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I desperately need this TTRPG to become a videogame—it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen
PC Gamer highlights 10,000 Swords Against Heaven, a tabletop role-playing game by JK Saavedra, and argues that its setting and ideas would suit a videogame adaptation. The article is an enthusiastic opinion piece rather than an announcement: no videogame version has been confirmed. It matters because it draws attention to an independently made game with an unusual blend of political themes, science fantasy and Southeast Asian cultural influences.
The game is set in the post-nuclear world of Hingsajagra, where players portray Wanderers fighting a “magofascist” ruling class and the neoliberal order. Its characters use attributes including Violence, Word and Dialectics, and can join factions such as assassins, Fangshi and Sword Dialecticians. The writer compares its literary ambition to Disco Elysium, while noting its distinct regional influences, and cites inspirations ranging from Marx and Walter Benjamin to Bloodborne, Jujutsu Kaisen and The Raid.
In short
- 10,000 Swords Against Heaven is a radical science-fantasy tabletop RPG.
- No videogame adaptation has been announced.
- The article praises its writing, art and Southeast Asian influences.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The game's rich worldbuilding, distinctive blend of political philosophy, Southeast Asian cultural influences, and mechanically sophisticated systems such as Violence, Word and Dialectics would translate powerfully to an interactive medium. Its literary ambition and thematic depth—drawing from Marx to contemporary anime—suggest it could match philosophical games like Disco Elysium, whilst an adaptation could elevate diverse independent creators and non-Western cultural influences within mainstream gaming.
The case against
TRPGs and video games represent fundamentally different media with distinct player needs—the collaborative storytelling, improvisation and player agency central to tabletop gaming are difficult to replicate in a linear, scripted video game experience. The substantial development costs and commercial risks of adapting a niche indie TTRPG might be better directed towards original game concepts, and the work's complex political and philosophical themes risk being diluted or oversimplified in pursuit of commercial viability.
Explained simply
10,000 Swords Against Heaven is an independently made tabletop role-playing game by JK Saavedra, set in Hingsajagra, a society rebuilding after nuclear war. Players take the role of Wanderers who confront a powerful ruling class, using abilities such as Violence, Word and Dialectics.
The game mixes political ideas and science fantasy with influences from Southeast Asian cultures and popular fiction. Its factions include assassins, Fangshi and Sword Dialecticians, giving players different ways to engage with its world.
The comparison with Disco Elysium refers to the game’s literary approach and political themes, while 10,000 Swords Against Heaven has its own cultural influences and setting. A videogame adaptation has not been confirmed; the interest is in what its unusual combination of ideas might offer in another medium.