We were lucky to catch up with Jason Oberman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jason thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I think that 6083 is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve been involved with. Meaningful in a personal way: it’s been something I’ve always returned to throughout my life. I started working on it when I was a teenager, and I have been adding to it and refining it for decades now. At this point, it’s such a personal endeavor. And it’s still important to me, and it’s still evolving. It’s kind of a reflection of who I am, and I suppose that’s why it’s so important to me.
Jason , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the designer of 6083, a tabletop rpg. At this moment in time, I am also the lone creator of all 6083 content. That means I write everything, lay it out, and I provide all the art for it too.
My first exposure to ttrpgs was D&D in 1982, and although I didn’t get to actually play it, I was obsessed with it. This led to me creating my own science fiction rpg, something I personally didn’t have access to at that time.
I set about creating a unique sci-fi ttrpg for my friends that same year, and in 1983 the first version of the game emerged. I have been adjusting, testing and polishing the game for 40 years now.
I believe 6083_the_ttrpg is quite unique in the industry. It is the result of play over time as opposed to something that is designed for commercial consumption. What that means is that the game you see today is the result of really extensive playtesting and a love for it. It’s a reflection of its community, not a corporate product.
I believe that is what sets 6083 apart from other ttrpgs. It’s the opposite of a whim. This isn’t something thrown together to capture consumer interest. The game is really a labor of love, and something that has taken time to put together.
I think the thing I’m most proud of is how much it really is different from other ttrpgs out there. It really is a unique experience, and I believe when people read the books, they feel that difference.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I believe every creative just wants to be seen, and I’m no different. However there are two big priorities that drive me, especially in regards to this game, 6083.
The first thing that drives me is legacy. I’m a military veteran, and while I have a long history there, it’s not really something tangible to pass on to my kids. I always wanted to have something physical, an actual “thing” that my children can pick up and interact with that is a reflection of who I am. 6083 is that something, and it’s an IP that will pass on to them .
The other main thing that is a huge priority for me is providing a game to those who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. When I started this hobby, I was really poor. I couldn’t afford expensive rpg books: I simply didn’t have access to them. The pdf version of 6083_the_ttrpg is freely available to anyone, and that’s really important to me. Everyone who wants to play can play. And it’s not a stripped down version either. Anybody can go get the pdfs right now and start playing. That’s always going to be a huge priority for me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The best part of being a creative is being able to share that creativity with the community. I know that may sound a little redundant, but it’s true. But it goes a little deeper than that. Art of any kind can be deeply personal. If something I have written or painted inspires someone or makes them happy, that’s a huge accomplishment. Bringing people joy, entertaining them or even creating thought provoking content is deeply gratifying for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.missioncontrol6083.com
- Instagram: 6083_the_ttrpg
Image Credits
All photos are original art that is property of Jason Oberman.