I have found as I get older that I much prefer co-operative style roleplaying games over the old style GM vs Players style of games like D&D.
By co-operative games I mean games where the whole group, GM & players have direct input into the game and the story. The GM may have initial input through setting up the sandbox for everyone to play in, by it is a co-operative effort by the whole group who decides how a game moves forward.
The GM may have to step in to keep the game moving forward if it seems the players are waffling on a bit much and starting to argue about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, but he/she should act more as a Game "Moderator" rather than a Game "Master".
** rant mode on**
As we all know there are some GMs who take the "Master" bit very seriously. It is their game and players should obey the rules set down by the Master. Some players prefer this style of game because it is an "easy" path to follow. They can concentrate on ubering up their character, knowing the GM has set all the encounters match the encounter level of the group, so if everyone plays their role all should go well. Independent thought is kept to the minimum and player decisions are limited to how they will deal with the next monster. This model for RPGs is very popular, successful, and lets face it, this is the model for the vast majority of computer and online games.
** rant mode off **
Co-operative games come in many styles, depending on the degree of control that players have to influence the story. For example, in the 6d6 game system the players have direct control over what advantages are suitable for a contest and can overrule a GM decision if they feel it is wrong or unfair. The process is simple and quick with anyone, including the GM, allowed to put a point up for discussion and a simple majority deciding yes or no, with a minimum of discussion.
Mutant Year Zero is also a co-operative game in that most of the time the players decide what, where and what they do 90% of the time. MYZ also includes a meta-plot and special zones which the GM can throw in add to the mix to add that bit of spice to the game. The best of both worlds :)
Blades in the Dark is a very player driven game. The players characters are part of a crew of villains out to eat there way up the criminal food chain. The players decide how, when, what and who they are doing to do to achieve their goals. Once the players decide on an objective, it is the GMs job to set up obstacles, with differing degrees of difficulty and consequences for partial success or failure. The players decide what skills they are going to use and the risks they are prepared to take to overcome these obstacles. Players and the GM can negotiate on risk factors and consequences. It may seem a bit complicated but the rules explain it much better than my ramblings. and really it is a quite simple and elegant system.
Blades in the Dark is a Kickstarter project which has a huge number of extras to come. I don't expect to see the main rule book it early next year, but the quick start guide is out and very playable. If the QS is any guide the full rules should provide a rich and varied backdrop for the game.
