So, We're Making Our Own RPG

We're announcing our RPG. Join us on the adventure of making it.
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#DesigningTheGame #MattColville #MCDM #MCDMRPG

[@mcolville]

I think all dungeon masters eventually become game designers even if they don’t want to! Because A: you end up designing your own adventures and encounters and that is 100% game design. And also B: pretty soon one of your players asks how something works, and you know there’s a rule, but you don’t know it off the top of your head and you don’t want to waste time looking it UP, so you make a ruling on the fly and your players say; that sounds reasonable and you keep playing. Then you look up the real rule after the game and you say…wait…THIS is how it’s supposed to work? I LIKE MY IDEA BETTER. Congratulations, you’re a game designer!

[@matorono1]

LITERALLY what I've been doing for years! I am so excited to see where this and your company will go hope (Hopefully) years to come!

[@dice.brain.]

definitely! dungeon masters who want to be better dungeon masters end up becoming game designers

[@spiderhaz_]

So how everyone plays Monopoly, make up the rules and have some fun xD.

[@dice.brain.]

@@spiderhaz_ that is a brutal yet accurate oversimplification

[@rafaelbordoni516]

I always said the same thing, drawing dungeons, putting in traps and encounters, that's all level design. TTRPGs are on this weird space where, when we actually stop to think about it, they're not really games. The game is what happens at the table, none of which is on the PHB or DMG. An adventure module is more like a game, yeah, but the TTRPG itself is more like a game engine. The DM is definitely a game designer, or at least becomes one, as you said.

[@100nodog]

It's time to put my money where my mouth is. I'm done with WotC, and I'm here to support people who care. I've never used Patreon, but I'm starting. Today.

[@mcolville]

Well you're basically why we're doing this! :D

[@Calebgoblin]

Your sword and my axe

[@grantdixson1442]

And my bow!

[@JoeAuerbach]

And his brother!

[@careful_mozzumite]

Paid comment.

[@CaptainShack]

This is so freaking cool. As a guy once said.... "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses." "Hit it."

[@kingofmilfgaard7604]

My favorite original Jerma quote

[@codenameqb]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs in the same comments ❤

[@captainmaim]

Carrie Fisher was the best character in that movie...

[@LonelyMinnesotan1]

Hello Captain! Didn't expect to see you here!

[@lynnkain]

“I’ve always loved you.”

[@robling1937]

An underrated bit from this video is Matt's philosophy of running a company. In a world where profit tends to push unethical practices, it is refreshing to have a man like him being a genuinely good dude trying to help out the people that are helping him bring his vision to life. Love you Matt. You've been a great mentor even though we have never met.

[@pratzuli]

Hard not to be inspired by Matt’s ethos. Delivery is everything, and he makes me want to believe.

[@Troynl66]

The issue is many succesful companys start like this, but then slowly the people who started it all leave and the shareholders take over

[@jhinpotion9230]

@@Troynl66 Which, sure, could happen to MCDM. Hasn't happened yet, and I doubt he plans on going public (which he *can't* do anyway - even WotC is only owned by a public company, as opposed to being public themselves.)

[@furtsmagee1513]

I’m glad you take him at his world for this. Perverse incentives exist everywhere.

[@pratzuli]

@@furtsmagee1513 feel like I have to until he goes for one of those perverse incentives

[@BobWorldBuilder]

I’m sure someone has said it, but INEVITABLE would be an awesome name for a heroic fantasy RPG

[@Shogari]

I thought the same thing! Just something about the way Matt said it.

[@MisterFizzer]

I've been calling it "Project Inevitable" in my head since I heard about it! Got a good ring to it.

[@katz86]

+

[@projectmc15]

Fancy seeing you here, I love your videos too!

[@jchunick]

Yup, count me in on this. Thought the exact same thing.

[@TheJollyAlex]

It feels like we're going to be entering a Golden Age of RPGs, where more and more designers are going to break away from the shackles of the corporations trying to monopolise and monetise our fun. TRPGs are going back to their roots. I can't wait to see the stories and epic adventures that will be told under these new systems. Thank you MCDM for all your hard work!

[@mcolville]

I really hope so. I came up as a dev in the 90s, when D&D was not popular and there was a really robust ecology of different games, with different visions and they weren't even competing. They were sharing the same freelancers and the community of players was willing to try lots of stuff and it just felt...healthy. I would love to see that period return. People deserve more and better options.

[@keltzar1]

@@mcolville It's an unpopular opinion but I earnestly think the OGL did tremendous damage to the tabletop gaming scene. It created a whole era of games that were all trying to cram different ideas into a D&D 3.0/3.5 shaped hole instead of experimenting in different directions.

[@Mark73]

And we have WotC's greed and narcissism to thank for it.

