Independent publisher Plus One Exp is presenting a diverse collection of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) at Gen Con 2026 in Indianapolis. the showcase, located at Booth 449, highlights a shift toward niche storytelling and solo-player experiences.
The 2025 IGDN Groundbreaker Award and the Rise of Solo Play
The presence of Plus One Exp at Gen Con 2026 underscores a growing industry trend toward solo-journaling and prompt-based gaming. According to the report, the publisher is showcasing Where Crimson Lillies Bloom, a title that earned the 2025 IGDN Groundbreaker Award for Best Setting. In this game, players act as a former Sister of a lunar deity's order, navigating a personal hell to earn freedom through a mix of brawn and wit.
This move toward solo play reflects a broader evolution in the TTRPG space,where the traditional requirement of a Game Master (GM) is being bypassed in favor of personal, reflective narratives. other solo titles at Booth 449 include Heir of Swords, which utilizes tarot-based divination to track a heartless deserter, and a Mythic Bastionland adventure where the player assumes the role of a squire honoring a deceased knight.
Crit Award Nominations and the 'Thirsty Knight' Aesthetic
Beyond solo play, Plus One Exp is leaning into unconventional social dynamics and queer themes. As reported by the source, the publisher is featuring a game centered on "queer and thirsty knights" who have been exiled to strange lands. This specific title, designed for a GM and one to six players, has already garnered a nomination for the Crit Awards, which are scheduled for announcement in September 2026.
This focus on identity and romance—seen also in titles like My Chivalric Bromance and Silver Spoon Boys—marks a departure from the combat-heavy tropes of traditional high fantasy. By centering narratives on "handsome sons from wealthy families" or exiled companions, Plus One Exp is targeting a demographic of gamers who prioritize character chemistry and emotional stakes over dungeon crawling.
New Umbria’s Cyberpunk Divide Between Werewolves and Androids
For those seeking tighter, more structured narratives, Plus One Exp is offering a cyberpunk mystery set in the grimy city of New Umbria. This TTRPG is specifically designed for two players and is intended to be completed within one to five sessions. The game forces a mechanical tension between its protagonists: a Werewolf who cannot use technology and an Android who cannot manipulate magic.
The New Umbria setting emphasizes a struggle between the "Beast and the Machine," positioning the players as inhuman private investigators. This tight session limit and specific character dichotomy suggest a design philosophy focused on "micro-campaigns," allowing players to experience a complete story arc without the long-term commitment required by larger systems.
Missing Pricing and Distribution Details for Booth 449
While the variety of titles is extensive, several key details remain unverified in the current reporting. The source does not specify the pricing for these titles, nor does it clarify if the games are available exclusively in physical format at Gen Con 2026 or if they can be purchased dgiitally through an online storefront.
Furthermore, the report provides a list of titles but does not name the individual designers or writers behind the Plus One Exp library. It remains unclear whether Plus One Exp operates as a collective of independent creators or a centralized studio, leaving a gap in the understanding of the publisher's internal structure.
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