‘The Laundry Files’: Procedural Occult Hit RPG Gets a 2nd Edition
Cubicle 7 announced a new edition of their occult investigation and “computational demonology,” RPG. Check out The Laundry Files 2nd Edition!
What is it about the idea of having one of the most bureaucratic, red-tape-filled, procedural organization tackle something extraordinary like aliens or the occult that really sticks in our minds? From the X-Files to Loki, stories about big paper-pushing agencies trying to categorize and tackle the uncategorizable is an unshakeable archetype of the modern world.
Maybe it’s because we love the juxtaposition. The supernatural mixed up with the supernaturally mundane. Maybe we love the idea that someone out there somewhere has a big book of rules and procedures that cover everything from “Spirits, Fire and Related.” to “Apocalypse, Zombie.” And that all we have to do is wait for them to show up.
Well not to get too existential, but there are certainly a number of games out there that dabble in organizations like that. And Cubicle 7 has announced a new edition of their Laundry Roleplaying Game set in the universe of The Laundry Files by Charles Stross. It promises a whole new game system and full-color art. Let’s take a look.
Cubicle 7 Announces The Laundry Files 2nd Edition
The Laundry Roleplaying Game: Second Edition is an exciting game of occult investigation, computational demonology, and ISO9001-certified and formalised spycraft. Based on the acclaimed The Laundry Files novels by Charles Stross, players will take on the roles of operatives for Capital Laundry Services — Britain’s ‘extra-secret’ service. They must deal with cultists, computers, and the threat of extra-dimensional terrors that can turn your brain to alphabetti-spaghetti, all while trying to adhere to strit procedures and deal with interdepartmental conflict. It’s certainly not the most glamorous, or well-paid job, but Laundry operatives are a vital line of defence against the Lovecraftian nightmares beyond our world [REDACTED].
The Laundry Roleplaying Game: Second Edition builds on the success and popularity of the first edition of The Laundry Roleplaying Game, and upgrades it with new full-colour artwork, a new game system, and new ways to experience the universe of The Laundry.
Here’s the announcement. This comes alongside a tag for C7d6, which is perhaps a hint at Cubicle 7’s d6 system being the engine powering this new edition of the game. As for new ways to experience The Laundry’s universe? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Stross’ universe is one where computer hacking and demonology go hand in hand. If you haven’t read any of the novels, they’re well worth checking out. But Stross has other ties to the RPG world. Back in gaming’s early days, Charles Stross was the creator of the Slaadi in D&D.
At any rate, according to the release, the designers are “close to completing work on this new version.”
So keep an eye out in Q3 2023 for The Laundry Roleplaying Game 2nd Edition.
