Tag: Wizards of the Coast

The Weekly LIVE 267 – No More HasbroToy Movies, Lord of the Rings on D&D Beyond, Exodus TTRPG and Black Friday TTRPG Sales

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Hasbro has decided to step back from financing films based on its toys, following financial disappointments from movies like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Transformers One. While these films were critically appreciated, their box office returns fell short, prompting Hasbro to leave the movie-making business. The company is now open to licensing its brands for others to adapt into films but will no longer co-finance such projects. This decision is ironic given the massive success of 2023’s toy-based Barbie film, which became a global phenomenon. Under CEO Chris Cocks, a gaming-focused leader, Hasbro plans to shift its resources toward interactive entertainment, including a potential push into video game development. However, this pivot likely means fans won’t see sequels to movies like Honor Among Thieves, despite its creative take on classic D&D themes.

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth can now access The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying sourcebook on D&D Beyond. Created by Swedish publisher Free League, this adaptation tailors the award-winning One Ring RPG for Dungeons & Dragons’ fifth edition ruleset. The 240-page guide features six classes, 12 subclasses, 14 species, and 42 unique feats designed to capture the essence of Tolkien’s world. It also includes adventure paths for levels 1–10, complemented by compatible maps for D&D Beyond’s virtual tabletop. While the physical book costs over $50 on Free League’s website, the D&D Beyond edition is available for $29.99, offering players a seamless way to explore Middle-earth using modern tools.

Wizards of the Coast’s Archetype Entertainment has announced Exodus: The Traveler’s Handbook, a tabletop RPG tied to its upcoming sci-fi video game Exodus. Created by James Ohlen, a veteran designer of classics like Baldur’s Gate and Knights of the Old Republic, this TTRPG invites players to lead “Travelers” on perilous missions involving alien artifacts and time-dilation consequences. The tabletop game is offered as a limited pre-order for “founders” who subscribe to the game’s email list before December 10. While details about gameplay mechanics remain scarce, speculation suggests a possible adaptation of D&D’s 5E rules. Both the game and TTRPG aim to expand the Exodus universe, blending space exploration with rich storytelling.

Tabletop role-playing game enthusiasts can find numerous Black Friday deals this season. Key highlights include discounts from Goodman Games (15–40% off), Paizo, and Exalted Funeral (25–50% off). Magpie Games is running month-long promotions, while Dungeon Alchemist offers 20% off its map-making software on Steam. Fans of smaller publishers can explore sales from Elf Lair Games and Arken Forge, among others, for a wide range of deals on adventures, supplements, and tools to enhance their gaming experience.

#lotr #dndbeyond #exodusrpg #blackfriday

BLACK FRIDAY SALES

Goodman Games:

https://goodman-games.com/store/ (15-40% off)
https://goodman-games.com/blog/2024/11/26/black-friday-is-early-save-up-to-40-on-5e-adventures/ (15-40% off)

Coupon codes goodhaul2024 and indiehaul2024 will be automatically applied to qualifying orders at checkout.

Paizo https://paizo.com/store/sale/blackFriday2024

Exalted Funeral https://www.exaltedfuneral.com (25-50% off)

Magpie Games https://magpiegames.com/ (month long sale)

City of Mists https://cityofmist.co/pages/shop

Elf Lair Games https://www.elflair.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/3869/Elf-Lair-Games

Arken Forge https://arkenforge.com

US$17.50 $35.00

Dungeon Alchemist -20% on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1588530/Dungeon_Alchemist/

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The Weekly LIVE 256 – D&D Beyond Debacle, Gav Thorpe Joins Konflikt 47, Start Here RPG and Dungeon World Purchased

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The D&D Beyond digital toolset, a crucial platform for many Dungeons & Dragons players, is undergoing significant changes that may complicate its use before improvements are realized. Following Hasbro’s acquisition of the toolset in April 2022, it has become a central hub for 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, especially as more users transitioned to digital platforms during the pandemic. The upcoming transition from the 2014 to the 2024 version of the Player’s Handbook involves complex steps to maintain compatibility between the old and new rules, including the need to manually recreate some spells and magic items from the 2014 ruleset to function with the new digital character sheets. Wizards of the Coast plans to implement a “Legacy” system in D&D Beyond, allowing users to access older 2014 materials alongside the new 2024 rules. While some rules will be automatically updated, others, such as classes, subclasses, and species, will remain accessible in their original form. However, this system may lead to challenges, as older and newer rules may overlap, requiring players to manually adjust their characters or use the homebrew system to maintain the original functionality of certain spells and items.

