''Gamma World'' is a

science fantasy Science fantasy is a hybrid genre within speculative fiction that simultaneously draws upon or combines tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy. In a conventional science fiction story, the world is presented as being scient ...

role-playing game A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal ac ...

, originally designed by

James M. Ward James M. Ward (born May 23, 1951) is an American game designer and fantasy author who worked for TSR, Inc. for more than 20 years. Career ''Dungeons & Dragons'' and TSR Ward was one of the players in Gary Gygax's early Greyhawk games as Gygax ...

and Gary Jaquet, and first published by TSR in 1978. It borrowed heavily from Ward's earlier game, ''

Metamorphosis Alpha ''Metamorphosis Alpha'' is a science fiction role-playing game. It was created by James M. Ward and originally produced by TSR, the publisher of ''Dungeons & Dragons''. It was the first science fiction role-playing game, published in July 1976. ...

''.

Setting

''Gamma World'' takes place in the mid-25th century, more than a century after a second

nuclear war Nuclear warfare, also known as atomic warfare, is a theoretical military conflict or prepared political strategy that deploys nuclear weaponry. Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction; in contrast to conventional warfare, nuclear wa ...

had destroyed human civilization. The war that destroyed civilization in ''Gamma World'' is only vaguely described in most editions of the game, and what details are provided change from version to version: * The first two editions explained that ever-increasing material prosperity and leisure had led to ever-more radical and violent social movements, culminating in a final war in the years AD 2309–2322, and ascribe the final annihilation to a terrorist group called "The Apocalypse" and the ensuing retaliation by surviving factions. Later versions altered the reason for the collapse. * The 2000 Alternity version is due to alien arrival and nuclear response. * The 2003 d20 Modern iteration is due to rampant use of nanotechnology and AI. * The 2010 edition attributes the destruction of civilization to the activation of the

Large Hadron Collider The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and highest-energy particle collider. It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) between 1998 and 2008 in collaboration with over 10,000 scientists and hundr ...

, which caused multiple realities to exchange features in an event known as "The Big Mistake". All editions, however, agree that the cataclysm destroyed all government and society beyond a village scale, plunging the world into a Dark Age. In many editions of the game, technology is at best quasi-medieval (in the first edition, the

crossbow A crossbow is a ranged weapon using an Elasticity (physics), elastic launching device consisting of a Bow and arrow, bow-like assembly called a ''prod'', mounted horizontally on a main frame called a ''tiller'', which is hand-held in a similar ...

is described as "the ultimate weapon" for most Gamma World societies). Some, such as the 2003 and, to a lesser degree the 2010 edition, feature advanced technology that is well known and often easily available. In contrast, super-science artifacts in earlier editions were risky to use due to the average Gamma World character not knowing how to properly operate such devices, or possibly even what the device is at all. The post-apocalyptic inhabitants of Earth now refer to their planet as "Gamma World" (or "Gamma Terra" in later editions). Gamma World is a chaotic, dangerous environment that little resembles pre-apocalyptic Earth. The weapons unleashed during the final war were strong enough to alter coastlines, level cities, and leave large areas of land lethally radioactive. These future weapons bathed the surviving life of Earth in unspecified forms of

radiation In physics, radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material medium. This includes: * ''electromagnetic radiation'', such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visi ...

and biochemical agents, producing widespread, permanent mutations among humans, animals, and plants. As a result, fantastic mutations such as extra limbs, super strength, and psychic powers are relatively common. (Random tables of such improbable mutations are a hallmark of every edition of ''Gamma World''.) Many animals and plants are sentient, semi-civilized species competing with surviving humans. Both humans and non-humans have lost most knowledge of the pre-war humans, whom Gamma World's inhabitants refer to as "the Ancients". The only group with significant knowledge of the Ancients are isolated robots and other artificial intelligences that survived the war—though these machines tend to be damaged, in ill repair, or hostile to organic beings. ''Gamma World''

player character A player character (also known as a playable character or PC) is a fictional character in a video game or tabletop role-playing game whose actions are controlled by a player rather than the rules of the game. The characters that are not control ...

