DriveThruRPG, a popular online platform for tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiasts, has recently announced a significant adjustment to the pricing of its print-on-demand (POD) books.

DriveThruRPG to increase prices for print-on-demand services

This digital marketplace, widely used by independent creators and publishers to distribute RPG rulebooks, adventures, and supplements in both digital and physical formats, relies on services like Lightning Source for its printing needs.

Lightning Source operates facilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom, allowing DriveThruRPG to serve a global audience. However, rising supply costs, particularly in the U.S., have prompted a notable price hike for POD books, effective April 1, 2025.

This change has sparked concern among creators and customers alike, especially those involved in crowdfunding campaigns.

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The price adjustments vary depending on the type of book and the region of production. In the U.S., black-and-white hardcover books will see increases ranging from 20% to 50%, depending on page count and size, while their softcover counterparts face even steeper hikes.

DriveThruRPG price changes

Here are some examples of changes to prices:

Black-and-white:

• 100-page black-and-white hardcover will increase from $8.60 to $11.14.
• 300-page black-and-white hardcover will increase from $13.08 to $19.04.
• 100-page black-and-white softcover will increase from $3.76 to $5.69.
• 300-page black and white softcover will increase from $8.32 to $13.73.

Standard Color:

• 100-page standard color hardcover will increase from $11.90 to $13.45.
• 300-page standard color hardcover will increase from $22.98 to $25.97.
• 100-page standard color softcover will increase from $7.13 to $8.05.
• 300-page standard color softcover will increase from $18.43 to $20.81.

Premium Color:

• 300-page premium color softcover will decrease from $44.87 to $35.75.
• 100-page premium color hardcover will decrease from $20.05 to $19.
• 300-page premium color hardcover will decrease from $49.50 to $41.
• 100-page premium color softcover will decrease from $15.87 to $13.75.

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These changes stem from escalating production costs, particularly in the U.S., where supply chain challenges have hit harder than in the U.K.

While U.S. customers will feel the brunt of these increases, the impact extends beyond individual buyers. Creators who rely on DriveThruRPG to fulfill physical rewards for crowdfunding campaigns, such as those on Kickstarter, are now facing a potential financial squeeze.

Many of these projects, planned and budgeted months in advance, did not account for printing costs rising by as much as 50%. For example, a creator expecting to print a 300-page black-and-white softcover for $8.32 per unit will now pay $13.73—a difference that could erode profit margins or even result in losses if pledges were calculated based on the old pricing.

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This situation underscores the broader significance of DriveThruRPG within the tabletop RPG community. As a key player in the indie gaming ecosystem, it empowers creators to bring niche projects to life without the need for large-scale traditional publishing

However, its reliance on external printing partners like Lightning Source ties its pricing to broader economic trends, leaving both creators and consumers vulnerable to unexpected shifts.

For crowdfunders caught mid-campaign, this price adjustment could disrupt timelines, strain budgets, and potentially damage trust with backers if additional funds or compromises become necessary.

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