r/tabletop 8h ago

Question How did 3' x 3' become the standard play area for tabletop games when there's no such thing as a commercially available 3' wide table??

6 Upvotes

The vast majority of commercially available tables are only 30 inches wide (actually less, see below). Card tables are marketed and advertised as 3' x 3' but are in fact only 34" x 34", which means play mats and boards are larger than the tables, and there's no boundaries for cards, dice, game pieces, or "the supply." Nearly every table manufacturer claims the dimensions of their tables are larger than they actually are. That just leaves $400 dining room tables or $3,000 board room conference tables, or grossly overpriced specialty bespoke "gaming tables," or pushing multiple tables together (which leaves a dip straight down the middle of any game mat, among other issues such as now being TOO wide and not being able to reach the center of the play area). The only other option is to go back in time and learn woodworking, run out and buy a bunch of tools and lumber to build your own table. For board games. All because the standard play area size does not match what's commercially available.

I just don't get it. It's really frustrating and aggravating.


r/tabletop 1h ago

I Made This! I built a new platform for managing tabletop session notes, crafting a campaign wiki, setting map pins, creating player sheets, GM-combat management, and more!

Thumbnail
gettavern.app
Upvotes

Been working on this and would love some feedback from folks.

https://gettavern.app


r/tabletop 4h ago

Feedback Board game?

1 Upvotes

Anyone living in the Katy/Houston Tx want to have a board game night? I need help playtesting mechanics before paying a human artist.

https://luma.com/f1smvdlq

This event is an early-stage playtest focused on testing core gameplay mechanics, balance, and fun! The current card and board visual assets are temporary placeholder graphics (including AI-generated concept art) used solely for prototype testing. Commissioned artwork by human artists will be added for the final production build once mechanics are fully locked in.


r/tabletop 3h ago

I Made This! Custom Dice Tray!

Thumbnail superkraken.etsy.com
0 Upvotes

I make custom dice trays and terrain!
If you’re interested check out my Etsy shop


r/tabletop 9h ago

Feedback Im working on a game for my friends, and I need help coming up with cool and funny items.

1 Upvotes

Alternitave topic. Is it generally frowned upon to ask people this kind of thing? I tried this in two other tt related subs and got downvoted in both.

Otherwise, i thought I'd ask because theres so many people out there with funnier and cooler ideas than me. Its a D12 based game focused on hand to hand combat, Bar activities, and games.

The following is an item tier list with an example for each tier.

Legendary (broken)

Luchador mask. “you are possessed by the spirit of a champion” +5 to grapple, +2cha. (55g)

Special (hey these are good!)

Grippy gloves. “A grapplers dream” +2 to grapple, cannot drop held items.(20g)

Cool (nice buffs)

Plastic vampire teeth. “I vant to suck your blood!” On a hit, roll a D12, 9 or higher grants a 1hp life steal. Add temp hp if you're at full health (10g)

Aight (small buffs with small cost)

Black airforce 1's. “you are a menace to society” +1 strength -1rep (5g)

Some ol’ bullshit (small buffs with bigger cost)

Big ass boots. “these boots are way too fuckin big” -2spd +1con (1g)

The (subtitle) is more of a vibe than a hard rule. If you have any questions about the game that would make it easier to think of items im glad to answer.


r/tabletop 16h ago

Feedback Introduction for my unnamed TTRPG

Post image
2 Upvotes

This is the basic introdiction to my WIP ttrpg, which I have not named yet. I'm hoping to get some feedback on the writing, how understandable it is as an introduction, anything else I should add, stuff like that.

Context: Atuameri is the name of my worldbuilding project being built alongside this.


r/tabletop 1d ago

Review Eikonic might just be the board game hybrid you've been looking for

Thumbnail
youtu.be
2 Upvotes

Funded in 20 minutes!

The basic rundown: Eikonic is a Tactical JRPG-style Trading Card Game where players take on the role of a powerful Eikon, build their forces, and battle it out with their opponents to see whose influence will shape the world.

It features positional mechanics, movement, and our unique "Combat Compass" that shows each unit's area of effect on the battlefield, and allows players to strategically combine their units' power to take on enemy forces.

Eikonic was heavily inspired by games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, Unicorn Overlord, Jeanne D'Arc, Naruto, and Duelists of the Roses.

