Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
@backwardsttrpg.bsky.social
He/him. Designing indie ttrpgs
In beta: SPINE - A dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book
https://backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine
https://www.backwardstabletop.com/
In beta: SPINE - A dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book
https://backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine
https://www.backwardstabletop.com/
Pinned
NEW (FREE) GAME FORTHCOMING:
SPINE is a dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book.
In SPINE, you are a researcher who has inherited a strange book from an estranged relative…
SPINE is a dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book.
In SPINE, you are a researcher who has inherited a strange book from an estranged relative…
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
It's ITCH'S CREATOR DAY!
Time to support your favourite creators and, if you are one such creator, plug your projects! Comment below with either:
(a) ONE game/supplement/hack on itch OF YOURS that you'd love to see more people playing!
AND/OR
(b) ONE of the above, but someone else's work!
💛
Time to support your favourite creators and, if you are one such creator, plug your projects! Comment below with either:
(a) ONE game/supplement/hack on itch OF YOURS that you'd love to see more people playing!
AND/OR
(b) ONE of the above, but someone else's work!
💛
Creator Day & Black Friday Sales this Friday!
Creator Day returns this Friday November 28th! From 8am to 8am UTC (midnight to midnight Pacific) on Friday, we’re waiving itch.io’s platform fee on all transactions across the site. That means cr...
itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 12:51 PM
It's ITCH'S CREATOR DAY!
Time to support your favourite creators and, if you are one such creator, plug your projects! Comment below with either:
(a) ONE game/supplement/hack on itch OF YOURS that you'd love to see more people playing!
AND/OR
(b) ONE of the above, but someone else's work!
💛
Time to support your favourite creators and, if you are one such creator, plug your projects! Comment below with either:
(a) ONE game/supplement/hack on itch OF YOURS that you'd love to see more people playing!
AND/OR
(b) ONE of the above, but someone else's work!
💛
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I’m serious btw. Beat me and get RM 5 off eraserflag. If I win, you owe me a KFC Double Down.
November 28, 2025 at 9:02 AM
I’m serious btw. Beat me and get RM 5 off eraserflag. If I win, you owe me a KFC Double Down.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
@redregenmann.bsky.social finished this awesome piece for the mecha game that I'm shifting development to once You Will Die In This Place is wrapped up.
November 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
@redregenmann.bsky.social finished this awesome piece for the mecha game that I'm shifting development to once You Will Die In This Place is wrapped up.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I wrote a TTRPG-specific gift guide that isn’t just nice or rpg books you already have or purposely don’t have. If you have well-meaning loved ones who support but don’t necessarily understand your hobby (or if you are that loved one) this may be helpful to share with them #ttrpg #osr #dnd
D20 Tabletop Roleplaying Game and D&D Gift Ideas that Aren't Just More TTRPGs (or Dice) — Prismatic Wasteland
When you are shopping for a tabletop roleplaying game obsessive or D&D fan, most of the recommendations are for more TTRPG books or more dice, when they probably already have plenty. Here are 20 gift ...
www.prismaticwasteland.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
November 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
EP solo bundle back in stock and 25% off: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/ep-so...
EP Solo Game Bundle — Exeunt Press
Love solo games or know someone who does? Get all 5 games at 25% off! Get five (5) Exeunt Press solo games including: Exclusion Zone Botanist: Inspired by The Colour Out of Space by H.P. Lovecra...
www.exeunt.press
November 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
EP solo bundle back in stock and 25% off: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/ep-so...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The wait is over! Join us next week at Playtest Zero for a sweet, fruity time! For our SEA-friendly session, join us next Tuesday, 2 December at 8 pm (GMT+8) over at the Session Zero Discord server to do some 1-hour playtests of TTRPGs/game bits and chat with other designers! (Image unrelated)
November 27, 2025 at 4:28 AM
The wait is over! Join us next week at Playtest Zero for a sweet, fruity time! For our SEA-friendly session, join us next Tuesday, 2 December at 8 pm (GMT+8) over at the Session Zero Discord server to do some 1-hour playtests of TTRPGs/game bits and chat with other designers! (Image unrelated)
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Did you know games are cool?? Find out at our next Playtest Zero! For our US-friendly session, join us next Thursday, 4 December from 6 pm (PT) / 9 pm (ET) to late over at the Session Zero Discord server to do some 1-hour playtests of TTRPGs/game bits and chat with other designers! (Image unrelated)
November 27, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Did you know games are cool?? Find out at our next Playtest Zero! For our US-friendly session, join us next Thursday, 4 December from 6 pm (PT) / 9 pm (ET) to late over at the Session Zero Discord server to do some 1-hour playtests of TTRPGs/game bits and chat with other designers! (Image unrelated)
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
What's the flavour of the current era of TTRPG design? Social Media Refragmentation? Is it a consolidation cycle? What are the new upcoming designers struggling with and against now?
