game design
Tired of D&D? Here are the best alternative TTRPG systems to try
If you’ve been playing D&D for years and feel that the system no longer offers that spark of novelty and flexibility you were looking for, know that you’re not alone. Thousands of players have abandoned D&D in search of alternative systems that allow greater freedom in character design and a more engaging narrative approach. Why quit D&D? D&D 5e has […]
RPG clichés that make players roll their eyes (and how to avoid them)
Why we talk about RPG clichés Tabletop RPGs are full of recurring images, phrases, and situations that become genuine clichés over time. Some remain enjoyable, but others end up making players roll their eyes every time they appear at the table. Understanding which clichés are most hated and why they frustrate players is the first step to avoiding them or […]
How to Make Your Dark Fantasy RPG Truly Dark
Many game masters talk about “dark fantasy” thinking only of gore, skulls, and gloomy atmospheres. In reality, a truly effective dark fantasy RPG works deeply on the lives of characters, their choices, and how the world reacts to what they do. It’s not just an aesthetic question, but rather a matter of game structure and the type of stories you […]
![Complete guide to Borg of Pripyat – Everything you need to know [For Beginners]](https://www.collettivoantracite.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/collettivo-antracite-dawn-of-pripyat-gioco-di-ruolo-post-apocalittico-ucronia-miglior-kickstarter-italiano-2-1-750x500.webp "Complete guide to Borg of Pripyat – Everything you need to know [For Beginners]")
Complete guide to Borg of Pripyat – Everything you need to know [For Beginners]
But what is Borg of Pripyat? Borg of Pripyat is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game set in an alternate Soviet Union where: 1986: fragments of the asteroid Eridu crash down to Earth Consequence: a new alien material is discovered, called Eridite The twist: the USSR uses it as nuclear fuel, becoming a superpower The price: mutants, paranormal phenomena, and strange weather […]
What is a role-playing game really?
What is a role-playing game really? A role-playing game (RPG) is a structured system for making decisions in someone else’s shoes within a shared imaginary world. It is not “acting”. It is not “pretending”. It is not “rolling dice randomly”. It is rule-guided narrative simulation. The three fundamental pillars A role-playing game exists only if all three of these elements […]
Why RPG Manual Layout Matters: How Bad Design Ruins Great Games
How many times have you flipped through an RPG rulebook looking for a crucial rule you know you read, but can’t find? Or worse, discovering that an important mechanic was hidden in a box on page three, while the main chapter was dedicated only to narrative flavor? Good RPG manual layout is essential—it’s the difference between a game master reaching […]
D&D Dominates the TTRPG Market: A Blessing or a Curse for the Industry?
When a tabletop game becomes the unchallenged leader in a market, it’s usually good news for the entire industry. In competitive video games like Street Fighter in fighting games, the success of a major title lifts the entire category. But in the world of tabletop role-playing games, the situation is completely different: D&D’s dominance is seen as potentially harmful to […]
Public and Private Play Sessions in Tabletop RPGs: Differences, Management and Tips
Public and Private Play Sessions in Tabletop RPGs: Differences, Management and Tips When discussing tabletop role-playing games, the table’s context profoundly influences the gaming experience. One of the most relevant aspects, often underestimated, is the distinction between public play sessions and private play sessions. Understanding these differences enables you to improve participation and prevent many issues related to group management. […]
Why do we always play only D&D?
Here is the translation, respecting H2, H3, and bold formatting (no asterisks or dashes): Why does D&D dominate the tabletop RPG market in 2025? Dungeons & Dragons is, without a doubt, the most famous and widely played role-playing game in the world. According to data from platforms like Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds, D&D 5E accounts for over 60% of online sessions, followed by Pathfinder and Call of Cthulhu with much […]
Roleplaying Puzzles & Solutions – The Ultimate Guide for GMs and Players
Every game master knows that moment: your party stands before a mysterious door, and you proudly present your carefully crafted puzzle. But instead of excitement, you’re met with blank stares—or worse, players pulling out their phones. What went wrong? Puzzles can be the highlight of a session or a momentum killer. The difference? Understanding when, why, and how to use […]