The Weekly LIVE 276 – Blades ‘68, Osprey New Wargames, Kult: Divinity Lost and Daggerheart Release

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Blades ’68 is an official supplement for Blades in the Dark by Tim Denee and Evil Hat Productions, moving the setting forward 100 years into the turbulent 1960s. Set in Doskvol after the end of Unity War III, the world is now shaped by electroplasmic fusion and the so-called Age of Consensus, marked by science, rationality, and consumerism—but unrest simmers beneath the surface. Players take on the roles of scoundrels, spies, and revolutionaries navigating a world of espionage, crime, and counterculture. With themes inspired by 60s thrillers and a fresh take on Blades in the Dark mechanics, Blades ’68 offers a unique blend of intrigue and danger. The playtest is available now, with a preview on DriveThruRPG.

Osprey Games is set to release three new miniature wargames in 2025, covering historical, sci-fi, and prehistoric themes. Pacific Command, arriving in May, is a World War II naval wargame by Mike Hutchinson, focusing on carrier combat in the Pacific with a fog-of-war mechanic and a dice pool system for resolving battles. Voidfighter, launching in August, is a sci-fi dogfighting game by Casey Garske, allowing players to customize ships with unique traits, weapons, and abilities while engaging in fast-paced space combat. Hide, Stone, And Bone, debuting in November, is a prehistoric survival wargame where players lead tribes through hunting, combat, and resource gathering in a dynamic campaign system. Each game offers distinct gameplay mechanics and thematic depth for tabletop enthusiasts.

Helmgast’s Kickstarter campaign for KULT: Divinity Lost – Dark Realms and Other Horrors expands the award-winning horror RPG with four new books: Metropolis, The Illusion and the Borderlands, Scarlet Bride and Other Tales, and Broken Reflections. These sourcebooks and scenario collections deepen the game’s lore, exploring the hidden supernatural reality behind our world, the terrifying boundaries between dimensions, and new horror-driven narratives. Featuring contributions from veteran writers, haunting artwork, and high-quality hardcover editions, this ambitious project caters to fans of KULT‘s dark storytelling. Additional add-ons include Deep Waters, Voices from Beyond the Veil, Exiled Terrors, and The Seeker’s Testament, offering even more chilling content.

Critical Role’s new fantasy RPG, Daggerheart, developed by Darrington Press, is set for release on May 20, 2025, with pre-orders opening the same day. Featuring a card-based mechanic and unique Hope & Fear dice, Daggerheart blends traditional RPG elements with innovative character creation using domains, ancestry, and community cards. The game will be available physically through Daggerheart.com, Darrington Press Guild, and FLGS, while digital editions will be on Demiplane and DriveThruRPG. A limited-edition Core Set with exclusive content will also be available. Alongside the launch, Critical Role will run a Daggerheart miniseries featuring the dark Age of Umbra campaign setting developed by Matt Mercer, inspired by Dark Souls and Kingdom Death: Monster. While speculation continues about Critical Role shifting to Daggerheart for its main campaign, upcoming announcements later this spring will clarify their future plans.

#blades68 #ospreygames #kult #daggerheart

Blades’68 Playtest:

http://evilh.at/68-playtes

KULT: Divinity Lost Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/helmgast/kult-divinity-lost-dark-realms-and-other-horrors

Daggerheart Pre-oreder:

https://www.daggerheart.com/pre-order/

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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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The Weekly LIVE 274 – Astartes 2, Legacy of Kain TTPRG, ENnies Ban AI and Dirtbags! for Zinequest

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Games Workshop has unveiled a new teaser trailer for Astartes II, the much-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Astartes animation. While the teaser doesn’t showcase actual footage from the upcoming project, it hints at the backstories of key characters and sets the tone for a grimdark narrative deeply rooted in Warhammer 40,000 lore. Syama, the creator of the original Astartes, is collaborating closely with the Warhammer Studio to deliver another visually stunning and action-packed story. The animation is set to release in 2026, leaving fans with a long wait, but in the meantime, they can explore other Warhammer+ animations, including Return to Cadia from the Hammer and Bolter series.

