An international network of researchers into all aspects of role-playing games
David Millians, Editor
Paideia School, 1509 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA
millians.david@paideiaschool.org
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Hi All,
As promised, we’ve updated our Gamers in Need page to include mental health resources for tabletop role-playing game freelancers. The issue isn’t unique to our industry, and one of the best resources we’ve found was created jointly by the Association of Illustrators, Society of Authors, and Association of Photographers. The detailed guide covers everything from Imposter Syndrome to dealing with rejection and social media challenges. Although the guide is U.K. focused, we also have a list of additional resources in the U.S. If you have any additional resources to include, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
This month, we spoke with Steph C. of TTPRKids as part of our virtual panel series. TTRPGkids is intended to help parents, caregivers, teachers, etc. find resources to facilitate quality tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs) for kids. Steph was inspired to start the site after playing tabletop RPGs with their 2.5-year-old and saw how much he was learning from and enjoying playing.
TTRPGkids covers game reviews, game lists sorted by age and theme, interviews with creators, interviews with parents, tips and tricks, giveaways, and lots more to help you find a good way to introduce tabletop RPGs to your kids with the right game. You can watch our discussion on our YouTube channel.
We’re returning to our previous topic to discuss our Question of the Month: Should tabletop role-playing games have a content guidance system similar to the Motion Picture Association? There is an existing site that creates a rating for you at RPGRating.com. Fat Goblin Games has their own. We’ll update a page on CAR-PGA with the rating systems that are out there. Let us know on Facebook, LinkedIn, or in our Google group.
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Mike Tresca
Committee Chair
ARTICLES
Fate of the RPG Community Center!
By Hawke Robinson
From a post on Patreon, plus elaboration with thanks to Hawke
http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
We need a minimum of $1,000 more before June 1st, or we will have to temporarily close the doors of the RPG Community Center to the public.
Then we need $4,000/month to keep or re-open the community center from July onward.
http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
We have not been raising enough to keep the Role-Playing Game Community Center open to the public much longer. We need a “Hail Mary Play” to keep the center open to the public; otherwise, it will have to be closed this June 1st. RPG Research will go one, but the community center’s long term fate is unknown unless an influx of donations happen.
While last year we raised over $40,000, this year we’re only getting an average of around $300 to $500 per month!
We’re waiting to see if some grants we applied for work out, but they won’t arrive in time unless we can get more donations to get more run way.
This means, that unless the money is raised this month, May 2023, we have no choice but to temporarily close the doors of the Role-Playing Game Community Center to the public until the non-profit RPG Research’s bank account is refilled enough to know that we can cover rent, utilities, insurance, and other costs sufficiently.
http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
We really need a “Hail Mary” donation to help us keep the doors open, otherwise this June 1st the RPG Community Center closes the doors to the public for an unknown duration until there is money again.
RPG Research as a company proceeds apace, and this is only the free community center that we have to close the doors to the public until enough money is raised again to reopen. $4k/month needed to cover
insurance, utilities, and rent.
Currently, it costs us just under $4k/month to be open and offer free Drop In and RPG sessions every week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday at the RPG Community Center. To add additional days being open, it costs about $500-$1,000 per month (for example to be open 4 days a week would be about $4,500/month, and 5 days a week would be $5,000/month).
The breakdown is as follows:
$2k/month for rent
$300-500/month for utilities per each day of the week we’re open to public
$10,000/year for insurance to allow people on the property from ages 4 years old through senior adults and people with disabilities. We had to pay a lot of extra insurance to allow all these populations on the property, alas.
http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
This doesn’t impact the Paul Cardwell and CAR-PGa collections, other than that the longer it is until we get more money, we can’t open the RPG Museum www.rpgmuseum.org to the public. W need display cases and about an additional $1,000/month for the added insurance and added utilities to open the RPG Museum to the public.