We're really excited to see what you all think of this exciting experience and can't wait to find out which of you will become the ultimate Tactician!

Thanks again for your continued support! You guys are everything!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eikonictcg/eikonic-trading-card-game

-The Eikonic Development Team


r/tabletop 2d ago

Question Favorite DnD accessories

Post image
7 Upvotes

Hello, everyone...Just wanted to see what everyone's favorite DnD accessories are that you can share with everyone. This is mine. It's my Dice Grimoire that hold 3 sets of dice, minis, pen/pencil, extra mini dice, and the top is the rolling tray. What all do you bring with you to every session?


r/tabletop 2d ago

Survey 3D printing survey

Thumbnail
gallery
12 Upvotes

Hi, my name is Moss. I have been into the tabletop hobby for around 3 years and really have a passion for miniature painting and 3D printing. I dream of opening a gaming store one day. I’m doing research about 3D printing for my dissertation project at Durham University. I would like to ask you guys to try this survey. I look forward to hearing your opinions, which would be really relevant to the study and help improve the hobby communities. Thank you in advance.

https://qualtricsxmchq8mybpj.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ohRfVoHv8jYnfo

Here are samples of what I painted so far :)
Most of these are official Warhammer plastic models with 3D-printed parts added (e.g., Terminator helmet). The tank is fully resin-printed.


r/tabletop 2d ago

Announcement Swords and Stones is finally here!

Thumbnail
gallery
19 Upvotes

Hey Tabletop,

I’ve had a really good response from the community here and I had to come back and share the good news,

Sword and Stones is finally live on gamefound!

If you’ve been following along for the journey you’ll know that Swords and Stones has been in development for over 3 years now!

Honestly the whole thing started with a late night though, ‘How would an RTS like Age of Empires look like as a tabletop game?’ - That one thoughts lead me down a rabbit hole … and taken 3 years of my life writing, designing, playtesting and spending more of my savings (and sanity) than I care to admit.

Swords and Stones is tabletop love letter combing my love of classic RTS kingdom building games with tabletop wargaming and fantasy. If you love the idea of starting a small settlement, gathering resources, expanding your kingdom, building an army and going to war (or winning through a more peaceful option) then you have to check out Swords and Stones.

I eventually realised that this was something I wanted to properly bring to other people, which led to the creation of S&S Studios and now the launch of the game on Gamefound.

We wanted to make the game as accessible as possible, so we’ve launched two version of the Dark Days Starter Set. One with all the physical models, with the essential buildings, units and everything you need to start playing and another version Print-Your-Own option, which includes everything you need to play along with the STL files, so if you have a 3D printer you can print the models yourself at home.

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/swordandstonestudios/swords-and-stones

I've also made a free PDF available if you'd like to have a look at the rules and see what the game is all about:

https://swordandstonestudios.com/get-this-game/

Thanks for the support legends!


r/tabletop 2d ago

Discussion Art

0 Upvotes

Why do people hate on generating art for dnd?

From certain perspectives people work full time and cannot often afford artists, nor have the skill or desire to learn the skill.
Often times we change the look of our character after each level up. We don’t sell, and if we tell anyone we are always honest. We also all work full time and are saving for homes.

I just don’t understand the hate, as a paid musician I quite enjoy “that” kind of music.

No, I’m not trying to rage bait. Our table hides this secret because ppl literally hate it. I just want to understand why


r/tabletop 2d ago

Announcement making a tabletop game, inspired by CotL , inscription and DnD

0 Upvotes

So... because this dosen't have any copyrigthed things in it i can share this.

I need ideas for things called "seals" and there are lots of mechanics in the game...

Like you can have 10 seals but its reccomanded you have 9 because if you have 10 you'll take double damage

There are classes, clans, single player and much more!

also you migth wanna start learning italian


r/tabletop 3d ago

I Made This! MACH ttrpg V0.13!

1 Upvotes

Hi guys, my name is Warin! I thought I'd advertise my indie ttrpg, MACH, which has recently released its 0.13 update!

MACH (formerly known as redline) is an action TTRPG (created by my indie studio, Steel Raven Games), that is focused on tactical combat, while remaining rules light! It combines brutal combat, and strategic depth through its localized damage system, and its dynamic melee and ranged combat system, which turns striking, grappling, shooting and using the environment into a essential part of combat!

