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If you’re an indie tabletop RPG creator looking to publish your content, your options have historically been pretty limited: you can either turn to DriveThruRPG to tap into a massive user base and major publisher programs, or you can set up shop on itch.io and embrace the more niche, creator-driven scene.
While these platforms have undeniably supported the hobby’s explosive growth over the past few years, the duopoly has left many creators asking for another way to reach fans.
Enter RPG Trader, a newly launched marketplace aiming to provide a creator-first alternative for the next generation of indie tabletop designers. Below, we take a closer look at this new player in the digital TTRPG space.
What is RPG Trader?
RPG Trader is an independent online marketplace where creators can sell tabletop RPG adventures and supplements for a wide range of systems. The platform was launched in early June 2026 by Ten Acre Games (an independent publisher created by designer Hugh Lashbrooke). Key features include:
- 80% Payouts: Creators receive the majority of all sales, with RPG Trader getting just a 20% cut.
- No Exclusivity: Creators are not locked into contracts, meaning they can sell their games on other platforms.
- Print-on-Demand: The platform also offers physical, printed books with integrated PoD services.
- Zero AI: The platform has a strict policy against any kind of AI-generated content.
- Built-in reporting: RPG Trader also includes a suite of tools that allow creators to track sales and other key metrics.
Despite being only recently launched, the platform already boasts over 7,000 members and nearly 3,300 products (as of this writing) and includes popular indie TTRPG titles like Cairn, Mausritter and Breathless.
How does RPG Trader compare to DriveThruRPG and Itch.io?
DriveThruRPG and its sister site DMsGuild (the latter of which exclusively sells D&D products) remain the undisputed juggernauts of the TTRPG industry. They have exclusive distribution agreements with some of the biggest publishers in the world, including Wizards of the Coast, Free League, Chaosium, Modiphius, White Wolf and Mongoose. Because of this, since they were launched in 2004 they’ve developed a massive user base, with estimates of well over 1 million active accounts. The platform is also currently owned by VTT creator Roll20 (who purchased the company from previous owner OneBookShelf in 2022), so it has a large corporation behind it that can invest significant amounts of revenue and resources into its development.
On the other end of the spectrum, itch.io is beloved by the indie scene for its incredibly generous revenue splits and customizable store pages. Yet, at the same time it’s a platform that sells video games and software in addition to TTRPGs, and it can be overwhelming to sift through all of the content.
| Feature | RPG Trader | DriveThruRPG | itch.io |
| Maximum Payout | 80% | 65% to 70% | 100% (default is 90%) |
| Exclusivity | No | Yes (to get 70% payout) | No |
| Built-in Print-on-Demand | Yes | Yes | No |
| AI Allowed | No | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
In any industry, competition breeds innovation. And while DriveThruRPG and itch.io aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, the introduction of a dedicated, modern alternative like RPG Trader feels like a net positive for the hobby. It remains to be seen, however, if this new player has what it takes to face down the industry’s two biggest digital giants.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the platform in the months ahead. In the meantime, you can browse the current marketplace or sign up as a creator over at RPG Trader.