Month: July 2024

The Weekly LIVE 251- GURPS 4E Basic Sets, Lancer 2nd Printing New Cover, Actual Play Porn and Eldritch Automata

Posted on by upturnedtable_sx8obi

 

Steve Jackson Games is set to release two new GURPS 4E Basic Sets on August 7, 2024. These sets aim to provide players with the essential tools to learn and adapt the game to various settings. The first set, Basic Set: Characters, focuses on character creation and combat basics, retailing for $59.95. The second, Basic Set: Campaigns, offers guidance on story creation and setting development, retailing for $49.95. This release comes amidst financial challenges for Steve Jackson Games, which reported a decline in sales and a loss for the year. Despite this, the company remains optimistic, citing successes like strong sales of Car Wars 6th Edition and improved scheduling for 2024.

Massif has announced a second print run of the award-winning sci-fi RPG Lancer, now featuring new cover art by Peyton Gee. Lancer allows players to customize their own mechs with various components and abilities, blending tactical combat with innovative narrative elements. The new print run is available at local comic shops, bookstores, and online retailers, including a version with exclusive cover artwork from Massif. The core rulebook includes everything needed to play Lancer, from setting information to comprehensive rules and GM guidelines.

Rowan Zeoli’s article on Rascal News explores the recurring comparison between actual play (AP) and porn, suggesting both are performances of intimate experiences that can create unrealistic expectations. The discourse around this comparison is polarized, with some arguing it undermines the authenticity of both mediums, while others see it as a fundamental misunderstanding. The article delves into the broader cultural implications of this comparison and the challenges both mediums face in an increasingly competitive and scrutinized digital landscape.

Eldritch Automata, a new TTRPG inspired by Evangelion, Pacific Rim, and cosmic horror, has surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players pilot mechs called Automata to fight eldritch abominations. The game emphasizes narrative gameplay with simple mechanics, stress management, and interpersonal drama. Character creation is quick, offering over 140 unique combinations of pilot and Automata archetypes. The campaign includes stretch goals for expanded content and a deluxe edition core rulebook. Eldritch Automata aims to provide a rich and immersive experience, blending horror, action, and complex character dynamics.

 #gurps #lancerprg #actualplay #eldritchautomata

Eldritch Automata on Backekit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/gehenna-gaming/eldritch-automata-action-horror-ttrpg

Order New Lancer Cover Art:

https://massifpress.com/shop

Rascal News:
https://www.rascal.news/rascal-pledge-drive-2024-goals-schedule-calendar/

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/review-dune-in-106781242

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Outgunned Adventure on Backerkit

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/outgunned-2

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:17 — 35.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

The Weekly LIVE 250 – Board game Publishers Scammed, Phantasy Star for Tabletop, Etsy Now Sells AI and Sexist Gary Gygax

Posted on by upturnedtable_sx8obi

 

Several board game publishers have been deceived by scammers impersonating a Facebook group with 80,000 members. Renegade Games Studios and CrowD Games were among the victims who sent review copies of their latest games to fraudsters pretending to be Thomas Covert, the real social media manager and marketing coordinator for Board Game Revolution (BGR). The scammers contacted publishers with a fake email, claiming that BGR was venturing into reviews. Despite the real Covert’s efforts to alert the industry, Renegade and CrowD had already shipped their games. CrowD’s marketing director, Serge Sintsov, explained that he received a convincing email from the impersonator during a busy period and sent a game before realizing the scam.

Devir Americas narrowly avoided sending their games due to good fortune, as managing partner Matt Hyland explained that their shipment request fell through the cracks. Other publishers like Gamelyn Games and Daily Magic Games were also targeted, with Daily Magic’s David Mackenzie stating they might have sent copies if the scam had not been uncovered in time. Daily Magic is also dealing with a fake Instagram account impersonating their company to access sensitive information. Covert has now hired a private investigator to track the packages sent to various addresses across the U.S. and emphasized that any affected publishers should contact him via the official BGR email.

Skydawn Studios has announced a new tabletop RPG based on the beloved video game series Phantasy Star. Known for its sci-fi settings and characters, Phantasy Star is being adapted into a cooperative storytelling game using the Esper Genesis rules system, a sci-fi adaptation of 5E D&D. The game allows players to create characters from various archetypes and embark on quests in a universe filled with cosmic threats and ancient evils. The release is expected in 2025, with a preview planned for August 2024 for newsletter subscribers. Fans can expect familiar elements and characters from the original video game series, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and new experiences.

Etsy has clarified its policy on the sale of A.I.-generated artwork, allowing it to be sold on the platform with specific labeling requirements. While Etsy has marketed itself as a site for handmade items, A.I. art must be labeled as “designed” rather than handmade. Sellers must disclose if their items were created using A.I. tools. However, Etsy will no longer permit the sale of A.I. prompts, which are instructions used to generate art via A.I. tools. Etsy aims to support artists while adapting to technological changes, ensuring that its policy aligns with its mission to “Keep Commerce Human.”

The newly released history book “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970-1977” has sparked controversy by highlighting the sexist language and attitudes present in early D&D materials. Historians Jon Peterson and Jason Tondro reveal that D&D’s original drafts contained derogatory language and sexism, reflecting the views of its creators, particularly Gary Gygax. This revelation has led to significant backlash online, with some defending the game as a product of its time. However, historian Ben Riggs argues that acknowledging these flaws is essential for preserving the legacy of D&D’s creators and ensuring the game is inclusive for all players. Riggs emphasizes that discussing the game’s past shortcomings allows the community to move forward and grow, making D&D more welcoming to a diverse audience.

