RPG Design Handbook

The RPG Design Handbook is a project that I’ve been working on, in fits and starts, entirely on this blog. There is no production schedule or deadline. I write each section when the mood takes me, without any prior outlining or brainstorming or anything. I appreciate and reply to comments, on all of the posts. Please feel free to comment on older sections. Someday, I will revise the sections, which will involve going back through the comments and incorporating those discussions into the material.

• Table Of Contents. The basic outline for the handbook. (6/9/06)
• Overview: Four Spheres of Design. The differences between Commercial, Experimental, Universal and Discursive design. (11/21/09)
• Chapter One (Part 1): Why Design? The philosophy of the handbook. (6/25/06)
• Chapter One (Part 2): Identifying Your Play Preferances. The bedrock of design. (7/10/06)
• Chapter One (Part 3): A Brief History Of Design Trends. The context for design. (9/23/06)
• Chapter Two (Part 1): Core Questions – The Big Three. A three-question framework for game design. (10/2/06)
• Chapter Two (Part 2): Core Questions – The Alternate Three. Another three-question framework for game design. (12/5/06)
• Chapter Two (Part 3): Core Questions – The Power 19. A 19-question framework for game design, and a conclusion to Chapter 2. (2/3/07)
• Chapter Three (Part 1): Methods – The Process of Roleplay. An overview of the basic process of roleplay, and what it means for design. (12/9/07)
• Chapter Three (Parts 2 & 3): Methods – (part 2) The Lumpley Principle & (part 3) System Matters vs System Doesn’t Matter. Defining “System” and “Rules”, & exploring what what those mean for design. (1/12/08)
• Chapter 4 (Part1): Authority & Credibility. Introduction and overview of the concepts of authority and credibility, and why they matter for design. (9/28/08)
• Chapter 4 (Part 2): The GM Is Not A Person. Breakdown of the GM into duties and responsibilities, and and overview of four broad GM Patterns. (11/15/08)