Dungeons and Dragons​ (DnD) is a game that happens in the mind. There are many props (which you still need to buy with money), but none of them are required. You don’t even need to use dice if you’re creative enough. When I was in school, we rolled a pencil on which we wrote numbers or just let the DM decide the outcome of certain things. You just need friends and a way to communicate.

I can go on about DnD, what it is, and how it’s played, but there are many people that do a far better job. As a matter of fact, the company that publishes DnD now does it for free. Indeed, The rules for the game, the same ones in thick rule books, are now available on the same website. You can download them and start playing with your friends today.

To understand the legal status of things (DnD is now under creative commons) better, I found this YouTube video helpful.

In my mind, DnD was always free. It was the one game that frees your mind and lets your imagination run wild. I purchased some of the rule books as I was going through different DnD periods in my life, but I never hesitated to make a rule on the spot, be it because I forgot or couldn’t find the official rules or because making up rules was more fun.

Like Linux and Emacs, two of the most significant tools in my life today, this important game is also free. Because of this license and the huge community of players, it’s even possible to make a living playing the game. Not just by teaching it, but also by developing it and building additional content. Doesn’t it sound a lot like Linux/Emacs and the content different YouTubers make explaining it? I don’t think this is a coincidence. There are excellent players and DMs out there (Critical Role needs little introduction), and now it’s easier than ever to join them.