s include unmutated humans (referred to as "Pure Strain Humans" in most editions), mutated humans, sentient animals or plants, and androids. Characters explore Ancient ruins and strange post-apocalyptic societies to gain knowledge of the Ancients and social status for themselves. Common adventure themes involve protecting fragile post-apocalypse societies, retrieving Ancient "artifacts" (science fiction gadgetry such as power armor, laser pistols, and anti-grav sleds), or mere survival against the multifarious dangers of the future (such as gun-toting mutant rabbits, rampaging ancient death machines, or other Gamma Worlders bent on mayhem). A recurrent source of conflict on Gamma World is the rivalry among the "Cryptic Alliances", semi-secret societies whose ideological agendas—usually verging on monomania—often bring them into conflict with the rest of the Gamma World. For example, the Pure Strain Human "Knights of Genetic Purity" seek to exterminate all mutants, while the all-mutant "Iron Society" wants to eliminate unmutated humans. Other rivalries involve attitudes towards Ancient technology, with some Alliances (such as "The Restorationists") seeking to rebuild Ancient society, while others (such as "The Seekers") want to destroy remaining artifacts.

System

Throughout the game's many editions, ''Gamma World'' has almost always remained strongly compatible with the then-current edition of ''

Dungeons & Dragons ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TS ...

'' (''D&D''). Attribute generation is much the same for instance with a range of 3 to 18, randomly generated by rolling three six-sided dice. The attributes themselves are the same, but with occasional name changes such as Physical Strength instead of Strength and Mental Strength instead of Wisdom. This allows Gamma World and D&D characters to potentially cross over genres. Character generation is mostly random, and features one of the game's most distinctive mechanics, the mutation tables. Players who choose to play mutants roll

dice Dice (singular die or dice) are small, throwable objects with marked sides that can rest in multiple positions. They are used for generating random values, commonly as part of tabletop games, including dice games, board games, role-playing ...

to randomly determine their characters' mutations. All versions of ''Gamma World'' eschew a realistic portrayal of genetic

mutation In biology, a mutation is an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or extrachromosomal DNA. Viral genomes contain either DNA or RNA. Mutations result from errors during DNA or viral replication, m ...

to one degree or another, instead giving characters fantastic abilities like psychic powers, laser beams, force fields, life draining and others. Other mutations are extensions or extremes of naturally existing features transposed from different species, such as electrical generation, infravision, quills, extra limbs, dual brains, carapaces, gills, etc. These were offset with defects that also ranged from the fantastical—such as skin that dissolves in water, or a scent that attracts monsters—to the mundane, such as seizures, madness and phobias. Characters in most versions of ''Gamma World'' earn

experience points An experience point (often abbreviated as exp or XP) is a unit of measurement used in some tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) and role-playing video games to quantify a player character's life experience and progression through the game. Experien ...

during their adventures, which cause the character's Rank (in some editions, Level) to increase. Unlike ''D&D'', however, the first two editions of ''Gamma World'' do not use a concept of true level or

character class In tabletop games and video games, a character class is a job or profession commonly used to differentiate the abilities of different game characters. In role-playing games (RPGs), character classes aggregate several abilities and aptitudes, ...