Meanwhile, the Legacy of Kain franchise is making a return with a tabletop RPG, Scourge of the Sarafan, developed by Lost in Cult and published under the MÖRK BORG system. Set in Nosgoth, the game allows players to take on the role of vampire-hunting warrior-priests as they battle the growing undead menace. Alongside this, The Book of Nosgoth, an in-depth encyclopedia exploring the franchise’s history, lore, and development, is also in the works. Both projects are being crowdfunded and will be available individually or as part of a deluxe edition. With Legacy of Kain’s dark themes of fate, free will, and morality, this revival aims to immerse fans once again in the gothic world of Nosgoth.

The ENnie Awards, a prestigious tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) awards ceremony, has announced that from the 2025-2026 cycle onward, any product containing generative AI content will be ineligible. This decision follows criticism of their previous 2023 policy, which allowed AI-generated content in certain categories while restricting it in others. After receiving feedback from the TTRPG community, the ENnies determined that AI-generated content undermines creativity and originality, leading to this stricter policy. The new rule applies to AI-assisted writing, visual content, and editing, ensuring that all submitted works are entirely human-made. While the policy does not retroactively affect the 2024-2025 awards, it marks a significant shift in response to industry concerns over AI’s role in creative endeavors. The TTRPG community has largely welcomed this decision, seeing it as a victory for human creators in an industry increasingly wary of AI’s influence. Many companies, including Wizards of the Coast, have taken a stance against AI-generated content on ethical grounds, citing issues of originality and fairness. The ENnie Awards, a volunteer-run organization, emphasized their commitment to fostering human-driven creativity and innovation within the community. As the landscape of game development continues to evolve, this policy ensures that the ENnies remain a platform for celebrating genuine artistic and narrative efforts.

Dirtbags! is a fast-paced, rules-lite sci-fi shooter RPG by The Dungeon’s Key, launching on Kickstarter for #ZineQuest on January 28th. Set in a dystopian, corporate-run future, players take on the role of convicts forced into the Military Foundation’s Rehabilitation Incentive Program (R.I.P.), battling alien infestations, pirates, and undertaking dangerous missions in the hope of freedom. The game features three core ability scores, a unique two D6 dice pool system for actions and ammo, and five character roles, emphasizing tactical and cinematic combat. Inspired by Starship Troopers, Tank Girl, and Aliens, Dirtbags! critiques corporate greed and explores mature themes while maintaining an action-packed experience. A free Quickstart Guide will be available at launch.

#astartes2 #legacyofkain #ennies #dirtbags!

Astartes II Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbgYaeerXhg

Legacy of Kain TTRPG on Backerlit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/lost-in-cult/legacy-of-kain-ttrpg-and-official-encyclopaedia

ENnies Awards Policy:

https://ennie-awards.com/revised-policy-on-generative-ai-usage/

Dirtbags!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thedungeonskey/dirtbags-a-sci-fi-shooter-ttrpg

Zinequest on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/zinequest

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The Weekly LIVE 273 – Fate of the Fellowship, McCullough 2025, Evil Genius Games and Bitter Chalice

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The upcoming release of “The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship”, a cooperative tabletop game by Matt Leacock and Z-Man Games, brings the world of Middle-earth to life this June. Players will work together as heroes to protect Middle-earth’s havens from advancing enemies while helping Frodo evade the Nazgûl on his journey to destroy the One Ring. With gameplay designed for 1-5 players, the game features 13 characters, 14 event cards, and 24 objectives, alongside stunning artwork and a detailed 11-inch replica of Barad-dûr as the game’s centerpiece. Leacock adapts the system from his renowned Pandemic board game, which has already been reimagined in various settings, such as Star Wars and the Cthulhu mythos. This new game holds special significance for Leacock, as his cooperative game design journey began with Reiner Knizia’s “The Lord of the Rings” in 2000. Now, 25 years later, Leacock shares his personal take on Tolkien’s epic tale. He will be providing design insights leading up to the game’s release and signing early copies at the U.K. Games Expo in May.

