Find beauty in the quiet routines of devotion, and discover the strength it takes to hold space for another when the world around you is fading away.
Caregiver is an intimate, deeply emotional standalone solo journaling tabletop roleplaying game that explores the tender, exhausting, and profound experience of looking after someone—or something—in need. Released in 2023 by World Champ Game Co., this beautifully minimalist zine moves away from traditional power fantasies to focus on the quiet spaces of human connection. Using a standard deck of cards, a six-sided die, and a journal, players step into the shoes of a dedicated protector navigating the daily routines, emotional weight, and fleeting moments of joy that come with unconditional care.
The game is a poignant exercise in empathy and slow-burn storytelling. Players define both their character and the "Recipient" of their care, whether they are a frail family member, a wounded mythical beast, or a decaying mechanical protector. The gameplay loop centers on managing your scarce daily resource—your "Energy"—as you balance tedious chores, medical or emotional crises, and your own physical and mental well-being. With evocative prompts that challenge you to confront isolation, burnout, and the bittersweet beauty of holding on, Caregiver offers a deeply personal, meditative experience that turns the act of selflessness into a heroic journey of the heart.
Book Contents:
- Core Solo Journaling Rules Engine
- Character and Recipient Generation Tables
- 52 Unique Card-Driven Life Event Prompts
- Energy Tracking and Well-Being Mechanics
- Safety and Calibration Guidelines for Emotional Play
Book Information:
- Publisher: World Champ Game Co.
- Release Year 2023
- Game Type: Solo Journaling RPG
- Age Range: 14+
- Primary Genre: Contemporary Drama / Slice-of-Life / Emotional Survival