November 27, 2025 at 4:18 AM
What's the flavour of the current era of TTRPG design? Social Media Refragmentation? Is it a consolidation cycle? What are the new upcoming designers struggling with and against now?
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
HOME: MECH x KAIJU by @deepdark.games spotted!
I wrote about HOME last year during MECH WEEK, exploring how it focuses on the pilots rather than the tech: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
(Bottom right photo in the shop.)
I wrote about HOME last year during MECH WEEK, exploring how it focuses on the pilots rather than the tech: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
(Bottom right photo in the shop.)
November 27, 2025 at 3:47 AM
HOME: MECH x KAIJU by @deepdark.games spotted!
I wrote about HOME last year during MECH WEEK, exploring how it focuses on the pilots rather than the tech: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
(Bottom right photo in the shop.)
I wrote about HOME last year during MECH WEEK, exploring how it focuses on the pilots rather than the tech: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
(Bottom right photo in the shop.)
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
November 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The Knave of Cups carries HIS MAJESTY THE WORM and other cool tarot products! Although they can't do EU orders, the flat rate shipping to other countries might be good for your situation! Check it out.
A reminder for old pals and an FYI for new followers:
YES, WE DO A HOLIDAY SALE
🎁
20% OFF EVERYTHING
STARTS THIS FRIDAY
11/28
🎁
PLUS THE ARRIVAL OF
KNAVE OF CUPS' 2025 MYSTERY STUFF
YES, WE DO A HOLIDAY SALE
🎁
20% OFF EVERYTHING
STARTS THIS FRIDAY
11/28
🎁
PLUS THE ARRIVAL OF
KNAVE OF CUPS' 2025 MYSTERY STUFF
November 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The Knave of Cups carries HIS MAJESTY THE WORM and other cool tarot products! Although they can't do EU orders, the flat rate shipping to other countries might be good for your situation! Check it out.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Skeletons spotted. 💀 🦴 🦴 🦴
I wrote about how this game flips the script on the classic dungeon crawl at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/the-skelet...
I wrote about how this game flips the script on the classic dungeon crawl at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/the-skelet...
November 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Skeletons spotted. 💀 🦴 🦴 🦴
I wrote about how this game flips the script on the classic dungeon crawl at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/the-skelet...
I wrote about how this game flips the script on the classic dungeon crawl at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/the-skelet...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I really hate asking this, esp before the holiday, but I’m having an emergency. My filling broke and I have a painful abscess that needs immediate care. I don’t have dental insurance and could really use a hand. I’m so sorry to ask. I can barely eat or sleep. #mutualaid
ko-fi.com/candacethema...
ko-fi.com/candacethema...
Support Candace the Magnificent
Support Candace the Magnificent
ko-fi.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
I really hate asking this, esp before the holiday, but I’m having an emergency. My filling broke and I have a painful abscess that needs immediate care. I don’t have dental insurance and could really use a hand. I’m so sorry to ask. I can barely eat or sleep. #mutualaid
ko-fi.com/candacethema...
ko-fi.com/candacethema...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
You know that feeling of a game making you want to immediately design something? THAT.
The curious, playful, and intentionally unfinished Oddfolk left @newmadras.bsky.social completely charmed.
Oddfolk is the most fun you can have with four lines
Warning: can cause game design.
www.rascal.news
November 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
You know that feeling of a game making you want to immediately design something? THAT.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Last week of the month! That means last chance for you to submit community content to the mecha ttrpg newsletter:
The Mecha TTRPG Newsletter
You are about to discover that mecha ttrpgs are legion. Or more likely you already know, and that's why you're signing up. It seems as if a new mech game is coming out every month, and so many of these games are worth reading, if not playing. How do you
www.backwardstabletop.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Last week of the month! That means last chance for you to submit community content to the mecha ttrpg newsletter:
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Another bound SPINE, this time by Calum (stampyourfoot).
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
November 25, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Another bound SPINE, this time by Calum (stampyourfoot).
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
Any recommendations for journaling-lite or journaling-adjacent solo ttrpgs?
