Designers & Dragons: The '70s Audiobook By Shannon Appelcline cover art

Designers & Dragons: The '70s

A History of the Roleplaying Game Industry

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Designers & Dragons: The '70s

By: Shannon Appelcline
Narrated by: Colby Elliott
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Designers & Dragons: The ’70s is a comprehensive picture of the beginnings of the RPG industry. This second edition expands the original single book into a series of four, and we’ve added over 50,000 new words to this volume alone. Learn about the colorful history of TSR and the wave of D&D inspired games (and gaming companies) to follow, and dip your toes into war gaming trivia. Regardless of your gaming background, Shannon Appelcline’s meticulously researched history won’t disappoint.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 Shannon Appelcline (P)2020 Last Word Audio Social Sciences Fiction Fantasy Dragons War

Critic reviews

2015 Gold ENnie Award Winner - Best RPG Related Product

"I could have easily finished everything in one go…and is, by definition, a must-buy for every role-player out there." (RPG.net)

"The book is impeccably researched and highly detailed, and author Shannon Appelcline has a knack for turning the history of each company and its people into a compelling narrative." (teleread.com)
All stars
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Listened with joy. The creative process in groups is on full display. this book teaches how to aim and hit the cultural spirit of the times. it shows how the dungeon crawl of papers and pay checks supports the underground RPG industrial complex.it is both campaign and seduction.

the forgotten realm of where RPGs arize

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For Gen-Xers like me that played RPGs at their birth and since, this is a wonderful walk down memory lane. For those interested purely in the history and professional business relationships in the industry (as and after it became one) the detail is rich. The only downside is that, though the narrator is wonderful, and audio reading of dates and facts can get occasionally pedantic. That, however, does not impermissibly detract from the work. Enjoy!

Voluminous and Intriguing

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One of the more comprehensive surveys of the TTRPG industry's early days and not just D&D.

A great history of the industry

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Well narrated and a feep delve into the structural formation of the roleplaying-game industry, warts and all. An absolute must-read (or listen) of you enjoy RPGs.

A Clear and Concise of RPG's Beginnings

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Regardless of how many times I download this title the audio quality is extremely poor. There are constant gaps in the recording that ruin the listening experience. Really shoddy work.

Poor quality recording equals frustration

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