Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

Pathfinder Never Outsold 4E D&D (ICYMI)

The myth that Paizo’s Pathfinder outsold Dungeons & Dragons 4E endures, but it is a myth worth slaying.

July 8, 2023 · 7 Comments

Why Classic Adventures Offer Characters Meaningless Death

Classic D&D often presents situations forcing a quick and meaningless death. Modern editions are often accused of being too easy. Why has the game changed, and what is the point of character death today?

April 7, 2022 · 10 Comments

Why No RPG Company Truly Competes with Wizards of the Coast

Think D&D has RPG competitors? Let’s find out why that isn’t true.

November 30, 2021 · 14 Comments

For an Epic Hero, What is the DC to Pick a Lock?

A level 20 hero finds a treasure chest in a D&D 5E game. What should the DC be to pick a lock? Let’s review two approaches and how to make them shine.

September 16, 2021 · 6 Comments

These Adventures Teach Us How to Offer Players Choices

Adventures that offer real choices? Let’s take a look at some from… get ready for this… 4E.

September 3, 2021 · 5 Comments

How to Run Skill Challenges in 5E (DM’s Deep Dive with Sly Flourish)

Mike Shea and I provide advice on how DMs can run skill challenges in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons.

April 13, 2021 · 2 Comments

Ambitious (Dark Sun) Adventure Design

My favorite adventures are bold and innovative. We look at how to take risks, using an Ashes of Athas adventure as an example.

October 22, 2020 · Leave a comment

The Seldom Recognized Dangers of Playing Ranged or Stealthy Characters

Range and Stealth offer awesome offensive potential, but carry risks players may not foresee. Here’s how to mitigate the issues.

March 19, 2020 · 2 Comments

What a 5E Spelljammer Campaign Setting Might Look Like

Does the Baldur’s Gate III video game trailer mean Spelljammer is coming? Here is what 5E Spelljammer might look like!

February 28, 2020 · 6 Comments

Why Dark Sun Was 4E’s Most Successful Setting (Part 2)

4th edition Dark Sun saw only three books, but felt like much more. Here’s how it became a huge success.

January 24, 2020 · 7 Comments

Why Dark Sun Was 4E’s Most Successful Setting (Part 1)

Why did 4E have so few campaign settings? What happened in the past and what might D&D do in the future?

January 16, 2020 · 11 Comments

Which Products to Buy During a DMs Guild Sale!

A huge sale on the DMs Guild? Here are the products I think should be a part of every gamer’s collection!

January 24, 2018 · Leave a comment

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