Critical Role Productions has made a significant power play by hiring Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, two of the most influential designers behind Dungeons & Dragons’ 5th edition success. Both served as creative director and game director respectively at Wizards of the Coast for decades before departing in April 2025. Their recruitment to Critical Role’s Darrington Press division represents a major shift in the tabletop RPG landscape, coming just weeks after Darrington Press launched Daggerheart, their own alternative to D&D. This move is part of Critical Role’s broader expansion from web series into a full entertainment company spanning cartoons, comics, video games, and now tabletop game publishing. The departure of Perkins and Crawford appears to be part of a larger exodus from Wizards of the Coast’s D&D team. Following their April exit, several other high-profile figures have left the company, including VP of D&D Franchise Jess Lanzillo and content marketing strategist Todd Kenreck, who was laid off. This turnover comes at a critical time as WotC faces criticism over D&D 2024’s revised rulebooks, which many players and critics argue fail to address fundamental issues with the 5th edition system while actually making some problems worse. The timing raises questions about potential internal turmoil at the company that publishes “the world’s greatest role-playing game.”

Galactic & Going Rogue combines two beloved space rebellion RPGs into a single hardcover third edition, drawing inspiration from Star Wars, Rogue One, and Andor. The games focus on rebels fighting against a fascist galactic empire called The Mandate as part of The Liberation. Galactic tells stories of charming but flawed heroes and their relationships, while Going Rogue explores darker themes where characters are fated to make ultimate sacrifices for freedom. Both games use the GM-less Belonging Outside Belonging system with innovative mechanics including “pillars” that represent setting aspects and token-based gameplay.

Defy the Gods is a sword and sorcery RPG set in fantasy ancient Mesopotamia that queers the genre by centering romance and resistance. Players take on roles like Revenants, Sailors, Sorcerers, and other archetypes while building their own world of gods, cities, and wilderness. The game features a unique three-tier success system where rolling too high can be dangerous, and characters risk losing their humanity as they gain power through “Epithets” that can transform into “Dooms.” Romance serves as both protection and vulnerability, with emotional connections being key to survival against hostile world forces including pantheons of gods and oppressive cities. The campaign was successfully funded and includes stretch goals for additional content.

Paradox Interactive announced the revival of the White Wolf brand as the official licensing and publishing entity for World of Darkness properties including Vampire: The Masquerade. This marks a return for the influential brand that was shuttered in 2018 following controversy over insensitive content. Led by veterans including Jason Carl, the revived White Wolf aims to unify its transmedia properties and develop both classic and new IPs with a clearer long-term vision, representing another significant shift in how major gaming properties are managed and developed.

#darringtonpress #wotc #galactic #goingrogue #whitewolf

Galactic and Going Rogue Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/galacticgoingrogue/galactic-and-going-rogue-two-ttrpgs-of-war-among-the-stars

Defying the Gods Relaunched Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hecticelectron/defy-the-gods-rpg

Defying the Gods Quickstart:

https://hecticelectron.itch.io/defy-the-gods

Warmachine on MyMiniFactory:

https://mmf.io/upturned

Mantic Companion App:

https://companion.manticgames.com/

Use our Referral code: MCTXEE

Support us by Shopping at Miniature Market (afilliate link):

https://miniature-market.sjv.io/K0yj7n

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

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

​​Support Us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:

https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Donate or give us  a tip on Paypal:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2754JZFW2QZU4

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe

https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

 

“Stay Frosty REMASTERED” is a revamped old-school sci-fi tabletop RPG where players embody future marines facing off against cosmic threats, reminiscent of classic military sci-fi movies and games. Built upon Black Hack TTRPG rules, it offers strategic, dice-driven gameplay with four core attributes, eight unique classes, and mechanics for rank, supply management, and escalating tension during missions. This edition introduces new content, including two starter adventures, enhanced artwork, campaign-ready rules, and exclusive merchandise. Players explore, battle foes, and tackle point-crawls with themes of horror and action. Written by Casey Garske, with contributions from talented artists, it delivers immersive, long-term gameplay experiences.

