Month: March 2025

The Weekly no.281 – Sigil DOA, Wildsea Bundle of Holding, Black Powder and Brimstone and RipCrypt Dungeon Sprint

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Wizards of the Coast’s virtual tabletop project, Sigil, appears to be in trouble after mass layoffs eliminated 90% of its development team shortly after launch. Originally announced as part of the One D&D initiative in 2022, Sigil was intended to integrate with D&D Beyond and provide a high-end 3D alternative to existing VTTs like Roll20. However, the platform struggled with performance issues, unclear monetization plans, and a lack of a distinct purpose. Despite high-profile showcases, its reception was lukewarm, with a rushed release in February 2025 requiring a paid D&D Beyond subscription for full access. The layoffs suggest Wizards may be abandoning the project, leaving questions about future updates and support. With only a small team remaining, Sigil risks becoming another failed digital experiment by Wizards of the Coast.

The Wildsea, a narrative-driven weird-fantasy TTRPG by Mythworks, is set in a world overrun by rampant greenery, where chainsaw-powered ships navigate a vast, toxic forest canopy. Players take on roles as wildsailors—descendants of humanity and other strange beings—exploring ruins, hunting creatures, and trading rare goods. The complete Wildsea game line is now available for $19.95 in a Bundle of Holding, including the 368-page core rulebook, two sourcebooks (Storm & Root and Ship Gardens), and two full-length adventures (One-Armed Scissor and Red Right Hand). While the game offers deep immersion and unique mechanics, some rules may require careful interpretation. This limited-time bundle provides everything needed to dive into the richly detailed world of the Verdancy.

Blackpowder & Brimstone is a grimdark fantasy RPG by Benjamin Tobitt, published under Free League’s Workshop label and powered by the MÖRK BORG ruleset. Set in a world of religious schism and war, players take on the roles of desperate adventurers navigating a conflict between the Orthodox and Puritans of the Church of the Sacred Blood. The game blends swashbuckling action with gothic folk horror, featuring black powder weapons, demonic threats, and forbidden magic with dangerous consequences. It offers a rules-light, art-heavy experience with unique weapons, deadly combat, and rich lore. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Blackpowder & Brimstone is now available through Free League’s store and DriveThruRPG, promising intense, fast-paced gameplay where survival and profit go hand in hand.

RipCrypt, a fast-paced “dungeon sprint” TTRPG, is set to launch in 2025 through a partnership between indie studio Gritsilk Games and major publisher Modiphius Entertainment. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, the game will be released in both retail and online stores, featuring a core rulebook, premium edition, and a control board. Set in the Undergrade, a maze of crypts and catacombs, RipCrypt blends tactical gameplay with immersive storytelling, catering to both newcomers and veteran RPG players. The game emphasizes quick character creation, fast combat resolution, and streamlined mechanics, with a roll-high d8 dice pool and unique progression system. With its lo-fi analog aesthetics, concise 148-page rulebook, and a wealth of illustrated content, RipCrypt aims to offer an engaging, accessible RPG experience that redefines the dungeon-crawling genre.

#sigil #wildsea #freeleague #ripcrypt

D&D Beyond Sigil:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sigil

Wildsea Bundle of Holding:

https://bundleofholding.com/presents/Wildsea

Black Powder and Brimstone (affiliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/515145/black-powder-and-brimstone-core-book

RipCrypt:

https://gritsilk.com/

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

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The Weekly LIVE 280 – Sigil Released,The Western Reaches, Rising POD Costs and AI Bull Cocks

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Dungeons & Dragons’ new virtual tabletop platform, Sigil, has launched with high expectations but demonstrates significant shortcomings, feeling incomplete and more akin to a pre-alpha version than a polished product. While it boasts aesthetically pleasing 3D graphics and ties to D&D Beyond for character integration, the app struggles with functionality, lacking essential features for game management and customization, which detracts from the user experience. Many users report frustrating bugs and inconsistencies with character imports and game mechanics, suggesting the need for manual oversight. Critics note that despite its visual appeal, Sigil does not adequately compete with established virtual tabletops, and its current state casts doubt on its potential for future improvement. Additionally, feedback from the community reflects skepticism about its overall viability as a go-to platform for D&D sessions, particularly given the limitations on customization and gameplay integration.

