Voices at play is a not-for-profit project within the Tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) community.
Our goal is to improve representation of marginalised identities within the hobby by boosting the voices of the people who are already such an important part of it.
So how do we plan to do this?
Our Goals
Fund games designed and produced by marginalised creators:
It’s no secret that TTRPG, for many, is synonymous with D&D and a lot of the folks taking part in this project took their first steps into the scene through it. That said, there is an overwhelming volume of work out there produced by people who may never have access to the reach and resources of companies like Wizards of the Coast.
By directly paying marginalised creators (in volume!) for their work, we increase the likelihood that they’ll be both motivated AND ABLE to continue working in game design. Too often, financial pressure is what prevents creatives from doing what they love.
More funding = More games by marginalised people.
Promote and elevate marginalised creators:
Through our Patreon, website and social media reach, we’ll be working to highlight marginalised creators. You can find the people we have highlighted previously, through Creator Spotlights.
Produce content by marginalised people, focusing on games by marginalised creators:
Our project and podcast are run entirely by people of marginalised identities. By producing content (Podcast, livestreams, etc.) based on games by marginalised creators in this way, we are able to expose our audience not only to new games they may not have previously encountered, but also to new experiences.
By producing “Actual Play” content specifically, we also remove one of the simplest barriers to entry/hurdles between gamers and new indie games, which is a lack of familiarity. Our aim in sharing these games is to both demonstrate how the games can be played and introduce listeners to them in an enjoyable and familiar experience.
TTRPGs at their core, are human. The act of telling stories, is not something that’s limited to any one culture or lifestyle. By improving representation for all within the hobby, everyone benefits. Increased representation of marginalised identities makes our hobby a safer, more welcome and encouraging place to be a part of and by bringing more people into the hobby, we diversify the kinds of stories we tell and the games we get to play!