An independent tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) designed by industry veteran Matt Colville has generated an impressive $4.6 million in funding on BackerKit, far surpassing its initial goal of $800,000. The game aims to provide a fresh experience without the constraints of the traditional Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) legacy.

Developed by MCDM Productions, the current project, titled The MCDM RPG, promises a modern take on a “heroic fantasy RPG” experience. Rather than using the traditional twenty-sided dice associated with D&D, The MCDM RPG offers innovative gameplay mechanics. For example, the game does away with the concept of missed attacks and outdated initiative rules. Instead, every attack lands, and players have the freedom to determine the order in which their characters act in battle, promoting teamwork and adding dramatic elements without any “wasted turns.”

Known for his work on tabletop games such as Dune (2000), Star Trek (2002), and The Lord of the Rings (2005), as well as his popular D&D Actual Play series, The Chain of Acheron, Matt Colville is leading the development of The MCDM RPG.

Despite the widespread popularity of Dungeons & Dragons in recent years, the game has become synonymous with TTRPGs. It has influenced a wide range of titles, from classic Japanese RPGs to modern blockbusters like Baldur’s Gate 3.

In a 50-minute video, Colville delves into the reasoning behind the project, offering valuable insights for those interested in learning more.

The MCDM RPG is positioned as a direct competitor to Dungeons & Dragons, which is developed by Hasbro subsidiary Wizards of the Coast. Wizards of the Coast has faced challenges recently, including reported layoffs at the end of last year (via Forbes), reflecting the broader trend of layoffs in the gaming industry in 2023, affecting companies such as Ubisoft and Bungie.

Amidst a turbulent period for game development, the success of an independent project in raising significant funds is a positive highlight. The anticipation for the finished product is high, with many eager to see whether Colville’s efforts to bring innovation to the fantasy TTRPG space will yield successful results.