[@flatline42]

@@mcolville Having lived through the same period it was an interesting time because you had pillars of games that had survived from the 80s- D&D of course but also Shadowrun, Cyberpunk, the pantheon of World of Darkness, hell even Rifts & Palladium's games. I still have my SJ Games In Nomine books somewhere in a box. But late 90's through maybe mid 2000's we also had a period of games that went back to first principles and took dramatically different approaches to the experience of storytelling and RPGs. And while some of them I wasn't a big fan of, it was interesting to see the directions they went. From rules light drama to psycho hybrids of role playing and board games like Warhammer 3rd edition and indie games like Dogs in the Vineyard. I remember one RPG system called Dread that uses a jenga tower for story resolution. It was a crazy time. And while it was harder to find groups to play with, it was easier to find niches within the hobby to settle into and find the game style that you respond best to, and I really think that's the problem that the industry has now because D&D dominates so much. I think that while the cultural popularity of RPGs is a good thing overall, it also did damage to the industry because newcomers get funneled through D&D and tend to shape their views of the hobby through the lens of D&D. I'm hoping the Seattle Drama encourages more companies to go back to first principles and re-evaluate what makes RPGs fun and come up with their own answers like you're trying to. Already a patreon subscriber so I'm having fun looking at and talking about your ideas. Good times!

[@BanjoSick]

That was my first thought after seeing the OGL news! I thought: Finally!!!!!!!!! And got back into the hobby after 15 years of career and kids.

[@noahblack914]

As soon as the OGL debacle began, *this* is the announcement I was expecting. Can't wait to see what MCDM comes up with!

[@brettloo7588]

I didn't even think of it until this video and i am 1000% in. You have my money x5 because i will buy a copy for each of my players.

[@JacksonOwex]

I think Matt had talked about their desire to do make their own game before that!

[@noahblack914]

@@JacksonOwex It's definitely been on their minds for a while. I know the OGL mess didn't inspire the idea, but I expected it was going to inspire an announcement or formalization of plans or something. I'm sure this is a surprise to no one who's been following Matt and MCDM

[@flanbeau]

>Can't wait to see what MCDM comes up with! We already know, it's d&d 4e. I just know it when he says that the 5e edition is done to protect their brand and look and feel while dismissing that it was asked by the players after the 4e debacle and the playtests. He just loved 4e and cant accept that for all its good points it's too heavy for the majority of the players who prefer a streamlined experience even if it is at the cost of tactical options. Disclaimer: I likes 4e too and likes tactical systems so i am actually interrested.

[@noahblack914]

@@flanbeau I'm going to assume this is an attempt at a joke. I'm sure they have no interest in doing something as derivative as just remaking an old edition of D&D. If you want to play 4e, there's already a system for that: 4e

[@thefollowingisatest4579]

"What matters is what we actually do." That whole section was very reassuring to hear. I can't wait to see how it goes.

[@cesarfr7]

"Inevitable" is already a great title for an RPG

[@hawkthetraveler6344]

if nothing else a working title and name of the first intro adventure !

[@mofohasteheyelazors]

"Welcome to the World of Evitable!"

[@davetronred11]

Against the Inevitable!

[@GUNDAMURX73]

Hmm... Ajax the Inevitable has a good ring to it.

[@Valsorayu]

It is Inevitable that I'll run it when it's out.

[@craigkm5303]

Matt: armour does something. It’s not just decorative. Storm trooper: gives Matt side-eye.

[@dirtyoldgrognard6427]

Lol

[@frigginresulrum]

The Heroes of Bower Lake and Brightwall also disagree with this statement

[@thodan467]

@@frigginresulrum the french who kicked the english out do not agree with you

[@frigginresulrum]

@@thodan467 Wait what? I'm talking about the Fable video games where armor has no defensive value

[@LordVader1094]

Stormtrooper armour is good tho

[@suulix4065]

I have such a large appreciation for the integrity you have always held through the MCDM journey. I am really looking forward to the coming months! Thank you so much Matt and the entire MCDM crew!!

[@Deadshot15]

Matt, I thank you for side-stepping the low-hanging fruit of the whole OGL business. It was a hard month and disheartening in many ways but something positive has come from it. Many companies are looking to branch out and create something by themselves. It is so nice to see people wanting to make their own things and share them with the community. I look forward to what MCDM comes up with.

[@dminard1]

Doing a "making the game" series is actually brilliant. It will let people see your unconventional ideas and then give them time to mull those over and grow to love them.

[@Squeekysquid]

Plus they can get some feedback in real time. Sure there will be some noise, but it sounds like they know what they want so filtering out the useless feedback from the useful should be a simple thing.

[@hatchlingdm]

We are doing the same on Twitch for Cryptid Creeks and the chat is honestly a godsend. Really helps refine the rules

[@Tabletop_Nonsenseverse]

As someone who's been in the patreon and reading the updates, let me tell you THEY ARE SO FUN!!! Also, beware DO NOT GET ATTACHED TO A FIRST IDEA. Things change fast.

