Writing for Design: How to Start Developing Your Own RPG

Hosted by Alex "Minthas" Lake (Minthas) & Jordan Schmidt (Cinderlight Games)

• 📅 Gen Con 2025

• 🕛 August 1st & August 2nd | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Are you sitting on a world-shattering game idea but unsure how to bring it to life? Whether you're sketching out your first RPG system or refining a concept that’s been haunting your notebook for years, this workshop is for you.

Join Alex "Minthas" Lake, Head of Minthas and the creative force behind Deephollow, and Jordan Schmidt, head of Cinderlight Games, the creative force behind Fatefully Tragic Hero and Fade to Black, on an insightful look at the journey from raw inspiration to a fully realized game.

In Writing for Design, we’ll tackle the real challenges of indie RPG development—the moments of creative brilliance, the hard lessons learned, and the strategies that can push your project beyond mere ideation. Expect an engaging session where we’ll discuss:

• Concept to Creation: Transforming loose ideas into solid mechanics and immersive narratives.

• Building the Blueprint: Structuring your RPG’s core systems and themes.

• Navigating Indie Development: The practical (and often chaotic) steps from draft to production.

• Standing Out in the Crowd: Carving a space for your game in the ever-growing RPG landscape.

This isn't just a lecture—it’s a space to spark ideas, ask hard questions, and connect with fellow creators. Whether you're a first-time designer or an experienced writer looking to sharpen your skills, you'll leave with actionable tools and the confidence to push your RPG forward.

Seats are limited—grab your ticket and take the next step in your game design journey. Let’s build something unforgettable.