#phantasystar #etsy #garygygax #benriggs

Rascal News:
https://www.rascal.news/rascal-pledge-drive-2024-goals-schedule-calendar/

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/review-dune-in-106781242

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Outgunned Adventure on Backerkit

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/outgunned-2

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:28 — 52.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

The Weekly LIVE 249 – Roll20 Security Breach, Modiphius UK Moving, Helluva Town RPG and Five Parsecs from Home: Tactics

Posted on by upturnedtable_sx8obi

 

On June 29, 2024, Roll20 detected unauthorized access to an administrative account, which was promptly blocked within an hour. An investigation revealed that personal information such as names, email addresses, last known IP addresses, and the last four digits of stored credit cards might have been exposed. However, full payment details and passwords were not compromised. Despite having no evidence of data misuse, Roll20 is notifying users as a precaution and has committed to enhancing their security measures. Users concerned about their data can contact Roll20’s support.

Modiphius Entertainment is moving its UK warehousing and order fulfillment to a new partner, promising cheaper and faster shipping. The transition may cause delays for orders placed after 5 PM BST on July 5. Digital orders and orders from the US store will not be affected. To compensate for delays, a 15% discount is offered on most physical products using the code SHIPPINGDELAY. Pre-orders, especially for Fallout: Factions, will be prioritized to minimize impact.

Acheron Games announced a new project, HELLUVA TOWN, a cartoon gangster RPG with illustrations by Shawn Dickinson. The rulebook features a poker card-based system, pre-generated characters, a neighborhood map, and various additional materials like an artbook, stickers, pins, and a themed T-shirt. The game combines elements from Cuphead, Looney Tunes, and gangster movies, creating a unique and chaotic RPG experience.

Modiphius Entertainment launched a new TTRPG, Five Parsecs From Home: Tactics, with three books available for pre-order. This game allows solo or cooperative sci-fi skirmish adventures with procedurally generated battles, character progression, and a variety of enemies and objectives. The game supports both small skirmishes and larger battles, and it is miniatures-agnostic. A seven-stage narrative solo campaign is included, along with expansions for more tactical options and adventures.

#modiphius #helluvatown #roll20 #fiveparsecs

Helluva Town – A Cartoon Gangster RPG:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acheronint/helluva-town-a-cartoon-gangster-rpg

Five Parsecs from Home: Tactics

https://modiphius.net/pages/five-parsecs
Use the code SHIPPINGDELAY at checkout for 15% in stock items from UK store

Rascal News:
https://www.rascal.news/rascal-pledge-drive-2024-goals-schedule-calendar/

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/review-dune-in-106781242

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Outgunned Adventure on Backerkit

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/outgunned-2

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:23 — 40.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

The Weekly LIVE 248 – Modiphius Acquires Strato Minis, CRIT Awards at GenCon, Caverns of Thracia and Rascal News

Posted on by upturnedtable_sx8obi

 

Modiphius Entertainment has acquired Strato Minis Studio, a Polish company known for its resin miniatures and games such as Hardwar, Retrobots, and Stratoyager. Modiphius will take over the development of these lines, starting with a re-launch of Hardwar, a 6mm scale miniatures game centered on sci-fi mech, armor, and aerial combat. Modiphius co-founder Chris Birch praised the Strato Minis team for their intricate world-building and expressed plans to expand the game’s audience. The new Hardwar line will be released in stages, including a reprint of the core rules and a free quickstart PDF to help new players.

The CRIT Awards, organized by Ivy, announced on June 24 that their in-person ceremony would not return to Gen Con due to safety concerns. This decision followed social media backlash after the nomination of a performer associated with WafflesMapleSyrup, a studio criticized for its Zionist stance. Omega Jones, the intended host, suggested that Gen Con forced the awards to withdraw due to their anti-Zionist stance. The CRIT Awards emphasized the difficulty of the decision and urged the community to avoid harassment or violence. No official comments were received from Gen Con or CRIT Awards at the time of publication.

The Caverns of Thracia, a legendary mega-dungeon adventure, has successfully raised $352,007, far exceeding its $10,000 goal. The campaign offers both 5E and Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) editions, featuring a rich narrative set in an ancient dungeon filled with formidable foes and numerous secrets. The project supports a full-year campaign with extensive content, including new monsters, magic items, and spells. Stretch goals have expanded the adventure’s scope, and new scenarios and add-ons have been introduced. Backers can choose between classic hardcover or special limited editions with unique cover art and custom dice sets inspired by the adventure’s theme.

Rascal News, an independent TTRPG and culture outlet, is running its first pledge drive to ensure sustainability and support freelance writers. Launched in February, Rascal has grown to 4,150 members, including 1,050 paying subscribers. The drive aims to enable the co-founders to write full-time and commission more freelance content. Subscriber goals range from increasing contributors to attending conventions and launching a podcast. The drive runs from July 1 to August 3, with various events planned to engage the community and attract new subscribers. Rascal remains committed to reader-funded, ad-free journalism and seeks support to continue its unique, voice-driven coverage of the TTRPG world.

#modiphius #critawards #cavernsofthracia #rascalnews

Caverns of Thracia on Backerkit:
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/goodman-games/caverns-of-thracia-legendary-adventure-5e-dcc

Rascal News:
https://www.rascal.news/rascal-pledge-drive-2024-goals-schedule-calendar/

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/review-dune-in-106781242

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Outgunned Adventure on Backerkit

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/outgunned-2

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:48 — 50.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More