What was this early RPG I recall reading about?

January 19, 2022 2:02 AM

I recall reading about an early (pre-D&D) form of role-playing game, in which the premise was that the player(s) were junior officers making a reconnaissance of a border town, where there might be other officers or agents from the other side, in the tension before a war about to start. What was the game? What did I read?
posted by Fiasco da Gama to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (5 answers total)

Best answer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunstein_(game)
posted by Sebmojo at 2:21 AM on January 19, 2022 [4 favorites]

https://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/104/braunstein-the-roots-of-roleplaying-games/ is a slightly more detailed write-up
posted by Sebmojo at 2:25 AM on January 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

https://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/106/braunstein-memories/ and here are a bunch of resources including participant stories.
posted by Sebmojo at 2:28 AM on January 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: An interesting article placing Braunstein within its historical context.
posted by fairmettle at 2:48 AM on January 19, 2022 [9 favorites]

Response by poster: Yes that’s the very one thank you!
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 2:49 AM on January 19, 2022