The planned update has sparked controversy among the D&D community, with many players expressing frustration over the forced integration of the 2024 rules into their current campaigns. The automatic update of spells and items has been particularly contentious, as it disrupts ongoing gameplay. Wizards of the Coast has faced backlash for this approach, leading them to reconsider and allow players the option to continue using older versions of spells and items without forcing updates. In response to the outcry, Wizards of the Coast has announced that they will not automatically update character sheets with the new rules, preserving the existing content while adding the 2024 rules as optional updates. This change has been welcomed by the community, as it restores player choice in how they interact with the toolset and the game’s evolving rules.

In a related development, Wizards of the Coast has also expanded its partnerships with third-party content creators, bringing new content to the D&D Beyond Marketplace. This includes collaborations with companies like Free League Publishing, Kobold Press, and others, offering a broader range of resources for players and Dungeon Masters alike. These partnerships indicate a continued effort to enrich the D&D Beyond platform with diverse content from across the tabletop role-playing game industry.

“Start Here RPG” is designed as an easy-to-learn and streamlined tabletop roleplaying game, created by veteran game designer Tim Beach. The game is intended for both newcomers and experienced players who find traditional RPG rulebooks overwhelming. With rules that can be learned in just a few minutes, “Start Here” allows players to quickly jump into the gameplay without the need for extensive preparation.

The game system is straightforward, with characters defined by six attributes that directly influence dice rolls and outcomes in the game, making it intuitive and minimizing the need for complex rules. The “Start Here” RPG consists of a trio of books that guide players through the basics of roleplaying and gradually introduce more complex concepts. The first book is tailored for beginners, offering simple rules, sample characters, and an introductory fantasy setting called “Serpents & Strongholds.” The second book expands on the rules, providing more character options, leveling-up mechanics, and a science fiction setting called “Star Ex.” The third book, “Campaign Sampler,” delves deeper into different settings, including a zombie-apocalypse scenario “Zombiesaurus Rex” and a Western-themed “Wizards & Wranglers,” offering more adventure ideas and campaign details. Tim Beach, who has over 30 years of experience in the RPG industry, created “Start Here” to fill the need for an accessible yet complete roleplaying game. The project is a passion endeavor, developed over several years, with support from other editors, authors, and artists. The game aims to offer a fun, easy, and immersive roleplaying experience without the complexity of traditional RPGs.

Gav Thorpe, a renowned Warhammer 40,000 author and designer, has joined the design team for Warlord Games’ alternate-history World War 2 wargame, Konflikt ‘47. Thorpe is known for his extensive work on multiple editions of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy Battles, as well as for authoring numerous Warhammer novels. His addition to the Konflikt ‘47 team, led by Andy Chambers, marks another ex-Games Workshop great joining the project. Thorpe, who is passionate about World War 2 games and alternate history, expressed excitement about contributing to Konflikt ‘47, a game that blends WW2 with weird-science elements. Recently, Warlord Games has also brought on board other notable figures, including Cam Rogers, a narrative lead with experience in the videogame industry, and William “Bill” King, a prolific Warhammer author and game designer. The collaboration of these veteran designers has generated anticipation for the next edition of Konflikt ‘47, which may or may not incorporate the upcoming Bolt Action third edition rules. The project is seen as a revival of the 1990s Warhammer design studio, given the involvement of several key figures from that era.

