RPG Design Theories | Revenue & Trends

The hottest Substack posts of RPG Design Theories

And their main takeaways

In different game genres, the role of monsters can be completely opposite, so their presentation and mechanics should align with the specific genre.
Game rules and mechanics can clearly communicate the focus of gameplay, such as combat-heavy mechanics for tactical games and more narrative-focused mechanics for story-driven games.
Designing game mechanics involves considering the balance between detailed rules for combat, varying levels of action economy, and the degree of narrative flexibility, depending on the intended gameplay experience.

Desire can drive success or failure in games, not just decisions and die rolls.
Players can want their characters to fail for the sake of the story, leading to deeper character development.
RPGs can offer immersion where players experience the story or participation where they help create it, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Players and characters should be conceptually separated in terms of success and failure.
Game designers can choose between player-first and character-first gameplay styles, each with its own advantages and challenges.
A balance between player-first and character-first elements can create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

New designers often feel anxious about not living up to the standards set by previous designers.
Instead of blindly following existing formats, designers should focus on creating fresh, innovative ideas.
Designers should strive to produce work that is truly new and exciting, rather than simply replicating what has been done before.

When designing a roleplaying game, start with the heart of the game.
The heart of the game is what the characters do and what the game is about.
Building an RPG is more like creating your own Lego creation than following a Lego set.

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Game mechanics should aim to be believable, easy-to-understand, and fun at the same time.
Mechanics should tie to what's important in the game, determining when dice rolling comes into play.
Consider the impact of player failure on their gameplay experience and find the right balance of randomization in tasks.