My 2024 TTRPG Resolutions
What a year 2023 was. We saw a lot happening in the TTRPG world. There were some bad events like the OGL debacle of Wizards of the Coast. There were also some good events, like the spawning of new systems like MCDM and Kobold Press’s new systems, as well as Pathfinder 2E getting a revised edition. For me and the rest of Runic Press, we had a full year of contention creation, including Vecna’s Book of Vile Darkness, our second Halloween book. But the year has ended.
As we turn the page from the eventful 2023, I find myself reflecting on not just the past but also looking ahead to what 2024 can bring. One area I'm particularly excited to delve into is my personal experience in the world of TTRPG - starting with a resolution to 'Play More Games.'
(Art: Magic the Gathering by Gabor Szikszai)
Play More Games
I enjoy being a Game Master. It comes naturally to me, and I find all the tasks involved in planning and running games to be enjoyable. Half the reason I became a content creator in the D&D space is for my love of the Game Master side of the game. Getting to outline these amazing tales people tell at the table was enticing for me.
My love of GMing does not come without its drawbacks. One of the big downsides is that I run games more often than I act as a player. I am usually the one willing to Game Master, so often the task comes to me. While that is fine, I definitely think I could benefit from some time on the On the Other Side of the Screen. I even started this goal a bit early, at the end of last year, thanks to a local store.
In October, my local bookstore (Pocket Books) started hosting some D&D one-shots. I always want to find something to elevate the Halloween mood, so I was happy to sign up. I had so much fun being a player. It was great to jump into a game with a new character, new players, and a Game Master who had set everything up. When this same bookstore announced a Christmas adventure, I was one of the first to sign up.
Playing Dungeons and Dragons as a player is a different perspective for me. It helps me with what I call “GM Vision”, where I only see adventures through the omni-present sight of the one running the game. As a player with limited information, it reminds me of how the world is received, and makes me more aware of it.
Diving back into the player's seat is like rediscovering the magic of TTRPGs all over again. It's a chance to let my imagination run wild without the reins of GMing. This shift in perspective is not just a break; it's a creative refresh that I’m really looking forward to.
Try Other Systems
Though I have spent a lot of time with tabletop roleplaying games, I have primarily focused on a few systems. While there is nothing wrong with playing just a few games, I have always wanted to spread out my experiences. With the endless amount of systems out there, I feel like 2024 has a lot of potential for me to really diversify my D&D diet.
Most of my experience running TTRPGs comes from my time in D&D 5E. My first homebrew game used the 5E system (set on the Sword Coast), and my current (and longest running game) uses 5E. I know the system fairly well and find the rules to be common sense a lot of times (though I have to check on rules like Darkness from time to time). But I am constantly reminded of the other systems out there, and my need to broaden my horizons.
Dungeons & Dragons 5E is a solid system, but it is definitely not the best for everything. Systems like Blades in the Dark do an amazing job at simulating heists (it inspired the creation of the best-selling book Beyond the Golden Vault). Call of Cthulhu takes a vastly different approach with horror, where the players are struggling against unknowable odds as opposed to being heroes on the verge of becoming demigods. Even a system like Pathfinder 2E, which can feel close to Dungeons & Dragons, approaches the game in an original style.
Exploring new systems is like opening doors to uncharted worlds of storytelling and gameplay. It's a journey that challenges my norms and fuels my creativity, and I'm eager to see what new experiences and insights 2024's diverse TTRPG landscapes have in store for me.
Support 3rd Party Publishers
Source: Magic the Gathering by Magali Villeneuve
In the world of TTRPGs, there are a few large players in the game. Everyone has heard of names like Wizards of the Coast and Paizo. But not everyone realizes the volume of small creators out there in the TTRPG sea.
3rd Party Publishers made and continue to make the tabletop hobby an amazing space. Each group or individual brings a slightly different viewpoint to the hobby and creates projects that seek to bring their imaginations to life. Whether it’s a small, well-known group like MCDM or an individual writing their ideas down, you can find almost anything once you dive below the surface.
Conversely, creating TTRPG content is not always the most lucrative. Margins are tight for creators, especially those who seek to provide their fanbase with a premium project to match (or exceed) the official quality. Many of these people are doing this as a part-time job, using nights and weekends to chisel away at their creations.
Championing 3rd party creators is close to my heart. It's about more than just diversifying my game library; it's about supporting the passion and innovation that keeps our hobby vibrant. Their unique visions and tireless work inspire me, and I'm committed to being a part of their support system this year.
The actions of Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast over the past year have made me dislike supporting the company. While they have a wonderful team of creative individuals, some of the business decisions they have made have been incredibly unethical. From theOGL issues that soured the beginning of the year, to the issues withAI art being in released materials, and recently the mix oflayoffs to WoTC Staff and bonuses given to the executives it all leaves a bad taste in my mouth. So this just adds more reason to my need to move on.
Final Thoughts
While this small list focuses on some of my primary focuses for the year, they are certainly not all of them. As a TTRPG creator, I have tons of ideas. Runic Press has some incredibly exciting irons in the fire which I am excited to make. I also have a ton of other, smaller goals. But I wanted to focus on my goals as a Game Master and lover of Tabletop games here.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the eventful journey of 2023, I step into 2024 fueled by a renewed passion for expanding my horizons in the TTRPG realm. Each game I dive into, each new system I explore, and each creative mind I support, is a step towards enriching not just my own experiences but also contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our beloved hobby. These goals aren't just a personal checklist; they're a commitment to grow, share, and inspire within the TTRPG community I hold dear.
Do you have any goals for the 2024 year for the TTRPG hobby? Anything particularly important? I would love to hear all about your plans for the year, and why you have these goals. Let me know in the comments below!