Luke Crane, known for designing The Burning Wheel and Mouse Guard RPGs, has acquired the rights to Dungeon World from its original creators, Adam Koebel and Sage LaTorra. Crane announced on the Dungeon World+ Discord that he, along with a business partner, purchased the game and is planning a new edition. The first edition of Dungeon World, released in 2012, was highly acclaimed and won several awards, including the 2012 Golden Geek RPG of the Year. Crane, who previously worked at Kickstarter, indicated that his vision for the new edition of Dungeon World includes a thorough edit of the text, improved organization, and updated mechanics. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the game’s accessibility while refining its content. Although it is unclear if Koebel and LaTorra will be involved in the new edition, Crane’s plans suggest a focus on enhancing the game’s core qualities without drastically altering its essence. The update is expected to bring a much-needed refresh to the beloved game while preserving what made it popular in the first place.

#dndbeyond #gavthorpe #starthererpg #dungeonworld

Start Here RPG on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beachhousegames/the-start-here-roleplaying-game

StarTrek Adventures First Edition Bundle:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/star-trek-adventure-rpg-first-edition-collection-modiphius-books?partner=upturnedtable

Deadzone Frontier:

https://www.myminifactory.com/frontier/deadzone-2774

Immersive RPG Bundle for Alchemy VTT (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/free-league-immersive-rpg-bundle-for-alchemy-vtt-software?partner=upturnedtable

Alien 2E Kickstarter Campaign URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

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

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Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
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The Weekly LIVE 252 – Alchemy VTT Bundle, D&D VTT This Year, Pirate Borg Expansions and WotC Removes Credits

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Free League Publishing, known for RPGs such as Tales from the Loop, Symbaroum, and Coriolis, has launched an extensive Immersive RPG Bundle for the Alchemy virtual tabletop (VTT). This bundle includes 50 items from Free League’s catalog, covering various rulebooks, adventures, and supplemental materials. Normally valued at over $1,000, the bundle is available for $30. Additionally, purchasing the bundle supports Direct Relief, a nonprofit providing global medical aid. The bundle features games like Tales from the Loop, Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying, Dragonbane, and Mutant Year Zero, among others. It offers core rulebooks, expansion books, pre-made adventures, and campaign books, excluding the ALIEN RPG due to licensing constraints. This special offer runs for 19 more days.

During Hasbro’s Q2 earnings call, CEO Chris Cocks announced that the D&D virtual tabletop is set to be available later this year. Described as a “3D roleplaying sandbox experience,” the VTT will be previewed at GenCon and promises to enhance the digital D&D experience with its build on Unreal Engine 5. Pre-orders for the new Player’s Handbook include a virtual miniature of a gold dragon, indicating the platform’s readiness for use. The earnings call highlighted that Wizards of the Coast, part of Hasbro, continues to drive significant revenue growth, notably through digital products like Baldur’s Gate 3 and D&D Beyond. The new VTT aims to integrate D&D’s digital and physical gameplay, offering backward compatibility with fifth edition adventures and supplements, though third parties are already referring to the new rules as “5.5.”

Limithron has announced two new expansions for the Pirate Borg tabletop RPG, to be funded through a Kickstarter campaign launching on September 17. The expansions, titled Cabin Fever and Down Among the Dead, will be released as hardcover editions along with collectible items like GM screens, dice sets, custom coins, and ship combat tokens.Cabin Fever, created through the Known Conspirators community on itch.io, features over 144 pages of content from various creators. Down Among the Dead includes three new adventures, modular rulesets, and other GM resources across 120 pages. These expansions promise to add significant new content and options for Pirate Borg players.

Faith Elisabeth Lilley, a former member of the digital content team at Wizards of the Coast (WOTC), revealed that the team’s credits have been removed from D&D Beyond. The team was responsible for integrating book content into the online platform and contributing to the book development process. Although initially agreed that the team would be credited on D&D Beyond due to space limitations in physical books, their names have recently been removed without notice.The removal of credits has sparked disappointment and criticism within the community, as it undermines the contributions of those who significantly improved the quality and success of D&D’s digital and physical products.Also, Dark Horse Comics has announced a licensing deal with Wizards of the Coast to produce new comics and graphic novels based on Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, starting in 2025. This collaboration will feature original stories expanding the lore and universes of these popular games. Dark Horse has a history of publishing licensed gaming comics and aims to bring fresh, high-stakes stories to fans and newcomers alike.The partnership will include comic series, graphic novels, art books, and more, with a focus on engaging storytelling and captivating artwork. Fans can look forward to the first releases in the summer of 2025.

