Blades in the Dark
News, coverage and analysis tracking Blades in the Dark across the outlets.
Latest coverage
How do I Pick the Right Game?
This guide helps prospective Game Masters select the right tabletop role-playing game by prompting self-reflection on preferred playstyles, genres, tones, and rule complexity. It suggests considering available community support and provides examples of various RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and Blades in the Dark. The article emphasizes finding a game that aligns with both the GM's and players' enjoyment.
Three Mechanics From Blades in the Dark I Want In All My Games
This article discusses three core mechanics from the tabletop RPG Blades in the Dark that the author wishes to see implemented in other games: Clocks, Phases of Play, and Fortune Rolls. These mechanics are praised for adding depth, structure, and emergent narrative possibilities to gameplay.
Stop Self-Limiting Your Ideas
This article discusses the phenomenon of 'limiting thoughts' in tabletop role-playing games, where players or Game Masters (GMs) prematurely dismiss ideas based on assumptions or perceived obstacles. It explores reasons behind these limiting thoughts, such as miscommunication, overthinking, or mimicking character competency, and offers solutions for both players and GMs to foster more creative and engaging gameplay.
Getting Started with D&D in 2026: A No-Nonsense Beginner's Guide | TAG
This guide provides a no-nonsense approach for beginners looking to start playing Dungeons & Dragons in 2026, emphasizing its nature as a collaborative storytelling game. It recommends starting with the 2024 core rulebook update and suggests minimal initial purchases, such as dice and a character sheet, with the Starter Set being ideal for Dungeon Masters. The article also debunks common myths about time commitment, complexity, and required creativity, and offers alternative RPGs for those who might not find D&D suitable.
Evil Hat Co-Founder Talks About Potential End of the Fate System
Evil Hat Productions co-founder Fred Hicks has indicated that the company's flagship Fate tabletop role-playing system may be nearing its end due to declining sales, accounting for less than 5% of the company's revenue. Despite this, Evil Hat Productions continues to publish other successful TTRPGs like Blades in the Dark and Monster of the Week.
GTA and Red Dead in the crosshairs: hacker drama unfold... | TAG
Rockstar Games is reportedly facing a data breach with hackers claiming to hold sensitive Grand Theft Auto 6 information for ransom. Separately, the tribal survival game Soulmask has left early access with a free Egypt-themed DLC, and Magic: The Gathering is reintroducing a canceled Monster Hunter card. In other news, Karl Urban expressed interest in playing John Marston in a Red Dead Redemption film, Pete Hines departed Bethesda citing dissatisfaction post-Xbox acquisition, and the AI in the 25-year-old game Black & White is being recognized as a precursor to modern AI.
To Stand Out, This TTRPG Podcast Network Chose The Risky Route Of Avoiding D&D
The Glass Cannon Network, a prominent actual play podcast network since 2015, has differentiated itself by avoiding Dungeons & Dragons and focusing on other tabletop roleplaying games like Pathfinder, Blades in the Dark, and Call of Cthulhu. Co-founder Troy Lavallee explains this strategy aims to stand out in a crowded market dominated by D&D content. The network is currently touring with a live Call of Cthulhu show to increase brand awareness.
Give 'em A Little Free Play
This guide explains the concept of 'free play' in tabletop role-playing games, particularly within the context of Blades in the Dark. Free play sessions are designed to break from the core gameplay loop, allowing characters to pursue individual goals and develop their stories through focused scenes, offering a change of pace and deeper character exploration.
When Play does not go to Prep
This article discusses how Game Masters (GMs) should handle deviations from prepared game sessions in tabletop role-playing games like Blades in the Dark. It emphasizes that player-driven actions, even if unexpected, are a natural and enjoyable part of the hobby, encouraging GMs to embrace improvisation rather than strictly adhering to pre-planned scenarios.