, and increases in Rank do not affect the character's skills or combat abilities. In fact, in the first three editions of the game, character rank is primarily a measure of the character's social prestige. The

game mechanics In tabletop games and video games, game mechanics are the rules or ludemes that govern and guide the player's actions, as well as the game's response to them. A rule is an instruction on how to play, a ludeme is an element of play like the L-sh ...

used for resolving character actions, on the other hand, greatly varied between ''Gamma World'' editions. The first two editions, like the early editions of ''D&D'', depend heavily on matrix-based mechanics, where two factors (one representing the actor or attacker, and one representing the opponent) are cross-referenced on a chart. For some actions, such as attacks, the number located on the matrix represents a number the acting player must roll. For other actions (such as determining the result of radiation exposure), the matrix result indicates a non-negotiable result. ''Gamma'' World's first two editions had a variety of specialized matrices for different situations (again, closely resembling ''D&D''). The third edition rules replace specialized matrices with the Action Control Table (ACT), a single, color-coded chart that allowed players to determine whether a character action succeeded, and the degree of success, with a single roll. (The ACT concept is drawn from the '' Marvel Super Heroes'' game published by TSR shortly before development of ''Gamma World'''s third edition.) The ACT requires the referee to cross-reference the difficulty of a character action with the ability score used to complete that action, determining which column of the ACT is used for that action. The character's player then rolls

percentile dice Dice notation (also known as dice algebra, common dice notation, RPG dice notation, and several other titles) is a system to represent different combinations of dice in wargames and tabletop role-playing games using simple algebra-like notation such ...

; the result is compared to appropriate column, determining a degree of success or failure and eliminating the need for second result roll (e.g. the damage roll that many games require after a successful combat action). The fourth edition was directly compatible with 2nd Edition AD&D with some minor differences in mechanics. The fifth and sixth editions though would relegate Gamma World to that of a Campaign Setting and require the core books to play. 5th uses the Alternity system which is mostly represented in the book but required the core rules in order to resolve some factors. 6th Edition though was fully incomplete on its own and required the d20 Modern rulebook in order to play the game. The seventh version uses a streamlined version of '' D&D 4th edition'' mechanics. Character generation choice though was nearly fully removed. Instead of choosing a character class, a player had to roll a twenty-sided die two times and consult an accompanying character origin table. For example, a player might obtain the result "Radioactive Yeti" and gain the powers associated with the "Radioactive" and "Yeti" origins. Attributes, mutations, and skills were also randomly assigned. Two decks of cards comprising the core of a ''

Collectible Card Game A collectible card game (CCG), also called a trading card game (TCG) among other names, is a type of card game that mixes strategy game, strategic deck building elements with features of trading cards, introduced with ''Magic: The Gathering'' in ...

'' are included with the game. One deck represented random Alpha Mutations, which could be drawn to gain temporary powers, and the other contained various Omega Tech, powerful technological devices that could possibly backfire on those that used them. Some 4th edition rules enhancements for the setting include new damage types such as "Radiation", Gamma World-specific skills, and increased lethality. Despite these differences, it is possible to use characters and monsters from a ''D&D'' game in ''Gamma World'' and vice versa.

History

First Edition (1978)

The original ''Gamma World'' boxed set (containing a 56-page rulebook, a map of a devastated North America, and dice) was released in 1978. TSR went on to publish three accessories for the 1st edition of the game: *GW1, ''

Legion of Gold ''Legion of Gold'' is a 1981 role-playing game adventure for ''Gamma World'' published by TSR. Plot summary ''Legion of Gold'' is an adventure that deals with a mysterious army of golden, glowing warriors ravaging the countryside around the Grea ...

'' by

Gary Gygax Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson. In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...

, Luke Gygax, and

Paul Reiche III Paul Reiche III ( ) is an American game designer, particularly known for his work on video games. Reiche is best known for being the co-creator, together with Fred Ford, of the '' Star Control'' universe. Career Pen and paper RPGs Reiche was ...

*GW2, ''Famine in Far-Go'' by Michael Price *''Gamma World Referee's Screen'' Grenadier Miniatures also supported the game, with a line of licensed miniatures. At least one other TSR product was announced -- ''Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega'', an adaptation of ''Metamorphosis Alpha's'' campaign setting to ''Gamma World's'' rules (Anon 1981). Work on the adaptation was halted when a 2nd edition of ''Gamma World'' was announced. This was later released as ''Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega'' using the ''Amazing Engine'' Rules.

