Goodman Games
Joseph Goodman opened his doors in 2001 with a single product called Broncosaurus Rex. This first role-playing game capitalized on the newly available d20 System license from Wizards of the Coast. The company did not hire any in-house designers during these early years. Instead, Goodman relied entirely on freelance creators to build out their catalog. A series of Complete Guides followed the initial release starting with Complete Guide to Drow in 2002. Ten additional books appeared shortly after that focused on unusual fantasy races like Doppelgangers and Rakshasas. These titles filled gaps left by other publishers who ignored such niche subjects. Goodman Games expanded into fantasy dungeon crawls while maintaining this lean operational structure.
The Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game arrived in May 2012 as an original OGL-based system. Designers intended for it to reflect Dungeons & Dragons origin concepts using decades-later rules editions. This core engine later supported licensed settings including Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar world. That specific setting launched in 2019 featuring sword-and-sorcery duo Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Another major expansion followed in April 2023 based on Jack Vance's Dying Earth stories. The Dying Earth boxed set included nine all-new adventure modules set within Vance's unique world. A forthcoming title called Xcrawl Classics uses arena-style mechanics where star athletes compete in deadly engineered dungeons. This project secured funding through a successful Kickstarter campaign in August 2023.
Amethyst emerged as a science fiction setting released for both third edition and fourth edition Dungeons & Dragons. Dias Ex Machina published the setting with artwork provided by Nick Greenwood and Jaime Jones. The game adapted standard rules to include vehicles and guns making magic less powerful than usual. Feys became playable characters under this new framework which opened up class focus systems for advancement. Amethyst received an Honorable Mention for Best Setting at the 2008 Gen Con ENnie Awards. Chris Dias previewed Amethyst: Foundations at Free RPG Day of 2009 before its official publication in 2010. Mutant Crawl Classics arrived in April 2018 after a successful Kickstarter campaign inspired by Gamma World. This post-apocalyptic role-playing game claims to be one hundred percent compatible with Dungeon Crawl Classics rules.
Original Adventures Reincarnated serves as a line of updated annotated and expanded republications from TSR Inc. These books mostly cover classic Advanced Dungeons & Dragons supplements originally produced decades earlier. Goodman Games took these older adventures and modernized them for contemporary players while preserving their core spirit. The company also produced licensed adventures for Wicked Fantasy Factory Judges Guild Xcrawl Iron Heroes Castles and Crusades and Death Dealer. A series of Call of Cthulhu adventures began with Death in Luxor expanding their portfolio beyond fantasy settings. This strategy allowed them to tap into existing nostalgia while introducing fresh content to veteran gamers.
Leaked documents from Wizards of the Coast appeared in January 2023 suggesting plans to change the Open Game License. Goodman Games stated that proposed changes would have no impact on their lines despite industry-wide concern. Paizo announced plans to develop a new license called the Open RPG Creative License shortly thereafter. This system-agnostic license is stewarded by a nonprofit open to publishers besides Paizo. Goodman Games joined the ORC License Alliance on the 13th of January 2023. Polygon reported that customers spent an extraordinary amount of money investing in competition during Hasbro's public flailing period. Sales through the online store reached an all-time high exceeding prior Black Friday events. Dungeon Crawl Classics core rulebooks moved at a brisk pace throughout that month as accessories sold out.
Goodman Games held a contest in July 2009 to award a Game Store with America's Favorite Game Store title. The award went to Yottaquest recognizing local retail partners for their support. Since 2007 the company has participated annually in Free RPG Day creating free adventures and supplements for fans. These materials are distributed directly to fans who visit their local Friendly Local Gaming Stores on that specific day. DCC Day events began in 2020 to encourage fans to play public games of DCC MCC and other titles. Participating stores receive exclusive products available only during these annual celebrations. The company organizes and sponsors these gatherings to strengthen ties between publishers and independent retailers.
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Common questions
When did Joseph Goodman open Goodman Games?
Joseph Goodman opened his doors in 2001 with a single product called Broncosaurus Rex. This first role-playing game capitalized on the newly available d20 System license from Wizards of the Coast.
What is the release date for The Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game?
The Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game arrived in May 2012 as an original OGL-based system. Designers intended for it to reflect Dungeons & Dragons origin concepts using decades-later rules editions.
Which setting won Best Setting at the 2008 Gen Con ENnie Awards?
Amethyst received an Honorable Mention for Best Setting at the 2008 Gen Con ENnie Awards. Amethyst emerged as a science fiction setting released for both third edition and fourth edition Dungeons & Dragons.
On what date did Goodman Games join the ORC License Alliance?
Goodman Games joined the ORC License Alliance on the 13th of January 2023. Leaked documents from Wizards of the Coast appeared in January 2023 suggesting plans to change the Open Game License.
When was the Dying Earth boxed set released by Goodman Games?
Another major expansion followed in April 2023 based on Jack Vance's Dying Earth stories. The Dying Earth boxed set included nine all-new adventure modules set within Vance's unique world.