[@Revan_7even]

I've restarted designing my own TTRPG three times, generally after a year or two of not working on it and experiencing different TTRPGs and coming back with fresh ideas of how to implement design philosophies and avoid pitfalls of what I've played.

[@TyrannusAvarus]

I'm lucky in that I think what I want most out of it are elements they already consider core. So the updates talking about moving enemies around and slamming them and such sounds like exactly the fantasy Lancer/Into the Breach kinda thing I want.

[@Tabletop_Nonsenseverse]

@@TyrannusAvarus Yes, I really love the tactical element in games. It will be nice to have a game that supports that. Just like the Flee Mortals is so good and fun for the DM to run. That's what I want. Monsters that are fun to run and tactics is important.

[@Tabletop_Nonsenseverse]

@@Revan_7even Oh wow!!! That's really cool. What is it about?

[@asanelson4178]

“I have worked on a couple of solo books and it is awful.” Lol my fathers an editor and when authors ask him for advice he always says “don’t write a book”

[@jeremyc4811]

This is exactly what I hoped would come out of the OGL kerfuffle, that the community would break out of its 5E stasis and start really innovating again.

[@bTabard]

To Re-quote Conan: "To crush Hasbro, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their shareholders" VERY stoked for this project.

[@zwolga]

Wait but I’m a massive fan of mcdm *and* a hasbro shareholder. I need time to think. 😂

[@EcomComedy]

Not sure if I'm in the market for a heroic fantasy RPG right now, but I'm looking forward to following the development of this

[@mcolville]

Honestly, comments like this make me feel like we're doing it right. You SHOULD be able to tell whether this is the game for you based on the pitch, the design, etc... No game should try and be all things to all people. I mean, not even everyone who wants a Heroic Fantasy RPG will like this game! But hopefully enough people will.

[@michaelbird9148]

@@mcolville Heroic fantasy isn't my thing either (fan of the OSR and the minimalist games that emerged from it), but I wish you folks well! This genre is absolutely in your wheelhouse, and I love the notion of being unshackled from someone else's IP.

[@joshholmes1372]

​@@mcolville this I can agree with. By trying to do everything for everyone, you end up with a watered down product most of the time. Versus a deliberate bad focused product that has a clear vision they want to achieve.

[@maxk1273]

Same, but the armour and movement rules sound really cool. I bet it'd be really fun to adapt it to something more low fantasy with OSR elements.

[@mgb360]

@@maxk1273 Honestly the movement bit is not that different from the basic encumbrance system in B/X. 40' (8 squares) base movement, -10' for light armor, -20' for heavy armor, -10' if you're carrying treasure. I can see the value in having a 1:1 ratio between damage reduction and movement loss though, that's definitely an elegant and memorable way to handle it. The idea of magic armor standing out as the only armor that isn't 1:1 is also cool.

[@MavenofPinetree]

I love the implicit permission to think of you as my uncle! I will absolutely be supporting my uncle Matt, no "brand loyalty" trumps that! I've learned so much from you! Your point of view when it comes to running games is so fun and accessible and makes so much sense that I have faith that this will be game changing in the best way!

[@thetalesofulran1976]

Hey Matt, I just want to say that I appreciate you man. Over the last several weeks, you've taken the high road and choose to turn the revelation of uncertainty that surrounds our games future as we know it and turned it into creative fuel, and that's what a lot of us need right now. So thank you for being honest and optimistic, as I know it takes some serious passion and dedication to do the things that you're doing while keeping a eager and creative mind set. I've been posting videos of my group's/friends games for over 3 years now, and after referencing your ideas, insights, and commentary multiple times during our sessions, I finally started adding a "special thanks" and "shout out's" section within the video descriptions, and I'm glad to say that your name is amongst the list of those that have influenced me to create and break the mold so to speak, and this video once again reminds me why you're on that list. Keep up the great work Matt, and thanks again.

[@TheRabidOgre]

I pulled up this video not expecting much. I understand why there's a new wave of new games, but the industry has felt oversaturated for awhile (as long as you look beyond the big ones, obviously). I have far more games than I can ever get around to playing. Somehow you got my attention anyway. The funny thing is, I've been leaning toward narrative RPGs to get away from combat and I'm a little sick of the serial escalation that the fantasy genre as a whole seems to be experiencing. Yet, when I think of all the bad experiences I've had with combat in RPGs, it's because of the design and not combat itself, the very thing you're addressing here. I'm so sick of spending 5 hours on minor combat encounters that were never going to be interesting to begin with. If the combat itself was exciting, I might not mind that being the focus of the campaign.

