This week Tracy and Kristian delve into the dense subject of RPG game systems, how a system can fundamentally affect the feeling of a setting, choosing one that's right for your game, and even touching on the challenges of creating your own. We also explore some of the ins and outs of licensing different game systems for your project. See the notes below for info on licensing some of the more popular systems.

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ  The Han Cluster® Role Playing Game Website: https://hancluster.com [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default]  Immaterial Plane: https://immaterialplane.com/

A FEW GAME LICENSE LINKS:

 * Savage Worlds: https://savageuniverse.com/get_involved.html
 * Powered by the Apocalypse: http://apocalypse-world.com/pbta/policy
 * FATE system : https://fate-srd.com/official-licensing-fate
 * Blades in the Dark: https://bladesinthedark.com/licensing
 * Monte Cook Games - Cypher System Open License: https://csol.montecookgames.com/
 * Free League - Year Zero Engine Licensing: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/community-content/free-tabletop-licenses/
 * Modiphius World Builders: https://modiphius.net/en-us/pages/2d20worldbuilders?srsltid=AfmBOor7fHL59AA5DGP0SQ0wA4q-IbZQDjypSkT4hcRAXtlEN37TZY9L
 * D&D 5E: https://www.dndbeyond.com/resources/1781-systems-reference-document-srd?srsltid=AfmBOoox_uIBrCZ5dp4kqkl4eYnV-TUjP-tk4WCFhhYVM56M1NEeZP_8
 * DTRPG Community Content Programs: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/community_content.php

Problem #6: Choosing a System

In this episode, Kristian and Tracy are joined by Jennifer Sutcliffe, Kristian's partner and the other half of the Immaterial Plane, to talk about a fascinating problem inherent to RPGs: the unlikely marriage of technical and creative writing. What are the differences? Why do we need both, and how can they compliment each other and meld together in the creation of your games, settings and adventures?

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ
The Han Cluster® Role Playing Game Website: https://hancluster.com [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default]
Immaterial Plane: https://immaterialplane.com/

Problem #5: Writing Art, Technically

In this episode Kristian and Tracy talk about finding inspiration for your game, setting, adventures, characters and themes. More importantly though, where do you find inspiration for yourSELF? How do you get past the roadblocks and setbacks you encounter in the creative process and inspire yourself to keep trying and moving ahead? Finally, how do you pay that all forward and provide inspiration to others, both within and outside your game?

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ
The Han Cluster® Role Playing Game Website: https://hancluster.com [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default]
Immaterial Plane: https://immaterialplane.com/

Problem #4: Finding Inspiration

In this episode, Kristian and Tracy tackle one of the trickiest questions the designer of a new setting must answer: What do the PCs DO? Establishing what the "iconic adventure" is for your setting informs almost every choice you make in the world's development, and it can mean the difference between a game people are inspired to pick up and play and one that just sits on the shelf. Come join us to explore exactly why this is such a critical (and difficult) question.

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ
The Han Cluster® Role Playing Game Website: https://hancluster.com [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default]
Immaterial Plane: https://immaterialplane.com/

Problem #3: Creating the Iconic Adventure

This week we talk about where to start with the creative process. The difference between writing for yourself or your group, writing for other people to run, and writing for established publishers. We relate our own experiences and challenges at all three levels, and hope to give some encouragement to people along the way.

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ
DTRPG Community Content Hub: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default
Han Cluster / Ede Sol Games Website: https://hancluster.com [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/0/default]
Immaterial Plane: https://immaterialplane.com/

Problem #2: Starting Out

In this first episode of Designing Problems, we talk about who we are, what we've done, and what the Designing Problems podcast is all about. We also touch on some of the challenges of the creative and production process, especially in the RPG space.

Join our discord!: https://discord.gg/Bc9dvuzZYJ

Problem #1: How to Begin

Hosts Kristian Serrano and Tracy Sizemore explore the ins and outs of RPG design, production and publishing. We cover the entire process from the creative woes of working on your own game or setting, to your decision to share it with the world, to the details of layout, working with artists and running a crowdfunding campaign.