The World We Left Behind

About

The World We Left Behind is a two-player worldbuilding game about exploring a deserted planet and learning what happened to the aliens who called it home.

Your characters will take multiple trips to the planet as they attempt to answer the question “what happened here?”

This original version of TWWLB has been released for free in anticipation of the BalletCollective performance this fall. An updated version of the game will be released in 2024 - for more information, see the Development section below.

BalletCollective Performance

TWWLB was commissioned by BalletCollective to be used as Source Art in their upcoming 2023 season, THE MOMENT IS IMMINENT. BalletCollective has created a ballet inspired by TWWLB, which is being performed in NYC this fall by dancers from New York City Ballet.

Performance dates are:

• Tuesday, October 31 at 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 PM – Gala Performance
• Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 PM

Tickets are available here.

A free livestream of the The November 2nd 7:30 PM performance will be available to watch at balletcollective.com/live (this webpage will become available closer to the performance).

TWWLB was designed in collaboration with Troy Schumacher (choreographer) and Phong Tran (composer), who created the music and the choreography for the ballet.

Gameplay

TWWLB is divided into four journeys. The goal of each journey is to find the Ace, which uncovers part of the mystery. When you find the fourth and final Ace, your characters learn the planet’s story and the game is over.

While exploring, players uncover cards that represent traits of the planet. Players draw symbols on each card, then interpret these symbols to create the traits. Characters might run into traits multiple times during the game, each time learning more about this piece of the world.

The tone and themes of TWWLB revolve around wonder, loneliness, legacy, companionship, and reflection.

An example of play can be found at the end of the document.

Materials Needed to Play

• A deck of playing cards you can write on
• A pen (fine-tipped sharpies are recommended).
• A six-sided die (d6)
• A coin
• A large, flat surface
• (Optional) A four-sided die (d4).

It is recommended to play this game over 2-4 sessions, rather than in one sitting. Each journey can vary significantly in length, ranging from a few minutes to around two hours.

Development

This free version of TWWLB was the version provided to BalletCollective for use during their season. It is fully-playable and will remain free.

TWWLB will have an updated release in 2024, which will include physical copies, updated rules, cover art by Helena Santana, interior layout, and options for playing solo or with 3+ players.

Below is a preview of the cover art by Helena Santana.