Create Tabletop Rulebook with InDesign: Game Types
Tabletop games come in many formats, but some of the most popular are board games, wargames, and roleplaying games (RPGs). Each has their own standard layouts and components that make creating and publishing these games possible. In this article, we’ll explore the common formats used for each game type’s core rules, expansions, and other content.
Contents:
RPG Formats
Roleplaying games allow players to create characters and immerse themselves in fictional worlds. The core RPG rules come in hardcover or softcover books ranging from 100-400 pages on average. These include all the main rules, character creation guidelines, equipment lists, and other references that both game masters and players need to run the game.
Popular RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons often release their core rules in a Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. The Player’s Handbook has all the main rules, while the DM Guide provides guidance on running games, and the Monster Manual profiles major creatures.
Beyond the core rules, RPGs frequently have supplementary books like campaign settings, adventures, and expansions that introduce new character options, spells, equipment, and storylines. Campaign setting books detail an entire world for adventures. Adventures provide pre-made scenarios and plots for game masters. Expansions add player options through new classes, races, spells, gear, and more. These supplements usually range from 64-256 pages.
Wargame Formats
Wargames focus on strategic, tactical, or historically-inspired battlefield combat. As with RPGs, the core rules come in a 100-400 page printed book outlining unit stats, battlefield rules, army construction, and other systems. These are often labeled as the game’s 2nd, 3rd, or 4th “edition” as new versions release.
Popular wargames like Warhammer 40,000 also have a wide range of supplemental army books, campaign books, and expansions. Army books contain unit descriptions, stats, special rules, and background lore for specific factions. Campaign books provide linked scenarios, storylines, and terrain building guides. Expansions introduce new units, rules, and abilities. Printed page counts for these supplements vary widely based on scope.
Conclusion
While tabletop games have many genres and formats, RPGs, wargames, and board games have well-established layouts for delivering their core rules and additional content. Following the standards for each game type makes the rules and components easy for players to reference and learn. With practice, creators can produce professional looking products so that the games inside shine through.