[@iliveforzelda]

This is what I love about the TTRPG community. If there is change we want, we say "fuck it, I'll do it myself!!" 😊

[@jpallen6523]

I'm cautiously optimistic.

[@mcolville]

Me too! :D

[@andrewfarley4183]

Matt. You and your team are such treasures. The wider TTRPG community is so lucky to have you!

[@Vaesive]

16:10 is exactly why I love MCDM and why I want to throw all my money at them: support for their people and support for their fans. That's a win for me and I am so proud of the company for their stance in those matters; not just another corporation trying to find ways to squeeze every last penny of profit from their consumers and employee base. Thank you, MCDM, for being a standard in the industry that I think every company should aspire to be.

[@thehalfa95]

Your videos are the catalyst for my greatest friendships. I sat at a table and my now best friend tried to encourage the table to track how much damage they did to the monsters to help engage them- and the table rioted. I looked over and said "not all of Matt's ideas are winners", and her eyes lit up when she realized we both watch your videos. I bet we talked until 6 in the morning (I worked at 9 at the time) and she has been there for me through so much since. My greatest friendship grew because of one of your bad ideas, I can't wait to see what happens with this good idea. I'm on board with this game of yours

[@mcolville]

That was a good idea tho! :D

[@EveCookie]

@@mcolville I thought it was too! but don’t worry a lot of your ideas stayed at our table thanks for sparking my love for dming and the friendship I got along the way!!!! Lots of love Matt!

[@solsystem1342]

My players get the jist of tracking their own damage dealt pretty fast. It helps me keep the game moving along online. Great idea but, perhaps it isn't for everyone.

[@michimatsch5862]

When I started watching Matthew Colville he had only released like 5 or 6 videos and I was just reading the SRD to learn how to run DnD after one of my friends brought it up as a joke. What these videos really did for me, like the main benefit for me, was giving me license to run the game and running it the way I saw fit. Also without having the memorise everything from the start (basically impossible with 5e). I know it sounds silly to need license for running things your way for a ttrpg but we were all entirely new and so I kinda sat there and when I saw his videos first the metaphorical conversation kinda went: *Colville brings up a thing* Me: "Wait, you are allowed to do that?" Colville: "You are allowed to do anything that brings enjoyment to your table."

[@alexp.4270]

With the very famous Lawrence of Arabia quote we all know in mind, I am excited to step onto the riverboat.

[@careful_mozzumite]

who

[@VegetarianZombie]

@@careful_mozzumite kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKDcd5yPgNF5gLc

[@basska0]

Hi Matt, as a young game designer who started off with D&D and is now studying game design at uni with big plans and ideas for the future, you are such a huge inspiration for me. Thank you for doing what you do and showing me I can do it too. I can't wait to see the new RPG, and one day I hope I can make my own (I've already started) with a team like yours.

[@mattconley9007]

Hey, Matt. I’m a dm, a player, a pretty big critter, and an occasional watcher of your videos and lessons. As someone who has been…frustrated…with the drama that you’ve referenced here, this video was compelling. You’ve sold me. Your passion is infectious. More importantly, your focus appears to be exactly where it should be: the game itself and the people around you. I will be signing up for your patreon later today and doing research on more of your company’s products to snag.

[@magosdominusplutos5131]

I'm not a game designer, but I'm a GM of many systems (OSR, to pathfinder, to the Legend of Five Rings. I have an amazing group that likes to try new things). I'm a big fan of yours Matt. Even when I had already given up on 5e, I bought the two books available on your website just because of the quality. I will probably buy this new product just to have it. I only ask for one thing if possible: an introductory adventure and another for a high-level game. The reason is so that I can get an idea of what the scope of the game is. I wish you and your company all the success in the world. Peace.

[@igrek4035]

Matt said that a good adventure is the most important tool for explaining a system. Seeing that both the books had adventures, I rhink you can feel safe

[@crimsonhawk52]

Twitch chat was right, the "these rules" plug *was* the adventuring gear list!

[@danniereid6938]

Ngl, I screamed. From what you have outlined so far sounds like exactly what has been missing. Also, your explanation of armour is straightforward, much easier for those of us who are trying to make a game to play!

[@andrewc8871]

If the game deals a lot with positioning, I’m curious to see how it would do in ‘Theater of the mind’

[@TyrannusAvarus]

A killing monsters game where the combat is fun sounds perfect.

[@zanforian]

I’ve definitely become a designer from being a dm, including my own rpg, and I’m very excited to see the new videos and where this project goes.

[@botolinguini1757]

Critical Role got me back into playing D&D but YOU Matt made me more competent and confident in my abilities as a DM. I am so excited to see your new RPG and can not wait to see what you all have in store for us.