The first official expansion for the popular RPG Blades in the Dark, titled Deep Cuts, has been released by creator John Harper. It expands the game with new factions, mechanics, and background options. Divided into two parts, it introduces 27 factions, over 100 heritage and background packages, and 13 new technological innovations. It also includes six modular rules systems that overhaul core mechanics, such as Harm & Trauma, Advancement, and the introduction of a new Threat Roll system, altering how conflict and success are handled. This expansion, described as a blend of refined mechanics and enriched lore, aims to deepen player immersion and campaign longevity.

Free League Publishing announced Black Powder and Brimstone RPG, a new RPG compatible with Mork Borg, which will hit retail on March 18, 2024. In Black Powder and Brimstone RPG, players take on the roles of desperate adventurers stuck in the middle of the conflict that trying to survive it and possibly make a profit.  This standalone RPG is laden with gunpowder and witchcraft, and offers players an action-packed, rules light gothic horror swashbuckling experience.  Players will be able to wield powerful weapons and magic that warp reality.  The book also includes plenty of character options, items, locations, adventures, and enemies to encounter.

Ashes Without Number is the latest addition to Kevin Crawford’s Without Number RPG series, set in a post-apocalyptic world full of diverse challenges, such as civil collapse, zombie uprisings, or alien invasions. Building on the popular d20 and 2d6-based old-school mechanics, it offers streamlined gameplay and is compatible with its sister games like Stars Without Number. The game provides tools for Game Masters (GMs) to craft personalized apocalyptic settings with unique challenges, such as mutant perils, societal collapse, and more. Key features include genre-specific rules, campaign guides, crisis generation tools, and resources for creating settlements and ruins, all focused on immersive exploration and survival storytelling. The game, now crowdfunding successfully, gives backers immediate beta access and offers flexible digital and print rewards, with a focus on usability and creativity.

#stayfrosty #bladesinthedark #morkborg #asheswithoutnumber

Stay Frosty on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/melsonian-arts-council/stay-frosty-2nd-edition

Deep Cuts:

https://johnharper.itch.io/deep-cuts

Black Powder and Brimstone Quick Start

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/478497/black-powder-and-brimstone-quick-start

Ashes Without Number:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sinenomineinc/ashes-without-number

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

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:

https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:

https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe

https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Mythic Games, a board game publisher, faced criticism and backlash from the tabletop gaming community due to unfulfilled crowdfunding campaigns. The company, in response, cited internal sacrifices such as selling intellectual properties (IPs) and reducing staff to meet crowdfunding commitments. Backers of projects like “Rainbow Six Siege: The Board Game” and “Darkest Dungeon: The Board Game” were asked for additional payments to cover unexpected expenses attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The company has faced delays and criticism from backers and industry figures.

Mistborn Adventure Game, a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) based on Brandon Sanderson’s novels, will no longer be available digitally on DriveThruRPG after December 31, 2023. The Mistborn series is a popular fantasy franchise, and the TTRPG adaptation will be leaving digital stores, creating a time constraint for fans to acquire digital copies.

Palladium Books announced the return of the official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) roleplaying game, originally published in 1985, through a Kickstarter campaign. The classic TMNT RPG will be republished as two deluxe hardcover collections with new artwork and exclusive Kickstarter items. The campaign is set to launch on October 31, 2023, and will feature miniatures, dice sets, variant book covers, art prints, and other exclusives.

Critical Role’s publishing imprint, Darrington Press, announced the release date for “Candela Obscura,” a horror-themed tabletop roleplaying game. Co-designed by members of the Critical Role team, the game uses the Illuminated Worlds System and is set during the early 20th century. The core rulebook is scheduled for worldwide release on November 14, 2023, and includes rules, character options, campaign details, and exclusive editions. The game follows investigators operating in a world of occult occurrences and mysterious events, with a focus on horror elements.

TMNT and Other Strangeness Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/palladiumbooks/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-and-other-strangeness

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

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

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

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

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Games Workshop is retiring many old Space Marine units from Warhammer 40,000, making way for the newer Primaris Space Marines. This move has upset some players who invested in the older models, but Games Workshop’s focus is on growing the Primaris range. Games Workshop reports record revenue, profits, and dividends in its annual report for the year 2023. The company remains committed to continuous development of its intellectual property and expanding its global reach.

