse World

In our fourth episode of Roll for Mutation, we look at one of the most important post-apocalyptic games, Apocalypse World. We consider both the impact of PbtA and the depiction of "the Apocalypse" in AW-- and how it differs from other contemporary games. Hosts Lowell Francis and Marc Majcher cover the short but rich history of AW and its long tail. We talk about what Apocalypse World is, where it fits in gaming history, our experiences playing it, and our general thoughts about the game.

References
Tabletop RPG Design in Theory and Practice at the Forge, 2001–2012: Designs and Discussions
Designers & Dragons Volume 4 The 2000s
Apocalypse World: Burned Over is kinder and much angrier
The Daily Apocalypse
+1 Forward: A Podcast Powered by the Apocalypse
Apocalypse World Burned Over Kickstarter
Rascal Interview with Macolm Craig

For other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History.

Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and LARPs inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/.

Lowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community.

You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.

Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming Community
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Music: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio

00:00 Introduction: Apocalypse World
03:30 What It Is
13:26 Publication/Gaming History
25:19 Media Context/Influences
32:23 General Thoughts