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!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Actual Play Exists On A Production Spectrum
- 'Actual play' ranges from raw session recordings to highly produced shows with parasocial draw.
- Produced shows attract audiences but risk giving unrealistic expectations of typical table play.
Use Actual Plays As Teaching Resources
- Use curated actual-play recordings as instructional references for how moves or systems work.
- Marc recommends recorded sessions you can point players to when they ask rule questions.