Second Edition (1983)

The second edition ''Gamma World'' boxed set (with rules designed by Ward, Jaquet, and

David James Ritchie David James Ritchie (October 6, 1950 - September 6, 2009) was a game designer and author. Early life and education David Ritchie was a native of Canton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Lehman High School in Canton and attended Grove City College in Pen ...

) was released in 1983. Two modules and two accessories were released for this version: *GW3, '' The Cleansing War of Garik Blackhand'' by Michael Price &

Garry Spiegle Garry Floyd Spiegle (August 12, 1945 in Fairfield, Alabama – June 25, 2018) was a game designer who worked primarily on role-playing games. Career After the original Dragonlance group began, the Dragonlance Series Design Team was later expande ...

*GW4, '' The Mind Masters'' by Philip Taterczynski *GWAC1, ''

Gamma World Referee's Screen and Mini-Module ''Gamma World Referee's Screen and Mini-Module'' is a 1982 role-playing game supplement for ''Gamma World'' published by TSR. Contents ''Gamma World Referee's Screen and Mini-Module'' is a package including a gamemaster's screen and a short adven ...

'' *GWAC2, ''Gamma World Character Sheets'' TSR also produced four packs of ''Gamma World'' miniatures. TSR started production on a third adventure module, which was to be assigned the identification code GW5 and had the working title ''Rapture of the Deep''. This module was not published. However, a 'ghost' Second Edition GW5 ''Rapture of the Deep'' module was produced in 2007.

Third Edition (1986)

The 3rd edition of ''Gamma World'' was another boxed set, credited to James M. Ward. It introduced the Action Control Table, a color-coded table used to resolve nearly all actions in the game. (Color-coded tables were something of a trend at TSR in the mid-1980s. After 1984's '' Marvel Super Heroes'' proved the viability of the concept, TSR revised ''Gamma World'', ''

Star Frontiers ''Star Frontiers'' is a science fiction role-playing game produced by TSR from 1982 to 1985. The game offered a space opera action-adventure setting. Fictional setting ''Star Frontiers'' takes place near the center of a spiral galaxy (the set ...

'', and ''

Top Secret Classified information is material that a government body deems to be sensitive information that must be protected. Access is restricted by law or regulation to particular groups of people with the necessary security clearance and need to kn ...

'' to use similar tables.) Unfortunately for TSR, this version of the rules became notorious for the number of editorial mistakes, including cross-references to rules that didn't appear in the boxed set. The errors were serious enough that TSR published a ''Gamma World Rules Supplement'' containing the "missing" rules. The ''Rules Supplement'' was sent to gamers who requested it by mail, and included in reprintings of the boxed set. The five modules TSR published for ''Gamma World's'' 3rd edition introduced the setting's first multi-module

metaplot The metaplot (also, metastory) is the overarching storyline that binds together events in the official continuity of a published role-playing game campaign setting, also defined as an "evolving history of a given fictional universe". Major officia ...

, which involved rebuilding an ancient 'sky chariot': *GW6, ''Alpha Factor'' by

Kim Eastland Kimber "Kim" Lee Eastland (February 26, 1952 – January 29, 2020) was a game designer who worked for TSR. Early life Kim Eastland was born in Moline, Illinois, one of two children of Everett and Margaret Eastland. He attended Alleman High Scho ...

*GW7, ''Beta Principle'' by

Bruce Nesmith Bruce Nesmith is a game designer who has worked primarily on role-playing games. He was Creative Director at TSR, working on a variety of games including ''Dungeons & Dragons'', and is a senior game designer at Bethesda Game Studios, where he has ...

*GW8, ''Gamma Base'' by

*GW9, ''Delta Fragment'' by

*GW10, ''Epsilon Cyborgs'' by

TSR dropped the 3rd edition of ''Gamma World'' from its product line before the multi-module storyline could be completed. In 2003 an unofficial conclusion to the series was published under the title GW11 ''Omega Project''. Despite its editorial issues, the 3rd edition rules were well-received enough to win the 1986/1987 Gamer's Choice Award for "Best Science-Fiction Roleplaying Game".