Joseph McCullough’s 2025 releases from Osprey Games include a mix of fun, imaginative, and adventurous titles. “Hairfoot Jousting,” a whimsical game about tournament competition, focuses on humor and sportsmanship. The “Stargrave: Death Vector” expansion introduces cyberpunk hacking mechanics and deadly cyborg enemies in a campaign set within the Outlaw Technology Sector. “Frostgrave: Advanced Spellcraft” adds critical spellcasting mechanics and a competitive campaign to celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary, while “The Silver Bayonet: Britain – Bones of Albion” expands its supernatural battles to the British Isles with a full campaign and undead enemies.

Evil Genius Games (EGG), publisher of the Everyday Heroes tabletop roleplaying game, has been under scrutiny for its business practices and leadership issues, as detailed in investigative articles published in 2024. These articles, based on court documents, internal communications, and interviews with former employees, revealed ethical concerns and alleged retaliation against staff who spoke out. Recently, EGG’s CEO, Dave Scott, contacted a Reddit user, asking them to remove a link to one such article, claiming it was harming the company. This request backfired, reviving interest in the article and invoking the “Streisand Effect.” Despite financial backing and recent product launches, including the digital platform “Sidekick,” EGG has faced criticism for its previous use of controversial Web3 technologies and its treatment of employees. Critics argue the company’s struggles stem from leadership decisions rather than external commentary.

Finally, “Bitter Chalice,” a Soulslike fantasy TTRPG, offers players a dark and immersive journey through the cursed Blighted Lands. Inspired by games like Bloodborne and Elden Ring, the game is structured as a meticulously crafted campaign with unique classes, areas to explore, and a dynamic map. Aimed at delivering a challenging yet narrative-driven experience, it avoids the repetitive death mechanics typical of Soulslike video games. The game’s launch promises early bird bonuses and exclusive content for backers.

#pandemic #frostgrave #evilgeniusgames #bitterchalice 

ENWorld’s reporting on Evil Genius Games:

https://www.enworld.org/threads/the-rise-and-fall-of-evil-genius-games.702617/

Evil Genius Games Digital Platform:

https://sidekick.evilgeniusgames.com/

BItter Chalice:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theworldanvil/bitter-chalice

ch Crusade Late Pledge on MyMiniFactory:

https://www.myminifactory.com/frontier/trench-crusade-late-pledge-3423

Painting Contest Page:

https://www.myminifactory.com/competition/trench-crusade-painting-competition-292

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The Weekly LIVE 272 – Gotham City Chronicles, The Sutra of Pale Leaves,Trench Crusade Late Pledge, Sqwürmish: Grimm Vast Skirmish and Diamond Bankruptcy

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The Batman: Gotham City Chronicles – The Roleplaying Game has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound, featuring 127 miniatures, books, tile maps, dice, and other materials to immerse players in the Batman universe. Following Monolith Boardgames’ earlier successful campaigns, this new project includes the “Skyline Edition” pledge for RPG content and a “Sidekick” option for miniatures, offering a blend of narrative gameplay and detailed collectible figures. Fans of Batman, RPGs, and miniatures are drawn to the impressive sculpts and comprehensive materials, although some concerns persist about production timelines and shipping costs, with an estimated delivery of January 2026. Despite these uncertainties, the campaign has already surpassed its funding goal, reaching over 282% of the target.

Chaosium has announced The Sutra of Pale Leaves – Twin Suns Rising, a new Call of Cthulhu adventure set in 1980s Japan, featuring the King in Yellow entity. This marks an exciting shift, blending the RPG’s cosmic horror with a modern, unique setting during Japan’s technological boom. Call of Cthulhu is particularly popular in Japan, where scenarios often focus on contemporary, relatable locations rather than historical settings. While limited details are available, the creative team includes notable writers and artists, and fans are eager to explore this fresh narrative and setting. The adventure is slated for release in 2025, appealing to fans of the Vast Grimm RPG and similar modern horror genres.

The Trench Crusade Late Pledge offers a final chance to purchase STL files for the skirmish-scale tabletop miniatures game set in a grim alternate timeline. Factory Fortress Inc’s campaign includes six warbands, reinforcements, and exclusive painting competitions with prizes for categories like Best Painted and Best Diorama. The late pledge provides the full range of high-quality miniatures at discounted prices, attracting both collectors and gamers. Players can dive into this horror-themed tabletop experience, expanding their miniatures collection or showcasing their painting and kitbashing skills.

