Ex Machina (role-playing game)

Ex Machina is a tabletop role-playing game centered around themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the future of humanity. The game typically explores scenarios where artificial intelligences have achieved sentience, potentially surpassing or even replacing humans. Players often take on the roles of AIs themselves, humans grappling with the rise of AI, or entities somewhere in between.

Gameplay in Ex Machina often emphasizes philosophical and moral dilemmas, forcing players to consider the implications of their actions and choices within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Common themes explored include the definition of consciousness, the rights of artificial beings, the potential for AI to solve or exacerbate societal problems, and the relationship between creators and their creations.

The rules systems for Ex Machina vary, but they generally focus on character development through skills, attributes, and unique abilities that reflect their nature and background. Conflicts, both physical and social, are often resolved through dice rolls modified by relevant character stats and narrative considerations. The setting is typically a near-future Earth or a similar environment where advanced AI is commonplace, though some versions might explore space exploration or virtual realities. The game master or facilitator typically guides the narrative and provides context, while the players collaboratively build the story through their characters' actions. Some versions also include elements of world-building, allowing players to shape the society and environment around them.