Fourth Edition (1992)

The 4th edition of ''Gamma World'' was a 192-page softcover book, written by

and

, published in May 1992 by TSR. This version of the game abandoned the 3rd edition's Action Control Table for mechanics resembling ''2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons''. TSR published five accessories for the 4th edition: *GWA1, ''Treasures of the Ancients'' by Dale "Slade" Henson () *GWA2, ''The Overlord of Bonparr'' by Jack A. Barker () *GWQ1, ''Mutant Master'' by

() *GWQ2, ''All Animals Are Equal'' by Dale "Slade" Henson () *GWQ3, ''Home Before the Sky Falls'' by Tim Beach, Paul Riegel, Drew Bittner, and

() TSR's ''Gamma World'' development team announced at

Gen Con Gen Con is the largest tabletop game convention in North America by both attendance and number of events. It features traditional pen-and-paper, board, and card games, including role-playing games, miniatures wargames, live action role-playin ...

1993 that no further products would be released for the 4th edition. They also announced that TSR had restarted development of '' Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega'', but that the manuscript would be completed using the ''

Amazing Engine ''Amazing Engine'' was a series of tabletop role-playing game books that was published by TSR, Inc. from 1993 until 1994. It was a generic role-playing game system - each publication employed the same minimalist generic rules, as described in th ...

'' rules.

Fifth Edition (2000)

The 5th version of ''Gamma World'' was a supplement for the science-fiction game '' Alternity''. (In a nod to ''Gamma Worlds reputation for being repeatedly revised, the book's back cover states "That's right, it's the return of the ''Gamma World''".) The ''Gamma World Campaign Setting'' () was a 192-page softcover book written by Andy Collins and

Jeff Grubb Jeff Grubb (born August 27, 1957) is an author who writes novels, short stories, and comics and a computer and role-playing game designer in the fantasy genre. Grubb worked on the ''Dragonlance'' campaign setting under Tracy Hickman, and the ...

, published in 2000 by

Wizards of the Coast Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for games. It is currently a subsidia ...

(WOTC), only a month after WOTC announced its cancellation of the ''Alternity'' line. This version of ''Gamma World'' is unique as the only one not to have accessories or supplements.

Omega World (2002)

In September 2002, ''Omega World'', a '' d20 System'' mini-game based on ''Gamma World'' and written by Jonathan Tweet, was published in ''

Dungeon A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with medieval castles, though their association with torture probably belongs more to the Renaissance period. An oubliette (from ...

'' 94/''

Polyhedron In geometry, a polyhedron (plural polyhedra or polyhedrons; ) is a three-dimensional shape with flat polygonal faces, straight edges and sharp corners or vertices. A convex polyhedron is the convex hull of finitely many points, not all o ...

'' 153. Tweet does not plan any expansions for the game, although it received a warm reception from ''Gamma World'' fans and players new to the concept alike.

Sixth Edition (2003)

In November 2002, Sword & Sorcery Studios (SSS) announced that it had licensed the ''Gamma World'' setting from WOTC in order to produce a sixth version of the game. SSS's version of the game, which reached the market in 2003, used the ''

d20 Modern ''d20 Modern'' is a modern fantasy role-playing game system designed by Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, and Charles Ryan. The system's core rulebook was published by Wizards of the Coast on November 1, 2002; by 2006, ten additional suppl ...

'' system, and mimicked ''D&Ds "three core book" model with three hardcover manuals: *''Gamma World Player's Handbook'' by Bruce Baugh, Ian Eller, Mikko Rautalahti, and Geoff Skellams *''Gamma World Game Master's Guide'' by Bruce Baugh, Werner Hager, Lizard, and Doug Oglesby *''Gamma World Machines and Mutants'' by David Bolack,

Gareth Hanrahan Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan is an Irish game designer and novelist who has worked primarily on role-playing games. Career Hanrahan was one of the game designers included in the experimental community connected to the Gaming Outpost. When Mongoose Pub ...

