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.
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