Our Vision

Cinderlight Games is an independent tabletop RPG studio dedicated to cinematic, player-driven storytelling. Founded by Jordan Schmidt, with editorial direction from Simone Alicea, we both design and create games that emphasize immersive worlds, streamlined mechanics, and meaningful player choices.

Whether you’re exploring the dark fantasy isekai of Fatefully Tragic Hero, surviving the psychological horror of Fade to Black, or navigating high-stakes espionage in O.A.R., our systems are designed to put narrative and creativity at the forefront.

  • Cinematic Worlds – Games that feel like living stories, shaped by players and their choices.

  • Streamlined, Yet Deep – Mechanics that enhance roleplay without sacrificing depth.

  • Player-Driven Choices – Every system encourages character-driven decisions that matter.

Eldorian Bookkeepers. Robotic sphere-legged machines in a library setting, steampunk style

Our Games

Our games are powered by The ARCANE Method, a flexible RPG system that rewards emotional engagement, creative problem-solving, and teamwork. Designed to be fast, intuitive, and adaptable across genres, this system brings high-impact storytelling to every table.

Learn More About The ARCANE Method

We’re actively playtesting and growing our community! Want to be part of it?

  • Join the Playtest Hub (Help shape our games and test new mechanics!)

  • Follow Us on Social Media (Stay up to date on announcements and events.)

  • Get in Touch – Cinderlightgame@gmail.com (For business inquiries, partnerships, and general questions.)

F.A.Q (Frequently Asked Questions)

Shutterling Manifestation. Illustration of a mechanical bird-like creature with detailed metal wings and a camera lens for a head.

  • Cinderlight Games is an independent studio creating cinematic, player-driven tabletop RPGs.

  • Our RPGs focus on emotion-driven mechanics, fluid storytelling, and immersive roleplay—giving players more agency over the story.

  • Yes! We have active playtests for Fatefully Tragic Hero, Fade to Black, and O.A.R.

    Join the Playtest Hub to get involved.

  • It’s our original RPG engine, designed for dynamic, player-driven storytelling. Learn more here.

  • Yes! Fatefully Tragic Hero is planned for release by the end of the year, with Fade to Black currently in playtesting and O.A.R. undergoing further development.

  • Yes! Our GM Cody will be hosting Fatefully Tragic Hero at Gary Con this year and sessions for Fade to Black and Fatefully Tragic Hero will happen at Gen Con this year under Wizard Staffing! If you’d like to play in one of our sessions, check out our Community & Events page for scheduling details.

  • We are exploring VTT support for our systems, but currently, our focus is on tabletop and in-person play. Updates on digital adaptations or tools will be posted in our Blog.

  • If you’re interested in business inquiries, publishing opportunities, or collaborations, please email us at Cinderlightgame@gmail.com with "Business Inquiry" in the subject line.

Subscribe