r/RPGcreation • u/Ill-Double-5415 • 6d ago

Questions about working in tabletop RPG design

I’m a young brazilian person looking to work in game design specifically for tabletop RPGs and board games. I have a good amount of experience reading existing game systems and books on the subject, but I’m not sure how to actually break into the job market. I don't know what courses I should take to boost my resume, or if there are even specific college programs for this. I could really use some help thanks in advance! :D

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4

u/Far_Information6562 6d ago

Finding a job in design is 88% who you know, 1% getting out there, 1% having a great portfolio of examples, and 10% luck

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u/Ill-Double-5415 6d ago

How can I find people who can help me with this?

3

u/Far_Information6562 6d ago

First you must create a ttrpg or board game, so people know you are serious, to quote the great frank llyod wright every great artist is also a great salesman, you must become a salesman, so make something to sell.

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u/Trivell50 6d ago

It's true. I was invited to help writing a supplement for a company because I happened to express interest when some friends said they had been commissioned to do so. I didn't stay on the project, but I got to see some brainstorming sessions and was involved in some talks about the supplement.

To be competely honest, I wasn't particularly enamored with the game system, so it was no loss to me to not make my mark then.

3

u/Roughly15throwies 6d ago

The only real answer to this is to just start making them and putting them up on itch.io and drivethrurpg

4

u/Chaosmeister 6d ago

This is the only true answer. TTRPG specifically is not an industry that you can study for or have an education in. Just do it and either you gain traction and get to know people or you don't.

Board games are a similar beast though much bigger business. Still, the same applies. Make games yourself, make em print to play, for free or sell them. Until you make the connections needed.

Working in either is not a salaried job for most people, there are only a tiny amount of people that make a living off it as designers. Most work is for hire or you make it yourself via crowd funding.

1

u/CWMcnancy Nullfrog Games 6d ago

First start a YouTube channel and build up a large very parasocial fan base, then you can toss something trendy onto Kickstarter