[@benbradbury1044]

This sounds like the perfect series for me. I have been digging deeper and deeper into game design ever since I started being a DM. The first time I successfully ran a game of DND was hot on the heels of Matt's 3rd ever "running the game" video. The man who taught me to DM is writing his own RPG system, AND documenting his game design progress along the way!!?? Matt, I couldn't be more excited!

[@SkylerLinux]

Honestly this game your working on is absolutely the natural conclusion of everything you do Via MCDM

[@MrPuffer69]

As someone who is currently working on his own system right now i wish you good luck my fellow designer.

[@SyntheticReign]

Absolutely same. This community is truly amazing

[@madclancrew]

This is what kind of excites me about the times right now. MCDM, Hit Point Press, Kobold, all these developers are going to come out with systems. Some drastically different, some slightly different, some brand new...and we, as players and GMs get to say "I'll have a little this, I'll have a little that" we're going to be able to take great ideas from everything and build systems on systems. And to me, that's super exciting. Looking forward to everything that comes and can't wait to see the work of my fellow nerds on how we build our next stories.

[@luciusschlusemeyer30]

My Homebrew already uses Armor like that, Plate absorbs 6 , Chain absorbs 5 , Leather absorbs 2 , Shields Lg Wood absorb 3, Med Wood absorbs 2 and small wood absorbs 1 , we use shield class based on dex if you full block an attach. It works great. The best part is your armor wears out and you need to find / buy new armor and shields, Helmets etc . I would be more then happy to share .

[@TabletopTiger]

As long as you hold the last part about your team and your company, I will always support your work even if I don't always use it because I believe in that vision for the community. Thanks for being a positive energy and I am excited for the journey!

[@emilyhelms-tippit4053]

every time I do game design I write out a little interview with myself that begins "What do I want the players to feel?" and goes from there. I've had little chance to run lately but it really has informed a lot of what I have run that really deeply works. Thanks, everyone at MCDM, for helping me realize that rules are about fantasy first, and balance rarely.

[@ryanliedke207]

That's a brilliant way to begin narrowing down on the vibe you want to make, great idea!

[@Ethan_Eastwood]

The pure passion and heart you and your team pour into everything you all make really shows, Matt. It's really inspiring to see how much you genuinely care about your team, your fans, your products, your videos... EVERYTHING. As a DM who's goal in life is to turn full-time game designer, this is powerful motivation and inspiration for me personally (sounds like that's the case for a lot of other commenters too). This is how a company should be run. I'm incredibly excited to see what you all come up with and I'm stoked to see the innerworkings of how your team is building the MCDMRPG. Thank you for all your amazing work and very much looking forward to the future!

[@EllipsisMark]

Hey, I've been working on my own RPG system too. It's primarily a "gun based" system that I call "Rads And NukaCola" inspired by the Fallout Series. It's playable as of now, but still super underdeveloped. I don't have any friends who are as turbo nerdy as me to develop a whole system.

[@roguevirus]

Good Luck, MCDM!

[@DungeonDad]

Making the development process entirely open to supporters (in my opinion) can only make the game better. Very excited for the game, but also to see how this unpreceded dev process shapes the final product! Good luck Matt!

[@MrAxelotl]

God that thing about the doors was all I needed to hear. I love it. This also helped me realise why I love the idea of monks in D&D so much (I've never played one, as I am the forever DM) - it's because the monk's abilities just seem inherently more cinematic. Deflect Missile is one of the most badass designs I've ever read about. Never mind how useful it actually is, just the thought of seeing a guy snatch an arrow out of the air, and then THROWING IT BACK?? Awesome. I love it. Now I imagine a game where not only one class but EVERYTHING is designed with that principle, and I am absolutely SALIVATING.

[@thrombocyte2054]

Armor is quite tricky, since there are two types of armor that do different things: a) "Hard armor" that deflect weapons (stabbing a breast plate just isn't a thing) b) "Padding armor" that reduces the damage Both limit mobility/agility, but a) makes it harder to score a hit on you while b) makes you survive more hits. This way you can customize what you want.

[@Mammothbronco]

I've been loving everything MCDM. Quality is the highest of all the 3rd party fifth edition creators. Thank you!

[@declanandrewbell]

14:40 that tiny head-tilt of pride... warms my fuckin heart Matt. love what you're doing here, can't wait to see what an MCDMRPG plays like.

[@ICLHStudio]

As someone who's been working on my own RPG system for a few years now, it's really fascinating to see all these different games people are revealing these days and the various directions they take; I love how everyone has their own level of focus and ambition for these projects, each latching on to different things they've liked, loathed, learned, and longed for from their time and experience playing TTRPGs, however long or limited that might be. Definitely look forward to seeing more about this; because even If it turns out not to be a system I would want to use myself, Game Design is basically the best thing in the world and I will never tire of exploring its approximately infinite facets.

[@wanderinghistorian]

Exciting! Also, mad respect to you for not going for the easy views and likes. You've got integrity and that is hard to find nowadays.

