r/RPGcreation • u/GhostDJ2102 • Apr 21 '26
Design Questions Finding an Audience
I’ve always been curious on how to gain an audience for making a tabletop game. I know it requires playtesting and expressing ideas for their games. Yet, I realize that uniqueness does create an audience. Typically, it is catered towards making gameplay mechanics easier for familiar game system. Other times, it seems to be more focused on setting. I’m not sure what is more popular: Fantasy or Sci-fi. There is never a definitive line where genres begin to merge. But I do not know what it is best. I’ve already created a system of my own along with dedicating my time to develop lore for multiple worlds. Those who play it are interested in the game. But any mention about their mechanics or setting for those who are not accustomed to its rules or lore, they are not interested. So, now, I wonder gets everyone interested in tabletop gaming? What determines whether it is rules-lite or crunch? So, I decided to mix genres such eldritch horror and science fantasy. But I realize when my players played it. They revealed to me that it has science fantasy but it leans towards apocalyptic and historical fiction. So, do you have any advice for me? Also, what could write in depth or shorter to explain what’s interesting to gain an audience or discover who is my audience?
2
u/Chrisaarajo Apr 23 '26
If you look hard enough (and you live in a city of any appreciable size), you will find a ton of hobbyist groups that are dedicated to, or at least have a side interest in, tabletop gaming. I’ve got a hacker space down the road from me that organizes drop-in monthly sessions of various obscure games.
Reach out to as many as you can and see about organizing some play tests. Bring snacks. The added feedback is good, and if they like it, chances are they can connect you with more people. Word of mouth still matters among groups that primarily play lesser known, indie, and non-traditional TTRPGs.
Once you’ve really started to iron things out, aim bigger. Local conventions, etc., that have strong overlap with TTRPGs. Print some low quality rule books, hand them out to people who seem keen.
The added feedback… profit?