 

#alchemyvtt #pirateborg #onednd #dndbeyond

Immersive RPG Bundle for Alchemy VTT (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/free-league-immersive-rpg-bundle-for-alchemy-vtt-software?partner=upturnedtable

Alien 2E Kickstarter Campaign URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

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:
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Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

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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

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Dragonbane Core Set:
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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

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

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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:

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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)
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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

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
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The Weekly LIVE 240 – CMON Buys Japon Brand, Miku: The Gathering, Hasbro Videogames, Goblinko Videogame and Star Trek Adventures 2E

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CMON Limited has acquired Japon Brand, known for representing Japanese game designers and licensing their games internationally. Japon Brand’s president, Akio Nomura, aims to continue supporting Japanese game designers with CMON’s backing. Kadokawa Group has acquired Arclight, a major board game publisher in Japan, to expand its analog game development business. 

Wizards of the Coast has announced a collaboration with Hatsune Miku, the Vocaloid virtual idol for a Secret Lair drop. The set will initially be published in English and Japanese. When will this licensing madness end?

Hasbro is investing over $1 billion in internal game development, focusing on original IP like the upcoming game Exodus. This is motivated by the licensing deals of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Monopoly GO that have proven very lucrative. Just like their Haslab crowdfunding platform, their greed has motivated them to bring it all in-house thinking they will have the same success. 

GOBLINKO! has introduced Dungeon Degenerates: The Battle For Brüttelburg, a dark fantasy RPG. This 8-bit retro inspired action RPG will include mini games and a digital card game all set in the Dungeon Degenerates world setting.

Star Trek Adventures – Second Edition is available for pre-order, featuring streamlined rules, eliminating d6 challenge dice and adding expanded content. Additionally, First Edition products are on sale at a 50% discount. The first edition content will be “broadly compatible” with the new edition.

#CMON  #hatsunemiku #goblinko #startrekrpg

DUNGEON DEGENERATES: THE BATTLE FOR BRÜTTELBURG:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seanaaberg/dungeon-degenerates-the-battle-for-bruttelburg

GOBLINKO WEBSITE:
https://goblinkomegamall.com/

Star Trek Adventures 2E Quickstart:

https://www.modiphius.net/products/star-trek-adventures-the-roleplaying-game-second-edition-quickstart-guide-pdf

Troika! Book Bundle:

https://www.melsonia.com/troika-charity-bundle-492-p.asp

RPG Humble Bundles:

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Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

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

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Chris on social media:
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The Weekly LIVE 238 – Maggot Machine, Monolith Acquires Rackham, Infinite Kickstarters, WotC CEO Resigns and Yes And… Delayed

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Maggot Machine is a new RPG from Nightfall Games, featuring a rules-light system called V6, set in a world of lost technology and mutated monsters. Written by Dave Allsop, the game offers a blend of weirdness and wonder. The quickstart guide provides an introduction to the system, including character stats, combat mechanics, and a scenario to start playing quickly. The game’s setting is a post-apocalyptic world where Guild Knights venture into dangerous territories to retrieve forgotten treasures. The game is available as a hardback book with 128 full-color pages.

Monolith gains the intellectual property rights of Rackham, potentially reviving old games like Confrontation and AT-43. This decision was made by the Paris Commercial Court and clarifies ownership of the Rackham IPs. Previously, Monolith gained the rights to the Conan The Barbarian RPG. 

Kickstarter introduces a new feature allowing creators to collect money indefinitely after their campaigns end, similar to Indiegogo’s “forever funding” model. This is similar to what companies have been doing off-site or in pledge manager with late pledges.

Cynthia Williams, President of Wizards of the Coast, resigns, leaving the company to search for her successor. Is this the Chance Kyle Brink has been waiting for?

Adventure Time’s official tabletop RPG is launching with a 5E version first, with plans for a later release of the original ‘Yes And’ system developed by Forever Stoked. The campaign is live on Kickstarter and we will have to wait and see if both systems will be published. 