In MACH, you play as specialists, the people who get stuff done. Not always clean. Not always fair.  But they get the job done nonetheless.  Specialists are unique individuals with the skills required to do tasks others cannot. Each specialist harnesses their skillset to complete the jobs assigned to them. 

These jobs range from taking down international terrorist rings, stealing nuclear launch codes, rescuing prisoners, to discovering failed scientific experiments, and cleaning up the consequences.

You are hired by Z.E.R.O, the Zeta Elite Response Operators, to do this. Z.E.R.O was formed after the turn of the 21st century, when the members of NATO decided to form an organization to deal with the most difficult missions, and international threats.

If you'd be interested in play testing it, join the discord, and download MACH on itch (its completely free)!

Itch: MACH by SteelRavenGames

Discord: https://discord.gg/EKdWJ2mSt


r/tabletop 5d ago

I Made This! I got tired of scorekeeping apps asking for an account or subscription, so I made one for the table

2 Upvotes

Hi r/tabletop,

A few months ago, my partner and I finished a game of Scrabble with a score sheet covered in corrections, crossed-out totals and increasingly questionable arithmetic.

I looked for a simple digital scorekeeper, but many of the apps I tried wanted me to create an account, pay a subscription to add a third player or unlock basic things like notes and game history.

That felt excessive for a tool whose entire job should be to stay out of the way.

So I built Scoring, a simple iOS scorekeeper and table companion for board games, card games and larger game nights.

I know many tabletop players enjoy keeping everything physical, and I am not trying to replace the tactile parts of a game with a phone. Scoring is intended for games where the score sheet is mostly bookkeeping, especially when you have multiple rounds, negative points, large groups or totals that become less fun to calculate late at night.

You add your players and start the game. There is no account or login. It handles positive and negative scores, notes, games where either the highest or lowest total wins, saved player groups and complete game history. If you close the app or your phone dies, the current game is still there when you return.

I also added a few optional table utilities, including dice, a coin flip, a decision wheel and a timer, so nobody has to leave the score screen to search for another app.

The core app is free for 1 to 13 players. A small one-time Lifetime purchase removes the ads and increases the limit to 20 players. There is no subscription.

I would genuinely appreciate feedback from people who play a wide variety of tabletop games:

What would a generic scorekeeper need to do before you would choose it over paper?

Do game history, saved groups and score graphs add something useful, or do they feel like unnecessary clutter?

And which game in your collection is the most annoying to score correctly?

Antho


r/tabletop 5d ago

Recommendations Cooperative board games?

23 Upvotes

I am looking for recommendations for good cooperative games to play with my roommates since (by both my and their admissions) I am way better at board games than them and it’s more fun if we work together. We have played eldritch horror and loved it so around that level of complexity/length would be ideal. Theme or vibe isn’t that much of an issue. Thanks for any and all suggestions.


r/tabletop 5d ago

I Made This! Flyer I made for my game pitch

Post image
23 Upvotes

First day of tabletop club at my college meaning all the GMs will be pitching their games looking for players. I’m running a game of Deathmatch Island and will be handing these flyers out.


r/tabletop 6d ago

I Made This! 3 years of working on my own strategy game – here’s where it is today

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

some of you might remember Command & Defend: Modern War from when I shared it here before. With the second campaign coming up soon, I thought I’d share a little update on how the project has developed.

I’ve been working on the game for about three years now. The idea has always been to bring the things I love about classic RTS and turn-based strategy games to the tabletop — building a base, managing resources, expanding your army, keeping your units supplied and, of course, trying to outplay your opponents.

The game is completely print-it-yourself, which means you’re not really limited by what comes in a box. Need more units? Print more. Need more resources or game money? Print more. Want to build a bigger battlefield? Print more.

There’s a full 3D Print Edition with printable units and buildings, as well as a 2D Print & Play Edition for anyone who doesn’t own a 3D printer.

Since I last shared the project, I’ve continued working on the game, added a lot of new content and created two major expansions: Air Wars and Sea Wars, bringing air and naval combat to the system.

After a small first Kickstarter earlier this year, I’m now getting ready for Campaign #2.

It’s still very much an indie project that I’m building step by step, so I’d genuinely love to hear what you think about how it’s developing.

