Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

Can You Predict the Golden Age of RPGs?

Is the golden era of D&D about to end? Let’s examine how well can we predict the industry, and how a decline for all RPGs may not be so bad.

January 9, 2024 · 9 Comments

Make the Most of 5E’s Planescape Adventures in the Multiverse

D&D brings back Planescape! Here’s how to make the most of the 5E adventure, Turn of Fortune’s Wheel, and the accompanying monster and setting books.

January 8, 2024 · Leave a comment

What we can learn from WotC’s Core Book Sensitivity and Inclusivity Changes

In 2023, WotC updated the language of the 2014 core books for sensitivity and inclusivity. Let’s examine the changes and learn how to improve our own creations.

November 17, 2023 · 12 Comments

Estimating D&D’s Revenue

The BookScan data gives us a potential window into estimating D&D’s overall revenue, especially when combined with previous clues. If we can estimate the percentage BookScan might be of D&D’s overall revenue, we can get a rough estimate of individual revenue from different core books, adventures, sourcebooks, and even licensed products.

October 13, 2023 · 6 Comments

Are D&D Sales Declining?

In all other RPGs and D&D editions, we see diminishing returns. Each follow-up supplement, adventure, or other product will sell fewer copies and have a shorter tail than the first ones. Is 5E D&D seeing declining sales?

October 9, 2023 · 7 Comments

D&D 5E’s Top-Selling Settings, Sourcebooks, and Accessories

How do the sales of 5E D&D settings, sourcebooks, and accessories compare to adventures? Let’s take a look at the BookScan data and find out.

October 2, 2023 · 7 Comments

D&D 5E’s Top-Selling Adventures and What It Means for the Hobby

D&D adventures historically don’t sell well. 5E has tried several approaches. Let’s take a look at 5E adventure sales in the BookScan data.

September 29, 2023 · 19 Comments

How D&D Sells and What It Means for the Hobby

How many copies do D&D’s top products sell? We take a look at BookScan data and what it means for D&D and the RPG hobby.

September 25, 2023 · 4 Comments

How to Use the Creative Commons!

The Creative Commons license is becoming a popular method for companies and creators to work in the same space. Learn what the CC license does and how to use CC material in your products or make your product usable by others using the CC license.

July 18, 2023 · Leave a comment

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

How to Use the OGL to Create RPG Products!

D&D and some other companies provide an Open Gaming License you can use to create products utilizing their systems. Learn what the OGL and similar licenses are like, how to use them, when to use them, and when not to use them!

June 16, 2023 · Leave a comment

Improve Your Adventures and Campaigns by Focusing on Threats

The 5E Dungeon Master’s Guide narrowly defines a villain and their role in an adventure. By widening the definition and leaning into the concept of Threats, we can create better campaigns and adventures.

June 1, 2023 · 2 Comments

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