Maggot Machine

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/470848

Adventure Time Kickstarter’
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cze/adventure-time-the-roleplaying-game

Troika! Book Bundle:

https://www.melsonia.com/troika-charity-bundle-492-p.asp

RPG Humble Bundles:

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Chaosium Design Challenge:

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 235 – Best of Magpie, Mystic Punks RPG, New Age of Sigmar, Hasbro AI and Cairn Second Edition

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Magpie Games has curated a bundle featuring some of their top titles, including Avatar Legends RPG and Root: the Roleplaying Game. Players can immerse themselves in the worlds of Avatar: The Last Airbender or the woodlands of Root, among other captivating settings. The bundle offers a diverse selection of RPG experiences, from rewriting Shakespearean roles to surviving in a grim folktale-inspired adventure. By purchasing the bundle, gamers not only gain access to 30 books and supplements but also contribute to the Child’s Play Charity, which provides video games and systems to children in hospitals worldwide.

Mystic Punks RPG transports players to a gritty world on the brink of apocalypse, where magical punks battle vengeful ghosts, eldritch gods, and other supernatural threats. With a blend of B-movie horrors and rebellious teen culture, the game offers players the chance to wield magical abilities and relic weapons against encroaching darkness. The newly released core rulebook, crowdfunded on Kickstarter, expands upon the original solo RPG with campaign builders, additional monsters, and guidance for creating intrigue and mystery within the setting.

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar announces a new edition slated for summer 2024, introducing the arrival of the Skaven and a revamped ruleset. Alongside a cinematic trailer showcasing the Stormcast Eternals and the Vermindoom event, Games Workshop promises a complete overhaul of the core rules, focusing on streamlining, accessibility, and tactical depth. The update includes changes such as melee weapon ranges being replaced with a combat range of 3″, and the introduction of Spearhead, a new gameplay format aimed at faster, faction-supported battles. Additionally, Universal Special Rules and card-based objectives aim to enhance gameplay variety and strategy.

Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks reveals plans to integrate AI into the company’s products, focusing on gaming experiences. Despite past controversies surrounding AI in art, Hasbro aims to use it ethically. Cocks discusses the potential of AI in enhancing gameplay and creating new experiences, emphasizing the need for responsible use and respect for creators’ work. Meanwhile, Cairn, a tabletop RPG, launches a Kickstarter campaign for its second edition, offering a more detailed and expanded game system with new books, adventures, and artwork. The game maintains its old-school charm while providing players with rich storytelling and character creation options. The campaign includes various pledge tiers for both digital and physical copies of the game and its components.

Cairn, a super-lightweight RPG, is launching its second edition with a Kickstarter campaign. The new edition aims to expand on the original concept by providing more depth and content. It features a boxed set including three books: an expanded Player’s Guide offering 700 possible character combinations, a Warden’s Guide with detailed world information, and an adventure called “Trouble in Twin Lakes.” The game prioritizes player knowledge and problem-solving over combat prowess, reminiscent of other old-school RPGs like Knave and Into the Odd. The Kickstarter campaign offers various pledge tiers, including digital and physical options. The project involves a team of editors, artists, and designers to enhance the game’s quality and presentation. Additionally, stretch goals include more adventures and gaming accessories like a Warden’s Screen and Character Sheet Pad.

#magpiegames #mysticpunks #ageofsigmar #cairnrpg #hasbro 

Cairn Second Edition Campaign:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1557907976/cairn-2e-boxed-set

Mystic Punks Campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/mystic-punks-table-top-roleplaying-game

Humble Bundles:

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WFRP 4E Enemy Within Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-enemy-within-more-cubicle7-books?partner=upturnedtable

Coriolis: The Great Dark Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/coriolis-the-great-dark-rpg-explore-a-lost-horizon

Chaosium Design Challenge:

https://www.chaosium.com/blogthe-basic-roleplaying-design-challenge/

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Chris on social media:
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The Weekly LIVE 229 – DnD 2024 Revision Late, Epic Warpath Launches, OpenAI Wins A Little and The Purple Planet Horde

