Fantasy Flight Games releases Star Wars RPG playtest rules

Fantasy Flight Games releases Star Wars RPG playtest rules

Star Wars was first introduced to the table top roleplaying market in 1987 by West End Games. The game used the D6 System which was originally developed for the Ghostbusters Roleplaying Game and needless to say it was immensely popular. It won an Origins awards that year for Best Roleplaying Rules. This was followed by a steady stream of game supplements, setting books, adventures and new editions in 1992 and 1996.

Then tragedy struck in 1998, West End Games declared bankruptcy and the company lost the license to produce Star Wars products. Stars Wars, as a roleplaying game, lingered in limbo until it was picked up by Wizards of the Coast just time to release its first edition for the premiere of The Phantom Menace in theaters. This new version of the game used the d20 system. In 2007 WOTC released the Saga Edition of the game which revised the rules and put greater focus on miniatures game play (a precursor to Dungeons Dragons 4th Edition). Then in 2010 the company decided not to renew its license with Lucasfilm Ltd.

Fantasy Flight Games announced in 2011 they would be producing the X Wing miniatures game as well as a card game for Star Wars. Although there were rumors that FFG was also working on a roleplaying game it was not until GenCon 2012 that the game was revealed.

Edge of the Empire focuses on a narrative style of play where the story is the focus. Miniatures and battle maps are not part of FFG's vision of the game which may please some players while disappointing others.

The game uses a unique dice pool mechanic to determine success or failure. Players build dice pools based on beneficial elements, detrimental elements and a Force die. Traditional dice are not used in this dice pool. Each die use symbols from the Star Wars universe and interact with each other in interesting ways. Eventually we may see these unique dice manufactured but for now FFG has provided a sheet of stickers to convert traditional dice.

Feedback for the playtest can be submitted through FFG's website or via email. This is the next generation of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game and with our help FFG can make it the best possible game it can be.