''I'm Sorry Did You Say Street Magic'' is a city-building

tabletop role-playing game A tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG or TRPG), also known as a pen-and-paper role-playing game, is a kind of role-playing game (RPG) in which the participants describe their characters' actions through speech and sometimes movements. Participants d ...

created by Caro Asercion in 2019, based on the system in ''

Microscope A microscope () is a laboratory equipment, laboratory instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopy is the science of investigating small objects and structures using a microscope. Microscopic ...

''.

Gameplay

Unlike most city building games, ''I'm Sorry Did You Say Street Magic'' specifically prohibits creating a map due to the historical connections between map-making and

colonialism Colonialism is the control of another territory, natural resources and people by a foreign group. Colonizers control the political and tribal power of the colonised territory. While frequently an Imperialism, imperialist project, colonialism c ...

''.'' In rounds, players take turns adding neighborhoods, landmarks, and residents by writing information on

index cards An index card (or record card in British English and system cards in Australian English) consists of card stock (heavy paper) cut to a standard size, used for recording and storing small amounts of discrete data. A collection of such cards ei ...

. Rounds end with significant events to mark the passage of time. The game does not use a

gamemaster A gamemaster (GM; also known as game master, game manager, game moderator, referee, storyteller, or master of ceremonies) is a person who acts as a facilitator, organizer, officiant regarding rules, arbitrator, and moderator for a multiplayer r ...

Publication history

Asercion self-published the digital edition of ''I'm Sorry Did You Say Street Magic'' on Itch.io in 2019 as an

indie role-playing game An indie role-playing game is a role-playing game published by individuals or small press publishers, in contrast to games published by large corporations. Indie tabletop role-playing game designers participate in various game distribution netwo ...

. A print edition was released in 2020 after a

Kickstarter Kickstarter, PBC is an American Benefit corporation, public benefit corporation based in Brooklyn, New York City, that maintains a global crowdfunding platform focused on creativity. The company's stated mission is to "help bring creative project ...

campaign raised $21,379. It was part of Itch.io's 2023 Games for Gaza bundle, raising funds for the charity

Medical Aid For Palestinians Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is a British charitable organization, charity that offers medical services in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Gaza and Lebanon, and advocates for Palestinians' rights to health and dignity. It is in List of organiza ...

Reception

Madison Durham for ''Polygon'' named ''I'm Sorry Did You Say Street Magic'' the best game she played in 2023, writing that, "It’s a perfect game full stop, but especially for those seeking to rekindle their creativity." Chase Carter for '' Dicebreaker'' called it "evocative." Declan Lowthian for ''

Comic Book Resources ''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...

'' listed it as one of ten tabletop role-playing games with incredible art, praising the "surreal images blending the natural and the artificial to make for a landscape of dreamlike beauty."

References

{{reflist Indie role-playing games Role-playing games introduced in 2019 Worldbuilding role-playing games