077: Challenging Stereotypes in Fantasy Game Design with Ella Watts

Roll Play Grow: A TTRPG Business Podcast

Ever wonder what goes into designing a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG)? In our latest chat with Ella Watts, an accomplished director, writer, and producer, we get to unravel the process behind the creation of her TTRPG, Upriver, Downriver. From her first game session, to her daunting journey of game design, Ella's story is as captivating as her game.
Ella doesn't shy away from the gritty side of game development. She takes us through the challenges she faced as a disabled and chronically ill person, shedding light on the real struggles behind the scenes. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we tackle the controversial decision to eliminate dwarves from the game—a decision rooted in the problematic representation of dwarfism in fantasy literature and games. Ella's perspective challenges us to rethink our assumptions and consider the real-life impact of our creative choices.
The conversation doesn't stop there. She shares the emotional roller coaster of her crowdfunding journey and the joy of finally seeing players enjoy her game. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of game design or grappled with the responsibility of representation in your work, this chat with Ella Watts offers a wealth of lessons learned.
Find Ella at:

• Buy Upriver, Downriver
• Upriver, Downriver Soundtrack
• Upriver, Downriver actual play by Girls Run These Worlds
• Camlan Twitter
• Ella Twitter

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1. 077: Challenging Stereotypes in Fantasy Game Design with Ella Watts (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:08)

3. Ella Introduction (00:02:51)

4. From D&D to Game Design (00:09:17)

5. Kickstarting a River-Themed RPG Game (00:15:11)

6. Crowdfunding Campaign Issues and Development (00:27:35)

7. What happened after Upriver Downriver funded (00:30:50)

8. The problem with how Dwarfism is depicted in fantasy (00:35:56)

9. Why Ella designed a mechanic around playing as a ghost if your character dies (00:45:26)

10. What's been the most challenging part? (00:52:13)

11. What's been the most rewarding part? (00:55:17)

12. Where can people find you? (00:58:55)

13. Wrap-up (01:01:51)