The ENNIE-nominated indie studio behind the RPG Flabbergasted! is launching a new game designed to introduce children as young as five to the world of tabletop roleplaying.
The new game is called Frances & Ġorġ: Camp Make Believe, and it’s heading to BackerKit for crowdfunding this August.
Camp Make Believe comes from The Wanderer’s Tome, collaborating with illustrator Moira Scicluna Zahra of Studio Meltdown. The game aims to provide a gentle introduction to collaborative storytelling for children and their parents or caregivers. The design focuses on fostering social-emotional skills like empathy, courage, compassion, and self-expression.
In the game, players take on the roles of campers who venture on eight different fantastical quests. These adventures range from helping forgetful mermaids to organising dance parties for dinosaurs. The gameplay mechanics are kept simple, using a mix of dice rolling and printable activities such as colouring, drawing, and even fun physical challenges to keep younger players engaged. As campers complete quests, they earn sticker badges to add to their character’s sash.
The game joins a growing market of tabletop RPGs designed for younger audiences, a trend Geek Native has noted as becoming increasingly popular with families and educators. With no prior RPG experience required, Camp Make Believe is presented as a suitable activity for rainy days, classrooms, or even as a therapeutic tool for children. Each quest includes built-in debrief prompts to encourage emotional reflection and discussion.
Both The Wanderer’s Tome and Studio Meltdown are Maltese women-led studios, and Camp Make Believe will be the team’s first TTRPG released in both English and Maltese, celebrating Maltese culture within the roleplaying hobby.
The crowdfunding campaign for Frances & Ġorġ: Camp Make Believe is scheduled to launch on BackerKit on August 7th. A sign-up page is now live, allowing interested families to register for notifications. A free sample quest is also available, offering a preview of the system before the campaign begins.
Quick Links
- BackerKit: Camp Make-Believe
