Abstract

This paper discusses how a group of independent tabletop RPG developers use the digital space to distribute their products. The technique of participant observation was used in the research to understand the practices performed by a group of independent creators in Latin America, named RPGLatam. Aware that they operate in digital networks from a marginalized position — as denizens in the Global South —, these creators articulate a series of practices to try and minimize the possible negative outcomes that such marginalization would have upon them and their products. Some of these practices include using digital systems in ways that differ from their original design. Four practices are discussed in this paper, contextualized under the light of platform capitalism: 1) using the English language; 2) a support network; 3) community copies, and 4) itchfunding.

Keywords
game studies; RPG; data colonialism; platform capitalism