A tabletop pastime allows participants to collaboratively craft narratives set against scenarios of global catastrophe. Utilizing dice rolls and character sheets, players navigate challenges presented by gamemasters in a post-apocalyptic or apocalyptic world. An example involves assuming the roles of survivors after a zombie outbreak, where resource management and strategic decision-making become paramount for continued existence.
This form of interactive entertainment offers a unique platform for exploring complex themes such as societal breakdown, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit. Historically, these games have provided a safe space to consider potential future outcomes and grapple with anxieties surrounding large-scale disasters. Their engagement encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction skills, fostering collaboration and empathy among participants.