Roguelike Radio Episode 165: Tabletop RPGs
Jun 11, 2025
Sam Dunnewold, a tabletop game designer and podcaster, and Marc Majcher, an independent game designer with decades of experience, dive into the evolution of tabletop RPGs. They discuss the shift from long campaigns to short indie one-shots and the role of actual play podcasts in preserving game mechanics. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and safety at the table, contrasts procedural generation with authored narratives, and offers practical advice for aspiring RPG designers. It's a lively exploration of creativity in the indie RPG landscape!
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Indie Means Creative Control And Vibe
- Marc Majcher frames "indie" as control over your work plus a vibe, not just company size.
- Indie games can come from publishers yet still feel and function like independent designs.
Indie Games Suit One-Shots And Casual Nights
- Indie RPGs tend to be smaller, one-shot friendly, and fit into casual play evenings.
- Sam likens indie sessions to movies versus D&D campaigns as TV shows for weekly friend time.
Enter Small RPG Communities With Humility
- Expect politics and strong opinions in small RPG communities and brace for heated debates.
- Approach discussions with humility and be ready to learn rather than aggressively argue.