RJ Lackie
@rjlackie.com
Writer @ Epic Games. Screenwriter. Emerging tabletop RPG designer. Gay as hell, broken in a fundamental but amusing way, and trying his best to make you laugh and/or cry.
He/him.
He/him.
Pinned
RJ Lackie
@rjlackie.com
· Sep 4
RJ Lackie's Into the Portal
Thoughts, stories and ideas from a budding TTRPG designer.
www.rjlackie.com
Heyo! I’m RJ, a game writer, screenwriter and burgeoning self-taught TTRPG designer who’s three years into a grand adventure at Epic Games. I’m gay as fuck, very friendly, and a barely-functioning human being with a general addiction to yearning.
You can find my TTRPG ramblings at Into the Portal.
You can find my TTRPG ramblings at Into the Portal.
I don’t have much to contribute to this convo — despite talking a lot about TTRPGs & meeting a ton of cool people here, I don’t really feel tapped in enough to make any statements. But it’s a great conversation!
What's the flavour of the current era of TTRPG design? Social Media Refragmentation? Is it a consolidation cycle? What are the new upcoming designers struggling with and against now?
November 27, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I don’t have much to contribute to this convo — despite talking a lot about TTRPGs & meeting a ton of cool people here, I don’t really feel tapped in enough to make any statements. But it’s a great conversation!
If this math and argument bears out, it offers some compelling insight into how America is (dys)functioning, and why so many numbers around poverty and class feel so disconnected from the desperation we’re seeing.
"The real poverty line—the threshold where a family can afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation without relying on means-tested benefits—isn’t $31,200.
It’s ~$140,000."
It’s ~$140,000."
How a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke America
www.yesigiveafig.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:23 PM
If this math and argument bears out, it offers some compelling insight into how America is (dys)functioning, and why so many numbers around poverty and class feel so disconnected from the desperation we’re seeing.
Not a specific movie, just aggressively resurrecting the 80s/90s erotic thriller genre - but gay this time.
If you were a despotic president, what movie would you force Hollywood to make? I want to see Quentin's Star Trek movie or maybe Kill Bill Vol 3.
November 26, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Not a specific movie, just aggressively resurrecting the 80s/90s erotic thriller genre - but gay this time.
Games I have enjoyed recently: Heroes Wanted (fun little roguelike deckbuilder), The Hundred Line Last Defence Academy (so intrigued to see where it’s going), Slots & Daggers (unexpectedly strategic), Tiny Bookshop (adorable), Baby Steps (maddening, in a fun way).
November 26, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Games I have enjoyed recently: Heroes Wanted (fun little roguelike deckbuilder), The Hundred Line Last Defence Academy (so intrigued to see where it’s going), Slots & Daggers (unexpectedly strategic), Tiny Bookshop (adorable), Baby Steps (maddening, in a fun way).
I’m honouring my American colleagues’ culture tonight.
November 26, 2025 at 2:35 AM
I’m honouring my American colleagues’ culture tonight.
I’ve figured it out.
This game is Bennett Foddy’s Breath of the Wild.
This game is Bennett Foddy’s Breath of the Wild.
Aw man, I’m so excited a video game *finally* has a relatable protagonist.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
November 26, 2025 at 2:20 AM
I’ve figured it out.
This game is Bennett Foddy’s Breath of the Wild.
This game is Bennett Foddy’s Breath of the Wild.
Reposted by RJ Lackie
Really wild situation here: a celebrated and well-regarded indie dev and publisher is facing shutdown because Valve banned their game from Steam and won't talk to them about it, at all.
www.ign.com/articles/uns...
www.ign.com/articles/uns...
Unsettling Horror Game Horses Banned From Steam, Leaving Studio With 'High Risk' of Closure - IGN
Indie horror game Horses is preparing to launch on December 2, on the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store. But one place it won't be is on Steam, because Steam has banned the game for...
www.ign.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Really wild situation here: a celebrated and well-regarded indie dev and publisher is facing shutdown because Valve banned their game from Steam and won't talk to them about it, at all.
www.ign.com/articles/uns...
www.ign.com/articles/uns...
Reposted by RJ Lackie
If you are a games publisher, developer or designer, please fill out this survey. We’d like to know more about what you are looking for in a partnership. bit.ly/GameRT2025Pu...
Airtable | Everyone's app platform
Airtable is a low-code platform for building collaborative apps. Customize your workflow, collaborate, and achieve ambitious outcomes. Get started for free.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 10:03 PM
If you are a games publisher, developer or designer, please fill out this survey. We’d like to know more about what you are looking for in a partnership. bit.ly/GameRT2025Pu...
