Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

Assessing the D&D Creator Summit

What took place at the D&D Creator Summit? This overview covers the main events, with an eye towards actionable improvements for future events.

April 6, 2023 · 12 Comments

What Compatibility Means for One D&D

Wizards says it will ensure One D&D is compatible with 5E and its SRD. Here’s the good and bad of what it takes to be compatible.

March 20, 2023 · 1 Comment

What to Expect From the WotC D&D Creative Summit

Wizards of the Coast has invited a few people to attend a “Content Creator Summit.” What might this mean for the community, for Wizards, and for One D&D?

March 9, 2023 · 2 Comments

A Vision for the D&D OGL – Part 1: Reasons

Wizards of the Coast is revising the OGL. What do we want the OGL to be for One D&D? And what does WotC want? What should it want?

January 3, 2023 · 2 Comments

Mastering Dungeons Goes Indie

Big changes and improvements for the Mastering Dungeons podcast!

November 3, 2022 · 2 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 · 8 Comments

The Real Competition for D&D and Wizards of the Coast

Who does WotC actually compete with? And who actually competes with WotC? Let’s look at WotC’s fastest-selling RPG in 2017 for an answer. It’s not 5E!

December 7, 2021 · 12 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 · 7 Comments

How to Grow Old in Tabletop RPGs

An article on aging in the RPG industry. How to do it well, in a world of constant change.

August 27, 2021 · 4 Comments

Streaming Dragons and Arguing Canon

What does the future of D&D hold for dragons? And, what should D&D’s approach to canon be for 5E?

August 1, 2021 · 1 Comment

Cautionary Tales: What We Can Learn From the Satanic Panic

We discuss the Satanic Panic with renowned author Tim Harford. Why have times changed so significantly for D&D?

April 22, 2021 · 2 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 · 5 Comments

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