Why Tabletop Creators Are Ditching X for Bluesky

The tabletop gaming world is undergoing a seismic shift, with creators and fans leaving Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) en masse for Bluesky, a burgeoning social media platform. Bluesky’s user-friendly tools and ethical focus are providing a fresh start for the tabletop ecosystem, which has been grappling with challenges on X since Musk’s takeover in late 2022.

Why Creators Are Leaving X

Once a hub for creative communities, X has seen its appeal diminish due to significant changes under Elon Musk’s ownership. Key issues include:

1. Eroding Trust: Musk’s “free speech absolutism” led to the dismantling of moderation protections, resulting in a surge of hate speech and misinformation.
2. Verification Chaos: Turning verification badges into a paid service devalued the credibility of creators and brands.
3. Post-Election Exodus: Musk’s alignment with divisive political figures, such as Donald Trump, further alienated users. According to NPR, over 115,000 X users deactivated their accounts by November 19.

For the tabletop gaming community—a space that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and creative exchange—these changes were a breaking point.

Why Bluesky?

Launched in early 2023, Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative to X, focusing on community-driven features that align with the values of tabletop creators. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Curation Tools:
   Users can compile “feeds” based on central topics, creating tailored content streams without relying on an algorithm. For tabletop enthusiasts, this means discovering posts about Dungeons & Dragons, board game design, or RPG strategy in a streamlined way.
2. Starter Packs:
   Instead of following accounts individually, users can follow curated collections under themes like “Tabletop RPG Creators” or “Indie Board Game Designers.” According to the Bluesky Directory, there are over 200 starter packs for tabletop gaming.
3. Moderation Safeguards:
   Bluesky’s robust blocking and reporting tools help users protect themselves from harassment—a glaring issue on X.
4. Ethical Environment:
   For many, Bluesky represents a platform detached from controversial political affiliations or unethical practices, offering creators a safer, more welcoming space.

The Tabletop Migration: Who’s Moving?

The migration isn’t limited to indie creators. Prominent names in the tabletop world are embracing Bluesky, including:

• Publishers: Paizo and Kobold Press
• Platforms: D&D Beyond and DriveThruRPG
• Personalities: Aabria Iyengar, Matt Colville, Chris Perkins, and the cast of Critical Role

This influx of established names has created a vibrant ecosystem where indie creators can coexist with industry giants, fostering collaboration and growth.

The Challenges of Bluesky’s Growth

While Bluesky’s growth is impressive—boasting 21.2 million users (up from 9 million in September)—rapid expansion brings challenges:

1. Discoverability vs. Safety:
   Tools like starter packs can boost discoverability but might also expose marginalized groups to targeted harassment.
2. Scalability:
   As Bluesky continues to grow, maintaining its user-friendly features and ethical moderation will be critical.
3. Recreating the “Old Twitter” Feel:
   Bluesky has big shoes to fill. While its tools offer promise, it’s unclear if it can replicate the sense of opportunity and connection that early Twitter provided.

What This Means for the Future of Tabletop Gaming

For now, the migration to Bluesky signals a significant shift in how tabletop creators engage with their communities. The platform’s focus on user control, ethical practices, and creative empowerment has made it an appealing choice for those seeking refuge from X’s chaos.

Whether Bluesky can maintain its momentum amidst this massive growth remains to be seen, but for the tabletop community, it represents a hopeful new chapter. Bluesky might just be the digital renaissance the tabletop world has been waiting for. Will you join the exodus?