087: Growing Hatchlings Games & starting a TTRPG Consultancy Business with Rich Oxenham

In this comprehensive episode of Roll Play Grow, we revisit Rich Oxenham of Hatchlings Games, originally featured in 2021. Rich provides an enlightening look into the significant growth of Hatchlings Games, highlighting successful crowdfunding initiatives and the development of projects like Inspirisles, Overisles, and solo journaling games such as Dragon Dowser. Rich shares his exploration of incorporating accessibility through sign language, the importance of nostalgia in game design, and his transition to forming a crowdfunding consultancy, Tattered Bear. Listeners will gain insights into the educational benefits of solo journaling games, the evolving strategies for successful crowdfunding, and the crucial role of expert guidance and efficient fund management in the indie game development landscape. Rich also discusses upcoming projects slated for 2025 and emphasizes the importance of representation, meticulous planning, and strategic partnerships in expanding Hatchlings Games’ reach.

Find Rich & Hatchlings Games at:

• Website
• Argo-0 Kickstarter
• Inspirisles Facebook Page
• Hatchlings Games Facebook Group

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Chapters

• 0:08 Introduction
• 4:00 Catching Up with Rich from Hatchlings Games
• 8:04 Exploring New Game Designs and Inspirations
• 12:00 Argo-0, Rich's current Kickstarter campaign
• 18:27 How Rich's design process has evolved
• 22:14 How Rich adjusted his playtesting process
• 25:47 Including accessibility in game design
• 28:32 How Rich shifted into consultancy with founding Tattered Bear
• 33:19 Lessons learned about crowdfunding
• 38:15 Transitioning into full-time game design
• 43:07 The shift in crowdfunding strategies
• 50:14 Upcoming projects
• 52:13 Where you can find Rich
• 53:06 Wrap-up