The newly launched crowdfunding campaign for the Western Reaches setting, designed for the Shadowdark roleplaying game by the Arcane Library, is rapidly gaining traction, having surpassed half a million dollars within hours of its start. With a goal to reach the million-dollar mark, this sandbox environment includes new classes, ancestries, and themed areas like the Gloaming Forest and Djurum Desert. The offering comes in two hardcover editions, priced at $129 and $149 for a premium version, with fulfillment anticipated by December 2025. As it stands, The Western Reaches already ranks as one of the highest first-day funded tabletop RPG projects, indicating significant interest from the gaming community.

DriveThruRPG has issued a warning to publishers about impending increases in Print on Demand (POD) costs, which could rise significantly—by 20-50%—starting April 1st due to escalating supply costs. This increase primarily affects black and white printing, including both hardcover and softcover formats, attributed to issues such as tariffs and supply chain disruptions. While DriveThruRPG has stated they won’t adjust selling prices immediately, the heightened publishing costs may lead to price increases for customers, particularly impacting smaller publishers who might face reduced profitability. Publishers are encouraged to consider purchasing POD products soon to avoid the upcoming price hikes.

Chris Cocks, Hasbro’s CEO, who has played Dungeons & Dragons for 40 years, emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in both gaming and corporate leadership. He has been focusing on a “pivot back to play” strategy at Hasbro, moving away from a previous emphasis on storytelling to enhance product design, innovation, and customer engagement. Cocks has reduced the company’s content spending significantly and shifted its approach toward capital-light licensing to maintain profitability, while also exploring new markets to address emerging challenges. He highlights the need for adaptability within the supply chain and aims to capture a broader customer base by creating affordable toys for emerging markets. Cocks is also an advocate for integrating artificial intelligence into gaming, arguing it can enhance creativity and engagement in Dungeons & Dragons. While he perceives AI as a tool that can democratize content creation, he acknowledges current platforms often fail to compensate creators adequately. He envisions future offerings that could enable parents to customize popular brands like Peppa Pig and enrich D&D campaigns, framing AI as a beneficial addition to the brand. Despite potential challenges related to tariffs and manufacturing costs, Cocks maintains a hopeful outlook for reaching more consumers and evolving Hasbro’s product lines to meet changing demographics and preferences.

D&D Beyond Sigil:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sigil

The Western Reaches Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/western-reaches

Chris Cocks Interview’

https://www.semafor.com/article/03/06/2025/we-had-to-go-back-to-play-how-hasbros-dungeon-master-ceo-got-serious-about-games

#sigil #wshadowdark #dtrpg #chriscocks

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

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The Weekly LIVE 279 – Ernie Gygax Passes, Horus Heresy RPG, Tunnels & Trolls and Fallout Factions

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Ernie Gygax Jr., son of Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax, passed away recently after struggling with health issues, as confirmed by his brother Luke. He played a pivotal role in shaping early D&D by participating in its playtesting and contributing to the game’s mechanics. Notably, he introduced the character Tenser, a wizard whose spells have persisted in D&D lore. Gygax Jr. was also the inaugural manager of the Dungeon Hobby Shop and co-published Gygax Magazine, while later helping establish the third venture of TSR. His death serves as a significant loss to the tabletop role-playing game community.

While Gygax Jr. made critical contributions to D&D’s development, his later years were marred by controversy. After leaving Gygax Magazine due to legal disputes, he became involved in discussions promoting the new TSR, which included instances of disparaging remarks regarding race and gender. His comments led to backlash and subsequent distancing from the second TSR. Despite the controversies, Luke Gygax highlighted his brother’s commitment to mentoring young gamers, showcasing Ernie’s approachable nature and encouragement toward those new to the gaming world.

