Embracing Surprise and Player Choice in RPG Sessions What happens when players ignore your carefully prepared adventure and rush off in unexpected directions? Many game masters struggle with the feeling that hours of planning are wasted when the group derails the narrative. Instead of seeing these detours as setbacks, consider them single best feature of the roleplaying experience. Unpredictable choices […]
Dungeons & Dragons is the gold standard of tabletop roleplaying—but its fame has sparked intense and often polarizing criticism. By analyzing heated community debates online, we can outline a “map of criticism” covering everything from rules and mechanics to social and corporate controversies—the polemics run much deeper than you’d think. 1. Game System Criticisms “Too simple” vs “too complex”: Many argue […]
Introduction The world of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) is booming. But with growth comes saturation. In this article, we’ll explore the most reliable figures for 2024, the challenges facing the sector, and where this market might go by 2033. 2024 Data & Forecasts Global TTRPG market The global TTRPG market is estimated around USD 1.925–1.93 billion in 2024. globalgrowthinsights.com+2businessresearchinsights.com+2 Business […]
Finding new tabletop roleplaying games has changed. Kickstarter is often the default route for indie titles, but it’s not the only way—and sometimes not even the best. Pros & Cons of Discovering RPGs via Kickstarter Pros Access to bold, experimental projects often ignored by traditional publishing. You can track the development, engage with authors, and shape decisions. Backer deals, exclusive […]
Combat in tabletop RPGs should be the moment everyone leans in, not when half the table checks their phones. Too often, fights become mechanical chores: rounds, turns, damage rolls, and someone going “wait, what initiative are we on?” Let’s fix that. Here are 10+1 unwritten rules to make your combats raw, thrilling, cinematic, and horrifying (if you’re into that kind […]
If you’re looking for vintage images for book covers, blogs, design or any creative project, there are many free online resources dedicated to woodcuts, engravings and antique prints. This guide offers a more detailed look at each source, including practical strengths and limits. Pinterest https://pinterest.com Pros: Huge variety, covering obscure engravings and woodcuts; intuitive browsing through themed boards; quick for visual […]
In recent years, the indie RPG scene has embraced innovation and fresh concepts beyond mainstream fantasy. Borg of Pripyat stands out as a unique title, combining sci-fi, horror and social intrigue into a striking alternative history. The Eridu asteroid struck Earth, shattering and triggering a series of events that upended global power balances. Mutants, devastating and anomalous weather phenomena (known […]
When a character dies in an RPG campaign, it’s one of the most delicate and dramatically rich moments at the table. The question “what should you do when a PC dies?” doesn’t have a single answer, but the international RPG community offers plenty of valuable suggestions. Give space for a final scene Many GMs and players agree that allowing a […]
The world of roleplaying games is rich with different game mechanic systems, but few have become as iconic as Free League’s Year Zero Engine. This engine has won over many fans thanks to two main variants: the dice pool (d6) system and the step-dice system. What are the differences and what do players really think about them? Dice Pool (d6): […]
Roleplaying gamers are increasingly seeking systems where imbalance between characters isn’t a bug, but a feature that drives fun and memorable stories. A recent Reddit discussion delivered a treasure trove of suggestions for asymmetric TTRPGs. Most Recommended Games Paranoia The classic chaos engine—imbalance through secret powers, agendas, and betrayals. Sessions are unpredictable and hilarious. Everyone is John Players take turns […]