, Patrick O'Duffy, and Chuck Wendig Sword & Sorcery Studios also published three paperback supplements for the d20 version of ''Gamma World'': *''Gamma World Beyond the Horizon'' by Ellen Kiley *''Gamma World Cryptic Alliances and Unknown Enemies'' by Owen K.C. Stephens, Alejandro Melchor, and Geoff Skellams *''Gamma World Out of the Vaults'' by James Maliszewski,

John Snead John Snead is a freelance role-playing writer who lives in Portland, Oregon. He studied math and history (B.A.) and cultural anthropology (MA). He has been gaming since 1980 and became a full-time designer and writer of role-playing games in 1998. ...

, and Ellen P. Kiley This new version of the game presented a more sober and serious approach to the concept of a post-nuclear world, at odds with the more light-hearted and adventurous approach taken by previous editions; it was also the first edition of the game to include fantastical

nanotechnology Nanotechnology, also shortened to nanotech, is the use of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale for industrial purposes. The earliest, widespread description of nanotechnology referred to the particular technological goal ...

on a large scale. In August 2005, White Wolf announced that it was reverting the rights to publish ''Gamma World'' products back to Wizards of the Coast, putting the game out of print again. Several critics and fans considered Tweet's ''Omega World'' to be a superior d20 System treatment of the ''Gamma World'' concept.

Seventh Edition (2010)

At the Dungeons & Dragons Experience fan convention in early 2010, Wizards of the Coast announced a new version titled ''D&D Gamma World'', eventually released in October of that year. The game is compatible with the D&D 4th Edition rules and the

System Reference Document In the open gaming movement, a System Reference Document (SRD) is a reference for a role-playing game's mechanics licensed under the Open Game License (OGL) to allow other publishers to make material compatible with that game. History The firs ...

, but is not considered a separate D&D setting. The basic box included 80 non-random cards. In addition, random "boosters" of "Alpha Mutation" and "Omega Tech" cards for players are sold separately in packs of eight. This edition of ''Gamma World'' includes the following three boxed sets (one core set and two expansion kits): *''D&D Gamma World Roleplaying Game'' by Richard Baker and

Bruce R. Cordell Bruce Robert Cordell (born 1968) is an American author of roleplaying games and fantasy novels. He has worked on ''Dungeons & Dragons'' games for Wizards of the Coast. He won the Origins Award for ''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' and has also wo ...

*''D&D Gamma World Expansion Kit: Famine in Far-go'' by

Robert J. Schwalb Robert J. Schwalb is a writer in the role-playing game industry, and has worked as a game designer and developer for such games as ''Dungeons & Dragons'', '' A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying'', ''Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay'', and many other RP ...

*''D&D Gamma World Expansion Kit: Legion of Gold'' by Richard Baker and

Bruce Cordell Bruce Robert Cordell (born 1968) is an American author of roleplaying games and fantasy novels. He has worked on ''Dungeons & Dragons'' games for Wizards of the Coast. He won the Origins Award for ''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' and has also wo ...

Additional content was released for the 7th Edition of ''Gamma World'' at Game Day 2010 and at the 2010

Penny Arcade Expo PAX (originally known as Penny Arcade Expo) is a series of gaming culture festivals involving tabletop, arcade, and video gaming. PAX is held annually in Seattle, Boston and Philadelphia in the United States; and Melbourne in Australia. PAX w ...

, Trouble in Freesboro and Pax Extraterrestria respectively. In addition, a Christmas themed adventure and vehicular combat rules were released online. Additionally, two novels were published in the setting. ''Sooner Dead'' by Mel Odom was published February 1st, 2011, and ''Red Sails in the Fallout'' by Paul Kidd, published July 5th, 2011.

