April Hall of Fame Inductee – Shadowrun

When Shadowrun debuted in 1989, the groundbreaking RPG didn’t just merge cyberpunk and fantasy—it redefined what was possible in tabletop roleplaying.  With the vision of designers Bob Charrette, Tom Dowd, and Paul Hume, Shadowrun introduced a bold new future where dragons sit on corporate boards and magic returns to a world ruled by machines.

This daring synthesis captivated players with its mix of street-level intrigue, cybernetic heists, and complex social dynamics. The world-building was second to none, and its richly detailed setting—centered on the sprawl of a dystopian Seattle—became the blueprint for a thousand stories. Over the decades, Shadowrun has evolved through multiple editions and publishers, but its DNA has remained strong: a commitment to genre-blending, edgy narrative, and deeply lived-in character experiences.

From novels and video games to its enduring presence at conventions and game tables, Shadowrun has shaped the very landscape of RPGs. Its influence can be felt in countless other systems and settings, but nothing else quite captures its unique mood and mayhem. We’re proud to enshrine Shadowrun in the ENNIES Hall of Fame—where it will forever be honored as one of the most daring and distinctive roleplaying games of all time.