Indie Game Reading Club
@indiegamereadingclub.com
I'm Paul Beakley and I write https://indiegamereadingclub.com
Support the work at https://patreon.com/igrc
Support the work at https://patreon.com/igrc
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The Indie Game Reading Club
Deep reads, play analysis, reviews and everything else about small press roleplaying today
indiegamereadingclub.com
Holy how it's a lot of new folks all the sudden. Hi new folks, I write the indiegamereadingclub.com.
If you want a good starter pack of our top work of the past year, here's a list straight out of the analytics:
If you want a good starter pack of our top work of the past year, here's a list straight out of the analytics:
"How did you get into TTRPGs?"
On a dark desert highway,
Cool wind in my hair...
... You can check out any time you like
BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE
On a dark desert highway,
Cool wind in my hair...
... You can check out any time you like
BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE
"How did you get into TTRPGs?"
Aboard a shipwreck train
Give my umbrella to the Rain Dogs
For I am a Rain Dog, too.
Aboard a shipwreck train
Give my umbrella to the Rain Dogs
For I am a Rain Dog, too.
"How did you get into TTRPGs?"
I met her in a club down in old Soho.
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said, 'Lola.'
I met her in a club down in old Soho.
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said, 'Lola.'
November 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
"How did you get into TTRPGs?"
On a dark desert highway,
Cool wind in my hair...
... You can check out any time you like
BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE
On a dark desert highway,
Cool wind in my hair...
... You can check out any time you like
BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
The Club is back with a quickie about Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark and its terrible misuse as a West Marches game here.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
The Pretty Good Dark
I’ve been running a huge table – seven players! – of Free League’s new edition of Coriolis. Coriolis: The Great Dark is good, it’s fine. It’s a more focused take on similar ground covered by Coriol…
www.indiegamereadingclub.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:23 PM
The Club is back with a quickie about Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark and its terrible misuse as a West Marches game here.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
Surprise, we're getting pretty close to the final version of REALIS!
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
Coming soon: Realis
A new tabletop roleplaying game by Austin Walker
www.kickstarter.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Surprise, we're getting pretty close to the final version of REALIS!
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
The Club is back with a quickie about Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark and its terrible misuse as a West Marches game here.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
The Pretty Good Dark
I’ve been running a huge table – seven players! – of Free League’s new edition of Coriolis. Coriolis: The Great Dark is good, it’s fine. It’s a more focused take on similar ground covered by Coriol…
www.indiegamereadingclub.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:23 PM
The Club is back with a quickie about Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark and its terrible misuse as a West Marches game here.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
If you like Year Zero Engine and/or Arabian Nights-in-Space vibes you're gonna dig it.
You absolutely 100% will not regret backing this campaign. The Bakers continue to know their own creation best, continue pushing its possibilities, and continue supporting literally hundreds (thousands?) of designers, tinkerers and thinkers.
In 2016, the Apocalypse World 2nd Ed campaign ended at $149,681. We'd like to beat that!
At $149,682, we'll get with the original authors and update three classic playbooks:
• The Faceless by Bret Gillan
• The News by Josh Savoie
• The Show by Elliot Baker
At $149,682, we'll get with the original authors and update three classic playbooks:
• The Faceless by Bret Gillan
• The News by Josh Savoie
• The Show by Elliot Baker
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
You absolutely 100% will not regret backing this campaign. The Bakers continue to know their own creation best, continue pushing its possibilities, and continue supporting literally hundreds (thousands?) of designers, tinkerers and thinkers.
What perfect album came out the year you turned 16?
Hell of a year to have to choose!
Hell of a year to have to choose!
November 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
What perfect album came out the year you turned 16?
Hell of a year to have to choose!
Hell of a year to have to choose!
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
I see we're doing "systems matter" discourse again. Cute.
November 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I see we're doing "systems matter" discourse again. Cute.
Folks claiming the Satanic Panic "never happened" are absolutely lying.
I grew up playing D&D (and everything else) in the 1980s. The Panic was *everywhere.* So many friends had to give up their books, burned all their ephemera, pretended they had never played. Heartbreaking to think about.
I grew up playing D&D (and everything else) in the 1980s. The Panic was *everywhere.* So many friends had to give up their books, burned all their ephemera, pretended they had never played. Heartbreaking to think about.
The number of dudes saying they grew up playing D&D in the 1980s Bible Belt and say the Satanic Panic never happened and is a myth made up by anti-Christians is striking.
Just Blocked my third.
My patience with delusional fuckwits is zero and I'm not giving them a platform for their stupidity.
Just Blocked my third.
My patience with delusional fuckwits is zero and I'm not giving them a platform for their stupidity.
November 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Folks claiming the Satanic Panic "never happened" are absolutely lying.
I grew up playing D&D (and everything else) in the 1980s. The Panic was *everywhere.* So many friends had to give up their books, burned all their ephemera, pretended they had never played. Heartbreaking to think about.
