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Can we use soccer in a TTRPG?
Using Reiner Knizia’s book of dice and card games for inspiration when designing other kinds of games. Exploring how a card game can be adapted and…
Aug 25
20
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4
Converting game maps into graphs
Part 2 of a series on making better maps by thinking about them as graphs and data, based on a talk I gave at Harrisburg University.
Aug 18
32
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8
Building a better vocabulary for maps
Part 1 of a series on making better maps by thinking about them as graphs and data, based on a talk I gave at Harrisburg University.
Aug 11
37
12
5
We are Mushrooms: a new journaling game from Exeunt press
We are Mushrooms is a new solo journaling game that you can play together. You might even be eaten, but that's okay. You'll grow back. Includes a cute…
Aug 4
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Exeunt Press
20
5
4
D6 games you should play from this year's One-Page RPG Jam
Every game can teach us something about design. Let's look at six one-page games submitted to the 2026 One-Page RPG Jam. Two of my own designs and four…
Aug 4
36
16
8
July 2026
8 ways to stock a dungeon: monsters, traps, and more
Exploring the many dungeon stocking methods. From Gygax's original tables to my own THORCS! system.
Jul 28
44
22
6
Generating a tavern map to burn it all down
Exploring how One Hundred Rats Devour a Tavern by Ravensridge Press uses a dice-rolling method with simple rules to generate a tavern map... and then…
Jul 21
27
7
5
A+B+C: Using combinatorial random tables
Exploring how a few short tables can generate a wide array of items in roleplaying games. It's a useful game design method when space is at a premium.
Jul 14
32
19
5
Tumulus 07 "Slay the dragon" 🐉
The latest issue of Tumulus is shipping now, packed with game design inspiration and hands-on exercises. Dragons, neutral components, swords, lairs…
Jul 8
10
4
A dungeon crawl story in three acts
Exploring how Sanctum uses its structure to create an emergent dungeon crawling story in an accessible manner. It's a small game that contains an…
Jul 7
19
4
2
June 2026
Why I can't shut up about game jams
I was on a panel talking about why game jams are great at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. You may not have been able to attend, but…
Jun 30
35
15
7
Spell programming and action queues in Black Rose Wars
Exploring how Black Rose Wars: Rebirth uses a batch action queue mechanism to create a different kind of tactical play. You program your spells ahead of…
Jun 23
15
4
1
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