Diamond Comics Publishers, once a dominant distributor in the comic book industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing financial instability due to lost exclusive publisher relationships, inflation, and decreased margins. The company plans to sell key assets, including Diamond UK and Alliance Games, while seeking buyers for other subdivisions like Diamond Select Toys. Diamond’s decline stems from its controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led major publishers like DC and Marvel to seek alternative distributors. While this development could fragment ordering systems for comic book retailers, it signals a potential shift toward more competitive and diverse distribution models in the industry.

#gothamcitychronicles #kinginyellow #trenchcrusade #sqwurmish

Trench Crusade Late Pledge on MyMiniFactory:

https://www.myminifactory.com/frontier/trench-crusade-late-pledge-3423

Painting Contest Page:

https://www.myminifactory.com/competition/trench-crusade-painting-competition-292

Batman: Gotham City Chronicles – RPG : Skyline Edition

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/monolith-board-games-sarl/batman-gotham-city-chronicles—rpg–skyline-edition#/section/box-1-skyline-box-content-60649

Sqwurmish Skirmish Campaign:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/creaturecuration/sqwurmish-a-vast-grimm-sci-fi-skirmish-game-and-miniatures?ref=8pj2yr

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The Weekly LIVE 271 – D&D Gambling, Gundam Wargame, ToV Starter Set and Ultraviolet Grasslands 2E

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Hasbro has partnered with digital gambling firm Games Global to develop online slot games featuring the Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) brand. The first game in this collaboration, Dungeons and Dragons Tales of Riches, will be created by Neon Valley Studios and is set to release in the first quarter of 2025. The game aims to offer an immersive, story-driven slot experience, tapping into DnD’s global fanbase. While Hasbro has not officially commented on the project, the move is part of DnD’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2024. This marks a new and unusual venture for Hasbro, as the company has previously licensed DnD for various non-gambling products but not for online casino games. Stern Pinball has also revealed a new Dungeons & Dragons-themed pinball table called The Tyrant’s Eye, created in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast. This game incorporates elements from the DnD universe, including character classes, dragons, and immersive storylines. Players battle Tiamat, the dragon queen, and other mythical creatures, while using pinball mechanics integrated with a fantasy adventure. Available in different editions, including a limited version with exclusive features, The Tyrant’s Eye offers a unique and collectible pinball experience. Both releases highlight the growing intersection of DnD with other forms of entertainment beyond traditional tabletop role-playing games.

The Tales of the Valiant Starter Set is designed for newcomers to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), providing everything needed to start playing right away. Whether you want to take on the role of the Game Master, guiding adventures with dragons, goblins, and treasure, or play a heroic character battling evil, this set is accessible for all. Created by Steamforged in collaboration with Kobold Press, the Starter Set offers a comprehensive introduction to roleplaying, starting with the basics and progressing to your first adventure. The set includes 4 miniatures, a rules reference, two adventure books, battlemaps, polyhedral dice, character sheets, and color tokens, all for a retail price of $44.99. It is set to be available for pre-order in early 2025.

Ultraviolet Grasslands 2E is a highly anticipated, expanded edition of a tabletop role-playing game known for its psychedelic and otherworldly theme. Now enhanced with 252 pages, this new version offers streamlined character rules, expanded caravan options, and a brand-new bestiary. The game features a strange steppe landscape where players journey through time and space, combining elements of heavy metal, the Dying Earth genre, and the Oregon Trail. Notable updates include revamped spells, 50 new pet companions, and an expanded map. The book, presented in full color and hardcover, includes a PDF bundle, and the release comes with additional companion items like a referee screen and exclusive patch. It offers an exciting adventure through a fantastical world, enhanced by stunning artwork and design.

#UVG #gundam #ToV #wotc

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The Weekly LIVE 270 – 2024 Postmortem

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Matt and Jeremy talk about their best and worst of 2024!