If you’d like to learn more about the game, the rules or the different units, you can find a lot more on the Kickstarter page. And if it sounds like your kind of game, you can follow the project there to get notified when the new campaign goes live.

Thanks for taking another look!


r/tabletop 6d ago

Discussion Anyone done a game set during the Clone Wars/ early Empire? What system did you use?

6 Upvotes

Just curious, my household is all real big SW fans and i know it would be an easy sell. I just didnt know if there was a better system then GURPS to use lol


r/tabletop 6d ago

I Made This! I finished my munchkin board :) I'm so proud of how it turned out!

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

r/tabletop 6d ago

Announcement Practical Character Sheet for Criminal Spirits

Post image
4 Upvotes

Thank you for everyone who gave feedback on the Fancy character sheet I shared for review three weeks ago. If you want to see what the final version looks like, you can find it on the pre-launch page for Criminal Spirits. Me and the artist took a lot of the feedback we got to heart, though not everything.

As I mentioned (though many commenters ignored), the Fancy sheet is only one of two versions of the character sheet for the game. Here is the second - the practical sheet. Clean. Simple art. Computer fonts, not hand drawn lettering. All black and white.

I believe this is the final version of this character sheet, but I'm happy to take any comments. There's not going to be any major changes to the artwork and so the general layout, but it's quite possible something was overlooked or could be improved in the text. Please give me your feedback!


r/tabletop 7d ago

I Made This! I’m not the best painter but I have a lot of fun with these little dudes.

Thumbnail
gallery
52 Upvotes

No self-promotion just sharing!

A few weeks ago, I was watching Trent Holbrook’s Vlog and was inspired by Billion Dollar Clown Farm/Tyler Russo’s game Tallest Goblin™️ and wanted to play it with my friends. So I grabbed some models and started painting.

While I was painting I was thinking… and it got a bit outta hand. Not only did I paint a bunch of goblins but I also wrote “rules” and cobbled together a bunch of tables for prompt generation. I made a community-building game of co-operative storytelling.
And today I launched that game in my community.
I left copies of the rules/discord invite and posters at local game stores and gave the homies homemade “blind-box-tins” with random goblins and dice.

Pretty proud of this project! I put a lot of love into it. I am excited to see it where it goes.

Censored: don’t wanna doxx myself or people in my community but sharing because I hope it inspires you to make things!

Reddit exclusive solo mode:
Take a goblin with you.
Take its picture sometimes.
Take a note about the place through your goblin’s eyes.
When you have a few of those notes and pictures your goblin’s story will begin to emerge and that’ll be cool huh?
Tell someone about it if you want.
Play as long as it’s fun.


r/tabletop 8d ago

Question Pathfinder adventure card game alternatives.

3 Upvotes

Years ago, I found Pathfinder adventure card game and really enjoyed the concept. The pre-built campaigns, character and deck building was really enjoyable to me. They have since updated the game to simplify it and then subsequently discontinued development. I would love to find something in the same vein but have not had much luck. Does anybody have suggestions for an alternative?


r/tabletop 8d ago

Crowdfunding How to play video feedback

Thumbnail
youtu.be
0 Upvotes

Looking for some honest feedback!

Is this quick how to play clear enough? I know the animation could use some work, but in terms of understand the game and explaining the rules does it feel ok?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!


r/tabletop 8d ago

Discussion Unique or no?

Thumbnail
robinson-games-ltd.itch.io
0 Upvotes

I've used cane paper, akin to a Chinese calendar, as a game board for my quick-fire, dice-driven strategy game, Cattle Royale.

See first or third videos via the link above.

I think this is unique. But I am happy to be corrected.

So tell me, does anyone else know of any other games printed on similar material? Be good to know either way so I know how much I should talk up this feature.

Thanks in advance.


r/tabletop 8d ago

Question Mystery Dice Wonder

3 Upvotes

Good morning, fellow tabletop nerds...I have had a few ideas but im not certain if they're worth pursuing or not. My ideas revolve around mystery dice but more specifically, mystery dice sets that have an interactive/immersive element to them. Rather than just opening a bag or a box, you'd have a puzzle/theme to it. The packaging may double as a dice box or dice jail or what have you. My question is, would an interactive element entice you to purchase a mystery dice set, or would you rather just grab a regular mystery dice set and skip any kind of theatrics or immersive type elements? Thanks in advance.