Everyday Anarchism 174. Rules, Games, and Anarchy -- Jay Dragon
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Dec 24, 2025 Jay Dragon, a queer disabled game designer and editorial director at Possum Creek Games, dives into the fascinating intersection of games and societal structures. They explore how tabletop RPGs can serve as a lens to examine oppressive systems, discussing Wanderhome's almost ruleless design as an example. Jay highlights the playful tension created by rules, likening them to pleasurable constraints, and argues for a design ethos that encourages cooperative gameplay and challenges traditional power dynamics. Their insights connect gaming with broader conversations on justice and community.
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RPGs Are Conversational Mediums
- Tabletop RPGs are primarily a conversation-based medium, not just a rulebook-driven game.
- Jay Dragon argues the game happens in the group's conversation and shared play rather than only in written rules.
Leftist Upbringing Shaped His Design
- Jay Dragon shares growing up in leftist NYC circles where David Graeber was a family friend.
- He links that upbringing to his interest in bringing anarchist and Marxian ideas into game design.
Origin Of The Dungeon Master
- The dungeon master arose from war-game referees who arbitrated free Kriegspiel play.
- Jay shows that GMs provide improvisational freedom while preserving shared game integrity for groups.
