A downloadable game

Buy Now$3.95 USD or more

Losers is an innovative tabletop role-playing game set in a pre-apocalyptic, sprawling and decaying 1970's California, where realism and the supernatural mix. Solo players immerse themselves in the lives of society's outcasts, struggling to survive and uncovering hidden truths in a world that seems hell-bent on crushing them. Catch a glimpse with a preview.

UPDATE: Available Disgrace, the first campaign for Losers.

Key Features

  • Rich, Immersive Setting: The city of Los Angeles is a living entity, full of secrets and dangers within California. From deserted warehouses to bustling markets, secluded beaches to spooky docks, each place has detailed descriptions and is full of possibilities for adventure.
  • Basic and Advanced Rules: Losers is accessible to all kinds of players. The game employs a simple yet flexible set of basic rules. It also offers a rules system for players who prefer more complex and in-depth rules, and advanced combat rules for those who prefer more tactical combat.
  • Focus on Characters: Players take on roles of individuals living on society's fringes—be it the homeless, struggling artists, or disillusioned workers. This focus provides a fresh perspective and challenges players to think creatively and empathetically.

Who Will Enjoy Losers?

  • Fans of gritty, realistic narratives and dark fantasy.
  • Solo players who appreciate character-driven stories and rich role-playing experiences.
  • Those seeking a mature-themed RPG that addresses social issues and personal challenges.
  • Tabletop enthusiasts valuing a balance of straightforward and intricate gameplay.

Losers transcends traditional gaming; it offers a storytelling experience that challenges norms. Its blend of compelling writing, innovative mechanics, and a meticulously crafted world makes it essential for anyone eager to explore a realm where grim realism and dark fantasy converge.

Losers can also be played as a Solo RPG Journaling. Includes detailed gameplay examples for different game modes.

Welcome to Losers.

More information

Purchase

Buy Now$3.95 USD or more

In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $3.95 USD. You will get access to the following files:

Losers - Core Book Full v1.1.pdf 8.5 MB

Development log

Comments

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Gopher60340 days ago (1 edit)

Print is minute. Hard to read even with glasses. might have been better if you used the whole page

Wish I could have known before I purchased this and Disgrace. 

Disappointed

Also. No way to email you directly 

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Basunat39 days ago

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding the print book of "Losers" and "Disgrace." I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.

I noticed that your comment seems to refer to the printed version of the book, which is available on Amazon, rather than the PDF version sold on itch.io. To clarify, the font size was intentionally kept smaller to manage production costs. By reducing the number of pages, I aimed to keep the price affordable for all customers while still delivering a comprehensive and enjoyable product. Unfortunately, this decision may have inadvertently affected readability for some readers, and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. This is an area where improvements can be made. In the meantime, I will update the product description to explicitly warn readers about the smaller font size in the current printed edition to better manage expectations. (Less extensive printed books have a normal font).

Regarding your dissatisfaction with the purchase, I would like to offer you a free copy of both "Losers" (and its expansion, "Disgrace") in PDF format. You can use these links:

Losers: https://basunat.itch.io/losers/download/aHGbTQ1WiAd7qjIvMQ93sGEi3Qew9Nhk3wWcEPTQ
Disgrace: https://basunat.itch.io/losers-disgrace/download/ST5LGr3i__KcagoStAX29bFp9LXMj4yH3x7c4PXV

Once again, I regret any disappointment this experience may have caused and hope you'll give my games a chance in their digital form. Thank you for your understanding.

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Gopher60339 days ago (1 edit)

thank you very much for the PDF Files. They are a great help.as I canuse my iPad 

I’m enquiring to if there is a play guide for Loser and Disgrace. I’ve not played this type of game before and I’m a bit lost or am I missing something 

thank you again

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Deleted post39 days ago
Deleted 39 days ago
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Basunat39 days ago

Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad you found the PDF files useful.

As for your question, "Losers" covers the basics of how to play. Since it's a solo RPG, it may look a little different if you're new to the genre, but don't worry, it's designed to be accessible even for beginners. "Losers" explains the basic mechanics, character creation, examples and how to run your sessions.

For the "Disgrace" campaign, the expansion is based on "Losers" rules, so I recommend starting with the main game first to familiarize yourself with the system. Once you have assimilated the basics of “Losers”, you will find “Disgrace” easy to integrate.

Once again, thank you for giving my games a try. I hope you find the Play Guide below useful.

Play Guide

For Losers

  1. Character Creation (pages 12–18) : This is where you begin shaping your character. You'll allocate points across three core attributes—Grit (toughness), Style (charisma), and Weird (connection to the supernatural). The PDF includes examples like "Gloria, the Hopeful Hustler," which should give you an idea of how to create a well-rounded character.
  2. Core Mechanics : Once your character is ready, the game revolves around rolling dice (1d6, 2d6, or 3d6 depending on the situation) to resolve actions. There are clear guidelines for interpreting rolls: Downfall (1-2), Hollow Success (3-4), and Triumph (5-6).
  3. Solo Play : Since this is a solo RPG, there are tools like the Random Event Generator, NPC Reaction Table, and Location Oracle to keep things unpredictable. These systems help simulate interactions with the city of Los Angeles and its inhabitants.
  4. Narrative Elements : Don't worry too much about rules here—the focus is on storytelling. Use the prompts provided in the Solo Journaling section to write entries from your character's perspective. It's part role-playing, part creative writing!
  5. Advanced Rules : If you want more structure or complexity, the Advanced Rules section offers additional mechanics like Called Shots, Teamwork Maneuvers, and Stance Systems. However, these are optional and not necessary for beginners.

For Disgrace: The Shadow Conspiracy

This expansion builds on the foundation laid by "Losers" . While it introduces new elements such as recurring enemies (like Agent K and Eliza Nightshade) and deeper conspiracy-based missions, the core mechanics remain the same. If you've grasped the basics of Losers , you'll find Disgrace easy to integrate.

If you're feeling lost, here’s what I recommend:

  • Start with the Full Character Creation process outlined in the Losers PDF (pages 12–18). It walks you step-by-step through creating a character.
  • Try one of the pre-made solo missions, such as "Run and Hide" (starting on page 62). These missions provide structured scenarios to ease you into the gameplay.
  • Experiment with the Random Event Generator (page 61) during your sessions—it adds unpredictability and keeps the story dynamic.
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