Aw man, I’m so excited a video game *finally* has a relatable protagonist.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
November 25, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Aw man, I’m so excited a video game *finally* has a relatable protagonist.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
Oh what am I playing? Just a cool new game called Baby Steps.
Reposted by RJ Lackie
🚨SALE ENDS TOMORROW🚨
Halloween may be over, but we're still feeling spooky!
Shop a bumper selection of titles, exclusively on our website, DRM Free for only 0.99 each! geni.us/Solarissale
Titles available vary by your country of origin. Ends on 24th November 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
1/6
Halloween may be over, but we're still feeling spooky!
Shop a bumper selection of titles, exclusively on our website, DRM Free for only 0.99 each! geni.us/Solarissale
Titles available vary by your country of origin. Ends on 24th November 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
1/6
November 23, 2025 at 5:20 PM
🚨SALE ENDS TOMORROW🚨
Halloween may be over, but we're still feeling spooky!
Shop a bumper selection of titles, exclusively on our website, DRM Free for only 0.99 each! geni.us/Solarissale
Titles available vary by your country of origin. Ends on 24th November 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
1/6
Halloween may be over, but we're still feeling spooky!
Shop a bumper selection of titles, exclusively on our website, DRM Free for only 0.99 each! geni.us/Solarissale
Titles available vary by your country of origin. Ends on 24th November 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
1/6
As a teen, I knew I wanted two impossible things, and to maximize my chances I’d have to pick between training to write for games or for TV.
Trained in TV writing for a decade.
And somehow that led me to a job writing for video games. 😅
Trained in TV writing for a decade.
And somehow that led me to a job writing for video games. 😅
November 22, 2025 at 11:43 PM
As a teen, I knew I wanted two impossible things, and to maximize my chances I’d have to pick between training to write for games or for TV.
Trained in TV writing for a decade.
And somehow that led me to a job writing for video games. 😅
Trained in TV writing for a decade.
And somehow that led me to a job writing for video games. 😅
Reposted by RJ Lackie
OPPORTUNITY! 2K Lead Narrative Designer - Various locations
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
www.linkedin.com/redir/redire...
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
www.linkedin.com/redir/redire...
Lead Narrative Designer - 2K | Hitmarker
2K is hiring a Lead Narrative Designer. Apply now on Hitmarker.
www.linkedin.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
OPPORTUNITY! 2K Lead Narrative Designer - Various locations
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
www.linkedin.com/redir/redire...
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
www.linkedin.com/redir/redire...
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL TTRPG DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL TTRPGGGGGGG
Renegade has announced that they will be adapting Matt Dinniman's LitRPG book series, Dungeon Crawler Carl into a board game and a TTRPG.
Renegade has announced that they will be adapting Matt Dinniman's LitRPG book series, Dungeon Crawler Carl into a board game and a TTRPG.
Renegade Game Studios has announced that they will be working on two official Dungeon Crawler Carl board games, adapting the popular LitRPG book series.
Read this article on TechRaptor
dlvr.it
November 20, 2025 at 2:29 AM
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL TTRPG DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL TTRPGGGGGGG
Reposted by RJ Lackie
"According to the report, [...]during the 2024-25 television season, queer characters increased across platforms by 4%, bringing the total to 489. However, the Thursday report found that 41% of those characters will not return." www.thewrap.com/glaad-where-...
Nearly Half of All LGBTQ+ Characters Will Disappear From TV Next Season, GLAAD Study Finds
The 2024-25 TV season recorded 489 queer characters across broadcast, cable and screenings, but cancellations and plot find a deep decline to come
www.thewrap.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:55 AM
"According to the report, [...]during the 2024-25 television season, queer characters increased across platforms by 4%, bringing the total to 489. However, the Thursday report found that 41% of those characters will not return." www.thewrap.com/glaad-where-...
Reposted by RJ Lackie
Do you know Ren'Py? Would you like to help out on @truthscrapper.bsky.social? We're looking for a Ren'Py programmer based in Ontario, CA (remote) we can periodically contract for hourly paid work to solve problems and program certain items! More details here:
forms.gle/1DMXtpFkY6Pr...
#gamedev
forms.gle/1DMXtpFkY6Pr...
#gamedev
November 18, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Do you know Ren'Py? Would you like to help out on @truthscrapper.bsky.social? We're looking for a Ren'Py programmer based in Ontario, CA (remote) we can periodically contract for hourly paid work to solve problems and program certain items! More details here:
forms.gle/1DMXtpFkY6Pr...
#gamedev
forms.gle/1DMXtpFkY6Pr...
