02/26/2025
Grok says: Dilly Green Bean Games is a small, independent tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) publishing company based in Gorham, Maine. Founded in 2001 by Jason Amerkanian and Jay Parker, the company set out with a mission to create affordable, fun, and accessible games for hobbyists. The quirky name "Dilly Green Bean Games" has a personal touch—it’s inspired by the pickled dilly green beans Jay Parker’s mom used to make, a snack that fueled late-night gaming sessions alongside iced tea.
The company has built a solid reputation over the years, producing over 100 RPG products. Their flagship system, *G-Core*, is a standout—a versatile, easy-to-learn superhero RPG that evolved from the mechanics of the classic Marvel Superheroes Role-Playing Game (FASERIP). *G-Core* has earned praise for its simplicity, affordability (often priced at just $2.50 for PDFs), and compatibility with a wealth of free online FASERIP material. It even won the Bamfsies 2014 Player’s Choice Award, a testament to its popularity among fans. Beyond *G-Core*, Dilly Green Bean Games has explored other genres with titles like *Guardian Universe* and *Xandoria*, offering a range of settings from superhero adventures to broader roleplaying experiences.
Jason Amerkanian handles the business side, bringing his tax and organizational expertise to keep the operation running smoothly, while Jay Parker is the creative force, designing games and doubling as a freelance artist, writer, and adjunct professor when not focused on DGBG projects. The company prides itself on staying fan-focused—keeping prices low, offering free PDFs with physical purchases, and maintaining an open-door policy for fan requests. They use a print-on-demand model through Ingram Books, making their products widely available, and they’ve been recognized by the INDY Awards and nominated for the ENnies Publisher Fan Award.
Dilly Green Bean Games also has a clear ethical stance: they refuse to publish hate material or accept unsolicited submissions, focusing instead on fostering a positive gaming community. While not a massive player in the industry, their dedication to quality, affordability, and fan engagement has carved out a loyal niche in the tabletop RPG world.
