Stepping Outside the Shadow of Dungeons & Dragons: Free League Publishing’s Success and Future Plans
In the world of tabletop gaming, Free League Publishing has been making waves with its innovative and highly acclaimed role-playing games. For the second year in a row, the Swedish publisher has brought home the coveted Ennie Award for Publisher of the Year, a testament to their excellence and the passion of their fans. CEO Tomas Härenstam shares insights into the company’s growth, upcoming projects, and the challenges of the industry.

Founded in 2011, Free League has built a diverse catalog of tabletop games that span various genres and franchises. From reimagined classics like The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying and Dragonbane to licensed properties like Alien and The Walking Dead, and their own original series like Mutant: Year Zero and Vaesen, Free League has something to offer for every gaming enthusiast.

One of the key factors behind Free League’s success is their ability to connect with their audience. Härenstam emphasizes the importance of listening to the fans and understanding their desires. This has led to the development of games that not only meet but often exceed the expectations of the players.

In recent years, Free League has focused on supporting and refreshing their existing lines rather than expanding too rapidly. Härenstam acknowledges the challenge of juggling multiple projects while still delivering high-quality content. However, he believes that by focusing on the existing franchises, they can ensure their longevity and continued relevance.

A major project on the horizon is the overhaul of the popular Alien The Roleplaying Game. Developed more than seven years ago, this game has a dedicated following. Härenstam reveals that they are working on adding a solo mode, which will open up new ways for players to interact with the game. This addition is expected to enhance the replayability and accessibility of the game, especially for those who may not always have the opportunity to gather a group of players.

Another area of focus is providing support for playing the game with miniatures. This includes full-color painted maps of starships and planets, as well as a new line of Alien miniatures. While Free League is not aiming for a full, standalone skirmish game like Mutant: Year Zero – Zone Wars, the core rulebook and supplementary materials will offer everything players need to incorporate thematic skirmish combat into the larger role-playing experience.

When it comes to the highly anticipated The Walking Dead: Roleplaying Game in partnership with AMC and the accompanying high-concept actual play, Härenstam shares that the process is taking longer than initially planned. While he doesn’t have specific details on the timeline or delivery method, he assures that it is still a go and that they are hopeful to see it come to life. The collaboration with AMC brings a unique opportunity to bring the world of The Walking Dead to the tabletop in a new and exciting way.

Looking ahead, Free League plans to continue to innovate and expand their offerings. They are exploring new franchises and properties while also staying true to their core values of delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Härenstam is confident that the passion and dedication of their team will drive their success in the years to come.

In conclusion, Free League Publishing has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the tabletop gaming industry. Their ability to create engaging games, connect with their fans, and support their existing lines has earned them a loyal following. With upcoming projects like the Alien The Roleplaying Game refresh and the continued development of their partnerships, Free League is poised to make even more waves in the gaming world. Whether it’s through thrilling role-playing adventures or exciting miniatures battles, there’s always something exciting in store from this innovative publisher.