Mike Mearls Talks TTRPGs

Mike Mearls

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Games
Updated Weekly

D&D 5e designer Mike Mearls talks about TTRPGs and game design.

Aug 26

Monsters, Healing, and Resistance

In this week's podcast, I talk about why I don't use healing, resistance, or immunity in my D&D 5e design.
Aug 16

I Hate Forcecage

In this episode, I walk through how and why spellcasters - especially the wizard - have access to control effects that are far too powerful. I also talk about a design concept I am using to combat this issue.
Aug 6

Post-Gen Con Thoughts

I have some thoughts about creativity and the process of game design after Gen Con 2026. Here's a link to the DEATH SAVES live play: https://www.youtube.com/live/UzWEGxV1rpI?si=KezVX80TMH4R9GZ2
Jul 24

The Sad Story of Challenge Rating

Does anyone actually like challenge rating? This week I talk through the core problems with the mechanic, how it influences monster design, and the real culprit behind D&D's tricky math, the encounter day.
Jul 18

Podcast: On Subclasses

Today I had to clear out a bunch of blackberry vines in my backyard. That prompted me to reflect on subclass design. Perhaps the painstaking, and painful, process of digging up long, ropy vines with jagged thorns reminded me of the untold hours I spent creating subclasses for 5e. In any case, I tried making this a video but that seemed unnecessarily complex. Plus I'm still sweaty and covered in dirt from working in my backyard. Hopefully this will provide some insight into why my class design avoids subclasses.

5 Episodes

D&D 5e designer Mike Mearls talks about TTRPGs and game design.

Creator

Mike Mearls
Years Active

2026
Episodes

5
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Mike Mearls
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Mike Mearls Talks TTRPGs