We will still be running community programs at Spark Central, as we’ve been running them there for almost 6 years, on first and third Saturdays from 1-4 pm
To stay open in June, we just need 100 people to donate $10 each. Then for July onward, we need $4k/month to keep the free, very-accessible Drop In and RPG www.dropinandrpg.com programs freely available to the public via the RPG Community Center. www.rpgcenter.org
We have applied for a number of grants. One of them is supposed to let us know their decision some time mid-to-late June. It doesn’t pay then, just lets us know if we were accepted. Others won’t let us know until July, August, and October. Any one of the grants would get us many months (or years) additional runway. We just need a little more runway help from the community.
We are a “Platinum” ranked non-profit for transparency and serving the community. No one is paid at RPG Research, and we use all open source and donated software and infrastructure, so our administrative overhead is the lowest possible. This means donations go directly to the expenses needed to deliver the programs directly to the communities we serve.
Every dollar donated our programs directly helps 3 or more people, plus it can have indirect benefits to neighborhoods and people online throughout the world with our online programs and online research repository with over 10,000 content items on the effects and uses of all role-playing game formats.
Thanks for helping spread the word on their truly altruistic endeavor.
http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
RPG Research is a 501(3) non-profit charitable research and human services organization of international volunteers performing research studies on the educational and therapeutic aspects of participation in role-playing games, and community programs improving lives using music and RPGs.
RPG Research Knowledgebase Archives
https://rpgresearch.com/kb
RPG Historical Museum
https://rpgmuseum.org
RPG Community Center
https://rpgcenter.org
Drop In and RPG Public Programs
https://dropinandrpg.com
Brain-Computer Interface RPG: https://bcirpg.com
RPG Mobile accessible facilities https://rpgmobile.com
RPG Research Headquarters
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US Toll-free Phone: (833) RPG-INFO (774-4636)
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NEW MATERIAL
This is a compilation of articles and other resources that have come to the editor’s attention over the last month. Everyone is welcome to send bibliographic information about anything you discover that fits the mission of CAR-PGa and this newsletter.
Blair, Jack (2023 Apr 30) Playing to Win. https://toyourstations.substack.com/p/playing-to-win. Gaming with kids and helping them fail for success.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 1) 6 awesome tabletop RPGs for large groups and whole classrooms. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/01/6-awesome-tabletop-rpgs-for-large-groups-and-whole-classrooms. It’s challenging to scale up many games, and these do much of that work for you.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 8) Practicing the engineering problem solving process using tabletop RPG. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/08/practicing-the-engineering-problem-solving-process-using-tabletop-rpgs. Lessons from higher education.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 10) TTRPGkids is running a Crowdfundr – sign up for pre-launch today. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/10/ttrpgkids-is-running-a-crowdfundr-sign-up-for-pre-launch-today. Ameliorating costs for site fees, travel, and time.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 11) Review of Princess Guard, a TTRPG for every princess. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/11/review-of-princess-guard-a-ttrpg-for-every-princess. Simple mechanics and smooth adventure structure works well for six and up.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 15) Tabletop RPGs for powerful princesses. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/15/tabletop-rpgs-about-powerful-princesses. Growing database of games and options.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 17) Review of D&D Dungeon Club, a middle grade graphic novel. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/17/review-of-dd-dungeon-club-a-middle-grade-graphic-novel. Fun and engaging YA fiction to enjoy or introduce RPGs.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 18) Interview with Dr. Megan Connell, psychologist and author of Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/18/interview-with-dr-megan-connell-psychologist-and-author-of-tabletop-role-playing-therapy. Thoughtful insights from a master of her craft.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 23) Review of Dragon Dowser, a solo-journaling TTRPG from Hatchling Games. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/23/review-of-dragon-dowser-a-solo-journaling-ttrpg-from-hatchling-games. Saving the world with dragons and self-reflection.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 24) Review of Almost Bedtime Theater TTRPG podcast. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/24/review-of-almost-bedtime-theater-ttrpg-podcast. Father-daughter actual play.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 25) Review of Whither and Whence, a TTRPG that teaches kids measuring. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/25/review-of-whither-and-whence-a-ttrpg-that-teaches-kids-measuring. Good for ages 4 to 7 developing math and logic skills.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 26) Recap from TTRPGkids at Motor City Comic Con. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/26/recap-from-ttrpgkids-at-motor-city-comic-con. Audio of panel presentation, con highlights, and links to additional resources.