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Wizards of the Coast is working on a revision of the 5th edition of D&D, initially referred to as One D&D and later as the 2024 revision. However, the release of the Monster Manual, the final book in the revised rulebooks, is delayed until February 18, 2025, a year after the game’s 51st anniversary. The Player’s Handbook (2024) is expected to release on September 17, 2024, followed by the Dungeon Master’s Guide on November 12, 2024, and the Monster Manual on February 18, 2025. Two new adventures for D&D: “Vecna: Eve of Ruin” and “Quests from the Infinite Staircase,” offering diverse settings and challenges will also be released this year. A history book titled “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977” by Jon Peterson is set to release on June 18, 2024. The 3D virtual tabletop for D&D, aiming to enhance the gaming experiences also due some time this year. Additional products, including footwear and apparel from Converse, an official LEGO IDEAS building set, and treats from Pop-Tarts. 

A new sci-fi wargame called “Epic Warpath” by Mantic Games is introduced, drawing inspiration from the classic Epic 40k and involving tiny miniatures in large-scale battles. The Kickstarter campaign is now live and is only running for 15 days. Four Warpath army factions are included with the possibility of unlocking two more as Stretch Goals.

Comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors filed a copyright case against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT pirated their work. The court partially dismissed some claims, but the main complaint of direct copyright infringement remains. This is one of several copyright lawsuits Open AI is facing including suits from John Grisham, George R.R. Martin and The New York Times.

Goodman Games is running a crowdfunding campaign for Adventures On the Purple Planet, offering various DCC RPG products, including a hardcover compilation, dice sets, accessories, and more. This campaign is on Backerkit and is a hardcover volume including all the contents of the previously released Purple Planet boxed set. Seven publishers are also contributing to this campaign and the more campaigns you support the more you can save as well as getting a free 3d6 dice set.

#DnD #epicwarpath #mantic #openAI #purpleplanet

Purple Planet on Backerkit’
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/goodman-games/return-to-the-purple-planet

Epic Warpath by Mantic:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manticgames/warpath-the-game-of-epic-scale-sci-fi-warfare

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

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Dragonbane Core Set:
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The Weekly LIVE 227 – Tencent Buying DnD, CMON Dungeon Rescue, Rogue Trooper Movie and Tabletop Kickstarter Down

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Hasbro, the owner of Dungeons & Dragons, is reportedly in talks with Tencent for various rights, including electronic game adaptations. The report suggests a potential sale of the Dungeons & Dragons IP, but there are conflicting details. The success of Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 might have influenced Tencent’s interest in investing in similar projects.

Mythic Games, a crowdfunding-focused board game publisher, faced financial woes and outsourced its remaining projects to CMON. HEL: The Last Saga and Anastyr were sold to CMON due to challenges in completing the projects without additional funding from backers. The backlash from Kickstarter backers, the death threats received by Mythic Games’ co-founders, and the future of the company are all part of the difficulty.

Duncan Jones is working on an animated Rogue Trooper film based on the 2000AD comic strip, using Unreal Engine 5 for animation. The film has finished principal photography, and it is a collaboration between Rebellion, Liberty Films, and Treehouse Digital. A star-studded cast includes Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell, Daryl McCormack, Matt Berry, Sean Bean, and Diane Morgan.

A report from Tabletop Analytics indicates a decline in Kickstarter funding for tabletop games in 2023 for the second consecutive year. The data suggests a 30% decrease in earnings for individual tabletop creators compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019. Kickstarter has not publicly disclosed its data for the first time in almost a decade, and the decline is attributed to factors like crowdfunding fatigue and increased competition. The importance of community management tools and concerns about Kickstarter’s permissive stance on AI generative art are highlighted.

