Oceania 2084 is a tabletop RPG that immerses players in a dystopian world dominated by surveillance and authoritarian control. Inspired by Orwell's 1984, the game shifts focus from combat to moral choices, resource management, and personal connections. One player assumes the role of "Big Brother", while others play as Resistance members struggling to survive and resist oppression. Key mechanics include:
- Trust System: Decisions replace dice rolls, emphasizing strategy over luck.
- Friends & Family: A roguelike feature where fallen characters are replaced by someone from their personal network.
- Notes System: Players leave hidden messages, which can aid or backfire if intercepted.
Victory doesn’t mean defeating Big Brother but finding small moments of defiance and preserving humanity. The game’s mechanics and themes resonate with modern concerns about surveillance and control, making it a thought-provoking experience. Available in free and premium editions, it’s accessible on itch.io and other platforms.
Core Mechanics and Gameplay
The Dice-Less System for Moral Choices
In Oceania 2084, the gameplay revolves around a unique system that removes traditional dice rolls, replacing them with a Trust System. This system forces players to carefully consider the consequences of their actions, emphasizing strategy and risk management over luck. Resistance characters perform short, defined Acts - actions that span roughly 10 minutes of in-game time - where every decision carries weight.
"There is no traditional conflict resolution system, where you roll a die to achieve something. Instead, the game is balanced through a system of risk and reward and strategic usage of resources", explains Jocher Games.
This mechanic creates a tug-of-war narrative between the resistance and the state. While resistance players control the pacing and direction of the story, failing to take decisive actions allows the Big Brother player to seize control of the narrative. Success in this system depends on resource management, calculated risks, and the willingness to accept the costs of defiance. These mechanics ensure that every choice feels impactful, shaping how characters navigate their roles in the resistance.
Character Roles and Resistance Systems
As the game unfolds, one player assumes the role of Big Brother, while 2 to 7 others play as Resistance Characters. Each resistance role is defined by Class sheets, which provide specialized abilities for undermining the regime and navigating the high-stakes world of surveillance. If a character is captured, the game introduces the Friends & Family system - a roguelike-inspired mechanic where relationships carry the struggle forward, ensuring the resistance endures. This approach makes every role distinct, encouraging teamwork and creative problem-solving as players work together to challenge Big Brother's grip.
How a Typical Session Works
Gameplay is a constant battle for narrative control. Resistance players describe their Acts - whether acts of rebellion, moments of connection, or attempts to sabotage the regime. In response, Big Brother delivers Reactions, imposing consequences and tightening the surveillance web. Adding to the tension is the Notes System, where players can write and hide physical notes to aid future characters. However, if Big Brother intercepts these notes, they can be weaponized during interrogations, turning a potential lifeline into a vulnerability.
"The experience of playing the game is tense. It is the antithesis of power fantasy, but it is still ultimately a hopeful game", says designer Johan Eriksson.
Victory in Oceania 2084 isn’t about defeating Big Brother outright - that’s impossible. Instead, players find meaning in small victories: a successful sabotage, a fleeting moment of human connection, or simply holding onto their humanity in the face of oppression. Each session weaves a tapestry of consequences, reinforcing the themes of resistance and surveillance. Every choice matters, and every loss resonates, making the struggle feel deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
Themes of Surveillance, Oppression, and Resistance
The Experience of Constant Surveillance
Oceania 2084 doesn’t just talk about surveillance - it immerses you in it. Through its asymmetric gameplay, one player takes on the role of Big Brother, representing the state’s oppressive tools like the Thought Police and the all-seeing surveillance system. Every move you make feels weighted, as if someone is always watching. Adding to this tension is the Notes System, a feature that allows players to leave messages to help future resistance characters. But there’s a catch: if Big Brother discovers these notes, they can be twisted into incriminating evidence during interrogations. This mechanic turns even the smallest acts of defiance into high-stakes risks, making you acutely aware of the costs tied to every rebellious decision.
Rebellion and Personal Agency
While surveillance looms over every action, the game shifts its focus to the deeply personal nature of resistance. In Oceania 2084, there’s no illusion of victory - you can’t overthrow Big Brother. This deliberate choice by the game’s creators delivers a powerful message about life under oppressive regimes. As designer Johan Eriksson explains:
"We act against oppression because it is the right thing to do, because it is needed, and in order to live better lives. We keep on fighting even when no winning is in sight".
