Introduction to the TTRPG Industry

The Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) industry is a dynamic and creative sector focused on games where players assume the roles of fictional characters, collaboratively telling stories and navigating challenges through structured rules and dice-based mechanics. Unlike video games, TTRPGs unfold around a physical or virtual table, driven by imagination, conversation, and community.

In recent years, the TTRPG market has experienced significant growth, fueled by livestreaming platforms (such as Twitch and YouTube), increased mainstream visibility through shows like “Critical Role”, “Stranger Things” and a broader cultural embrace of "geek" entertainment. The global TTRPG market, once dominated by “Dungeons & Dragons”, now boasts a growing ecosystem of independent creators and publishers. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have become vital tools, helping indie games find eager audiences. According to industry reports, the market has seen consistent year-over-year growth, with new demographics discovering the hobby.

TTRPGs span a wide spectrum. Mainstream systems — such as “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Pathfinder” — offer expansive rulebooks, large communities, and broad support. In contrast, “Indie TTRPGs” often focus on niche themes, experimental mechanics, and narrative-driven play. Additionally, some games emphasize “systems” — the underlying rules that shape play — while others focus on “settings”, richly detailed worlds players can explore across various rule sets.

As the industry continues to evolve, it offers people wanting to work in this industry more choices than ever before, fostering a vibrant and diverse environment. This website will help those interested in working in the TTRPG industry get an overview and orientation.

Occupations in the European TTRPG Industry

The tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) industry in Europe is an exciting and collaborative space where creativity meets community. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for storytelling and games into a career, there are many paths you can explore. Here’s a beginner-friendly look at the key roles in the industry — and where your skills might fit in.

However, here is a fair warning: We are talking about a niche industry which can only support a very limited number of professional jobs, so if you are serious about wanting to work in this field, be aware that you are facing quite a challenge.

1) Game Design and Development

TTRPG designers build the rules and worlds players experience. They focus on system design (mechanics, progression, game balance) or setting/worldbuilding (lore, world design, and story hooks). Aspiring designers should practice balancing fun and fairness through playtesting and iteration.

2) Writing and Narrative Design

If you love writing, this field offers opportunities to create modules, campaigns, and supplements. Writers may work freelance or in-house, crafting dialogue, lore, and tone-consistent narratives. Start by writing adventures for open licenses or community content programs to build a portfolio.

3) Editing and Proofreading

Editors ensure clarity and quality across TTRPG products. Roles range from developmental editing (structure) to mechanical and copyediting (grammar, consistency). Knowledge of style guides and gaming terminology is a plus. Many editors get their start working on small press or indie projects.

4) Art and Illustration

TTRPGs rely on character art, maps, and environment illustrations to spark imagination. Both digital and traditional artists are in demand. Building a strong, versatile portfolio and networking with art directors or indie creators is key

5) Graphic Design and Layout

Graphic designers handle the visual presentation of TTRPG materials. You’ll use tools like Adobe InDesign to manage typography, page layout, and formatting for print and digital (PDFs, VTT). Good design can dramatically improve the readability and appeal of a game.

6) Game Publishing and Production

Interested in the business side? Publishers oversee print production, work with printers and fulfillment, and manage digital distribution. Many smaller publishers need flexible team members who can wear multiple hats in production and logistics.

7) Project Management

TTRPG projects often involve large creative teams. Project managers handle team coordination, budgets, schedules, and crowdfunding campaigns. If you’re organized and love supporting creative work, this is a great entry point — even as a freelancer.

8) Marketing and Community Management

Marketing pros help grow and sustain player communities. They manage social media, run campaigns, and build relationships with influencers and actual play groups. If you love engaging with fans and fostering communities, this is a vibrant and growing field.

9) Sales and Business Development

For those with a commercial focus, sales and business development roles cover retail and convention sales, online distribution, licensing, and partnerships. Understanding both the creative and business sides of gaming is valuable here.

Getting Started

Breaking into the TTRPG industry often starts with freelance work, contributing to community content, or collaborating on indie projects. Building a portfolio, participating in online communities, and networking at conventions or online events can open doors. The industry thrives on passion and collaboration — and there’s always room for new voices. Whether you’re a designer, writer, artist, or organizer, there’s a place for your talents in the TTRPG world. The first step is to start creating and connecting

Many professionals in the TTRPG industry wear multiple hats, especially at the start. Your first gigs may combine writing, editing, or project coordination. Be open to learning and collaborating across disciplines.

Freelancing and Self Publishing in the TTRPG Space: A Quick Guide

Freelancing in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) industry offers exciting opportunities for writers, designers, artists, editors, and other creatives. It’s a niche but welcoming space where passion for storytelling and gaming often opens doors. Here’s a quick guide for those looking to break into freelancing in the TTRPG world.

Finding Work and Clients

Opportunities in the TTRPG space can be found through online platforms like DriveThruRPG, itch.io, as well as in TTRPG-specific communities on Discord, Twitter, Bluesky, and Reddit. Many freelancers start by contributing to community content programs (like Dungeon Masters Guild), indie zines, or collaborative anthologies. Following publishers, project leads, and art directors on social media can also lead to job listings and calls for pitches.

Building a portfolio—even small, self-published pieces—demonstrates your skills and style, helping you attract potential clients.

Selling Your Games through Crowdfunding

In the last years crowdfunding has become a very popular way of selling role-playing games and it has opened new possibilities for smaller publishers and freelancers. Have a look at some of the most popular crowdfunding sites for games:

• Gamefound
• GameOnTableTop
• Pozible
• Kickstarter
• Indiegogo

Make sure you understand how crowdfunding works. You can find many good tutorials on running a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Contracts, Rates, and Rights Management

Understanding the basics of contracts is critical. A good contract should outline:

• Scope of work
• Deadlines
• Payment terms (flat fee or royalties)
• Rights (what the publisher can do with your work and what rights you retain)

For rates, there is wide variation depending on the publisher’s size and the project type. Resources like the TTRPG Freelancer Rates Survey (published annually by community members) offer helpful benchmarks. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and always clarify whether you’re granting exclusive, non-exclusive, or work-for-hire rights.

Networking in a Niche Industry

The TTRPG industry is highly relationship-driven. Building a professional reputation is as important as building your portfolio. Key tips include:

• Join Discord servers for specific game systems, indie publishers, and freelancer groups.
• Participate in online events such as Zine Month or Game Jams.
• Attend conventions (both in-person and virtual) to meet publishers and fellow freelancers.
• Engage on social media — sharing your work and celebrating others’ helps grow your visibility.
• Professionalism, clear communication, and meeting deadlines are essential. Positive relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations often lead to more opportunities in this close-knit community.

Self-publishing

Self-publishing is a thriving avenue in the TTRPG business, offering creators the freedom to bring their own games, settings, or supplements directly to players. Platforms like DriveThruRPG and itch.io allow designers and writers to sell digital PDFs with minimal upfront costs, while print-on-demand (POD) services—such as DriveThruRPG’s own POD program—enable creators to offer physical books without investing in large print runs. This model reduces financial risk and makes it easier for indie creators to test the market. Successful self-publishers often combine POD with digital distribution, crowdfunding campaigns, and direct sales at conventions to build an audience and generate revenue. However, self-publishing also requires wearing many hats—handling marketing, production, layout, and customer service—so creators should be prepared to manage both the creative and business sides of their work.

Final Thought

Freelancing in the TTRPG space combines creative freedom with the challenge of managing your own business. By building connections, protecting your rights, and continuously honing your craft, you can carve out a rewarding career in this vibrant and collaborative industry.