Setting

In Carl's Doomsday Scenario, Matt Dinniman combines RPG mechanics with detailed world-building to create a layered dungeon experience. The novel transforms Earth into a video game-inspired system, using role-playing elements within the narrative. The plot advances through the third level, known as the Over City, an open-world setting with NPC settlements, training guilds, and side quests. This setup resembles a classic MMORPG and includes various challenges. 

Themes

Carl's Doomsday Scenario explores human survival alongside ethical and socio-political themes through dark humor. Absurdity and existential despair combine to satirize the volatile Dungeon Crawler World. Characters like Carl face ethical dilemmas within the dungeon's manufactured reality, inviting examination of human behavior in extreme conditions. Carl's sardonic perspective and interactions provide insights into both capitalist critiques in the dungeon's setting and deeper thoughts on human nature.

Quick facts

• Released in 2021, Carl's Doomsday Scenario is the second book in Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl series of LitRPG adventures.

• The story transitions from a dungeon-crawler to an open-world MMORPG environment on the third dungeon level.

• Main characters Carl and his cat Princess Donut navigate an intergalactic game show, entertaining alien spectators.

• Carl's Doomsday Scenario introduces advanced RPG mechanics including character race, class selection, and expanded magical gear.

• The Over City, set atop a volcano, and features unique elements such as undead circuses and monster-infested ruins.

• Carl's class, Compensated Anarchist, enhances his explosive abilities, while Donut's Former Child Actor class brings comedic and strategic dynamics.

• Mordecai evolves from a minor NPC to a crucial character who influences the storyline considerably.

• Princess Donut matures emotionally, showcasing surprising depth as a character through her quirky personality.

• Carl's Doomsday Scenario includes darker themes, using humor strategically to handle tense moments and critique socio-economic concepts.

• Carl discovers NPCs and high-level mobs are actually organic sentient beings re-purposed by alien game masters.

• The audiobook, narrated by Jeff Hays, is widely praised for its immersive effects.

About the author

Matt Dinniman is a writer of inventive fantasy fiction integrating character development with role-playing game (RPG) components and humor. Carl’s Doomsday Scenario reflects this approach, blending humor with emotional depth. He has attracted a wide fanbase for his  Dungeon Crawler Carl series, which includes Carl's Doomsday Scenario. Dinniman is based in Gig Harbor, Washington.