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Roleplaying History

Roleplaying History

By Wayne Davis

An exploration of the history of role playing games, including some you might not have heard of.
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Roleplaying History Special Announcement

Roleplaying HistoryMar 31, 2024

00:00
06:50
Roleplaying History Special Announcement
Mar 31, 202406:50
Episode 145: Car Wars and Crystalicum
Mar 24, 202451:04
Episode 144: Space Opera & StarWeb
Mar 15, 202430:36
Episode 143: The Morrow Project & Heroic Fantasy
Mar 08, 202427:01
Episode 142: Diplomacy
Mar 01, 202432:39
Episode 141: The Fantasy Trip and It's A Crime
Feb 16, 202424:24
Episode 140: Top Secret and Crasimoff's World
Feb 09, 202429:47
Episode 139: Advanced Game Engine
Feb 02, 202418:50
Episode 138: Masks
Jan 26, 202428:48
Episode 137: The Dying Earth and Green Ronin's True 20
Jan 19, 202417:49
Episode 136: RuneQuest & Glorantha
Jan 13, 202432:51
Episode 135: Books on the History of Roleplaying Games
Jan 13, 202427:52
Episode 134: 2023 Year In Review
Dec 29, 202325:42
Episode 133: Holiday MEGASODE
Dec 22, 202301:30:57
Episode 132: Holiday One Shots and Modules
Dec 15, 202318:50
Episode 131: Televison and Movies Based on Roleplaying Games
Dec 08, 202337:21
Episode 130: Competition Modules for AD&D
Dec 01, 202329:08
Episode 129: Gaming Conventions, Part 2
Nov 24, 202320:35
Episode 128: Gaming Conventions
Nov 17, 202331:46
Episode 127: Advanced Fighting Fantasy, Fighting Fantasy, and Sorcery!
Nov 10, 202331:36
Episode 126: Castle Falkenstein and Talislanta
Nov 03, 202329:20
Episode 125: The Isle of Dread, Reincarnated
Oct 27, 202319:23
Episode 124: Heritage Models & A Sampling of Their Products
Oct 20, 202326:54
Episode 123: EZ D6
Oct 13, 202328:21
Episode 122: The Dragonlance Line of Modules for AD&D

Episode 122: The Dragonlance Line of Modules for AD&D

This week we cover one of the largest and most popular lines of modules in the history of D&D/AD&D: Dragonlance. See why this line remains as popular as it does today....more than 30 years AFTER it went out of print.

Music by pixabay.com.


Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions.

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Oct 06, 202335:45
Episode 121: The B series of D&D Modules

Episode 121: The B series of D&D Modules

Since the Bad GM's been hyper focused on Archon this weekend, he decided to crank out another episode about D&D modules, THIS time covering the B series, which has several modules considered by the masses to be classic.

Music by pixabay.com.


Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Sep 29, 202338:28
Archon 46 Announcements

Archon 46 Announcements

We figured that rather than take 5 minutes of each of our shows to go over all the details we wanted to make sure you knew about, we'd drop a special spot that explains everything. Hope to see ALL of you at Archon 46.


Archon 46 website: archonstl.org


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Sep 29, 202303:23
Episode 120: The CA Module Line

Episode 120: The CA Module Line

This week we get BACK into old school D&D modules with a look at the CA line of modules for the old D&D boxes that came out throughout the 1980's. Some of these you've probably heard of, but we'll bet we've got at least ONE that you haven't.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Threads: threads.net/badgmproductions

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Sep 22, 202323:50
Episode 119: Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition And Beyond

Episode 119: Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition And Beyond

This week we conclude our look at the various editions of D&D (for now) with a look at the most recent edition. We'll also cover a few of the supplements that have been released over the years AND take a look at what One D&D MIGHT look like.


Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Sep 15, 202328:09
Episode 118: Alshard and Standard RPG System

Episode 118: Alshard and Standard RPG System

This week, we continue our look at RPG's produced outside of the US and UK with a look at the Japanese game Alshard, along with a look at the system it's built on.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Sep 08, 202324:03
Episode 117: 3D&T and Agone

Episode 117: 3D&T and Agone

This week, we check out a couple of VERY interesting games from non-US or UK publishers. And even though they're typically only found in their native print language, we believe taking a chance on either of these games is time well spent.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Sep 01, 202323:30
Episode 116: Year One Engine

Episode 116: Year One Engine

This week, we take a look at a game system that JUST made itself a "free use" system for creators. Whether you're looking for a framework to build a system of your own on or you're just curious what one looks like, this is the show for you.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Twitter: @badgmp

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Aug 25, 202330:10
Episode 115: Birthright

Episode 115: Birthright

In the second of our two shows for the week, we deep dive ANOTHER AD&D setting. This time, it's Birthright, and it's probably the most different setting for ANY D&D edition. Listen and see why for yourself.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Aug 18, 202322:36
Episode 114: Planescape

Episode 114: Planescape

In the first of two new episodes this week, we dive into the AD&D setting Planescape. Spoiler Alert: It's coming back for 5th edition, so let's get into what makes it so special.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Twitter: @badgmp

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Aug 18, 202323:22
8/11 Announcement

8/11 Announcement

No new show this week, and Wayne's going to explain why. He's also got a special announcement for NEXT week, so it's worth the 90 seconds to listen.

And THANK YOU for your patience, understanding, and continued listenership.