Despite the inevitability of defeat, the game introduces the Friends & Family system, which ensures the fight continues. When one character falls, players step into the role of a friend or family member, carrying on the struggle. This mechanic not only emphasizes the enduring impact of past actions but also highlights how resistance is sustained through personal connections and shared determination.
Oceania 2084 redefines rebellion, showing that it’s not about grand victories but the small, meaningful acts that keep hope alive. Whether it’s a successful act of sabotage or a heartfelt conversation that strengthens your resolve, these moments matter. As Dr. Dan Epstein from The Long Game Project aptly puts it:
"a masterful tabletop game design for confronting abstract concepts of truth, manipulation of beliefs and agency".
Editions, Where to Buy, and Reviews
Available Editions and What They Include
Oceania 2084 offers several editions tailored to different preferences. The Austere Edition is a free, no-frills option that includes the complete ruleset and all necessary play sheets in a downloadable PDF format. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Surplus Edition steps it up with professional graphic design and illustrations by Mika Edström. The digital version is priced at $20.00 but is often discounted to $10.00 during sales. If you're a fan of physical copies, hardback editions range from $60.00 to $100.00. These physical versions sometimes come in exclusive bundles, which might include extra play sheets, collector's items like a hand-signed "Traitor Poster", or even a printed copy of designer Johan Eriksson's Master's Thesis.
Where to Find the Game
You can grab Oceania 2084 in digital format on itch.io through Jocher Games. For those who prefer holding a physical copy, hardbacks are available on BigCartel. The game is also featured on the TTRPG Games Directory at https://ttrpg-games.com, where you can explore its details further. Additionally, the developer has a thoughtful initiative called "Community Copies" on itch.io. These copies, funded by other players' purchases, allow those unable to afford the game to access it. For every PDF sold, one free copy is added, and for every hardback sold, four free copies are made available.
What Critics and Players Are Saying
Oceania 2084 has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative mechanics and thought-provoking design. It earned the Italian RPG Magnifico award for excellence in game design, received a stellar 9.2/10 rating from Serial Gamer Italia, and boasts an impressive 4.9/5 stars on itch.io. Here’s what some prominent voices in the gaming community have to say:
Paul Beakley from the Indie Game Reading Club shared:
"Reading Oceania 2084 gave me chills... Every design choice just as relentless".
Josephine Baird, a lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Game Design, praised the game, saying:
"I am always amazed at his ability to translate complex social interactions and literary styles in his work... the game is challenging in a great many ways".
Heart II Soul Studios highlighted the storytelling aspect, stating:
"This game provides truly some of the strongest TTRPG storytelling elements I've ever seen".
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How Oceania 2084 Compares to Other Surveillance RPGs
Oceania 2084 vs Other Surveillance RPGs: Mechanics and Themes Comparison
Mechanics and Themes Comparison
Oceania 2084 stands out in the world of surveillance-themed RPGs with its unique asymmetrical design. Here, one player takes on the role of Big Brother, actively working against the resistance. Unlike a neutral Game Master, Big Brother functions as an antagonist, complete with a point system that drives the conflict. This approach not only reshapes how challenges are resolved but also reinforces the game’s central themes of surveillance and resistance.
Instead of relying on dice rolls, Oceania 2084 uses a rule-based system where resistance actions trigger specific countermeasures from Big Brother. This contrasts with the dice-heavy mechanics seen in games like Cyberpunk RED or Shadowrun. Dr. Dan Epstein from The Long Game Project highlights this design, stating:
"a masterful tabletop game design for confronting abstract concepts of truth, manipulation of beliefs and agency."
Another standout feature is the roguelike "Friends & Family" system. When a character dies, players step into the role of someone from that character’s personal network. This mechanic deepens the emotional stakes, emphasizing human connections even in the face of loss. While Paranoia offers a clone system for multiple lives, its focus leans more toward dark humor than the emotional resonance found in Oceania 2084.