ACTUAL PLAY GAMES OF 2024

ALIEN RPG Destroyer of Worlds

ALIEN RPG Chariot of the Gods

Outgunned: Indy Heat 1985 

Ironsworn by Shawn Tomkins 

Outgunned Adventure RPG (Dune break)

Dune 2d20 RPG (16 sessions)

Blade Runner RPG – Case File 02 Fiery Angels

Magnagothica: Maleghast

WEEKLY PODCAST TOPICS 224-269  

Bryan Ansell and Jennell Jaquays Pass, Halo Wargame, New MtG Art and The End Deck of Sexy Things, DCC on Roll 20, Jaquays Tribute Dungeon and Ars Magica Evil Genius v. Netflix, Old World RPG,  Fall of the Imperium and Guildball PnPTencent Buys DnD, CMON Rescue, Rogue Trooper Movie and Tabletop KS Declines Starfinder 2E, Free League 2024, Free RPG Day,  Skirmish Games and Dragonlance DnD 2024 Revision Late, Epic Warpath, OpenAI Wins and The Purple Planet Return to Perinthos, Evil Genius Demise, CMON Exclusivity and Pathfinder OSTs StarTrek Adventures 2E, UltraPro D&D 50th, Paranoia 25th Anniversary Bundle & Life in ReterraChaosium Challenge, Dune Bundle, Grimdark CoD, Mass Effect & AIien Nexus Tales of the Valiant, Ninja Division, Daggerheart, Puerto Rico and Heroscape Edgerunners, Enemy Within, D&D LEGOs, Coriolis: The Great Dark & RIP Jim Ward Best of Magpie, Mystic Punks RPG, New AoS, Hasbro AI and Cairn 2nd Edition Blackmilk D&D, Sundered Isles, Doppel Mini, TROIKA! Bundle and Ed Piskor RIP Astroprisma, The Black Company, Dimension 20 at MSG, Gummy Quest & ChampionsOM Maggot Machine, Monolith Gets Rackham, KS Late Pledges, WotC CEO & Yes And MEKBORG, Embracer Divides, Zone Wars Retail, This is FreeTrader Beowulf and Roll20 CMON /Japon Brand, Miku:The Gathering, Hasbro Videogames, Goblinko Video Game & STA 2E D&D Beyond Changes, 13th Age 2E, Edgerunners Starter Kit and The Sassoon Files Darkness at the Brink of Ohio, One More Multiverse RIP, Greyhawk and Solomon Kane  Replicant Rebellion, Battletech 40th, Adobe Diss and Outgunned Adventure Andy Chambers Heads Konflikt ‘47, Endless Horrors, Wallet Games and Mork Borg Roll20/Demiplane, Steamforged/Warmachine, Instagram AI and Fantasy Grounds Electric State Movie, Delta Green Bundle, DC20 Breaks $1 Million and WacomWarhammer 5E, Grey Knight for Pendrangon, Evil Genius Games and Free RPG Day Modiphius + Strato Minis Studio, CRIT Awards, Caverns of Thracia & Rascal News Roll20 Security Breach, Modiphius UK, Helluva Town and Five Parsecs Tactics Publishers Scammed, Phantasy Star TTRPG, Etsy Now Sells AI and Sexist D&DGURPS 4E, Lancer 2nd Printing New Cover, Actual Plays and Eldritch Automata Alchemy VTT Bundle, D&D VTT This Year, Pirate Borg Expansions and WotC Credits Cosmere TTRPG, 2024 ENNIES, D&D Video Takedowns and Mantic Deadzone Frontier Welcome to Nightvale RPG, William King Konflikt’47, Free League PDFs on Alchemy and AI Paizo Giveaway, Golden Demon AI, Amazon 40k and Star Trek 1E Bundle D&D Beyond Debacle, Gav Thorpe Joins Konflikt 47, Start Here RPG & Konflikt’47 Paul Sawyer, Plasmodics RPG, More D&D Spirits and Barbarians of Lemuria+ Cyberpunk 2077, Faster Purple Worm the Book, Wharf Rat Games and AI in D&DPHB, Paul Sawyer, Gold Teeth, Vanguard: Normandy, Expanse RPG, Elfquest & 2LM More Alien 2E, D&D Help Wanted, Dropfleet Commander 2E and Horizons Magazine Super Hero Trademark, Darktide Card Game, Mythic Dissolves and Mothership RPG  Lone Wolf RPG, PHB 2024 Reprint, Bolt Action Intro Set and Fighting Fantasy, Trench Crusade, Baldur’s Gate 3 AP, Mythic Carpathia for Vaesen and Bludgeoon Stay Frosty, Deep Cuts, Black Powder and Brimstone and Ashes Without Number, Household Bundle, Star Trek 2E Starter Set, N5 Delayed and Higher Tariffs, Sony to Buy Kadokawa, New Grimdark , Household Volume II and Elf Creek Games No More Hasbro Movies, LotR on D&D Beyond, Exodus TTRPG and Black Friday Sales, PAX Unplugged, Amazon Warhammer Deal, Elves for One Ring and Free League & 2LM UK Copyright Reform, Vallejo Strike, Wyrmwood Layoffs and Doomsong

