The Classic Explorer Workshop is live!

Build your own version of "classic fantasy" with the Classic Explorer layout template.  If you're interested in honing your layout skills, experimenting with new ideas, getting feedback, trading ideas, or simply launching that big (or diminutive) idea into the wild—this jam is for you.

The mission of this game jam is simple: discover the power of design and give others the tools to explore. This workshop lets us do that together! 

First and foremost, you have to use the Classic Explorer Template in some way or another. It can be the free starter version, the Canva template, the full paid version, or a game made from the template's guide packaged with the templates. So long as you use the Classic Explorer Template, you can make any rpg, supplement, or adventure you like for non-video game purposes. 

You can modify the template heavily and still be eligible to participate. Changing the typefaces, grid system, and overall design to fit your game is encouraged.

You can find both versions of the template on the Explorers Itch storefront and at Explorers Design.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make my submission free or under Creative Commons?

No. You are free to release your template under any license you wish. The template's CC by 4.0 license is meant to protect you while using it. All that's required is that you credit Explorers Design and the Classic Explorer Template somewhere in your document. 

Does my submission need to be made during the workshop?

No. You're encouraged to submit a project made with the template even if you made it before this workshop launched. 

Does my submission need to be new and original for the workshop?

No. Your finished project can be a re-design or re-launch of a previous rpg product (that you have the rights to convert). In fact, conversion is a great way to learn more about layout and design. All we ask is that you mention that it's a conversion in your submission.

Can I edit my submission later?

Yes! In fact, you're encouraged to keep polishing your project during and after the workshop's duration. The goal is for all of us to become better designers and iteration is a big part of that.

There are so many jams. Can I submit Explorer entries elsewhere?

Yes. If your project can contribute to and support another jam, we don't just allow it—we encourage it. 

Submission Integrity Requirements

Your product cannot under any circumstances support or sanitize hateful or harmful beliefs and behaviors. That includes making content that is colonialist, racist,  sexist, homophobic, or transphobic. This also means you're encouraged to not make an adventure or supplement for games whose creators have been found to hold those beliefs and behaviors. 

Studio Reservations

We reserve the right to reject and revoke any submissions that break our submission's rules and integrity requirements. 

This workshop is all about collaborating, teaching, and learning. However, we know that's hardly enough, so we've also added some incentives to help you along the way! Me and (hopefully) a few others will be spotlighting certain entries for being especially exciting and worth attention.

Winning Categories

Gold Explorer. Everything is subjective, but some games merit special attention. The winner of this category will have exhibited incredible attention to craft. This winner will likely have a firm grasp of space, information design, hierarchy, typography, etc. 

Perilous Explorer. Sometimes the best among us are the weirdest, boldest, and most unexpected. This award will go to whichever project pushes the template to its limits, breaks the grid, or spawns rules dependent on the layout and visual design itself. 

Rising Explorer. This award will go to any new or fledging designers who catch the panel's eye and merit attention from the community at large. A project that wins this entry might not be the best design or the most original, but it will likely be the most compelling. 

Prizes

• A respectable amount of fame and glory
• The next Explorers Design product release for free
• A spotlight design delve on Explorers Design
• A neat little title on the Explorers Design discord
• Other potential goodies...

Community Workshop

If you want to jam with your fellow designers, get feedback, pursue layout rumors, and trade in forbidden design lore, you won't find a better place for tabletop rpg design than the Explorers discord. 

You can join us in the studio by click on this discord invite link.

Layout and the Grid Basics

Excited to start, but you're not entirely sure what all these weird words mean? Good news: the Explorers Design website has guides on the basics, including grid system terminology and design fundamentals. 

You can find those articles at Explorers Design in the design guide. 

What should I design for?

If you're just now leaning over the design map and don't know where to explore first. There are tons of games out there that are looking for contributors. Here's just a humble list of games to choose from:

• MiniBX by Lucas Rolim, A hyper-minimalist fantasy rpg that upends classic D&D BX conventions.
• Errant by Kill Jester. Classic fantasy with some classic-defying tech under the hood. 
• Down We Go by Markus Linderum. Rules-lite fantasy that fits on a page. 
• Tunnel Goons by Nate Treme. Old-school fantasy for nice people. Looks nice, too. 
• Mausritter by Losing Games. Classic mouse adventure in the style of Redwall and Mouseguard.  
• Durf by Emiel Boven. An old-school fantasy game about brave adventurers. In multiple languages!