Create Tabletop Rulebook with InDesign: Print or Digital Books
Tabletop games have traditionally been played using printed rulebooks. These physical books serve not just as a reference for gameplay rules but also as collectible items for gaming enthusiasts. However, digital rulebooks in PDF or ePUB formats have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their portability and interactive features. This article examines the key properties and best practices of both print and digital rulebook formats.
Contents:
Printed Rulebooks
For decades, printed rulebooks have been the standard format for tabletop games. These physical books typically feature high-quality printing and artwork that looks attractive on a gamer’s shelf. Printed books come in different trim sizes – letter size (8.5 in x 11 in) is common in the US while A4 is widely used in Europe and other regions. The trim size may also vary based on the book’s length or artistic design.
One major advantage of printed rulebooks is that they feel tangible and collectible for gamers. The cover design and physicality of a printed book make it aesthetically pleasing in a way that digital formats cannot replicate. Flipping through the pages of a printed rulebook also feels more natural for some gamers than scrolling through a PDF.
However, printed books have some limitations. They can be cumbersome to transport, especially for thick, multi-hundred page RPG manuals. Finding specific rules or terms quickly can also be difficult without an index or search function. And unlike digital formats, printed books do not allow annotations.
Digital Rulebooks
Digital rulebooks have risen in popularity along with the growth of computer and mobile device usage. PDF is by far the most common format for digital rulebooks. Major tabletop game publishers often sell official PDF versions through their online stores. There are also websites like Wargamevault.com and Drivethroughrpg.com that offer PDF rulebooks, both official and fan-made.
The key advantage of PDF and ePUB digital formats is portability. Players can easily view these rulebooks on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. This makes referencing rules during gameplay much more convenient compared to a thick printed manual.
Digital rulebooks also enable quick navigation and search. Players can rapidly jump between sections using bookmarks and find specific terms by searching the document. Some PDF apps also allow highlighting and annotations within the rulebook. This can be helpful for learning complex game systems.
The main drawback of digital formats is that they lack the aesthetic and collectible nature of printed books. Some gamers also find reading long sections on a screen to be straining. However, with the continued growth of digital device usage, digital rulebooks will likely keep rising in popularity.
Best Practices for Each Format
Both printed and digital rulebooks have their pros and cons. For maximum usability, publishers should utilize the unique advantages of each format.
For printed rulebooks, high page quality and beautiful cover art are ideal to enhance the aesthetic value. Using binding that allows the book to lay flat makes referencing in-game easier as well. Publishers should also offer a digital version for portability and searchability.
With digital rulebooks, optimization for mobile screens and tablets is key. Publishers should ensure bookmarks and hyperlinks work properly for easy navigation. Enabling highlighting and annotations is also recommended for complex game systems.
By leveraging the strengths of both printed and digital formats, publishers can offer tabletop gamers the best possible rulebook experience. This multiformat approach will provide players with an immersive, usable game manual in their preferred medium.