List of resources to make TTRPGs
This is a compilation of my favorite resources to design and make TTRPGs.
Guides and HOWTOs
A TTRPG doesn't have to be a thick book with hundreds of pages. There are many one-page games in the indie scene that are very fun to play, require barely any prep time and are perfect for one-shots. It is not unreasonable to go from ideation to playtesting in just a few days of work, so they are perfect as your first game to make.
My recommendation is to start by reading one of the guides to make one-page games and make one. Then rinse and repeat!
Make Your Own One-Page Roleplaying Game (link)
This zine is what got me into making my first TTRPG, Mater Dolorosa. It is very structured and covers the whole production process, from ideation to picking a game system to layout and printing.
Each chapter is a stage of this process and includes exercises. It is very hands-on and comprehensive. 100% recommended.
Note: The zine is quite inexpensive, but you can read it for free at the Skeleton Code Machine website.
You Have Two Stats (link)
This short guides teaches how to make a game based on a two-stat game systems, like Laser & Feelings or Honey Heist. These are one-page games that only require 6-side dice, so you can play right away.
Personas y dados (link)
If you can read Spanish, this book is a must. It covers everything from systems, settings, adventures, etc.
SRDs (System Reference Documents)
Many games publish their systems with an open license in a document known as the System Reference Document. That way, you can reuse an existing system without having to do everything from scratch and have the peace of mind that you won't be sued for it.
I can't recommend hard enough to use an existing system that has been playtested ad infinitum. If your goal is to make a game, this is the way (of course, it could be that you just want to tinker and invent your own mechanics, which is nice, but just be aware of the cost).
These are the systems I like the most:
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Breathless by René-Pier Deshaies: great for one-page, survival games. It simulates exhaustion and resource depletion by reducing the sides of the dice pool you have (i.e. from
d10tod8,d6, etc.) -
Firelights by René-Pier Deshaies: for one-page exploration games. It uses a deck of cards to generate the world map and resolve encounters.
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Mausritter by Isaac Williams: OSR game of adventurer mice. It is built on top of Into the Odd.
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Caltrop Core by Yochai Gal. Easy to tinker with, minimalist system that uses
d4. The website itself prompts you to make a game!
Assets
These are assets you can use in your games, commercial or not. Please check the license of each site for details and how to give attribution.
- Google Fonts: High-quality fonts.
- Game-icons.net: A zillion SVG icons and glyphs.
- Public Domain art resources: a list by Skeleton Code Machine of public domain art assets.