A Quick Intro

Brian and Ty are veteran RPG players and designers who have been in the industry for a combined 30 years or so. Both of them want to see new stories and voices in the world, which led to the creation of Grassroots! Last year went so well that we're doing it again!

What is Grassroots?

Grassroots started as a way to revive an old TTRPG game jam from the mid 2000s. It exists to elevate new TTRPG voices and create space for weird, fun, and exciting new stories. Grassroots aims to get new designers in front of an audience, and show them how to make their games a reality.

The Jam Rules

Participants will submit a 750 word Analog Role Playing Game (750 max, including any tables or reference documents. It can be less than 750 if that works, too). The form of the game is up to you. It can be a stand alone rule set, a module for an existing system, or a fun add-on for another RPG. 

Below, you will find the list of themes, elements, and mechanics you must use in this game jam. You only need to use one thing from each category, and of course can use mechanics etc. that are not listed below. Judging will primarily focus on playability and enjoyability, but use of themes, elements, and mechanics will also be judged.

Themes are high level ideas, overarching and central to the action of the game. 

Mechanics are the nuts and bolts of how your players will play the game. 

Elements are smaller thematic touchpoints that participants can use to flavor their game. 

Submissions

Themes, Elements, and Mechanics will be announced on  December 4th, 2026 and the jam will run from December 4th through December 14th. All entries must be submitted by December 14th.  Submission may not use generative AI elements in whole or part. 

Judging

Entries will be judged after the deadline. Winners will be announced by the end of January. The top submissions will have the option to participate in the Grassroots 2027 Zinequest and have their game published in a Zine. 

Questions? 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or join (https://discord.gg/uTKC9XFaY8) and tag @imadjinn or @kingbee.