The Indie RPG Awards

This Sub-Award is awarded to the game that stretches the RPG experience in new ways. It may be a particular innovative mechanic that has never been used in other games (or never been used as well as previous games), or it changes the dynamics of a regular game group (the standard 3-6 players and one gamemaster). Or, it might even turn the concept of "RPG" on its ear. Innovation and exploration is what this Sub-Award honors.

THE Most Innovative Game FOR 2015 IS...

Fall of Magic by Ross Cowman / with 34 points

The scroll-based narrative structure of Fall of Magic is new and refreshing.

This takes maps wondrous place in the role-playing experience and turns it on its head.

 

THE RUNNERS UP:

Ten Candles by Stephen Dewey / with 16 points

Some innovative concepts here. The escalation of power from Players to GM is neat.

Sign by Hakan Seyalioglu, Kathryn Hymes / with 16 points

Of all of the dozens of games run by the "Children in 1970s Nicaragua" engine, this one certainly makes the best use of materials.

Juggernaut by Jason Morningstar / with 14 points

A strong early leader in card-based RPG design, you can already see the innovations created by Juggernaut (and a hand full of its contemporaries) spreading and growing.

Downfall by Caroline Hobbs / with 12 points

It is a worthy goal to focus on the unraveling of things in a fruitful, productive way.

Playing Nature's Year by Meguey Baker / with 11 points

Playing Nature's Year creates its own folk tradition of games tied to the changing seasons.

The way these games link to life and the world outside the game table is brilliant. These show the way to making games and life fit together harmoniously.

A Real Game by Caitlynn Belle / with 11 points

FAITH: the Sci-Fi RPG by Carlos Gomez, Mauricio Gomez, Helio de Grado / with 10 points

14 Days by Hannah Shaffer, Evan Rowland / with 10 points

interesting concept. Might have some good applications to real world chronic pain management.

Dealing with pain and empathy are challenging subjects. This pushes the boundaries of what an RPG can do.

Nefertiti Overdrive by Fraser Ronald / with 8 points

Left Coast: the short story edition by Steve Hickey / with 8 points

very reminiscent of the John Scalzi book Redshirts, but from a slightly different approach.

The Warren by Marshall Miller / with 8 points

The Warren tackles sex and reproduction, topics typically avoided by games, with an eye toward both safety and consent.

Night Witches by Jason Morningstar / with 8 points

The World Wide Wrestling Roleplaying Game by Nathan D. Paoletta / with 7 points

A game where we play pretend about people pretending.\n\nIt hits me with a folding chair and a ladder it is so well done.