OSR is an acronym that stands for "Old School Renaissance" or "Old School Revival." It refers to a movement within the role-playing game (RPG) community that seeks to recreate or revisit the style, mechanics, and gameplay experience of the early editions of tabletop RPGs, particularly Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), as they were in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.
The OSR movement aims to capture the simplicity, creativity, and sense of adventure found in the earlier editions of RPGs, often referred to as the "old school" era. This includes games like the original D&D rulesets, Basic Dungeons & Dragons (B/X and BECMI editions), Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st and 2nd editions), and other similar systems.
OSR gaming emphasizes player agency, DIY mentality, and a return to the "sandbox" style of gameplay, where the game master and players have more freedom to explore and interact with the game world. It often embraces a more lethal and unpredictable nature, focusing on player skill and ingenuity rather than relying heavily on rules and mechanics.
The movement has also spawned its own line of rulesets, retroclones, and original products that emulate the style and flavor of the old school games. These creations aim to provide a bridge between the nostalgia of the past and the modern gaming sensibilities of today, catering to players who crave the unique experiences and challenges offered by the early RPGs.
