Founded on August 14, 2016, BlackDiceGames began as a passion project driven by innovation, creativity, and a deep love for immersive gaming. At the heart of our studio is Alan Bollinger (He/Him), an experienced Product Strategy Leader dedicated to empowering teams with innovative solutions and delivering scalable product innovations. Alan’s vision has transformed BlackDiceGames into a dynamic hub where storytelling meets cutting-edge technology, creating experiences that captivate and inspire.
Our Journey and Vision
BlackDiceGames was born from a desire to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Alan’s background in product strategy provided the perfect foundation to integrate innovative technology into game design. By blending classic role-playing traditions with modern simplicity, we strive to craft games that are both accessible to newcomers and deeply engaging for seasoned enthusiasts.
Our mission is to create worlds that spark the imagination, foster community, and empower players to embark on adventures that are as epic as they are personal. Whether through enhanced gameplay features or meticulously designed narratives, we are committed to reshaping the landscape of gaming—one innovative project at a time.
Our Creations
Cresthaven RPG
Step into the world of Cresthaven RPG, a homebrew fantasy role-playing game that has evolved into an open source project with multiple paid books available on DriveThruRPG (including titles like Santa Situation and Tower of Horis Sharpcheeks).
- Epic adventures await in the enchanting Village of Cresthaven, where unforgettable stories and experiences unfold at every turn.
- Easy to learn, Cresthaven RPG is designed so that you can craft your unique character in just 20 minutes or dive straight into the adventure with pre-generated options.
- Combining classic d20 role-playing elements with modern simplicity, it offers an accessible and engaging experience for both beginners and veteran gamers.
Into the Shadows: A Lovecraftian RPG
Embark on a journey into the unknown with Into the Shadows: A Lovecraftian RPG. Born from a successful Kickstarter campaign, this game delivers an immersive experience using the Fate system in a 400+ page book.
- As the thirteen plunge deeper into the abyss, guided by Professor Morgan’s wisdom and Dr. Castaigne’s maddening insights, they encounter secrets that challenge the limits of human understanding.
- Set in Arkham, Massachusetts, a town shrouded in dark shadows and eldritch mysteries inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, the game includes detailed locations, aspects, and game seed ideas for rich, cooperative storytelling adventures.
Cavern Crawl
Cavern Crawl is an engaging and interactive game that offers a unique blend of exploration, strategy, and luck.
- Choose from four distinct characters, each with unique abilities that allow you to tailor your playstyle.
- Expand ever-changing caverns by placing map cards, engage in dice-driven battles with monsters, and collect loot while racing to be the first to secure 10 coins and return to the entrance.
- Whether you prefer cooperative play or friendly competition, Cavern Crawl provides a fun and immersive experience that keeps every session exciting.
Urban Explorer – Terrifying Encounters
An intense survival horror experience where the only source of light is your relic camera.
- Navigate an abandoned building plunged into darkness, where shadows conceal deadly threats and eerie secrets.
- Players rely solely on their vintage camera’s single light source to explore their surroundings, every flicker exposes danger, and every click invites tension.
- Designed to evoke raw fear and suspense, this game challenges players’ instincts, timing, and nerves in a nightmarish urban environment built for dread.
Our Mission and Values
Innovation and creativity are at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to:
- Pushing creative boundaries through technological innovation.
- Building community-centered gameplay that brings people together.
- Designing inclusive and accessible experiences for players of all backgrounds.
- Embracing a collaborative spirit that values every voice and idea.
Our Founder: Alan Bollinger (He/Him)
Alan Bollinger is a seasoned Product Strategy Leader with a strong track record in the video game industry. His professional experience includes:
Game Credits
- Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising (Windows): UX/UI/HUD, Community and Online Management
- Delta Force series (Urban Warfare, Black Hawk Down, Task Force Dagger, Comanche 4, etc.): Web Design, Testing, Additional Voice Work
- Cresthaven RPG (2014–present), CavernCrawl board game (2015), Into the Shadows Kickstarter (2014–2024)
Role and Expertise
Alan oversees production with broad industry insights and extensive project management credentials. His leadership keeps the team on target and on budget while ensuring that every project reflects the passion and creativity that define BlackDiceGames.
Looking Forward
As we continue to expand our portfolio, our commitment remains unwavering: to create immersive, inclusive, and innovative games that challenge the status quo. With each project—from the fantastical realms of Cresthaven to the mysterious depths of Arkham and the dynamic challenges of Cavern Crawl—we push the envelope of what games can be.
Visit our official website at https://www.blackdicegames.com to learn more about our projects, upcoming releases, and the vibrant community behind every adventure. Welcome to BlackDiceGames, where imagination meets innovation and every game is an invitation to adventure.
Follow us online on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/blackdicegames.bsky.social