 

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#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

#2024 #actualplay #TTRPGs #wargaming

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The Weekly LIVE 269 – UK Copyright Reform, Vallejo Strike, Wyrmwood Layoffs and Doomsong

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The UK government’s proposal to reform copyright laws to accommodate artificial intelligence companies has sparked significant controversy. The suggested opt-out system allows AI firms to use copyrighted material for training unless creators explicitly request otherwise, raising concerns about undermining intellectual property rights. Critics, including creators and industry leaders, argue that this system unfairly burdens creators while favoring large tech companies. They emphasize the logistical challenges and inefficiencies of opting out, which could result in widespread exploitation of creative works without proper compensation or control. Prominent figures, such as Sir Paul McCartney and Getty Images CEO Craig Peters, warn that the changes could severely harm the UK’s creative industries, which contribute over £126 billion annually to the economy. Opponents are calling for alternative approaches, such as requiring explicit licensing, to protect creators’ rights and uphold international copyright standards.

Meanwhile, workers at Acrylicos Vallejo, a leading Spanish paint manufacturer, have gone on strike, demanding higher wages, improved safety conditions, and better protocols for handling workplace harassment. The strike reflects broader labor unrest, as employees voice frustration over stagnant wages and deteriorating working conditions following the company’s acquisition by private equity firm Proa Capital. Workers report unsafe factory conditions, outdated equipment, and insufficient amenities, such as showers, despite working with hazardous materials. They also cite issues with workplace harassment and stress caused by authoritarian management practices. The union, CGT, accuses the company of neglecting both workers’ rights and safety, escalating the protest to a complete shutdown. While public support for the strike grows, Vallejo has yet to address the workers’ demands, leaving the future of the labor dispute uncertain.

Wyrmwood, the gaming furniture and accessory company, recently laid off nearly 50% of its workforce, reducing staff from 170 to 90 employees due to declining sales and order backlogs. CEO Doug Costello addressed the situation in a speech, stating that annual revenue dropped from $30 million during the pandemic to $15 million currently, while their once lengthy order backlog dwindled to just two weeks. Costello admitted his strategy for improving service to boost sales had failed, prompting the drastic cuts. The company, known for its Wyrmwood Modular Table and Kickstarter campaigns, has faced criticism for posting the speech online, eliciting sympathy for affected employees and backlash against Costello.

Modiphius Entertainment has launched Doomsong, a dark fantasy tabletop RPG set in a medieval world on the brink of a Biblical apocalypse. Players assume the roles of gravediggers navigating a haunting land plagued by undead and heretical forces. The game features innovative mechanics like character creation using a die and coin, a 300-page deluxe rulebook with intricate artwork, and an engaging combat system. Its companion volume, Lord Have Mercy Upon Us, offers a rich campaign in the cursed plaguescape, combining narrative flexibility and ominous storylines. The game appeals to fans of horror and medieval myth, blending storytelling, strategy, and moral dilemmas.

#aiart #vallejo #wyrmwood #doomsong

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The Weekly LIVE 268 – PAX Unplugged 2024, Amazon Warhammer Deal, Elven Expansion for the One Ring and Free League Partners with 2LM

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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.

#paxuplugged #oneringrpg #warhammer #2LM #freeleague

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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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