I grew up playing D&D (and everything else) in the 1980s. The Panic was *everywhere.* So many friends had to give up their books, burned all their ephemera, pretended they had never played. Heartbreaking to think about.
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
The design decision which won narrative gaming
Last week, Apocalypse World came back to crowdfunding, with the Bakers seeking funding for a Third Edition of the game. Apocalypse World was first released back in 2010 and it took the indie RPG world by storm; by the time Dungeon World was released…
Last week, Apocalypse World came back to crowdfunding, with the Bakers seeking funding for a Third Edition of the game. Apocalypse World was first released back in 2010 and it took the indie RPG world by storm; by the time Dungeon World was released…
The design decision which won narrative gaming
Last week, Apocalypse World came back to crowdfunding, with the Bakers seeking funding for a Third Edition of the game. Apocalypse World was first released back in 2010 and it took the indie RPG world by storm; by the time Dungeon World was released in 2012 it was already all but certain that ‘Powered by the Apocalypse’ would be a phenomenon.
cannibalhalflinggaming.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The design decision which won narrative gaming
Last week, Apocalypse World came back to crowdfunding, with the Bakers seeking funding for a Third Edition of the game. Apocalypse World was first released back in 2010 and it took the indie RPG world by storm; by the time Dungeon World was released…
Last week, Apocalypse World came back to crowdfunding, with the Bakers seeking funding for a Third Edition of the game. Apocalypse World was first released back in 2010 and it took the indie RPG world by storm; by the time Dungeon World was released…
Anyone else have to contend with unhelpful prep buddies?
This is Malone. She couldn't care less that this is my one unscheduled night. 🙄
This is Malone. She couldn't care less that this is my one unscheduled night. 🙄
November 10, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Anyone else have to contend with unhelpful prep buddies?
This is Malone. She couldn't care less that this is my one unscheduled night. 🙄
This is Malone. She couldn't care less that this is my one unscheduled night. 🙄
I mean obviously.
I just backed Apocalypse World: Burned Over on @Kickstarter www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
I just backed Apocalypse World: Burned Over on @Kickstarter www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Apocalypse World: Burned Over
The 3rd edition of the groundbreaking original.
www.kickstarter.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I mean obviously.
I just backed Apocalypse World: Burned Over on @Kickstarter www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
I just backed Apocalypse World: Burned Over on @Kickstarter www.kickstarter.com/projects/lum...
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
“Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all.” —Thomas Carlyle
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #124 🤬
Musing on auditing the toolbox
open.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
“Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all.” —Thomas Carlyle
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
This week, I wrote about the tools that keep my games running and my ideas organized — and the secret to keeping them sharp!
Good Monday, Gamer!
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
🚀 One Mo'gin
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
One Last Run Before the Third Apocalypse
AW:BO One Mo'gin.
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
🚀 One Mo'gin
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
The Apocalypse World 3rd Edition Kickstarter is on the horizon — but before it lands, I’m running one last campaign with Burned Over 2E.
This is my farewell tour for AW:Burned Over 2E — a love letter to the game that changed how we gamed.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
The Great Commission strives to tell the story of early Christian evangelists. I have complicated feelings on it. My review: spacebiff.com/2025/10/29/t...
Neither Board Nor Counters
I remember the first time I felt doubt. It was the night my little sister was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. Mom figured it out at the grocery store — we’d been through this once before — an…
spacebiff.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:57 AM
The Great Commission strives to tell the story of early Christian evangelists. I have complicated feelings on it. My review: spacebiff.com/2025/10/29/t...
Facilitation is invisible architecture. What a line!
Also lays out, in my mind at least, the fact there are two parallel jobs when you run a game. I've been at a lot of tables where only one of them was getting done. Although I'll take a table with good facilitation and weak creativity every time.
Also lays out, in my mind at least, the fact there are two parallel jobs when you run a game. I've been at a lot of tables where only one of them was getting done. Although I'll take a table with good facilitation and weak creativity every time.
What do a speed-dating event and a TTRPG session have in common?
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Facilitation.
This week’s Monday Muse connects the dots between hosting, and gaming, plus updates on Cairn 2E, Flying Circus, and Apocalypse World: Burned Over. open.substack.com/pub/playfear... #ttrpg
Monday Musings #123 🤬
Musing about Speed Dating, the 40+ Edition.
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Facilitation is invisible architecture. What a line!
Also lays out, in my mind at least, the fact there are two parallel jobs when you run a game. I've been at a lot of tables where only one of them was getting done. Although I'll take a table with good facilitation and weak creativity every time.
Also lays out, in my mind at least, the fact there are two parallel jobs when you run a game. I've been at a lot of tables where only one of them was getting done. Although I'll take a table with good facilitation and weak creativity every time.
Deciding how much I hate the assumptive sell quality of text like this.
This is text from Free League's Coriolis: the Great Dark. And oh yes I do know what I'm getting into when I hitch my wagon to Free League's star! But also I far prefer running with my own material than anything published.