Campbell, Stephanie (2023 May 29) Diceless tabletop RPGs for dice game alternatives. https://www.ttrpgkids.com/2023/05/29/diceless-tabletop-rpgs-for-dice-game-alternatives. Other mechanisms for fun, especially with younger players in mind.
Carter, Chase (2023 May 23) Dungeons & Dragons increases price of printed books despite continuous financial success. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/dungeons-and-dragons-physical-book-price-increase. Costs and ripple effects.
Carter, Chase (2023 May 26) Board game executive apologises for sexist reply to Wingspan creator’s criticism of industry sexism. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/board-game/news/ryan-dancey-aeg-apologises-for-sexist-reply-elizabeth-hargrave-twitter-criticism. AEG’s Ryan Dancey hopes to do better.
Carter, Chase (2023 Jun 1) Grab 100 tabletop RPGs and support independent artists during Queer Games Bundle’s third annual campaign. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/queer-games-bundle-2023-itchio-campaign-pride-month. Raising money through July 8, 2023.
Carter, Chase (2023 Jun 1) Pathfinder ejects Drow from official lore, says too “deeply enmeshed” in D&D identity. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/pathfinder-2e-no-more-drow-remaster-project. Replacement serpent people in the wake of the Open Game License kerfuffle.
Cavegirl (2023 May 2) Another take on demihumans as social constructs. https://cavegirlgames.blogspot.com/2023/05/another-take-on-demihumans-as-social.html. Interesting thought experiment regarding point of view, bias, and self-fulfilling prophecies.
Eanet, Lindsay (2023 May 12) The future of tabletop role-playing is hope. https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/23711055/hopepunk-ttrpg-games. Imagining brighter futures and possibilities.
Eanet, Lindsay (2023 May 12) With goblins, spellcasters and holiday heroes, board game designers are imagining new Jewish worlds. https://www.jta.org/2023/05/12/culture/with-goblins-spellcasters-and-delis-board-game-makers-are-imagining-new-jewish-worlds. Tradition and creativity explore diverse cultural traditions in games for everyone.
East, Otis (2023 May 30) what is dantecon?. https://www.blerd.com/dantecon-embracing-diversity-and-community. Dante Plush’s birthday celebration has become a gathering where race, LGBTQ+, and nerdom can mingle joyfully.
Hall, Charlie (2023 May 24) So many new D&D books are coming in 2024, no printing company can handle them all. https://www.polygon.com/23730209/dnd-dungeons-dragons-books-printer-release-schedule-2024. Staggering release of popular game books.
Jarvis, Matt (2023 May 23) Charity RPG event Roll for Good returns this weekend with D&D, Mörk Borg and other one-shots in support of LGBTQIA+ rights. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/charity-rpg-event-roll-for-good-may-2023. Over by the time you read this but notaworthy.
Jarvis, Matt (2023 May 25) Mirrorscape’s open-license rival to D&D’s virtual tabletop wants to be “the Apple of VTTs”. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/mirrorscape-open-licence-rival-to-dnd-virtual-tabletop. Designed for mobile and ease of use.
Jarvis, Matt (2023 Jun 1) Royal Mail has created official Warhammer stamps to mark the fantasy wargame’s 40th anniversary. https://www.dicebreaker.com/universes/warhammer/news/royal-mail-warhammer-stamps-40th-anniversary. Release on June 8, 2023.
Kennedy, Olivia (2023 May 1) Every spell cast in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. https://www.dicebreaker.com/series/dungeons-and-dragons/feature/every-spell-cast-in-dnd-honor-among-thieves. A fun compilation.