Aug 11, 202301:29
Episode 113: Twilight 2000 and Aquelarre

Episode 113: Twilight 2000 and Aquelarre

This week, we take a look at the post-apocalyptic, alternate history game Twilight 2000, then we check out the first game completely designed and published in Spain, Aquelarre.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Aug 04, 202322:54
Episode 112: The Space Gamer, White Dwarf, Aries, and Imagine Magazines

Episode 112: The Space Gamer, White Dwarf, Aries, and Imagine Magazines

This week we deep dive FOUR magazines that have been an important part of the gaming industry. Two of them no longer exist while the other two don't exist in the same manner as they once did. However, each of them made a lasting impact on the game world.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Email: badgmproductions@gmail.com

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Jul 28, 202325:20
Episode 111: The Best Modules/Published Adventures of All Time According to YOU, Part 4

Episode 111: The Best Modules/Published Adventures of All Time According to YOU, Part 4

This week we FINALLY come to the end of the original list that spawned this series. But, we're not done yet. Over the past month, we've gotten a TON of requests for more modules to cover, and while some of them came up in the past two episodes, we've got more to add. And some of them come from systems and publishers that might surprise you.


Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Jul 21, 202336:09
Episode 110: The Best Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 3

Episode 110: The Best Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 3

It's amazing how what WAS supposed to be a 2 part topic has now grown to THREE. BUT, you asked for all of these TOP NOTCH modules to get the deep dive treatment, and we've obliged.

Music by pixabay.com.

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Follow us:

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Jul 14, 202338:32
Episode 109: The Best Game Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 2

Episode 109: The Best Game Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 2

This week we continue our look into the list of the best game modules and published adventures of all time as chosen by YOU, our dedicated listeners. Some of the modules on this list MIGHT surprise you.

Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Twitter:  @badgmp

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Online:  badgmproductions.net

Jul 07, 202343:40
Episode 108: The Best Game Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 1

Episode 108: The Best Game Modules/Published Adventures of All Time From YOU, Part 1

This week we get into the list of the best game modules/published adventures that you, our great listeners, believe are the best ever. Does yours make the list?


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net

Jun 30, 202343:14
Episode 107: Battlelords of the 23rd Century

Episode 107: Battlelords of the 23rd Century

This week we head back into the space fantasy RPG genre with a game that's chock full of alien races for the group to play. Sure, we get into TONS of detail about the races. We're doing THAT because we believe the races are the BIG selling point for the game, and we think you'll agree.


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

Facebook:  facebook.com/gaming/badgmprod

Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net

Jun 23, 202335:59
Episode 106: Arduin and Corporation

Episode 106: Arduin and Corporation

This week we take a closer look at the games Arduin and Corporation. Different styles of game, certainly, but definitely worth the play, and we think once you've heard about them, you'll agree.


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

Facebook:  facebook.com/gaming/badgmprod

Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net

Jun 16, 202328:46
Episode 105: Ringworld and Bunnies and Burrows

Episode 105: Ringworld and Bunnies and Burrows

This week, we dive into two games that couldn't be more different from one another: the sci-fi setting of Ringworld and the Watership-Down inspired Bunnies and Burrows. What do we find when we check them out? Well, that's for you to listen and find out for yourself.

Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net


Jun 09, 202322:54
Episode 104: The Greatest Modules/Adventures of All Time, Part 2

Episode 104: The Greatest Modules/Adventures of All Time, Part 2

This week we finish our list of the greatest modules/adventures of all time, as determined by writers and critics online. You've still got a chance to see YOUR favorite.

Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Online:  badgmproductions.net


Jun 02, 202342:34
Episode 103: The Greatest Modules/Published Adventures of All Time, Part 1

Episode 103: The Greatest Modules/Published Adventures of All Time, Part 1

This week we FINALLY get into the list of the most popular modules/published adventures of all time, as determined by numerous polls over the years and "best of" lists created by journalists in the industry. Did your favorite make the list? You'll have to listen to find out.


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net


May 26, 202336:01
Episode 102: Ravenloft

Episode 102: Ravenloft

Love it or fear it, Ravenloft is one of the BEST selling settings for ANY game setting out there. What makes it so loved by so many? THAT'S what we're deep diving this week.

Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Online:  badgmproductions.net



May 19, 202329:57
Episode 101: Iron Heroes & Nightlife

Episode 101: Iron Heroes & Nightlife

This week we deep dive a couple of games that, in their own way, have each seen their influence passed along to other games in the genres they were created for, even if their own lifespans weren't that long. They're also games YOU should check out and play, since even though they're no longer in print, they're just THAT good.


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

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Twitter:  @badgmp

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Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net


May 12, 202337:14
Episode 100: The 100th Episode

Episode 100: The 100th Episode

Okay, so we left the title a BIT vague as to what the subject is for this week's show. What we WILL say is that it's been requested at least a dozen times over the past couple of months, and it's also a subject that's near and dear to Wayne's heart. Check it out and let us know what you think.


Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

Facebook:  facebook.com/gaming/badgmprod

Twitter:  @badgmp

YouTube & Tumblr:  bad gm productions

Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net


May 05, 202323:53
Episode 99: Al Qadim and Kara Tur

Episode 99: Al Qadim and Kara Tur

This week, we show some love to a couple of AD&D settings that don't really seem to get enough of it. Al Qadim and Kara Tur both have rather large fan bases, and while they haven't seen the kinds of updates and expansions for the most recent editions that settings like Ravenloft and Spelljammer have, their fans have managed to keep them alive and kicking for all these years. Why? Well, listen and find out.

Music by pixabay.com

Roleplaying History is a production of Bad GM Productions. Check us out:

Facebook:  facebook.com/gaming/badgmprod

Twitter:  @badgmp

YouTube & Tumblr:  bad gm productions

Email:  badgmproductions@gmail.com

Online:  badgmproductions.net


Apr 28, 202324:35