This is text from Free League's Coriolis: the Great Dark. And oh yes I do know what I'm getting into when I hitch my wagon to Free League's star! But also I far prefer running with my own material than anything published.
October 23, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Deciding how much I hate the assumptive sell quality of text like this.
This is text from Free League's Coriolis: the Great Dark. And oh yes I do know what I'm getting into when I hitch my wagon to Free League's star! But also I far prefer running with my own material than anything published.
This is text from Free League's Coriolis: the Great Dark. And oh yes I do know what I'm getting into when I hitch my wagon to Free League's star! But also I far prefer running with my own material than anything published.
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
October 23, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Big elaborate deep dives are unsustainable so I'm moving to a new review format.
First on the chopping block is Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark.
First on the chopping block is Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark.
October 21, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Big elaborate deep dives are unsustainable so I'm moving to a new review format.
First on the chopping block is Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark.
First on the chopping block is Free League's Coriolis: The Great Dark.
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
I have my spookiest games bundled up nice and warm for the season. So warm. So close, so comforting. So... wait, what's in here!?
itch.io/s/161982/spo...
itch.io/s/161982/spo...
Spooky Season 2025 by Nathan D. Paoletta
A bundle by Nathan D. Paoletta, $16.66 for Annalise: Stories of Pain, Hunger & Redemption, Warlock Pro Wrestling
itch.io
October 20, 2025 at 2:55 PM
I have my spookiest games bundled up nice and warm for the season. So warm. So close, so comforting. So... wait, what's in here!?
itch.io/s/161982/spo...
itch.io/s/161982/spo...
@newmadras.bsky.social 's latest newsletter is out. Even if he's wrong about my column he's always worth reading. 😉
ttrpg.in/2025/10/19/b...
ttrpg.in/2025/10/19/b...
Big Reveals
I. Dear Reader, A while ago, I wrote about an Apocalypse World: Burned Over game that I was running. My players decided that they wanted to kill the psychic maelstrom and that led to a series of co…
ttrpg.in
October 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM
@newmadras.bsky.social 's latest newsletter is out. Even if he's wrong about my column he's always worth reading. 😉
ttrpg.in/2025/10/19/b...
ttrpg.in/2025/10/19/b...
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
🔪Welcome to the Genziana Hotel🏔️
Crowdfunding for my gothic horror mystery rpg is live! Investigate the hotel, meet unnerving guests and creepy staff, find dreadful clues, answer horrible questions and discover what happened to Marga, the boyish girl with the wild curls.
Crowdfunding for my gothic horror mystery rpg is live! Investigate the hotel, meet unnerving guests and creepy staff, find dreadful clues, answer horrible questions and discover what happened to Marga, the boyish girl with the wild curls.
The Girls of the Genziana Hotel by Hendrik ten Napel - Gamefound
Play as chambermaids in a 19th century alpine hotel investigating the disappearance of their friend.
gamefound.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
🔪Welcome to the Genziana Hotel🏔️
Crowdfunding for my gothic horror mystery rpg is live! Investigate the hotel, meet unnerving guests and creepy staff, find dreadful clues, answer horrible questions and discover what happened to Marga, the boyish girl with the wild curls.
Crowdfunding for my gothic horror mystery rpg is live! Investigate the hotel, meet unnerving guests and creepy staff, find dreadful clues, answer horrible questions and discover what happened to Marga, the boyish girl with the wild curls.
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
The big box Kickstarter - The overly produced roleplaying game - The New Novelty - The horror - The history - The Glamour
www.failforward.moe/2025/10/the-...
www.failforward.moe/2025/10/the-...
October 13, 2025 at 8:54 PM
The big box Kickstarter - The overly produced roleplaying game - The New Novelty - The horror - The history - The Glamour
www.failforward.moe/2025/10/the-...
www.failforward.moe/2025/10/the-...
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
This week I’m thinking about branded games — the ones that carry big licenses and even bigger expectations. Ghost in the Shell and Invincible just dropped, and I’m wondering if they can break the curse of “safe” licensed RPGs.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Monday Musings #121 🤬
Musings on Branded Games™️
open.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:50 PM
This week I’m thinking about branded games — the ones that carry big licenses and even bigger expectations. Ghost in the Shell and Invincible just dropped, and I’m wondering if they can break the curse of “safe” licensed RPGs.
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
open.substack.com/pub/playfear...
Reposted by Indie Game Reading Club
Final Day! Campaign ends this evening. Thanks so much for keeping World Wide Wrestling... world wide!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ndp...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ndp...
World Wide Wrestling 2E: Repackaged
Reprinting the Premier Pro Wrestling ttrpg of Narrative Action - In Hardcover For the First Time!
www.kickstarter.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Final Day! Campaign ends this evening. Thanks so much for keeping World Wide Wrestling... world wide!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ndp...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ndp...