Maliszewski, James (2023 May 17) RIP Russ Nicholson. http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2023/05/rip-russ-nicholson.html. Artist with distinctive style passes on.
Morris, Dave (2023 May 12) GM in your pocket. https://fabledlands.blogspot.com/2023/05/gm-in-your-pocket.html. Changes in technology and expectations.
Morrissey, Russ (2023 May 6) Diana Jones Award Announce 4 Emerging Designer Winners. https://www.enworld.org/threads/diana-jones-award-announces-4-emerging-designer-winners.697580. Links and bios.
Morrissey, Russ (2023 May 10) Rebellion Acquires Tunnels & Trolls. https://www.enworld.org/threads/rebellion-acquires-tunnels-trolls.697662. Venerable RPG finds home with new owner.
Morrissey, Russ (2023 May 15) Paizo Posts New Draft of ORC License. https://www.enworld.org/threads/paizo-posts-new-draft-of-orc-license.697758. Commentary and updates as plan moves toward completion.
Morrissey, Russ (2023 May 24) Some Interesting Stats About D&D Players. https://www.enworld.org/threads/some-interesting-stats-about-d-d-players.697908. Demographics from a recent GeekWire article reporting Wizards of the Coast announcements.
Morrissey, Russ (2023 Jun 1) Check Out This D&D Documentary Courtesy of TIME Studios. https://www.enworld.org/threads/check-out-this-d-d-documentary-courtesy-of-time-studios.698030. “Adventure Never Ends” looks at benefits, stigmas, and support programs, for example, Games to Grow and Aspiring Youth.
OB1 (2023 May 11) Dungeons & Dragons Adventures is a 24-Hour Streaming Channel. https://www.enworld.org/threads/dungeons-dragons-adventures-is-a-24-hour-streaming-channel-launching-in-summer.697681. Hasbro is assembling media, old and new. Chase Carter at Dicebreaker has more early details.
Plaguescarred (2023 May 9) Stranger Things D&D Starter Set For Free. https://www.enworld.org/threads/stranger-things-d-d-starter-set-for-free.697639. Basic rules from the boxed set but not the adventure, character sheets, and such.
TGN (2023 April 28) Hollywood Meets D&D: 22 Celebrities Who Love Rolling the Dice (Also Cursed A.I. Images of Them as D&D Characters). https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/hollywood-meets-dd-22-celebrities-who-love-rolling-the-dice-also-cursed-a-i-images-of-them-as-dd-characters. Cool people being even cooler.
Tresca, Mike (2023 May 1) Multiverses All the Way Down. https://www.enworld.org/threads/multiverses-all-the-way-down.697468. Layers of reality in stories large and small.
Tresca, Mike (2023 May 8) Are RPGs Art?. https://www.enworld.org/threads/are-rpgs-art.697535. Yes, yes they are.
Tresca, Mike (2023 May 29) RPG Evolution: The Art of the Live Stream. https://www.enworld.org/threads/rpg-evolution-the-art-of-the-live-stream.697961. The key factors in performance game success.
Tresca, Mike (2023 May 31) RPG Evolution: Mental Health Tips for Game Designers. https://www.enworld.org/threads/rpg-evolution-mental-health-tips-for-game-designers.697906. Stressors and solitude and ways to take care..
© Copyright 2023 by the Committee for the Advancement of Role-Playing Games (CAR-PGa), ISSN 1071 7129. The CAR-PGa Newsletter is a monthly publication. For more information contact David Millians, Editor, Paideia School, 1509 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA, phone (404) 808-1070, fax (404) 377-3491, e-mail millians.david@paideiaschool.org. Back issues are available. Contributions of material from the membership are urged, and the byline is responsible for content. Deadline is the last weekday of the month, email preferred. Permission is granted to copy anything in the Newsletter, provided we get a credit line in the publication copying it, and it doesn’t have someone else’s copyright on it. Information, including details on joining CAR-PGa, can be obtained on the Internet at car-pga.org.