The social media exodus from X sparks a migration to Bluesky, offering a haven for tabletop players, designers, and performers.

The tabletop gaming community is abandoning Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) in droves, with many creators and fans settling on Bluesky, a rising microblogging alternative. Following the U.S. election and rising concerns about X’s moderation policies, thousands of users are seeking platforms that better align with their values and offer robust community-building tools.

Bluesky, launched in 2023, has experienced rapid growth, surging from 9 million users in September to over 21 million in November. It’s become a new hub for tabletop enthusiasts, from game publishers like Paizo and Kobold Press to celebrated figures like Aabria Iyengar and the cast of Critical Role.

Once a vibrant space for creatives, X’s transformation under Musk has driven many to leave. His overhaul included mass layoffs, the controversial introduction of paid verification, and the dismantling of moderation protocols. A marked increase in hate speech and misinformation, alongside Musk’s public involvement in Trump’s re-election, has further alienated users. According to NPR, more than 115,000 accounts were deactivated post-election, with many users expressing a preference for “bluer skies.”

Why Bluesky?

Bluesky’s appeal lies in its unique features. Instead of centralised algorithms that promote engagement through controversy, Bluesky allows users to curate their experience. Personalised “feeds” and “starter packs” enable easy discovery of relevant content and communities. For tabletop fans, this means finding niche groups, from roleplaying games to board game design, without wading through unrelated content.

Bluesky Directory, an independent aggregation tool, lists over 40 curated feeds and 200 starter packs for tabletop gaming, underscoring the platform’s growing relevance. However, concerns about its scalability and potential misuse of curation tools remain.

A New Opportunity for Tabletop Creators

For creators, Bluesky offers a chance to rebuild and reconnect. Many within the tabletop industry credit early Twitter for its rise, and the platform’s decline has been a significant loss. Now, Bluesky is stepping in, providing moderation tools and an environment removed from the influence of Musk’s policies or the U.S. administration’s authoritarian leanings.

Major platforms like D&D Beyond and DriveThruRPG, alongside small to mid-tier creators, have embraced the migration. With fewer bad actors and a sense of safety, Bluesky fosters a collaborative atmosphere reminiscent of Twitter’s early days.