‘Critical Core’ RPG Passes 150% Kickstarter Funding in First Day

A very unique roleplaying game system is up for crowdfunding, for Game to Grow, on Kickstarter. What sets Critical Core apart from other fantasy RPGs on the market is the fact the game has been specifically designed to be played (and thoroughly enjoyed) with children on the autism spectrum. The system is aimed at helping these kids with their social skills as well as serve a therapeutic purpose without coming across as stuffy “therapy” of old. Of course, the game is also tailored as a RPG entry point for all gamers. Critical Core is based on the framework of the Dungeons & Dragons 5E SRD although streamlined for ease of play. The project rocketed past the 150% funding mark in the first day and you can reserve a copy of Critical Core and stretch goals, in digital format, for a $30.00 pledge or the physical starter box (and stretch goals of course) for a $50.00 pledge through April 26. Expected delivery is December of this year.

About the project:

Critical Core is a tabletop role-playing game designed to help kids on the autism spectrum build social skills and confidence. It’s a great way for parents to engage with their children at home, and for professionals and experienced gamers to use as a group social skills tool.

Critical Core is brought to you by Game to Grow, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and co-developed with autism advocates, parents, therapists, and educators.

• Suitable for cognitive age 9+, including teens and adults.
• 2 to 4 players recommended, plus one adult that acts as the facilitator. (Game Master)
• Players must have basic listening and verbalization skills.
• When running games with young players on the spectrum, parent or certified therapist should be present.
• Experienced gamers will be able to integrate Critical Core into their favorite platform: Ruleset is adapted and streamlined from the D&D’s 5th Edition OpenSRD.
• A great introduction to tabletop role-playing games for everyone.

The Critical Core Starter Set has everything you need to play. The game has been tuned to be as easy as possible to get started and stay engaged. 

•  Facilitator’s Guide – For parents, therapists, and Game Masters, our best practices on running fun and effective therapeutic gaming groups.
•  Player & Game Master Guides – Quick-start rules and playing guides for players and Game Masters.
•  Adventure Modules – Tested and tuned to be challenging and fun.
•  Dice (4 sets) – One for each player, one for the Game Master. Enough to run a 3 player game out-of-the-box.
•  Character Sheets – 4 popular hero archetypes, each with their own unique abilities.
•  Game Cards – Not required for play, but helpful aids for both players and Game Masters – Visualization, quick-reference rules, and spell cards.
•  Game Tokens – Visualization aids for working with the included map.
•  Reusable map – whiteboard marker friendly. 

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Jeff McAleer

Founder/Editor-in-chief of The Gaming Gang website and host of The Gaming Gang Dispatch and other TGG media, Jeff tackles any and all sorts of games but has a special fondness for strategy, conflict sims, and roleplaying games. Plus, he's certainly never at a loss for an opinion...

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