Soliciting suggestions for solo journaling TTRPGs for someone who isn’t fully sold on the idea of journaling! They do enjoy strategy games and puzzles, so I’m looking for similar gateway games.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Any recommendations for journaling-lite or journaling-adjacent solo ttrpgs?
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
What do you get the tabletop gamer in your life?
A gift subscription to Tumulus! Four beautiful print-only issues and no pesky auto-renewal to remember.
Order here: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/scm-t...
A gift subscription to Tumulus! Four beautiful print-only issues and no pesky auto-renewal to remember.
Order here: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/scm-t...
Tumulus Subscription — Exeunt Press
TUMULUS is a quarterly compendium of analog gaming inspiration, tools, design theory, and playable content from the award-winning Skeleton Code Machine . See the TUMULUS page at Skeleton Code M...
www.exeunt.press
November 26, 2025 at 2:16 AM
What do you get the tabletop gamer in your life?
A gift subscription to Tumulus! Four beautiful print-only issues and no pesky auto-renewal to remember.
Order here: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/scm-t...
A gift subscription to Tumulus! Four beautiful print-only issues and no pesky auto-renewal to remember.
Order here: www.exeunt.press/shop/p/scm-t...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Soliciting suggestions for solo journaling TTRPGs for someone who isn’t fully sold on the idea of journaling! They do enjoy strategy games and puzzles, so I’m looking for similar gateway games.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
November 26, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Soliciting suggestions for solo journaling TTRPGs for someone who isn’t fully sold on the idea of journaling! They do enjoy strategy games and puzzles, so I’m looking for similar gateway games.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
I’ve already recommended SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social & Dead Belt by @acoupleofdrakes.bsky.social.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
>// SEASON FINALE EPISODE DROP INCOMING
We're coming home.
🧵 below!
Character 🎨 by
@akinomiiart.bsky.social
Cover 🎨 by
@dustehill.bsky.social
Listen to the latest episode here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5TBo...
#LancerRPG #actualplay
We're coming home.
🧵 below!
Character 🎨 by
@akinomiiart.bsky.social
Cover 🎨 by
@dustehill.bsky.social
Listen to the latest episode here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5TBo...
#LancerRPG #actualplay
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:17 PM
>// SEASON FINALE EPISODE DROP INCOMING
We're coming home.
🧵 below!
Character 🎨 by
@akinomiiart.bsky.social
Cover 🎨 by
@dustehill.bsky.social
Listen to the latest episode here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5TBo...
#LancerRPG #actualplay
We're coming home.
🧵 below!
Character 🎨 by
@akinomiiart.bsky.social
Cover 🎨 by
@dustehill.bsky.social
Listen to the latest episode here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5TBo...
#LancerRPG #actualplay
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
If you purchased something at the IPR booth during PAXU, don't forget to grab your PDFs! #PAXUnplugged
You can forward your #PaxUnplugged2025 #Booth3071 Square receipt to [email protected] and we'll send you download links for the games you bought that come with PDFs. We've cleared most of the queue so now is a fine time.
November 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
If you purchased something at the IPR booth during PAXU, don't forget to grab your PDFs! #PAXUnplugged
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Working on NOVA 2 today, and relistened to @aavoigt.bsky.social lore theory, nodding my head like a sicko
youtu.be/R82-9rjFtb8?...
youtu.be/R82-9rjFtb8?...
Fan Conspiracies about the Novaverse [TTRPG Lore Video]
YouTube video by A.A. Voigt
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Working on NOVA 2 today, and relistened to @aavoigt.bsky.social lore theory, nodding my head like a sicko
youtu.be/R82-9rjFtb8?...
youtu.be/R82-9rjFtb8?...
Another bound SPINE, this time by Calum (stampyourfoot).
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
November 25, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Another bound SPINE, this time by Calum (stampyourfoot).
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
SPINE creates an art object through play, but I am blown away by what people are doing with the print-at-home version. They are taking this game to another level.
And the first prompt that this player took? Burning their beautiful creation.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Oh hey, I have a game coming out this week! In IronFrame, players are mech pilots taking on a variety of jobs, from megacorporations to freedom fighters, and the game is designed with short campaigns and one shots in mind!
It's also rules light and meant to get you going in minutes! Releasing 11/29
It's also rules light and meant to get you going in minutes! Releasing 11/29
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Oh hey, I have a game coming out this week! In IronFrame, players are mech pilots taking on a variety of jobs, from megacorporations to freedom fighters, and the game is designed with short campaigns and one shots in mind!
It's also rules light and meant to get you going in minutes! Releasing 11/29
It's also rules light and meant to get you going in minutes! Releasing 11/29