The game’s philosophy also sets it apart. Oceania 2084 embraces the idea that overthrowing the regime is an "unattainable dream." Success isn’t about toppling Big Brother but about small victories - acts of defiance and preserving human connections in a world of control.
| Feature | Oceania 2084 | Paranoia | Cyberpunk RED / Shadowrun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Theme | Resistance and hope in defeat | Satirical dark comedy | High-tech rebellion and mercenary work |
| GM Role | Asymmetrical antagonist (Big Brother) | The Computer (unreliable narrator) | Traditional Game Master |
| Conflict Resolution | Resource/point-based, no dice | Dice-based skill checks | Dice-heavy combat and skill systems |
| Character Death | Roguelike: shift to family/friend network | Clone system: multiple lives | High lethality: create a new character |
| Goal | Small acts of defiance, preserving humanity | Survival, promotion, backstabbing | Wealth, reputation, and survival |
This comparison showcases how Oceania 2084 blends inventive mechanics with a focus on incremental resistance. If you’re looking to explore other surveillance-themed RPGs, the TTRPG Games Directory at https://ttrpg-games.com offers detailed breakdowns of mechanics and themes for various dystopian titles, helping you find the perfect match for your group.
Final Thoughts on Oceania 2084
Oceania 2084 takes a bold step away from typical power fantasies, focusing instead on the profound value of resistance. Its design pits one player as Big Brother against others fighting for the resistance, creating a sense of narrative tension that few RPGs achieve. The game’s dice-less Trust system and roguelike Friends & Family mechanics make every decision feel impactful, where even the loss of a character becomes part of the story rather than its conclusion. These mechanics weave a narrative where every action feels meaningful.
The game has received widespread praise, not for offering victory but for celebrating defiance as an act of humanity. As Johan Eriksson, the game’s designer, explains:
"We act against oppression because it is the right thing to do, because it is needed, and in order to live better lives. We keep on fighting even when no winning is in sight."
Its dedication to accessibility is evident in the community copy program, allowing those who might not afford it to still engage with its powerful storytelling.
If dystopian themes intrigue you and you're looking for an RPG that challenges your perspective on surveillance, control, and the essence of human connection, Oceania 2084 is worth exploring. For more games with similar themes or detailed breakdowns of mechanics, check out the TTRPG Games Directory at https://ttrpg-games.com.
FAQs
What makes the Trust System in Oceania 2084 unique compared to traditional dice-based RPG mechanics?
Oceania 2084 stands out for its emphasis on complex storytelling and the interplay of social dynamics. However, when it comes to the game's Trust System, specific details are hard to come by in the available sources. This leaves its distinction from more conventional dice-based mechanics somewhat unclear.
If you're curious about how the Trust System operates and contributes to the gameplay experience, your best bet would be to consult the game's rulebook or official materials for a deeper dive into its mechanics.
How does the Friends & Family system support the resistance in Oceania 2084?
The Friends & Family system introduces a network of allies and relatives for each character, ensuring the resistance carries on even if a player's character meets an untimely end. Should a character fall, someone from their network steps up to continue the struggle, keeping the story moving forward and the tension intact. This feature deepens the narrative, emphasizing themes of perseverance and solidarity in the fight against oppression.
What challenges and strategies come with playing as Big Brother in Oceania 2084?
Playing as Big Brother in Oceania 2084 comes with its own set of challenges. You’re tasked with maintaining an iron grip of control, balancing constant surveillance with limited resources, all while projecting an image of unshakable authority. Unlike a traditional game master, your role isn’t neutral - you embody the regime’s oppressive power, reacting to the rebels’ secretive moves in a way that reinforces the game’s core themes of control and resistance.
To excel in this role, focus on strategies that showcase the regime’s dominance. Use surveillance tools to gather critical intel, then twist that information into propaganda to sow distrust among the rebels. Confuse and destabilize their plans by manipulating public records or issuing conflicting edicts. Deploy resources like patrols or informants strategically, targeting areas where rebel activity seems likely. The key is to apply pressure without stretching your resources too thin. Every move you make should feel like a calculated display of the regime’s authority, keeping the game tense, immersive, and engaging for everyone involved.