[@The_Game_Guru]

I'll be honest, I kinda like the name "Inevitable" for the game. "Inevitable, the Tabletop Roleplaying Game by MCDM Productions" has an appropriate gravitas I think. "Hey, wanna get together and play Inevitable this weekend?"

[@Ozai75]

Extra excited to see what this amazing team comes up with.

[@jeremyjlavender]

So many likes! Thanks for being a big up beat on this dramatic arc. I've gone from underwhelmed, to sad, to anxious and questioning. Now I'm excited! if the events of the last few months inspire great ideas like yours then it will be all worth it and the hobby will be healthier and more entertaining! Thankyou

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

I've bought some MCDM products, and others I've passed on. The ones I bought, I liked. The team seems to be impressively capable, and the passion is obviously there. I have no idea if I'll be motivated to buy this game, but I'll try to show my support for the process and production whenever possible. It is most certainly a worthy endeavor.

[@sailingmaster]

That was so heartfelt. I mean, you could tell. I'm onboard.

[@aemorion]

Matt and what he's doing with MCDM make me feel hope for the way companies can interact with there audiences. Most of society seems bleak, but Matt and MCDM, there a shining beacon in the sea of grey.

[@emuman42]

@@trequor And yet, even though everything is fleeting, we still treasure that which we can while they are good. Temporality is no excuse for apathy, my friend. It is the antidote to it.

[@davidharllee1760]

"Our goal is to make something tactical AND cinematic." Lots of games say things like this about there game, but having been a fan of MCDM's products since the get-go, and seeing and participating in playtesting process, and listening and reading how Matt, James, and Hannah think about these things, I KNOW that they MEAN it! Can't wait for it to come out!

[@tkc1129]

Your talk about movement got me thinking... what if you could reduce damage by allowing someone to push you? Sort of "bend like a reed"/get thrown back to absorb some of the damage. You reduce damage, but allow your opponent to reposition you. Could work with a lot of different games.

[@AdamarLives]

Longtime viewer and I'm really looking forward to this, Matt. I think you have a great team to do this with, too.

[@HarmonicClockwork]

So hyped for the Designing the Game videos!

[@ryanliedke207]

It's gonna be SO cool

[@ShelahirKrynn]

This project brings me hope. I've had a very rough start with D&D that has skewed my view on RPGs in a bad way (three dropped campaigns and a couple of bad DMs) but the rules were the one constant that always made the game feel very limiting. It basically boils down to "You're telling me that I can make a character and be whoever I want but at the same time I can't do any cool stuff?". And let's not forget the "You rolled a nat 20 but only a 1 for dmg so your epic moment got reduced to mundane". I've been playing other RPGs (Gloomhaven at the moment) and I will wholeheartedly say I REALLY do not miss rolling dice to attack.

[@ciarannihill]

This excites me, I actually find myself feeling the same as you more and more, where the best parts of 5E are the new things and the tedious chaff remaining from the old "classic" DnD drag it down to varying degrees, which is why, I think, so many people houserule a lot of those aspects away anyway.

[@EcowarriorII]

Can’t wait. Along for this ride till the end. Well worth my Patron dollars. I’ve been incredibly excited with what you’ve revealed these last weeks.

[@justinwatson16]

I’m backing the minute I see it on Kickstarter. You guys have definitely earned my trust.

[@clarknicholscomposer]

The patreon is also so cool! You should subscribe to that if you aren't already!

[@justinwatson16]

@@clarknicholscomposer I have 🙂

[@michaelweileder8328]

Matt, the last few lines of this video almost made me tear up. May all your tables be full of great friends and fantastic adventures!

[@kirkbrown1267]

I just want to recognize the Genuineness of the man who has taken up the mantle of being "The river to my people". Thank you Matt for having the fortitude to communicate with us, your audience, with raw emotion. Your restrained teers give credibility to the values you espouse. Thank you, as well, for being able to see beyond the drama of DnD's transition, with a bold move toward a newer opportunity. Others can argue the things they fear in DnD's future. I, for one, am used to watching this drama play-out between each new iteration of the game. People fear change. I like that you are bringing NEW not change. Thank you, as well, for including us in the process. That is both unique and brilliant.

[@Dereliction2]

Tactical, heroic fantasy? I hope Matt's adoration for 4E seeps deeply into the end result, since that system encapsulated those elements so well, but bred into a genius new design that sheds the tracking and play-speed problems it had at the same time. That would be absolute fun to see and play, and it seems like something Matt and allies could conquer. Exciting!

[@AnnihilateTheHeaven]

WIll you have iconics for your classes?(Basically characters that represent the class in the products and have fiction/stories built around them)

[@mcolville]

Actually I think we already do! We have an iconic beastmaster, we have an iconic talent. They're in the fiction we've been writing and including in our products.

