Extensive role-playing games based on pre-existing universes are surprisingly thin on the ground, with most franchises opting to release games centring on pre-existing or newly created characters. Which is really missing a trick since the opportunity of creating your own character to inhabit your favourite universe will always have massive appeal. Its the peak of fandom and escapism to include yourself in your favourite film or TV programme. So, at least in terms of the UK market, a Doctor Who RPG in a similar vein to Final Fantasy or Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic would be like printing money. Especially since the Doctor Who universe is constantly expanding and already consists of dozens of planets and races that could be made part an original narrative. And a bonus is that a lot of Doctor Who races fit the standard RPG character classes and have certain abilities as part of their biological makeup that could be incorporated into gameplay such as the psychic abilities of the Silurians. Though for a combat-focussed RPG to work, the Doctor would have to be a minor character at best so that a lot of turn-based fighting and death could be included without it conspicuously conflicting with the characters morals.
JG Moore is a writer and filmmaker from the south of England. He also works as an editor and VFX artist, and has a BA in Media Production from the University Of Winchester.
