The 2024 Ennie Awards, a prestigious event in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) community, celebrated outstanding achievements in the genre, with notable recognition for innovative and engaging games. This year, the award for Best Game went to the old-school inspired RPG, Shadowdark, created by Kelsey Dionne and her team at The Arcane Library. The game not only won the top honor but also clinched three additional gold medals, including Best Layout and Design, Best Rules, and Best Game, marking a remarkable achievement for the creators.

Shadowdark has gradually gained traction among TTRPG enthusiasts, particularly during the pandemic, when it spread through word-of-mouth recommendations. However, it was a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023 that truly elevated its profile, raising nearly $1.4 million. This substantial funding underscores the game’s appeal, particularly among players familiar with the mechanics of the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The rules-light system of Shadowdark is designed for players seeking more open-ended and less linear gameplay experiences, making it a favorite among Game Masters and gaming groups.

For those interested in acquiring Shadowdark, physical copies are currently sold out, but pre-orders for the next printing are available at a price of $59. Pre-ordering also grants immediate access to a PDF version of the game. Additionally, a free quickstart version is offered, which includes slim booklets for both players and Game Masters, featuring a beginner dungeon crawl titled Lost Citadel of the Scarlet Minotaur.

Another standout at this year’s Ennie Awards was Eat The Reich, an ultraviolent TTRPG that secured multiple awards, including Best Art for both Cover and Interior, as well as Best Adventure – Short Form. This game, designed by Grant Howitt, known for his work on Honey Heist, immerses players in a dark narrative where they assume the roles of powerful vampires on a mission to eliminate Adolf Hitler. The game’s unique premise and engaging artwork, illustrated by Will Kirkby, who has collaborated with notable entities like Critical Role and various comic publishers, contributed to its acclaim.

The Ennie Awards are particularly cherished within the TTRPG community for their distinctive judging format. Volunteer judges from the EN World community evaluate entries based on a clear ethical framework, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. This year’s ceremony highlighted the creativity and passion of game designers and developers, showcasing a wide array of titles that push the boundaries of traditional tabletop gaming.

As the TTRPG landscape continues to evolve, events like the Ennie Awards play a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating the innovative minds behind these games. With the success of titles like Shadowdark and Eat The Reich, it is evident that the genre is thriving, attracting both seasoned players and newcomers alike.