Compare Therapeutic and Educational Differences Between Different Role-playing Game Systems

Different game systems place different emphasis in various areas. Some are very math light, or even no math. Others have intensive mathematical calculations and/or charts cross referencing and detail. Some emphasize combat, while others emphasize social interaction. It would seem to make sense that different game systems would have different impact on participants simply because of the varying levels of practice.

Example of expected hypothetical difference: It seems probably that the systems with intensive math would lead to participants having stronger math skill development than the systems will little to no math.

This stage of the research will attempt to compare tabletop role-playing games using very different game systems. Will also have to take genre into consideration. Over time have to determine differences between systems within a genre. Will start initially testing with fantasy-based genre systems, then expand to include Science Fiction, Horror, Military, Western, historical, etc. This list is still a work in progress, some currently in consideration:

• Dungeons & Dragons (versions 1-4+) - newer versions are math-light, but combat heavy focus
• Pathfinder
• Warhammer Fantasy Role-playing
• The One Ring RPG - math light, and more story oriented and various abstractions compared to other systems
• HERO System
• Card-based Fantasy RPGs instead of dice based
• Rolemaster
• Hackmaster (1st Edition AD&D Parody)
• GURPS
• BRP
• Savage Worlds
• Paladium FRP

Other systems, as the research progresses, will be considered and suggestions are welcomed.