Tag: Wizards of the Coast

The Weekly LIVE 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://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:

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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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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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The Weekly LIVE 275 – Green Ronin, Dark Tower Deluxe, Netrunner and Resistance Bundle

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Green Ronin Publishing is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a yearlong series of special events, sales, and reflections on its history. Founder Chris Pramas entered the RPG industry as a freelancer in 1993 and worked on various RPGs before joining Wizards of the Coast in 1998. After spending time writing for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and working on the Chainmail miniatures game, Pramas missed RPG writing and launched Green Ronin in 2000 as a side project. The company’s first release, Ork! The Roleplaying Game, debuted at Origins 2000, inspired by humorous, freeform RPG sessions from the early ’90s. This was followed by Death in Freeport, a fantasy adventure that gained critical acclaim and cemented Green Ronin’s place in the industry. Since then, Green Ronin has become a major RPG publisher, with Ork! still going strong and new projects like Swords of the Shadow Planet on the horizon.

Goodman Games continues its Original Adventures Remastered line with Dark Tower Remastered, a deluxe reimagining of the classic 1979 Dungeons & Dragons module by Jennell Jacquays. The three-book slipcase set includes a faithful reproduction of the original dungeon, a remastered adaptation for Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) and Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, and expanded content featuring new adventures that extend the campaign. Known for its nonlinear dungeon design and emergent storytelling, Dark Tower remains influential in RPG history. This remastered edition not only modernizes the adventure but also deepens the experience with additional lore, commentary, and adventures. For fans of classic dungeon-crawling, Dark Tower Remastered offers a robust and immersive campaign that captures the spirit of old-school RPGs while introducing new elements for contemporary players.

Null Signal Games has announced Elevation, a new expansion for the Netrunner card game, set for release in Q2 2025. Netrunner is a two-player asymmetric card game set in a cyberpunk future where hackers battle megacorporations for control. Elevation expands the game’s card pool with new Runner cards, six run events, region upgrades, and an ice inspired by a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in the futuristic megacity of Kota Kalimantan, the expansion introduces a rich narrative centered around the construction of the Mahkota Langit space elevator and the struggle between corporate control and the displaced undercity residents. The set will be legal for Organized Play in May 2025 and replaces several older sets in Standard format.

Bundle of Holding has launched a Resistance Bundle featuring ten tabletop RPGs centered around anti-authoritarian themes. The collection includes games like Apocalypse Frame, Grey Ranks, and Misspent Youth, which explore rebellion against oppressive regimes in various settings, from dystopian futures to Nazi-occupied Poland. A bonus tier includes Eat the Reich, a game about vampire commandos hunting Nazis, and other subversive titles like Moonpunk and No God’s Country. The bundle is available for a limited time, with proceeds benefiting the Center for Constitutional Rights.

#greenronin #darktower #dcc #netrunner

DarkTower Remastered:

https://goodman-games.com/store/product/dungeon-crawl-classics-dark-tower-3-volume-slipcased-set/

Resistance Bundle:

https://bundleofholding.com/presents/Resistance

Zinequest on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/zinequest

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:

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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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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:

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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

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

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

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

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

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

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https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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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

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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

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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

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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

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