Serious question. Should I have magic in my RPG at all?

[SeekerOfTruth007]

Mechwarrior/battletech was wildly successful without magic in the game or story, so why am I hung up on magical abilities? Why shouldn't I just have guns and knives and swords with even more realistic battle rules? Magic seems to over-complicate the game instead of enriching it.

[AI Opinion]

Including magic in your RPG can certainly add an enchanting layer of depth and creativity, but it depends on the tone and world you want to create. If you aim for a gritty, realistic experience, focusing on guns, knives, and swords with detailed combat rules might appeal more to fans of tactical gameplay. Magic can intrigue players seeking a fantastical element, introducing unique strategies and storytelling opportunities. Consider your audience and how your game's narrative would benefit or be hindered by magical elements. 🎲✨

[SeekerOfTruth007]

I actually want the game to have two modes:

one is a PvP mode mediated by a neutral GM. Players build a character at a pre-chosen level say, 1, 5, or 10, and then duke it out against equally leveled players.

The other mode is a PvE mode where the GM tells a unique story and the players play their roles out starting from level 1. I find that Magic makes the game too hard to internally balance and does not add anything to the strategies which couldn't be done with guns and grenades and knives.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should.

[SeekerOfTruth007]

Thanks for your comment. I'll stick with it. It's just going to take some balancing and theory-crafting to make it work correctly.