PAX Unplugged has solidified its position as the second-largest tabletop gaming convention in the U.S., boasting its largest post-pandemic event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Its prime location near major metropolitan areas like New York City and Washington, D.C., gives it a significant advantage, drawing attendees and exhibitors alike. While specific attendance numbers weren’t disclosed, experts estimate that its turnout exceeds the 17,706 reported by Origins Game Fair by 50-100%. With nearly 400 exhibitors, compared to Origins’ 326, PAX Unplugged provides a robust showcase for board and card games, often serving as an alternative to the oversaturated Gen Con.

Games Workshop has taken a bold step by granting Amazon exclusive rights to adapt Warhammer 40,000 into film and TV. This move has fans both excited and wary, given the mixed history of geek franchises transitioning to mainstream media. While licensing promises a lucrative revenue stream with minimal costs, mishandling the beloved Warhammer IP could alienate the loyal fanbase that has sustained Games Workshop since 1983. Amazon’s track record—ranging from the success of Fallout to the controversial Rings of Power—underscores the risks and rewards of this partnership. If successful, it could position Games Workshop as a leading player in media licensing while drawing new fans to its tabletop universe.

Free League has unveiled two elven expansions, Realms of the Three Rings for The One Ring RPG and Keepers of the Elven-rings for its 5E counterpart, deepening players’ exploration of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. These expansions focus on the realms of Lórien, Rivendell, and Lindon, highlighting their lore, landmarks, and the enduring power of the Three Rings. Players can also delve into Sauron’s dark schemes and take on the roles of High Elves or Elf-lords. Available for pre-order with immediate PDF access, the expansions continue Free League’s tradition of blending rich storytelling with accessible game design, appealing to both Tolkien enthusiasts and tabletop RPG fans.

Free League has partnered with Italian studio Two Little Mice to publish the cinematic action RPG Outgunned. Drawing inspiration from classic action and heist films, Outgunned uses innovative “Director’s Cut” dice mechanics, emphasizing combinations over totals. Players take on the roles of heroes fighting against formidable villains in high-stakes missions. With the core rulebook, expansions, and a mini-campaign now available, Outgunned joins Free League’s portfolio of award-winning games like MÖRK BORG and ALIEN RPG. This new addition reflects Free League’s commitment to delivering immersive and genre-diverse gaming experiences.

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The upcoming Revised Player’s Handbook for Dungeons & Dragons is set to be released in 2024. The new handbook will be the largest ever, featuring more pages and 48 subclasses (four for each of the 12 classes), along with new spells, feats, and weapon rules. Notably, the backgrounds will now impact a character’s starting ability scores and provide a special feat at first level. The Revised edition is designed to be compatible with the current fifth edition material, allowing players to use it alongside existing products. There will also be an upcoming Revised editions of the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual in 2024, providing a campaign setting, adventures, and over 500 monsters, including new creatures and tweaked versions of familiar ones. Additionally, it highlights other D&D books expected in 2024, such as updated classic dungeon crawls, an anthology called “Quests from the Infinite Staircase,” and an all-new adventure called “Vecna: Eve of Ruin,” featuring the return of the iconic villain. These releases coincide with the 50th anniversary of D&D’s publication and the Year of the Dragon in 2024.

Hasbro, the parent company of Wizards of the Coast (WotC), has announced layoffs of 1,100 employees, in addition to the previously downsized 800, just before the holidays. This decision is part of Hasbro’s strategic transformation to modernize and streamline its organization, citing challenging market conditions in the toy industry. Despite record years for Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, the restructuring aims to refocus Hasbro on “fewer, bigger, better brands.” The layoffs include various roles, such as game designers and art directors, sparking criticism for the disparity between the company’s success and the job cuts. Wizards of the Coast’s upcoming releases for 2024, including Dungeons & Dragons’ 50th-anniversary celebration, remain unaffected. The move is part of Hasbro’s broader effort to optimize costs and reshape its organization. Critics question the company’s priorities, emphasizing CEO Chris Cocks’ substantial compensation and raising concerns about the impact on game development and support.

Talsorian Games has revealed the upcoming release of “Shadow Scar,” an anime-inspired RPG scheduled for 2024. Created by Cody Pondsmith, lead designer of The Witcher RPG and co-designer of Cyberpunk RED, the game revolves around the Shadow Scar Agency, a covert group of ninja defending multiple dimensions from interdimensional monsters. Drawing inspiration from anime series like Naruto and Demon Slayer, the game features a diverse range of dimensions, each influenced by Japanese folklore, pulp noir, steampunk, and alternate history. The unique character creation draws from six shinobi clans, resembling the monster-hunting schools in The Witcher. The game introduces a new d6-based system called Mosaic, designed for a quicker and lighter gaming experience compared to the Interlock system. Cultural consultants are being consulted for the Japanese setting to ensure an authentic portrayal. The release is anticipated in 2024, starting with a Starter Set and followed by a full launch line, including the core rulebook, miniatures, and accessories.

Free League Publishing has announced a new campaign book for Alien: The Roleplaying Game called “Building Better Worlds.” Set in the Alien universe, the campaign involves exploring a moon turned into a colony, facing calamities and mysteries. The $47 book is available for pre-order and is set to be released digitally and physically on January 16, 2024. The campaign includes new characters, gear, ships, and alien species, offering an expanded experience for players. The campaign book aims to provide tools for running a full open-world campaign within the Alien RPG universe, featuring exploration, colonization, and encounters with extraterrestrial creatures.

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