The meeting was an in-depth conversation with Scotty McFarland aka “DM Scotty”, a game designer and Game Master known for his elegant yet minimalistic gaming system, EZD6 as well as his crafting artistry. The discussion explored Scotty’s creative process, game design philosophy, the evolution of his work, his approach to role-playing games (RPGs), and insights into creativity and mental wellness in gaming and crafting.
If you want the full transcript, here it is!
If you just want more details on specific areas we covered… here they are:
1. Introduction and Background
Scotty’s long history with RPGs starting from playing D&D in high school.
Took a break from gaming due to family and work, then returned inspired by friends who wanted him to DM.
Developed DM's Craft, initially as a terrain-making YouTube channel, blending his wargaming background with RPGs.
Philosophy focuses on the elegance of gaming systems and terrain: simple, playable, and visually engaging without complexity or blocking gameplay.
2. Design Philosophy: Elegance and Functionality
Emphasizes minimalism in both rules and terrain to enhance playability.
Instead of fully 3D terrain which can impede visibility and movement, created simpler terrain with shadow painting and cardboard strips to simulate walls.
EZD6 rules prioritize flow and simplicity, reducing rule lookups to maximize session fun and speed.
Uses a theatre of the mind approach with creativity but with minimal rule crunch.
3. Energy and Theatricality in Gameplay
Scotty sees himself as the leader guiding player energy; his high energy and theatrical style encourage players to become more engaged.
EZD6 facilitates this by avoiding rules breaks and keeping the game fast and fun.
The game fosters improvisation and creativity within a loose framework rather than rigid rule enforcement.
4. Game Mechanics and Player Experience
EZD6 uses a D6 system promoting frequent critical rolls (both successes and failures), leading to exciting gameplay moments.
Introduced concepts like karma (a resource to help players after failure) and the hero die for re-rolls to balance luck and creativity.
Combat is quick and streamlined, contrasting with traditional D&D’s slower pace.
The system promotes player agency and narrative input, rather than focusing on min-maxing or heavy mechanics.
5. Horror and Genre Flexibility
Scotty is finishing a horror RPG manuscript with two playsets: Everyday Nightmares (ordinary people) and Dreadborn Hunters (heroic monster hunters).
Introduced mechanic Doom to simplify tracking insanity or other permanent conditions in horror games: acquiring 3 Doom triggers a narrative consequence linked to the source of the Doom.
Horror mechanics allow for tension without complex tracking systems.
Upcoming projects include a sci-fi RPG with three playsets:
Rocket Rangers – pulpy, high-energy adventure
Star Voyagers – Star Trek-inspired exploration with a small crew focus
The Fixers – dystopian mercenary adventures
6. Creative Process and Inspiration
Draws heavily on films and classic genre works, integrating pop culture references (e.g., Romero zombies in Wasted World).
Prefers taking time to let ideas "cook" mentally before writing; avoids forcing content creation.
Emphasizes quality over quantity, not driven by commercial crunch cycles.
Creativity is fuelled by interaction with players and the improvisational nature of RPGs.
Considers creativity therapeutic and a form of escape from real-world problems; both crafting and gaming provide focus and joy.
7. Community and Player Interaction
Values fostering a safe, encouraging environment where players feel supported in being imaginative.
Players quickly learn Scotty is on their side, not adversarial.
Scotty works to integrate player ideas actively into gameplay.
Prefers social play experiences; has never played solo RPGs.
Highlights camaraderie among creators and players, such as sharing craft projects.
8. Views on AI in Game Design and Art
Uses AI occasionally as a creative prompt or personal tool, e.g., AI-generated character portraits for online play.
Sceptical of AI-generated game content or art for publication; prefers professional artists like Sean Bova for dynamic, action-oriented illustrations.
Feels AI-generated content typically lacks originality and depth.
Views AI as a helpful starting point but not as a replacement for human creativity.
9. Magic System and Character Agency
Magic design in EZD6 is a key creative challenge; incorporates risk/reward by allowing spell casting failures, inducing strikes (damage) instead of permanent character changes.
Respects player agency by allowing permanent changes only if the player opts in.
Encourages player-driven magical effects and visions rather than prescribed spell lists.
10. Final Thoughts and Future Work
Ongoing development of new books and genres while maintaining core system principles of simplicity and creativity.
Upcoming horror book release anticipated by late summer.
Continues testing and refining the sci-fi game with extensive playtests.
Maintains a motivational message for creativity, encouraging people to engage in making things and expressing ideas to enhance mental wellbeing.
The meeting provided an insightful look into DM Scotty’s creative approach to game design, emphasizing accessibility, elegance, creativity, and fun in tabletop RPGs. His systems encourage player collaboration, quick and dynamic gameplay, and inventive narrative contributions. Scotty’s work champions imagination and therapeutic creativity, balancing simplicity with depth across multiple genres. The interview also included reflections on the impact of current technologies and a heartfelt encouragement to embrace creativity for happiness and mental wellness.
Also, as Scotty is such a great fellow, I did create a character for him for the Mystmoor campaign! Of course, he is a wizard whose magic is only limited by his imagination… hence he is very powerful!
Also, special thanks again for him writing the foreword to the ASSIGNMENT: DANGER! book I created… as if it was not for him and EZD6 getting me inspired, it likely would never have popped in existence!
Where to learn more about Scotty McFarland:
Scotty on Instagram
EZD6 Page
The DM’s Craft
We hope you enjoyed listening to Scotty!
We look forward to your comments and thoughts!
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