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

Posted on July 14, 2024 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

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The Weekly LIVE 242 – Darkness at the Brink of Ohio, One More Multiverse, Greyhawk 2024 and Soloman Kane RPG

Posted on May 19, 2024 by upturnedtable_sx8obi

“Darkness at the Brink of Ohio” is a new solo tabletop roleplaying game designed by Banana Chan. The game follows the transformation of a late-night radio DJ into something horrific and otherworldly. Set in Akron, Ohio, players choose one of three characters (a clinical lab tech, a gas station attendant, or a security guard) as they listen to a horrific event involving DJ Mike from 106.6: The Brink. The game includes a soundtrack released for free on YouTube. Themes in this solo RPG include parasocial relationships and hypervisibility within a small fanbase. The book will be approximately 100-125 pages with a cover illustrated by Michael Croteau.

One More Multiverse, a virtual tabletop app, is closing down after four years. It offered pixel-art sprites and a user-friendly interface for playing RPGs online. The app supported games like Blades in the Dark and Yazeba’s Bed and Breakfast. Despite efforts, sustainability became an issue. Assets and verses created by players will remain accessible for 90 days. The closure announcement precedes the official release date for Yazeba’s. Players have 90 days to download or screenshot their creations. A well-crafted alternative to platforms like Roll20 and D&D Beyond, it’s unfortunate to see it go.

The 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons will feature Greyhawk as a sample setting in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Greyhawk, one of the original D&D campaign settings created by Gary Gygax, will be showcased with a double-sided poster map including the City of Greyhawk and the Flanaess. The setting is presented as a template for Dungeon Masters to create their own worlds, with enough detail to bring Greyhawk to life but also leaving room for customization. The release is part of D&D’s 50th-anniversary celebration, highlighting Greyhawk’s classic fantasy elements and its potential for new adventures. The Dungeon Master’s Guide is set to release on November 12, 2024.

The Savage World of Solomon Kane RPG is based on the works of Robert E. Howard and allows players to embark on adventures as Solomon Kane, a hero battling evil in the 17th century. The game emphasizes themes of good versus evil and encourages gamemasters to create a grim setting where players can fight against darkness. The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) system is used for its simplicity and ease of play. The content for this RPG is Kickstarter Exclusive and will not be available through retail.

#bananachan #OMM #greyhawk #solomankane

Darkness at the Brink of Ohio:
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The Sassoon Files Second Edition:

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