Implications of a Trump Presidency on TTRPG

As Donald Trump prepares to retake the oath of office on January 20, 2025—a day ironically shared with Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the TTRPG community braces for what lies ahead. Based on his previous term, campaign promises, and those he has appointed since the election, how will this impact the tabletop roleplaying game industry and hobby?

Import Tariffs & the TTRPG Supply Chain

treasure chest chained shut — Photo by OpenClipart-Vectors on Pixabay

High tariffs on imported goods could hit the TTRPG industry hard, especially for printed books. The US has limited options for hardcover offset printing, meaning many publishers rely on international printers to make high-quality books affordable. If Trump reinstates tariffs, TTRPG publishers could be forced to raise prices or shift to print-on-demand only, making it harder to produce affordable, high-quality products. If domestic printers need supplies imported, that will raise book prices further. These cost increases will make it nearly impossible for most TTRPG publishers to offer wholesale prices to Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS), which will limit the variety in those stores, the backbone of our hobby, and the players who depend on them for public game spaces and new TTRPG options.

Tip for Publishers: If you’re looking for a US-based printer that can print hardcover offset books, contact yearbook companies. I have learned of two that will print TTRPG books, although I’m not listing them here since I haven’t tried them and don’t know whether they have openings. As domestic printing demand increases, their availability may change.

Affirmative Action: Inclusivity Under Threat

Woman in platemail & brown clothes, hands have ulnar drift deformity and gauntlets with brace, holding sword, left foot on helmet

We founded Wyrmworks Publishing on the principle of amplifying silenced voices and giving opportunities to the oppressed. We prioritize hiring disabled, neurodivergent, and mentally ill creators to ensure our products authentically reflect all voices and experiences. But with Trump’s Project 2025, affirmative action policies could be dismantled, penalizing companies that prioritize diversity, potentially forcing us out of business.

Regardless of governmental threats or penalties, Wyrmworks Publishing will fight with every resource we have to keep creating and hiring in line with our values. We’ll continue amplifying marginalized voices, standing with those who’ve been ignored or silenced, and showing that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the heart of what makes TTRPGs truly immersive and transformative.

Benefit Cuts: Hurting Players and Publishers Alike

The Trump administration has a history of trying to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and disability benefits—resources that many in our TTRPG community rely on. Losing these essential services would hurt countless players, especially those who turn to TTRPGs for mental health support and community connection. We know how much these games mean to so many.

So, we’re taking action. Wyrmworks Publishing is working on accessible options to ensure TTRPGs remain within reach, regardless of someone’s financial situation. Sign up for The Dragon’s Hoard or support us on Patreon to get updates on our initiatives and help us keep this community strong.

Meanwhile, we’re encouraging everyone to use #DefiantKindness with whatever resources you have to help those who are struggling in your community, especially those directly impacted by these forthcoming changes, like those struggling financially and of tenuous housing or immigration status. The way to Make America Great Again is through empathy, compassion, and working together to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

And of course, contact your representatives to tell them how these changes do not put “America First,” but rather hurt American small businesses.

silhouette of mounted knight fighting a dragon against a sunset background — Photo by rauschenberger on Pixabay

And thanks to our patrons, if you’re already struggling financially, you can grab some free Community Copies now. We will be restructuring this program to add more copies and a wider variety in the near future.

Community Copies

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We’re partnering with you to improve even more lives by making free electronic community copies available for those who can’t afford to buy them. #DnD #TTRPG #DestigmatizePoverty

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