Today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt, "First roleplaying game bought this year," brings up some interesting… let’s call them “debates”. What exactly counts as a game? Core rules? Source material for an existing game? It feels like this question is designed to cater to the hardcore roleplayers while conveniently ignoring folks who stick to their favorite, not-current edition of Dungeons & Dragons or another long-time favorite they’ve owned since high school or college.

For the die-hards out there, a new game purchase often means diving into an entirely new system. Not just one book, the whole line, all of the miniatures, new dice because of course. Maybe supporters of small-fish designers grab the latest indie game to be supportive. But what about the rest of us who haven’t felt the need to jump ship from our tried-and-true favorites? The question might seem a bit exclusionary if we haven’t shelled out cash for the latest and greatest but instead beefed up our existing collections with new sourcebooks or adventures.

And let’s not even get started on the idea that inspiration for roleplaying can come from beyond traditional game materials. Can we talk about that movie, book, or even song that sparked an adventure, a campaign, or a character concept? Does it count if we didn't actually buy it this year? What if we streamed it, borrowed it, or snagged it from the library? Oh, the horror!

At Lightspress, we’ve always believed that the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, when people collaborate and share their creativity. Sure, buying a new game can be thrilling and offer fresh mechanics or settings, but the real magic is in the shared stories and experiences you can’t purchase. That’s something you create on the fly with your friends.

Expect a lot of contrarian answers to this year’s prompt from me.

I found inspiration in what many roleplaying might consider unexpected places. A novel – not even fantasy, gasp! -- that I borrowed from the library and later bought my own copy of spurred the creation of a new campaign setting, complete with unique cultures and political intrigue. No money changed hands initially, but it had a massive impact on my roleplaying sessions. Then there was the documentary on 19th century politics that provided detailed material for a historical backdrop, giving our world that extra layer of authenticity.

When we broaden our understanding of what counts as game material, we open ourselves up to creative possibilities. It’s not just about the latest core rulebook we bought; it’s about all the elements that contribute to our roleplaying experiences. Whether it’s a new sourcebook, a novel that makes you think, or an eye-opening documentary, each piece adds to the collective storytelling.

So, when pondering the first roleplaying game you bought this year, remember it’s not just about tangible products. It’s about the inspirations that shape our games. Whether you’re a hardcore roleplayer with a shelf full of games or someone who draws inspiration from various sources, your contributions to the game table are valuable and unique. I want to use this #RPGaDay prompt to encourage you to reflect on and celebrate all the ways you bring creativity and imagination to your roleplaying experiences.