Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) thrive on diversity. Not just diversity of characters, settings, and mechanics, but diversity of playstyles, preferences, settings, systems, and approaches to the game itself. Yet, despite being a hobby built on creativity and cooperation, the community often finds itself locked in a battle of competing perspectives, treating different approaches to play as if they are in direct opposition.
I came across something today that made me reflect deeply on how we, as a community, engage with the people who shaped our hobby. Tim Cain (creator of Fallout and lead at Troika) posted a heartfelt video about his team’s work on Temple of Elemental Evil (2003) being omitted from “D&D: Art and Arcana” - the comprehensive art history book from 2018. This got me thinking about how we remember our hobby’s creators, particularly in light of the recent online debates about Gary Gygax’s legacy and his critisism in the recent D&D publications.
With the slow rollout of the 2024 edition of Duneon & Dragons 5e, there’s been considerable discussion about the game’s underlying design philosophy and how it shapes player behavior at the table. While every edition has had its share of rules lawyers, the current design trajectory might actually be encouraging more rules-focused play - and not always in ways that enhance the experience.
War. It’s the drumbeat of countless fantasy epics, a crucible that forges heroes and shapes kingdoms. From the sweeping battles of The Lord of the Rings to Conan’s gritty skirmishes, war has always been central to the fantasy genre. Even modern fantasy leans heavily on the backdrop of conflict, often zooming in on the personal stories of individuals caught in its tide.
The financial health of Hasbro frequently sparks intense discussion among Dungeons & Dragons fans. While speculation often trends toward the alarmist, the underlying concern is understandable. Fans have invested heavily in this hobby - not just financially, but with their time, creativity, and emotional energy. They want to understand the stability of the company behind their beloved game, whether the focus is on product quality over brand exploitation, and how corporate decisions might impact the future of their hobby. Hasbro’s Q3 earnings report offers us a chance to move beyond speculation and examine actual data.
As a Dungeon Master, I’ve always been drawn to the flexibility and imagination-sparking nature of Theater of the Mind (TotM) gameplay. However, at least in grid based systems like D&D 5e, it can be a challenge to account for various elements of the game designed for tactical combat. Additionally, it can be tempting to simply ignore movement when using TotM and miss out on the exciting and dynamic nature of swashbuckling adventures. Today, I want to share a system I’ve developed that keeps TotM combat dynamic and tactical while avoiding the need to track every 5-foot square.
This week in the world of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) news you may have missed! We have stories about new resources that assist Game Masters (GMs) to significant announcements that bridge digital and tabletop realms, and other stories about how the TTRPG ecosystem continues to grow. Here’s a closer look at some of the most captivating stories from October 6 to October 13, 2024, that you may not have seen in your feeds.
As we dive into the latest happenings in the world of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), excitement fills the air! From classic titles making a digital debut to significant changes in design leadership, this month has been packed with news that every TTRPG enthusiast should know about. Let’s explore the key stories that are shaping our beloved hobby.
When you’re leafing through the pages of the upcoming Dungeon Master’s Guide, set to hit shelves this November as part of D&D 2024. The familiar scent of fresh ink and new possibilities filling the air, you might notice something different. The default setting isn’t the Forgotten Realms in the latest edition. Instead, you’re reading about a world called Greyhawk. For some of you, this name might spark a nostalgic gleam in your eye. For others, it might be a curious first encounter. So what is with the new default setting for DnD 2024? Lets take a journey to the World of Greyhawk, D&D’s original campaign setting, and find out what we’re in for.
As we dive into the latest developments in the tabletop RPG landscape, there’s a wealth of exciting news that every TTRPG fan should be aware of. From significant releases in the Dungeons & Dragons universe to the resurgence of classic games, this week has proven to be pivotal for both new and seasoned players. Here’s a detailed look at the most relevant stories from September 22, 2024, to September 29, 2024.