TTRPG Structural Audits

TTRPG Structural Audits

Many RPGs ship with rules that technically function but fail at the table: GMs get stuck, campaigns collapse, or the game rewards the opposite of what it promises. I provide structural audits that identify what’s missing, what’s assumed, and where a design fails to deliver on its claims. These audits can be used before publication to prevent failures, or after publication to diagnose them. All findings are measurable and evidence-based, not subjective opinion. Audits are most valuable before layout lock, when structural changes are still feasible.

Structural audits analyze system architecture using a published, repeatable framework distinct from playtesting (which observes table behavior), editing (which improves manuscript clarity), or general design feedback.

See the framework applied:

Each audit produces a structured report with page-cited findings, scored structural verdicts, and clearly identified gaps.

Public Audit Samples
Public examples showing how the framework evaluates different design approaches:

Structural audits inform decisions at key points in a product’s lifecycle:

Before publication — Identify structural gaps before production investment

After publication — Diagnose friction or validate whether the system delivers on its claims

Edition planning — Determine which subsystems are load-bearing and where structural debt has accumulated

Line development — Validate subsystems in development or assess catalog positioning

What Structural Analysis Identifies

  • Incentive misalignment: “Text promises ‘professional stealth gameplay,’ but mechanics allocate 32 pages to combat vs. 5 pages to social interaction. Design rewards confrontation, not subtlety”
  • Onboarding barriers: “GM must absorb 250 pages across 4 fragmented chapters before running first session”
  • Hidden market advantages:  “Provides best-in-class security system simulation, a unique competitive position not advertised on the cover”
  • Campaign viability limits:  “The system sweet spot is 0-5000 XP; dice pool math breaks down beyond that threshold”
  • Design identity clarity: “Tactical combat simulator dressed in a heist coat; mechanical depth serves a different playstyle than thematic pitch”

Findings are grounded in page counts, mechanical interactions, and documented procedures. All conclusions are derived from the text as written, not play experience or table preference.

Ready to identify structural gaps and competitive positioning?
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How It Works

Each audit tier answers a different scope of structural question. Select the audit level that best meets your requirements.

Diagnostic Audit — Single Structural Question
($250–300 | 2–3 days)

Evaluates one clearly defined structural question or narrow subsystem element. Applies one or two Tier 1 checks to determine whether the element is complete, coherent, and usable as written—for example, whether character creation is structurally complete or a resolution mechanic functions without hidden dependencies.

Provides functional status findings only (present, incomplete, missing, or assumption-dependent). Does not include inference, synthesis, or product-level assessment.

Targeted Audit — Subsystem Deep Dive
($600–800 | 5–7 days)

Evaluates a defined subsystem rather than the entire product. Applies the full audit framework within this scope to examine internal coherence, procedural completeness, and integration with related mechanics. Examples include combat systems, crafting rules, social mechanics, character creation, or adventure modules.

Delivers a functional verdict and detailed subsystem findings. Product-level synthesis and comparative tier placement are not included.

Full Audit — Complete Product Assessment
($1,400–3,800 | 5–7 days)

Evaluates the entire product in its declared role. Executes all applicable Tier 1 and Tier 2 audits, then synthesizes findings into an integrated assessment of scope delivery, functional integrity, incentive structure, and long-term viability.

Includes signature findings, a scope delivery verdict, tier placement with confidence level, and identification of structural strengths, risks, and trade-offs that define system behavior during sustained play.

All audits use the same 10-criterion framework. View full methodology

What You Receive

  • Cross-validated findings: Structural patterns verified from multiple analytical perspectives, distinguishing high-confidence findings from interpretation-dependent observations
  • Quantified metrics: Page counts, numeric breakpoints, time estimates, and resource allocations that make gaps measurable
  • Documented evidence: Each finding marked with ✓ / ⚠ / ✗ / ? status and specific page citations
  • Integrated analysis: How findings interact within subsystems (targeted audits) or across the full product (full audits)
  • Market positioning verdict: Tier placement with confidence level (full audits only)

Who This Is For

  • Designers who want to catch structural gaps before publication—not after reviews mention them
  • Publishers evaluating whether a manuscript is structurally ready for production
  • GMs evaluating whether a system’s design will support sustained campaign play

Logistics & Pricing

Delivery & Capacity

  • 5-7 business day turnaround for most audits
  • 2-3 audit slots available monthly

Beta Pricing (limited slots remaining through April 2026)

50% discount for beta participants who provide a testimonial and allow anonymized case study quotes.

Diagnostic Audit (single structural question)
$250–300 (standard: $500–600)

Targeted Audit (one subsystem deep dive)
$600–800 (standard: $1,200–1,600)

Full Audit (complete product assessment; priced by rules-text length)

Notes: “pp” refers to rules-text pages (excluding art/blank pages where applicable).

64–80pp: $1,400–1,800 (standard: $2,800–3,600)
81–127pp: $1,800–2,200 (standard: $3,600–4,400)
128–200pp: $2,200–3,000 (standard: $4,500–6,000)
200–280pp: $2,800–3,800 (standard: $6,000–8,000)
280+pp: Custom quote from $3,500 (standard: $6,500+)

Highly technical density, heavy tables/cross-referencing, or unusually interdependent subsystems may be quoted at the next tier. I’ll count rules-text pages in the PDF you provide.

Guarantees & Add-Ons

  • Quality guarantee: 50% refund if no actionable gaps identified
  • Confidentiality: All materials confidential unless you specify otherwise
  • Comparative analysis add-on: Comparative tier placement within broader RPG landscape (+$800-1,200)

Scope Clarifications

What structural audits don’t include:

  • Playtesting, balance analysis, or number-crunching
  • Feedback on story, theme, or setting quality
  • Art, layout, or editorial review
  • Prescriptive design recommendations or implementation guidance
  • Ongoing design work, rewrites, or iterative consulting

How is this different from editing or playtesting?

  • Developmental editors ($2,000-4,000) catch prose and pacing, not mechanical integrity or incentive structures
  • Playtesters ($500-2,000) catch balance issues, not systematic subsystem gaps or onboarding friction
  • Structural audits provide cross-validated findings with quantified metrics that make gaps measurable

Request an Audit

Name
Timeline

Include:

  • Product title and approximate page count
  • Audit type (diagnostic, targeted, or full)
  • Any specific structural concerns

I respond within 1-2 business days with pricing, availability, and next steps.
First-time clients: I’m happy to clarify scope, fit, and audit tier before you commit.