As the calendar year draws to a close, I wanted to reflect on my creative journey for 2023. I struggle with giving myself permission to be proud of my accomplishments, so I’m hoping this exercise will help me realize how far I’ve come since 365 days previous. I also want to express my gratitude for the opportunities I received, and the people that I have met along the way.
Overall, I did a lot this year–both for my personal projects and for freelancing! I’m ignoring the feeling that what I’ve done isn’t enough for just a moment and acknowledge that I’ve never been more creatively fulfilled, and what a privilege that is. I’ve published work on the DMsGuild since 2019, but I hadn’t taken my desire to make games seriously until this year. I’m glad I did.
Below are some highlights of my year.
Panels
I served as a panelist at two conventions, Big Bad Con and Gamehole Con (GHC). This was the first year I’ve been on a panel, let alone six, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts on topics and to learn from my fellow panelists. I spoke about my experience as a Project Manager/Lead for GHC Border Kingdoms, Freelancing “Real Talk,” and Telling Better Stories. I have much to learn about game design and this industry, but I realized that I may have some nuggets of wisdom to share (“make the game smaller, make the game smaller, make the game smaller”).
New Games Played
With time of the essence, playing new games is difficult. Between finding a group, coordinating schedules, and learning the rules, the stars rarely align. Luckily, I was able to play these games this year:
- What Dust Remains (momatoes). This was a fun 2-hour game with three players, guided by momatoes herself. We told the rise and fall of a sentient AI that was struggling with their programming to operate a city and serve the people within it.
- Avatar Legends (Magpie Games). My homegroup started a campaign in an alt-universe where Aang never woke from the iceberg and Phoenix King Sozin accomplished his world domination after ending the Avatar cycle. Our game takes place during an alt-Korra Age, where we are agents of the White Lotus attempting to take down the Phoenix Authority within the cosmopolitan city of New Sozin.
- Stealing Stories from the Devil (Monte Cook Games). Playing as reality-bending agents fixing space-time paradoxes hooked me. The full worldbuilding and backstory of the game is even more bonkers. I enjoyed trying out the open-ended reality-bending mechanics and playing anomaly-based heists. One elegant piece of world-building and mechanics is the limitation that your reality-altering powers (called “lies) can’t contradict something that the characters already know to be true. It both makes narrative sense, and encourages players to remember to use their powers.
- Never Going Home (Wet Ink Games). I’m no WWII history buff, but I was interested in seeing how the +One system incorporated its use of dice and playing cards. I played just enough during the two hours to whet my appetite. I’m especially interested in learning more about how the card “bluffing” and “traitor” mechanics work.
- Heart: The City Beneath (Rowan, Rook and Decard). The art direction landed this game on my radar, and after hearing someone talk about their love for the Resistance system, I hopped on the first chance to play. Our one-shot was GM’ed by the wonderful Aaron Voigt and showcased the bizarre worldbuilding. Definitely a game I’d explore again.
- Sign: A Game about Being Understood (Thorny Games). My friend, Lyla Fujiwara wanted to try this game out, and I was sold immediately on the premise. Play as Nicaraguan school children at the country’s first school for the deaf, interacting with others just like you, learning and developing a language of your very own. A great experience for those who are language nerds.
Accomplishments
Looking back, January 2023 was a lifetime ago. During these twelve months, I increased my freelance opportunities and published my very own indie games.
- Fetch My Blade. Written and designed with Kelly Tran, FMB was my first game I took to print. I learned about the publishing pipeline and was rewarded with holding my very own game at this year’s GHC at the IPR booth. I am incredibly proud of the game we designed–from the art direction and layout, to mechanics and narrative themes. I still haven’t internalized the fact that the game is on Polygon’s “best tabletop RPGs we played in 2023.”
- Freelancing. I was relieved that Ghostfire Gaming asked me to work on a second project–the Aetherial Expanse Setting Guide. The first opportunity with a publisher is always great; receiving a second opportunity is even more encouraging. My one freelance goal for this year was to work on more non-D&D related projects. I accomplished this goal in Q1 working on a yet-to-be-announced project for Aaron Lim and again in Q4 as a stretch goal contributor for Deathmatch Island by Tim Denee (olddog.games) and Evil Hat Productions.
- Big Bad Con POC Meet & Greet. I was also involved in community-building as part of the Big Bad Con POC Meet & Greet organizing team. The POC Meet & Greet in 2022 afforded me the opportunity to meet industry professionals, and I was grateful for the opportunity to give back to the convention. Supporting other TTRPG creators of color is incredibly motivating and rewarding.
Community
When I started my game design journey back in 2019, I was alone on my own island. This year, I’ve found mentors and a close group of peers to converse with, support one another, and make games together. I’ve met folks from all over the world with life experiences different from my own. It’s been rewarding to know them, learn from them, and share this small space we call tabletop game design. I wouldn’t be on this creative journey without the people walking with me.
Looking Forward…
In 2024, I hope to post monthly updates about what I’m up to and the projects I’m working on. With the fragmenting of social media, this blog will be a way for interested folks to stay informed about my game design and for me to document my thoughts. I’ll also use it as a method to stay accountable for projects I’m working on and push things forward, no matter how slowly.
If you’re interested in following along, feel free to subscribe to my blog. You’ll receive an email whenever I post something new!
For January’s post, I’ll share my SMART goals for 2024 and updates on the projects I’ve been working on!
But for now, rest. Reflect. Then forth, to 2024.