The Splatbook What happens next with RPG design?
Jan 9, 2025
Ben and John dive deep into the evolution of RPGs and the rise of indie games. They discuss whether RPGs are fragmenting into niche play styles and how mainstream popularity might dilute creativity. The conversation explores the exciting intersection of board games and RPGs, highlighting the movement towards co-op experiences. They also ponder the importance of fostering inclusive play spaces across generations, all while navigating the balance between structured story games and the thrill of unpredictable narratives.
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Weird OSR Finds
- Ben describes reading OSR rulebooks like Whitehack, Dungeon Crawl Classics, and Troika with absurd backgrounds and weird spells.
- He reads a Troika background called "Fowler of Pawns" that exemplifies the game's surreal, comedic character options.
Popularity Smooths Edges
- Ben argues mainstream popularity sands off eccentric edges while indie niches stay valuable for artistic experimentation.
- He worries growth can crowd out weird, esoteric creators but acknowledges both mainstream and niche scenes need to coexist.
Access Spurs Creative Diversity
- Ben compares RPG expansion to tattoos: demand plus accessible tools opened the craft to marginalized creators and led to experimental styles.
- He sees a similar pattern in TTRPGs where new creators and tools drive diverse subcultures and novel games.
