Do Much less
The primary and most crucial aim is to do much less, and to do it decisively. I’ve formally stepped away from my long-held management obligations, together with my eight years because the EN World Columnist Managing Editor, seven years as Chair of the Committee for the Development of Function-Enjoying Video games, and eleven years of devoted service in numerous management roles inside Scouting America. My new position in my day job as a Director main a world group requires my full focus, and trying to handle all these different roles was spreading me too skinny. Shedding this heavy saddle offers me extra time to concentrate on gaming, and I will be doing quite a lot of it in 2026. Talking of which…
Do Extra
With the reclaimed time, I’m dedicating my time to one thing I’ve discovered is essential to my psychological well being: taking part in Dungeons & Dragons weekly and in-person. I’ve found that this sustained, face-to-face social exercise is a non-negotiable requirement for my well-being. It’s terrifying to leap right into a recreation with strangers, however I’ve solid an thrilling partnership with my native library to run periods in a impartial area utilizing a proper registration system. This is not nearly gaming; it is about actively constructing new gamers and fostering group. I will likely be sharing the journey of this native outreach—and the inevitable chaos of managing new gamers—all through 2026.
Replace to D&D 2024
Whereas some gamers could seem largely unconcerned in regards to the 2014 and 2024 version variations of Dungeons & Dragons, DMs—who require mechanical consistency—have undoubtedly seen the distinction. My dedication for 2026 is to proceed the multi-year means of revising my printed merchandise. This goes far past easy guidelines updates; each revision will embody higher artwork sourced from actual artists, rigorous enhancing, and full updates to the 2024 guidelines system. Updating all these merchandise isn’t any small activity, however making certain my content material meets the newest requirements is crucial to maintain something I produce related for future avid gamers.
Create Print-Prepared Merchandise
The shift again to in-person gaming has created a beautiful new aim: I wish to arrive at my library periods with hardcover, print-on-demand (POD) copies of the books I’ve written. This requires lastly conquering format software program and creating print-ready variations of my core guidelines. It is a appreciable technical problem—one I’ve delayed for years—however the want for a tangible, skilled product on the desk is the motivation I would like to realize this aim in 2026.
Go to Cons Once more
The Hearth Horse must run! I’m planning on returning to the bodily gaming group by attending Gen Con this 12 months, and hopefully different conventions. It is time to step away from the keyboard and meet folks in-person once more. This aim is about reconnecting with the gaming trade, assembly fellow creators, and experiencing the vitality of the group that impressed me again once I used to see folks in-person!
The 12 months of the Hearth Horse calls for independence, vitality, and decisive motion. For me, 2026 is about radical re-prioritization. By intentionally doing much less the place I used to be unfold skinny, I hope I can concentrate on issues that matter most: my skilled profession, my gaming, and my artistic work. This shift is terrifying, exhilarating, and completely crucial. I am charging ahead into the flames in some way. I hope you discover the power to do the identical!