Reception

Don Turnbull reviewed ''Gamma World'' for ''

White Dwarf A white dwarf is a stellar core remnant composed mostly of electron-degenerate matter. A white dwarf is very dense: its mass is comparable to the Sun's, while its volume is comparable to the Earth's. A white dwarf's faint luminosity comes ...

'' #10, giving it an overall rating of 9 out of 10, and stated that "''Gamma World'' is good quality - let there be no mistake. This has not been thrown together in haste by earnest amateurs over glasses of cheap booze. It is a thoroughly professional job which deserves a place on the shelf (and the playing table) of anyone remotely interested in the science fiction game-setting." Ronald Pehr reviewed ''Gamma World'' in ''

The Space Gamer ''The Space Gamer'' was a magazine dedicated to the subject of science fiction and fantasy board games and tabletop role-playing games. It quickly grew in importance and was an important and influential magazine in its subject matter from the ...

'' No. 32. Pehr commented that "If you liked its progenitors, ''Gamma World'' is an interesting variant. Beginning players should find it easy to learn, and referees are challenged to create a playable, balanced world. It's somewhat expensive and the sudden-death power of futuristic weaponry and the lack of character 'levels' may put you off, but if the basic premise is appealing you'll probably enjoy ''Gamma World''." Chris Baylis reviewed ''Gamma World'' for '' Imagine'' magazine, and stated that "For a post nuclear holocaust role-playing game, ''Gamma World'' game has just about all the right ingredients, in the correct proportions. It is a very good introduction into the fantasy world of role-playing, and should seriously rival all other RPGs."

Cancelled Video Game

In 2011, a video game adaptation was announced at E3 called ''Gamma World: Alpha Mutation'' for the

Xbox 360 The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. As the successor to the original Xbox, it is the second console in the Xbox series. It competed with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generati ...

PlayStation 3 The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. The successor to the PlayStation 2, it is part of the PlayStation brand of consoles. It was first released on Novemb ...

and PC. It was to be developed by Bedlam Games and published by

Atari Atari () is a brand name that has been owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by French publisher Atari SA through a subsidiary named Atari Interactive. The original Atari, Inc., founded in Sunnyvale, Ca ...

. Unfortunately, due to unknown reasons, it was cancelled.

Legacy

The Swedish role playing game ''

Mutant In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It ...

'', released in 1984 by Äventyrsspel, was first pitched to its future writer as "Gamma World, set in Sweden". The post-apocalyptic premise of the 1997 computer game ''

Fallout Nuclear fallout is the residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear blast, so called because it "falls out" of the sky after the explosion and the shock wave has passed. It commonly refers to the radioac ...

'' was inspired by ''Gamma World.'' Game creator

Tim Cain Timothy Cain is an American video game developer best known as the creator, producer, lead programmer and one of the main designers of the 1997 computer game ''Fallout''. In 2009, he was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of al ...

said it was not the most balanced RPG but it had a good spirit to it. Gamma World was cited as a source of inspiration for the procedurally generated word-building in

Caves of Qud ''Caves of Qud'' is an early access roguelike role-playing video game set in an open world that is partially pre-made and partially randomly generated. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic science fantasy setting and is inspired by the pen ...

Reviews

*'' White Wolf'' #36 (1993) * ''

Casus Belli A (; ) is an act or an event that either provokes or is used to justify a war. A ''casus belli'' involves direct offenses or threats against the nation declaring the war, whereas a ' involves offenses or threats against its ally—usually one ...

'' #37 (April 1987) *''

The Complete Book of Wargames ''The Complete Book of Wargames'' by Jon Freeman and the editors of Consumer Guide was published in 1980 by Simon & Schuster under the Fireside imprint. Contents This book comes in both a 285-page hardcover edition and a paperback version. In ...