The World We Left Behind

In The World We Left Behind, play as astronauts trekking across an alien planet. Learn about the planet’s flora and fauna while uncovering vestiges of the past. What happened to the sapient species that called this planet home? Why do only remnants of their lives remain?

During this casual worldbuilding game, players draw symbols on playing cards to create a planet, populate it with traits, and uncover the mystery of the species that left this world behind. Tell a story of wonder, companionship, and legacy in the midst of a lonely planet.

The World We Left Behind is GMless and designed for 1-5 players. The game is 44 pages long, there is zero prep needed to play, and a full game lasts 2-4 sessions. Alternate rules for one-shots are found in the back of the book.

Instructions and templates for online, one-shot play are included in the digital bundle.

Materials needed to play:
A standard deck of playing cards (these cards will be written on during play)
At least one fine-tipped permanent marker
A six-sided die (d6)
A flat surface
A few hours of time per session

Digital files included:
PDF of The World We Left Behind
Online play instructions
PlayingCardsIO template
Excalidraw template

Digital files will automatically be sent via email. If you do not receive a download link in your email within 24 hours, please check your spam folder, then email [email protected].

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Folio - The World We Left Behind

The Ballet

The World We Left Behind was originally commissioned by BalletCollective to be used as Source Art in their 2023 season, THE MOMENT IS IMMINENT. Composer Phong Tran and choreographer Troy Schumacher played The World We Left Behind and used it as inspiration for the music and choreography of the ballet.

The ballet The World We Left Behind premiered in NYC in Fall 2023, performed by dancers from New York City Ballet. It returned for an encore show for BalletCollective's 2024 season: THE ENTRANCE IS THE EXIT.

Credits

Game Design: Samantha Leigh

Graphic Design: Sinta Posadas

Cover Art and Spot Art: Helena Santana

The original version of The World We Left Behind was commissioned by BalletCollective and designed in collaboration with Troy Schumacher and Phong Tran.

No generative AI was used in the making of this game.

Discounted Damaged Copies

Damaged copies are available at a discount. These copies might have bent corners, scratches on the front or back cover, odd coloration, and/or ink smudges. All are still readable and contain all pages.