🆚 DriveThruRPG vs KDP:
Which Platform Is Right for Your RPG Product?
If you're publishing tabletop RPG content—adventure hooks, character sheets, campaign modules, or printable maps—you've likely asked yourself: Should I publish on DriveThruRPG, Amazon KDP, or both?
Each platform offers unique strengths and challenges. Here's a breakdown to help you decide where your project fits best—or how to use both to maximize your reach.
📚 Amazon KDP: Best for Visibility and Paperbacks
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) gives you global reach through Amazon. Whether you're creating rulebooks, hex journals, or full campaigns, it’s ideal for producing and shipping paperback books with no upfront cost.
✅ Pros:
Massive audience on Amazon.
Print-on-demand with seamless fulfillment.
Free to publish and earn royalties.
Kindle eBooks available for portable use.
❌ Cons:
No digital downloads like PDFs or ZIPs.
Limited discoverability for niche genres like TTRPGs.
Formatting constraints (bleed, margins, no spiral binding).
🧙 Best For:
Print products: journals, guides, rulebooks.
Authors focused on Amazon search visibility and print sales.
👉 Create and publish your favorite games at DriveThruRPG.com
🎲 DriveThruRPG: Built for RPG Creators
DriveThruRPG is the industry hub for tabletop creators. Whether you’re selling a PDF one-shot, a toolkit bundle, or a high-res battlemap, this platform was built for it.
✅ Pros:
Targeted audience of TTRPG players and GMs.
Sell digital files: PDFs, ZIPs, images, tokens, and more.
Community tools: bundles, sales, affiliate network, and Publisher Promotion Points.
Flexible content types, no bleed formatting required.
❌ Cons:
Smaller general audience compared to Amazon.
Print setup is limited to PDF upload (for premium color).
More reliant on self-marketing than KDP.
🧭 Best For:
Digital-first content: adventures, maps, GM tools.
Creators seeking RPG-focused engagement and feedback.
🔀 The Hybrid Strategy: Use Both Platforms
Many creators find success by combining both platforms:
Sell paperbacks on Amazon KDP to reach a wide audience.
Offer downloadable PDFs and extras on DriveThruRPG for RPG players who want digital access.
This gives customers options while increasing your chances of exposure and revenue.
Just remember: KDP Select requires ebook exclusivity, so if you enroll a Kindle version, don’t post that file elsewhere.
Final Verdict
FeatureAmazon KDPDriveThruRPGAudienceGeneral readers & shoppersTTRPG fans and GMsFormat TypesPrint, Kindle eBooksPDF, ZIP, digital bundlesDiscoverabilityAmazon SEOGenre filters + community toolsContent TypesBooks, journals, guidesModules, maps, resourcesRoyaltiesUp to 60%~65% before DTRPG cut
Bottom line:
Use KDP for polished print books.
Use DriveThruRPG for flexible digital content.
Use both to cover all your publishing bases.
Got a favorite platform—or an affiliate that’s helped boost your RPG sales?
Drop a comment below and share what’s worked for you.
✅ Print & Publish Checklist
For Amazon KDP:
Format to 6x9 or 8.5x11 with proper bleed/margin settings.
Compress PDF to under 50MB (ideally ~5–10MB).
Export in CMYK (for cover), and PDF/X-1a:2001 (for interior).
Upload and preview carefully in KDP print previewer.
Set price and royalty options.
For DriveThruRPG:
Export high-quality PDF (RGB, 300 DPI).
Add front/back cover if selling as “premium color.”
Create a product thumbnail and optional banners.
Add metadata, categories, and content warnings.
Use Publisher Hub to set price, discount, and PPG if needed.