Cubicle 7 announced the development of a new tabletop RPG set during the Horus Heresy, slated for release in 2026. This significant event in Warhammer 40K lore marks a defining civil war within the Space Marine legions. Players will adopt two characters: a primary Consul in a Space Marine corps and a secondary character with a specialized role, allowing for dynamic gameplay by swapping between characters as needed. Pre-orders for the core rulebook and starter kit are expected to open in the summer of 2026, promising an engaging experience steeped in the rich narrative of the Warhammer universe.

Tunnels & Trolls (T&T) is set to make a notable return in 2025, reintroducing players to a fantasy world populated by trolls—enigmatic creatures formed from earth and rock. Legends tell that these trolls can awaken from their slumber when darkness envelops them, and historical narratives reveal that ancient kingdoms collapsed when trolls roamed the land. Under the guidance of innovative game designers Scott Malthouse and Chris Bissette, T&T aims to merge classic roleplaying elements with new mechanics, ensuring quick and exciting combat experiences. The reimagined edition will cater to all types of gamers, offering options for solo play, one-shot adventures, or detailed campaigns.

Modiphius has released the Fallout: Factions Core Rulebook, expanding on the skirmish-level wargame that allows players to control Wastelander warbands vying for dominance in the Fallout universe. This core rulebook provides comprehensive gameplay instructions, introduces a variety of iconic factions, and outlines an intricate campaign system. Players can explore rich scenarios and character options while engaging with the game’s evolving narrative. With these updates, both Tunnels & Trolls and Fallout: Factions aim to provide immersive and accessible tabletop experiences for players.

#horusheresy #tunnelsandtrolls #falloutfactions #modiphius

Rebellion T&T Announcement:

https://rebellionunplugged.com/tunnels-and-trolls-is-coming-2025/

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The Weekly LIVE 278 – Invincible RPG, Dark Horse Closing, Skeleton Key Shutdown and Runequest Bundle

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Free League and Skybound have announced Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying, a tabletop RPG based on Robert Kirkman’s Invincible comic series, which has been adapted into a Prime Video animated show. The game, set to launch on Kickstarter later this year, will feature a Core Rulebook and Starter Set with illustrations by original artists Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. Designed by industry veterans Adam Bradford and Tomas Härenstam, the RPG will use the Year Zero Engine, promising an immersive, sprawling superhero experience faithful to the original comic’s narrative depth.

Dark Horse is shutting down its iOS comics app, requiring users to download purchased comics by March 30th. While digital comics will remain available on other platforms, this move highlights ongoing concerns about digital ownership. Senator Ron Wyden has urged the FTC to establish clearer guidelines on digital purchases, ensuring consumers understand their rights regarding licensing and potential content loss. Additionally, Amazon is eliminating the ability to download Kindle books to a computer, restricting transfers to Kindle devices and apps, further underscoring the shift toward controlled digital ecosystems.

Wizards of the Coast has reportedly canceled an unannounced AAA horror game in development by its Skeleton Key studio, according to the studio’s Audio Director, Nassim Ait-Kaci. Skeleton Key, founded in 2022, was led by industry veterans such as Christian Dailey and Charles Boyd, with a focus on immersive storytelling and suspenseful gameplay. While the game was never officially revealed, its cancellation follows a trend of major studios shutting down projects amid increasing financial caution in the gaming industry. The lack of job postings on Skeleton Key’s careers page further suggests the project’s termination, though Wizards of the Coast has not provided an official statement.

Fans of tabletop RPGs can grab an incredible deal on RuneQuest, a long-running fantasy roleplaying game, with a Humble Bundle offering 20 digital rulebooks, adventures, and supplements for just $18. Originally released in 1978 alongside Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, RuneQuest is set in the mythic world of Glorantha, where players navigate a richly detailed society influenced by living gods. This bundle includes core rulebooks, bestiaries, adventure modules, and in-depth lore resources, including the Guide to Glorantha, which spans 800 pages. Available until March 15, the deal also includes a 15% discount for Chaosium’s online store, making it a great opportunity for worldbuilding enthusiasts and those looking to explore an alternative to Dungeons & Dragons.

#runequest #invincible #darkhorsecomics #skeletonkey 

Runequest Bundle:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/runequest-chaosium-inc-books

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:

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