Designers & Dragons: The '70s

A History of the Roleplaying Game Industry

By: Shannon Appelcline

Narrated by: Colby Elliott

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Designers & Dragons: The ’70s is a comprehensive picture of the beginnings of the RPG industry. This second edition expands the original single book into a series of four, and we’ve added over 50,000 new words to this volume alone. Learn about the colorful history of TSR and the wave of D&D inspired games (and gaming companies) to follow, and dip your toes into war gaming trivia. Regardless of your gaming background, Shannon Appelcline’s meticulously researched history won’t disappoint.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 Shannon Appelcline (P)2020 Last Word Audio

Critic Reviews

2015 Gold ENnie Award Winner - Best RPG Related Product

"I could have easily finished everything in one go…and is, by definition, a must-buy for every role-player out there." (RPG.net)

"The book is impeccably researched and highly detailed, and author Shannon Appelcline has a knack for turning the history of each company and its people into a compelling narrative." (teleread.com)

the forgotten realm of where RPGs arize

Listened with joy. The creative process in groups is on full display. this book teaches how to aim and hit the cultural spirit of the times. it shows how the dungeon crawl of papers and pay checks supports the underground RPG industrial complex.it is both campaign and seduction.

A Missed Opportunity

Surely there's a better way to render the story of such a dynamic hobby than as a series of bullet points, delivered in a lifeless monotone? I had to give up after about an hour as it felt like I was listening to Alexa reciting our shopping list back to us.

Where were the anecdotes, the exciting recollections of early games and breakthrough discoveries? Instead, all I heard was "this happened, then this happened, then this happened" with all the gusto and excitement of a maths text book.

This had come highly recommended and I must say I found it a major disappointment and a wasted opportunity to tell an important story about the growth of one of the most important hobbies in the 21st Century.

Informative and detailed history of RPGs

The numerous interesting stories about the RPG hobby and industry. Great to have old stories confirmed, clarified, or revealed to be untrue, I learned lots of new things. For those that want a detailed overview, then I recommend this. I appreciate the information being placed into specific company histories with linked recommendations at the chapter end to make for a great approach. It also makes it easier to find information later, as opposed to being like say a history put in to a story/biography style. A high rating because it delivers on its goal and what I wanted. Clear audio, good pacing, a great performance.