Exploring the Old School Renaissance of Tabletop RPGs

Join hosts GreyDMS and Owen as they delve into the fascinating world of the Old School Renaissance (OSR) in tabletop role-playing games. This episode explores how the OSR movement emerged in the mid-2000s as a backlash against the increasing complexity of newer D&D editions, seeking instead the simpler, imagination-driven play reminiscent of RPGs from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Learn about the revival of these classic styles and how it was made possible through the Open Games License, allowing fans to legally recreate and publish old school rulesets. Discover the grassroots essence of the OSR, emphasizing DIY creativity and the spirit of the early gaming community, reflected in zines, forums, and innovative indie games like Mirk Borg and Knave.

Explore the cultural impact, the challenges, and the controversies that shaped the OSR, from its influence on modern indie RPG designs to the debates on content tone and inclusivity. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how the OSR movement has both preserved the nostalgia of early RPGs and spurred new waves of innovative game design.