[@AnnihilateTheHeaven]

@@mcolville Im super excited, i love that idea from pathfinder and read quite a bit of the comics and books about those characters, and Id love to see what you and the MCDM writers have in story for the dope ass fiction for your characters, i hope they are diverse and super freaking cool, Im pumped

[@michelletheia9853]

That rule for armor is close to HackMaster rules. Armor has DR but lowers your defense (HM uses an active defense roll) It has knockback rules (every 15 dmg is 5ft for M creatures) with different directions possible, and getting knocked into walls can give the attacker an extra (weaker, unarmed) attack

[@elliottrinke6346]

The patented Colville screw: suck me in with great products and content so that I fall in love with your company, and then introduce a new game system that will inevitably consume my life. The concept behind the game sound like exactly what I'm looking for, and we already know the team behind the game will be outstanding. Bravo.

[@thebowedacious]

So excited to be a part of this journey even from afar! I'm starting my first campaign this weekend and your videos have been instrumental in getting me to this point! Can't wait to see & test what you guys come with!

[@andrewdubeau9283]

I recently became an MCDM patron after watching every Running the Game video and also checking out Arcadia thinking "that looks neat, I'll happily support this channel that has given me I don't know how many hours of advice and entertainment". This video solidifies to me that this was a fantastic decision and I cannot wait to see what this game becomes. Good luck on all you do and thank you for developing a wonderful community.

[@moshtradamus92]

Love seeing you so happy talking about this, Matt! Must be a dream come true. Subbed the minute you announced this and will gladly support you through the entire process. Best of luck from a once non-believer of TTRPGs that you managed to convert into a diehard hobbyist; all with your first video of the "Running the Game" playlist (thank you!!!)

[@buckhunt6832]

Matt, I have been having this feeling for a while, and my friends and I even started trying to make our own system. Please keep up the vision, you are a river to your people

[@derrmeister]

Nice, just a few hours ago I watched the reading of the script in a recent twitch-vod, now I get to see the final version right after ♥

[@lionbryce10101]

Not only is it hard to move a tank it's hard to slow them down once they start

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

Indeed. Which leads to a thought on how interesting an inertia type mechanic could be for a game with giant monsters. Perhaps something along the lines of your weight and speeds vs theirs changes the DC for them to stop you or stay stoodup and in your way as you barrel past. Probably in a very simplified lookup table as not everyone loves doing the math - so you are humanoid light/medium/heavy or monster small/medium/heavy/"world ender" and you gain extra based on how many squares of movement this collision has had for you - so even a light humanoid may manage to knock over or push past the heavier with a good roll or enough runup, where the smaller end of beasts and monsters can probably push even a heavy human around quite reliably.

[@barge489]

As a Game Design Teacher and someone making a TTRPG system (as in finally writing stuff down after years of having stuff bounce around in my head and getting ready to start testing parts of it on my players and maybe my students). I love seeing this to see the types of problems and issues you and the team design around. I totally agree with your sentiment. I have taken to saying "I love what DnD does, more than what DnD is". I love that it brings my friends to the table. I love that it creates a vibrant and diverse community. I am less enthused by many of the actual rules at times. There are things 5e (the only edition I have played) does and does great, but there are so many downright odd design decisions, times where the system just STOPs working in engaging ways and the primary reason I keep finding when researching it comes back as "that's just what dnd is". It's funny that "armor" was something that really stuck out to me as a piece of design space and the relationship between mobility and protection. I also have kinda been wrapping my head around Shields. It is one of the things that bugs me the most in 5e. The shield is mechanically (without feats) just kinda gets treated like you wrapped it onto your armor. I feel like it should be a decision and a resource to use a shield, because you need to USE a shield.

[@WDINAJ]

Iv been watching since The History of D&D . It's AMAZING to see how for Matt has come. I'm definitely going to paly their game when i get the chance. Don't think I would have ever started DMing if it wasn't for Matt and now I run a game for my friends every other week. He probably wont see this in the sea of comments, but thank you for the inspiration over the years.

[@abefroman81]

I'm excited to see where this goes. I couldn't think of a better team to be working on it.

[@nighttrain1319]

Can't wait to play the finished thing, congrats on the announcement!

[@cookechris28]

Ever since I heard Matt's brief snippet on NPR/PBS about Temporary Hitpoints, back when he had... what, 4k subscribers? I've had this gut feeling that he wouldn't be going anywhere and that I should keep a tab where he was headed. That feeling has only magnified with the creation of MCDM and their work. Running the Game, a livestream, a whole company and a kickstarter- no, TWO kickstarters, a magazine with DOPE stuff in it by DOPE people, followed by a third kickstarter! Minis! Now a whole GAME! And we get to see the brainstorms and patch notes live! Twenty-five years from now, a successful designer- her own RPG books neatly arranged on a shelf behind her -will sit on camera, talking about MCDM the way Matt talks about musicians.

