Developer of Citizen Sleeper 2 Discusses Tabletop Gaming Elements

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is shaping up as the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed cyberpunk RPG that took inspiration from tabletop games. Gareth Damian Martin, the creative mind behind Jump Over the Age, aimed to infuse some of the best elements from tabletop role-playing games into a digital format. Judging by the success of Citizen Sleeper, it seems they hit the nail on the head.

Building on the robust foundation of its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper 2 is set to make waves by expanding in every imaginable aspect. The game presents more intricate systems, a more vast world for players to explore, and significantly higher stakes. Despite these additions and changes, it remains faithful to, and even enhances, the beloved tabletop essence of Citizen Sleeper. In a chat with Game Rant, Martin shared their passion for the mechanics and philosophies of beloved tabletop games, which informed the development of this eagerly awaited sequel.

The original Citizen Sleeper stood out thanks to its innovative dice pool system, where dice were a limited resource that determined actions, creating a unique strategy element. Players knew their available rolls upfront and had to decide when to use lower numbers strategically, saving the higher ones for when they’d really need them. Martin described it as a successful venture and felt encouraged to introduce even more fascinating ideas in the sequel:

“The first game was quite experimental, but it turned out really well,” Martin explained. “For the sequel, I saw it as a chance to bring in more of these concepts and add complexity. I felt the audience had given me the green light to really dive into my favorite tabletop mechanics.”

One key area Martin focused on was the stress system, drawing inspiration from games like Blades in the Dark, Mothership, and Heart: The City Beneath. These systems thrive on tension and excitement, and Martin was eager to recreate that thrill digitally. In Citizen Sleeper 2, failed actions and negative dice rolls increase stress, potentially damaging the dice themselves. Damaged dice restrict player actions and amplify challenges, making risk management paramount and introducing the unique Push abilities for calculating risks.

In Citizen Sleeper 2, both triumphs and setbacks carve out compelling narratives. Martin embraces the nuance of contingent success, where a victory might just plunge players into deeper and more complex scenarios. By discarding save-scumming opportunities, Martin ensures every player decision carries weight, fostering trust in the journey’s unexpected turns.

“The game doesn’t allow multiple saves or reloading to bypass outcomes,” Martin highlighted. “That’s why I make sure every success or failure leads to interesting developments or complications. It never concludes neatly; there’s always a layer of complexity.”

What makes Citizen Sleeper 2 truly engaging is how it maintains complexities even in victory. Martin articulated the appeal of “success with consequences,” a notion woven into the game’s core. Whether successfully navigating a skill check only to encounter further challenges or fulfilling a contract at great cost due to risky maneuvers, the game invites players to adapt and follow the narrative’s twists.

Jump Over the Age plans to release Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector on January 31, 2025, with availability across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. With its thoughtful mechanics and narrative depth, it promises an enthralling experience for fans of tabletop-inspired digital gaming.