Paizo partners with Mirrorscape, an extended reality (XR) tabletop gaming platform, to bring Pathfinder and Starfinder into augmented reality. Players can now experience these games in a more immersive and interactive way using mobile devices. Set to launch on iOS and Android on July 25th, Mirrorscape is already generating buzz among tabletop roleplaying gamers. It offers a truly immersive experience where players can interact with game pieces, terrains, and miniatures in realistic 3D, no matter their location. This innovative technology has received positive coverage from major outlets like Wired, Wargamer, GamesRadar, and Dicebreaker.

CJ Leung, known for the @DontStopThinking YouTube channel, is launching a new tabletop RPG called “Cloudbreaker Alliance” on Kickstarter. It is an anime-inspired fantasy RPG with a unique combat system and a focus on strategic gameplay.

Candela Obscura announces its second chapter with new players, including Brennan Lee Mulligan and Marisha Ray, exploring a new narrative unrelated to the first season. The horror RPG series will have a five-hour cinema premiere in select theaters.

DriveThruRPG updates its policy to ban content primarily written by AI language generators, acknowledging the challenge of enforcement. The platform trusts its community to offer unique works primarily based on human creativity.

#warhammer40k #paizo #cloudbreakeralliance #dtrpg

Don’t Stop Thinking YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@DontStopThinking

Cloudbreaker Alliance on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cjleung/cloudbreaker-alliance

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

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

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

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Pathfinder is dropping the drow as part of a wider re-work of the game and lore necessitated by Paizo’s move away from the OGL. During PaizoCon 2023’s “Into the Darklands” panel, Paizo creative director James Jacobs revealed that the drow would no longer appear in Pathfinder books due to Paizo’s move away from the Open Game License (OGL), which allowed them to freely use and adapt the lore and characteristics of drow from other OGL books. The drow will effectively be replaced by serpentfolk in Pathfinder lore as the villains of the Darklands, with most drow cities in Golarion maps now becoming serpentfolk strongholds. One exception to this is Zirnakaynin, which was previously the largest city populated by the drow and is now a mysterious ruin built by unknown parties.

Critical Role has been making waves with their new horror anthology series, and accompanying TTRPG of the same name, Candela Obscura. With a quickstart guide out right now, you can take a look at what the game entails. So far, there are some familiar mechanics at play. Candela Obscura has a distinct lineage. But there’s nary a d20 at play here. Instead, you can see its antecedents in games Forged-in-the-Dark. 

Mirrorscape plans to offer a polished, approachable virtual tabletop experience for playing RPGs online that goes far beyond just Dungeons & Dragons.The virtual tabletop platform is designed with mobile as its focus, centring on an app that allows players to track their character’s stats and roll dice on a digital table. Its team of indie developers includes celebrity D&D fan, Joe Manganiello, as creative director. As well as tools familiar from popular virtual tabletops such as Roll20, Mirrorscape also supports the use of augmented reality, allowing players to view a 3D layout of the table – complete with dice, terrain and miniatures – via their phone screen or a compatible headset. The virtual setup can be viewed from any angle or distance, tracking the players’ respective positions around the table whether they’re in the same room or not.

One of the most anticipated RPGs of 2023 by EN World, Dragonbane is the latest edition of Drakar och Demoner, Sweden’s first and largest tabletop RPG. Originally set for release in English, the game will now also be available in German (through Uhrwerk Verlag), French (Arkhane Asylum), Italian (Need Games), Spanish (Devir Games), Norwegian (Aegir Games), and Danish (Faraos Cigarer).
#pathfinder2e #mirrorscape #dragonbane #candelaobscura

Fighting Fantasy Adventures Preview:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wallacedesigns/fighting-fantasy-adventures-campaign-one

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

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
Noble Knight Games – Buy, sell and Trade! New and Out-of-Print RPG’s, Board Games, Miniatures, Dungeons & Dragons

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

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

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

​​Support Us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/