Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have long been celebrated for their ability to foster creativity and camaraderie, but Solaris is setting a new standard by putting community collaboration at the heart of its development. The Kyles, the creators of Solaris, share the journey behind this innovative RPG and the profound impact of player feedback on its design.
For The Kyles, creating Solaris was a natural extension of their love for gaming and shared creativity. “We’re building the game we’ve always wanted to play,” they explain. Early playtests with friends unearthed mechanics and concepts they hadn’t anticipated, inspiring a commitment to involve players in shaping the game’s evolution. “TTRPGs thrive off of the creativity of their players,” they add, “so we ensure our rules, tools, and lore encourage that.”
At its core, Solaris is a roleplay-centered, sci-fi-themed TTRPG set in the distant future of our solar system. It invites players to immerse themselves in a richly detailed universe, where exploration, strategy, and storytelling intertwine seamlessly. This expansive setting provides a fertile ground for creativity, encouraging players to craft their own narratives within the game’s flexible framework.
The feedback loop in Solaris is more than a token gesture; it’s a cornerstone of the game’s development. Early testers highlighted issues such as clunky combat mechanics and cumbersome character progression. In response, The Kyles streamlined gameplay by restructuring weapon damage systems, automating character sheet calculations, and introducing searchable databases for skills, weapons, and armor. An AI chatbot trained on the game’s ruleset ensures quick access to information, making the game more intuitive. These improvements directly address player concerns, enhancing engagement and immersion. “Listening to our players helps us prioritize what matters most,” they say.
Unlike traditional TTRPGs with rigid rule systems, Solaris offers flexibility. Its online character sheet allows players to invent their own items and descriptions, while optional supplementary rulesets introduce faster-paced, competitive gameplay modes. One standout example is Grasp of the Void, a supplementary ruleset already released, showcasing the team’s dedication to expanding gameplay options. “Our rules are a foundation to inspire, not restrict,” The Kyles note.
One of the game’s most unique features is the Wikiplanetaria, a wiki-style website that doubles as in-game lore. Written from the perspectives of fictional characters, the wiki invites players to interpret the universe as they see fit, with each group determining what’s “real” in their version of the game. This collaborative approach transforms lore into an evolving storytelling tool.
Looking ahead, The Kyles are prioritizing commissioned art to replace the use of AI-generated visuals. “We think AI is a great tool, but we want to highlight our goal of using art made by artists,” they explain. Transparency about AI use is vital to the team, ensuring players understand the thoughtfulness behind the game’s development.
The Kyles actively engage with their growing player base through Discord and social media, using their input to guide updates. From delving deeper into the game’s fictional governments to enhancing digital tools, community feedback ensures the game stays dynamic and relevant. “As the community grows, our communication methods may evolve,” they acknowledge, “but players’ voices will always be central to our process.”
Balancing diverse player feedback with cohesive game design is no small feat. The introduction of Wall-Gun-Run, a fast-paced PvP combat system, initially seemed at odds with the game’s more strategic Attack Matrix combat. The solution? Incorporate Wall-Gun-Run as a supplementary ruleset, offering players multiple ways to engage. “If it’s fun, we’ll find a way to make it work,” they say.
Looking ahead, The Kyles plan to expand Solaris with features like customizable Wikiplanetaria for individual groups, new rulesets, and artist-commissioned visuals. “Our goal is to create a living record of players’ adventures,” they share.
Through its emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and innovation, Solaris is more than a game—it’s a community-driven experience that sets a new benchmark for TTRPGs.
