2024 is the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons. I've spent a lot of time thinking about why D&D has lasted so long, been so successful, and continued to gather new fans throughout that time. The answer I've come up with is that it is not just one thing. The reason D&D is such a …
Category: musings
On the Passing of Jennell Jaquays
Jennell Jaquays, one of the great designers and artists of tabletop role-playing games, died yesterday, January 10, 2024. A lot of old schoolers gush about the The Caverns of Thracia and Dark Tower. Those are good adventures but some of Jennell's other works have been far more important to me.
The Dumbest Question in Dungeons & Dragons Fandom
There is a particularly dumb question that has caused more fights in Dungeons & Dragons fandom than any other. I do have an answer to the question but it's probably not the answer most querents expect.
A Few Thoughts About the 20th Anniversary of Return of the King
It's been 20 years since the release of The Return of the King. Like a lot of fans, I have recently commemorated the event by re-watching all three films of the Lord of the Rings. As a work of cinema art in the genre of epic fantasy, they were an achievement that no one has …
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Politics Is Not Fun
Some gamers incorporate their political views into their tabletop roleplaying game hobby. I don't like it. It ruins the fun. Even worse, it ruins the possibility of fun.
Emotion Fuels the “RPGs are Stories” Myth
I hypothesize that one of the reasons the "collaborative storytelling" claim persists is that both RPGs and stories produce powerful emotions. Stories and games can feel the same or at least very similar. This makes them seem like the same thing but they have a crucial difference.
Why Focus on Player Emotions in Tabletop RPG Design?
Role-playing games are unique for their capacity to evoke a wide range of emotions, profoundly influencing players' decisions. This emotional aspect makes role-playing games memorable and engaging. The most successful game designers focus heavily on triggering these emotional responses.
Grumpy Wizard 
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