[@mikevides4494]

You could factor in articulation on armors like suites of plate, where the cost increases dramatically, but in return the armor reduces mobility far less than comparable protection. This is also exciting for things like Armor Proficiency, where being used to fighting on specific armor might reduce movement penalties. Another factor you might consider is that armor allows you to focus more on offense: being unarmored means you have to expend a lot of energy not getting hit. Being fully armored means you can afford to let some hits land, so more of your energy can go to hurting your opponent.

[@SurfRlyeh]

Awesome, the announcement many have wanted to see. Rock on, MCDM!

[@fatboy41bty]

God, I wish I had time to play RPGs these days. In saying that, I will 100% be buying this.

[@JoeAuerbach]

Here's hoping that this rpg makes is faster and easier to prep and run games, so you can grab some friends online and do it in your modest spare time!

[@Kharrakster]

I'm really curious to see where you take this! It's always exciting to see a team having fun as they explore their developing product! ALSO! I spent last year on an academic research paper that dissected the information and visual rhetoric design of RPG core books (and how they facilitated the emergent narrative and Theatre of the Mind at the table) and seeing you show that DnD equipment page makes me feel SO damn chuffed as I used that page exactly in one of my core points of comparison between systems!

[@Rbnlittle0]

"Running the game has never really had anything to do with 5E" I've watched and re-watched and discussed this series and its ideas since you began it; and while I play 5E, I don't even run D&D. I run Traveller, and have found immense aid in being more confident in my role as story facilitator, as well as game master, through this series. Thank you very much for presenting your ideas and learnings from a TTRPG lens, rather than specifically D&D. I have been looking at other systems to try out, in search of options that do what I want rather than bending "jack of all trades" systems to what I want them to do. Excited to see if your system fits game themes I and my group would be interested in.

[@jaikthesnake6285]

Very excited for this! Honestly when I saw you put the six stats out on Twitter, I decided to think of my own. Then I wound up making my own skill list, and it snowballed from there. I'm currently trying to design my own system for a fantasy rpg, and it has been really fun so far. I'm not under the impression that I will single-handedly make a game to rival D&D or MCDM's new game, but it's been a really fun mental exercise if nothing else. Hoping to do some testing with my friends soon.

[@Shovel_Cat]

Man it’s really great seeing all of these supportive and positive comments. Matt you’ve built one hell of a community.

[@connorholman2916]

Watching you talk about how much you love your team makes me so happy to be alive. I'm crying while I type this because you're one of the people I respect most in the world and there's this ecstatic pain in feeling like I know you. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us and treating everyone with the respect they deserve.

[@phookaziz3]

Long time subscriber to this channel and the Patreon. I'm so excited and jazzed to see this finally come about. This just feels right for you and your team. You have been laying ground work to create a new game/games from first principles for years. It is almost as if Running the Game and the 5E products were pre-writing, or experimental prompts so you could test out your new designer muscles. Godspeed to you and all your team! May inspiration strike when you're all near a recording device or pens and note pads!!!

[@JhonnyB694]

I'm been in a more Old School vibe of late, BUT the fact that the system is being build from the ground up really catches my interest. I'm definitely gonna visit the patreon

[@hikerchris7164]

Have been actively watching the streams and reading the Patreon. Beyond excited to see how this ends up

[@jscire__872]

This an excellent direction, a real silver lining to the whole OGL mess. Can’t wait to see more on how things develop with this! Very happy for you guys!

[@LensFog]

Alright, well... please go the direction with system crunch; the system it self and core defining rules is a most, because consistency between tables is solid idea. We've seen systems that leave way to much in the air and game masters forced to fill it, while every other table with the said system is playing a different game because of this. Players should know going into the system what things do, and how things work in regards to their characters. Yeah everyone has house rules but there should be a core rule set that is solid and easy to understand. Happy to see your making your own RPG with collaboration with the community! 😄

[@jalahjava_]

I'm super interested to see how this goes I've been watching and around for awhile, and all your advice and things align similarly so I'm also curious what you all would make

[@robertkendzie3]

You know, I had 2 adventures in the pipeline that I wasn't sure I was going to publish, and now I think I want to be one of the first published adventures out of the gate for whatever this is going to be. :)

[@dhdragon555]

I am all for this for sure! And actual tactics over a clash of numbers is so GOD DAMN REFRESHING Also the way you run your company makes it obvious you care about the people behind the work rather than just the work itself and I respect the hell out that and you, my dude. Keep being awesome 👊

[@myleshanson42]

Pumped for you all! Been watching your content for years and super excited to hear what sounded inevitable to me :D I'm looking forward to hearing more and giving your game a good ol' try, I'm know I'll love it.