In a world where RPGs have exploded into intricate narratives, immersive mechanics, and expansive universes, there’s still something unmistakably magical about classic tabletop RPGs. These games, which laid the foundations for modern role-playing, captured imaginations not through polish and production values but through raw creativity, simpler mechanics, and open-ended storytelling. For today’s designers and players alike, revisiting retro RPGs offers lessons that are both nostalgic and surprisingly relevant. Let’s dive into a few key elements from classic RPGs that continue to influence—and improve—today’s gaming experiences.

1. The Power of Simplicity

Older RPGs like Basic Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu kept their rulebooks slim and mechanics streamlined. This simplicity made it easier for players to jump in, focusing more on the story than on mastering the rules. Unlike today’s RPGs, which may overwhelm new players with volumes of rulebooks, these classics reminded us that simplicity can be powerful, making games more approachable and adaptable to any narrative.

2. Encouraging Imagination Over Graphics

Without today’s high-budget art and design, retro RPGs relied on descriptions, player imagination, and a few sketches or maps. This limitation became a strength, allowing players to visualize their own worlds, characters, and events. By prioritizing imagination, classic RPGs fostered a unique engagement that’s often lost in modern gaming’s visual-heavy approach.

3. Player-Driven Stories

Unlike today’s pre-scripted storylines, retro RPGs left narrative control in the hands of the players and game masters. Games like RuneQuest and Gamma World encouraged improvisation, world-building, and character-driven plots, giving players a true sense of ownership. The organic nature of player-led stories continues to inspire designers who want to emphasize player agency over pre-determined outcomes.

4. Encouraging Homebrew Rules and Customization

Classic RPGs often had gaps or ambiguities in their rule sets, which encouraged players to invent their own rules or tweak existing ones. This flexibility promoted creativity and customization, giving rise to “homebrew” campaigns and settings that remain a major part of the RPG community today. Many players still enjoy adding unique twists to popular games, a tradition that started with classic RPGs.

5. Building Community

Older RPGs built communities before the internet, with players gathering in basements, comic shops, and conventions to swap stories, trade ideas, and co-create worlds. This sense of community remains essential today, reminding us that RPGs are more than games—they’re social experiences that build lasting friendships and memories.

A Nod to the Legends

The influence of retro RPGs can still be seen in today’s game design, from stripped-down rulesets in indie games to the resurgence of “OSR” (Old-School Renaissance) games. New players looking to capture that same spirit of wonder will find a treasure trove in classic RPGs, and designers can learn from their emphasis on simplicity, creativity, and player agency.