#gamedev
One episode a week is an unbearable release model give me at least three episodes at a time or leave me alone
November 15, 2025 at 1:43 AM
One episode a week is an unbearable release model give me at least three episodes at a time or leave me alone
i should probably be slightly more unhinged on here, but I save my most batshit takes to bother @mmmegan.bsky.social with instead
networking is an incredibly important part of maintaining a professional presence in your creative industry, but it can be daunting. have you tried being completely fucking ridiculous online
November 15, 2025 at 12:16 AM
i should probably be slightly more unhinged on here, but I save my most batshit takes to bother @mmmegan.bsky.social with instead
man… dispatch season two when
November 13, 2025 at 4:39 AM
man… dispatch season two when
Reposted by RJ Lackie
it's on miro. it's literally on figma. you have to log into okta. it's in jira. it's on zoom. it's on pureref. it's on flow. it's on perforce. it's on slack. you can find it on slack. you can go to slack and find it. log onto slack right now. you can slack it. slack has it for you. it's on slack.
November 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
it's on miro. it's literally on figma. you have to log into okta. it's in jira. it's on zoom. it's on pureref. it's on flow. it's on perforce. it's on slack. you can find it on slack. you can go to slack and find it. log onto slack right now. you can slack it. slack has it for you. it's on slack.
Daydreaming this morning about the ‘gay exes become acrimonious rivals, and then fall back in love, behind the scenes of a singing competition show’ pilot I should just fuckin’ write because nobody’s gonna make it for me.
November 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Daydreaming this morning about the ‘gay exes become acrimonious rivals, and then fall back in love, behind the scenes of a singing competition show’ pilot I should just fuckin’ write because nobody’s gonna make it for me.
This almost slipped past me! If you want to pledge toward the dark and fascinating YOU WILL DIE IN THIS PLACE, you've only got a couple days left to do so. #ttrpg
November 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM
This almost slipped past me! If you want to pledge toward the dark and fascinating YOU WILL DIE IN THIS PLACE, you've only got a couple days left to do so. #ttrpg
Reposted by RJ Lackie
Launch!
GRAVITY is a one-shot-focused RPG about powerful people stuck in an increasingly bad situation. To maintain suspense, the game uses a rotating-GM system (stolen from Lovecraftesque and my previous game, Bleak Spirit) to ensure that nobody knows what the Threat is until the climax.
GRAVITY is a one-shot-focused RPG about powerful people stuck in an increasingly bad situation. To maintain suspense, the game uses a rotating-GM system (stolen from Lovecraftesque and my previous game, Bleak Spirit) to ensure that nobody knows what the Threat is until the climax.
Gravity: A Roleplaying Game
A one-shot TTRPG about powerful people in a bad situation.
www.kickstarter.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Launch!
GRAVITY is a one-shot-focused RPG about powerful people stuck in an increasingly bad situation. To maintain suspense, the game uses a rotating-GM system (stolen from Lovecraftesque and my previous game, Bleak Spirit) to ensure that nobody knows what the Threat is until the climax.
GRAVITY is a one-shot-focused RPG about powerful people stuck in an increasingly bad situation. To maintain suspense, the game uses a rotating-GM system (stolen from Lovecraftesque and my previous game, Bleak Spirit) to ensure that nobody knows what the Threat is until the climax.
Reposted by RJ Lackie
We're having a sale! To celebrate our move, new subscribers can enjoy their first month of Aftermath for just $1.
More info here:
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
Direct sale link (for anyone not already a paying subscriber) here:
aftermath.site/11-06-2025-01-...
More info here:
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
Direct sale link (for anyone not already a paying subscriber) here:
aftermath.site/11-06-2025-01-...
November 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
We're having a sale! To celebrate our move, new subscribers can enjoy their first month of Aftermath for just $1.
More info here:
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
Direct sale link (for anyone not already a paying subscriber) here:
aftermath.site/11-06-2025-01-...
More info here:
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
Direct sale link (for anyone not already a paying subscriber) here:
aftermath.site/11-06-2025-01-...
I just sat down and read through @thismaybegraham.bsky.social’s UNDER THE AUTUMN STRANGELY, and, fuck, this is a cool storytelling game. And I happen to have the perfect number of players available to me... #ttrpg
November 9, 2025 at 11:22 PM
I just sat down and read through @thismaybegraham.bsky.social’s UNDER THE AUTUMN STRANGELY, and, fuck, this is a cool storytelling game. And I happen to have the perfect number of players available to me... #ttrpg
With the release of Reflections in a Dying World on Itch (and prev posting projects like The Station & fae gothic here), I've made a small tweak to my bio: 'emerging TTRPG designer', a milestone that I think I'm cautiously ready to own.
November 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
With the release of Reflections in a Dying World on Itch (and prev posting projects like The Station & fae gothic here), I've made a small tweak to my bio: 'emerging TTRPG designer', a milestone that I think I'm cautiously ready to own.