#tencentl #CMON #roguetrooper #kickstarter

Game Jam for Jennel Jaquays:
https://itch.io/jam/jennell-jaquays-memorial-game-jam

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
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Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
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Chris on social media:
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The Weekly LIVE 224 – Brian Ansell and Jennell Jaquays Passing, Halo Wargame, New Year New MtG AI Art and End of the TTRPG Golden Age

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Bryan Ansell, considered the grandfather of Warhammer, has passed away at the age of 68. Ansell played a significant role in transforming Games Workshop from a hobby game retailer to a miniature wargame manufacturer, with Warhammer becoming a central focus. Ansell co-founded Asgard Miniatures in 1976, which caught the attention of Games Workshop founders. In collaboration, Citadel Miniatures was established in 1978, becoming a profitable part of Games Workshop. Ansell’s leadership saw a shift towards the production and sale of miniatures, and Warhammer Fantasy Battle, co-authored by Ansell, played a crucial role in this transformation. Ansell bought out Games Workshop founders in 1985 and remained involved in the wargames industry. He started Wargames Foundry in 1983, a separate miniature manufacturer. Ansell stayed connected with the ‘Oldhammer’ community until his passing.

Jennell Jaquays, a significant figure in the development of Dungeons & Dragons and the tabletop roleplaying game industry, has passed away at the age of 68. Known for her contributions to games like Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia, she worked as a game designer and artist, creating RPG covers, including Dragon Mountain. Jaquays was associated with TSR, Judges Guild, Chaosium, and various video game companies, contributing to titles like Quake and Age of Empires. Beyond her professional achievements, she was an activist for trans rights and played a crucial role in legislative changes as the creative director for the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Her recent years were marked by struggles with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The industry mourns the loss of this legendary figure, remembering her impact on both gaming and the advocacy for trans rights.

Mantic Games, developers of Kings of War, will partner with 343 Industries to create a new Halo tabletop miniatures game based on the Halo videogame franchise, set to launch in September 2024. The game will feature 40mm Spartan miniatures and will be suitable for both newcomers and veterans.There will be no crowdfunding campaign as the game is going direct to market.

Wizards of the Coast and AI: Wizards of the Coast (WotC) denies using AI in recent Magic: The Gathering images, emphasizing that the art was created by humans. The denial follows accusations from fans who believed AI was involved in a promotional image. WotC acknowledges the need for better transparency and disclosure regarding AI use in creative processes. Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft: The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, claiming the unauthorized use of millions of its articles to train large language models. The lawsuit seeks damages in the billions of dollars, alleging systematic and competitive infringement. Wacom and Wizards of the Coast Controversy: Wacom and Wizards of the Coast face criticism for allegedly using AI-generated images in their recent ad campaigns. Artists accuse Wacom of using AI in a dragon illustration, and Wizards of the Coast issued an apology for using AI-generated elements in an ad. The controversies raise concerns about the impact on creative professions and trust in companies within the creative community.

A D&D historian and writer, Ben Riggs, claims that the Golden Age of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) is coming to an end. Riggs argues that the peak, brought in by the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) in the 2010s, is declining due to the aftermath of the Open Gaming License (OGL) controversy. He suggests that the emergence of new RPG systems, while successful in crowdfunding, is a sign that the industry has peaked rather than grown. Riggs predicts that the upcoming 6th edition of D&D may not match the success of its predecessor, leading to layoffs at Wizards of the Coast. He contends that the diversification of RPG systems will result in a fractured community, making it harder for businesses to thrive. Riggs draws parallels with the 1990s, citing TSR’s downfall due to splitting the fan base among various settings. Criticism of Riggs’ viewpoint comes from D&D Twitter, with some arguing against his D&D-centric perspective and pointing out inaccuracies in his claims. Despite Riggs’ warnings, TTRPG creators seem undeterred, with figures like Matt Colville dismissing the idea of a decline, suggesting that the so-called Golden Age was primarily beneficial for investors and D&D’s owners. Riggs concludes with predictions of a less successful 6th edition, decreased crowdfunding success for TTRPGs, plateauing attendance at gaming conventions, and a less diverse and interesting TTRPG landscape, unless significant changes occur in the industry.

#BryanAnsel #JennellJaquays #mantic #AIart

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
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10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Dragonbane Core Set:
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Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
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Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
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Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:
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Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​
https://twitter.com/hyvemynd​​
https://twitter.com/ConanSalaryman​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
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​​Support Us on Patreon:
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