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:

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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  

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