Tag: Embracer group

The Weekly LIVE 205 – Asmodee Loses Billions, D&D Whiskey, Dolmenwood Kickstarter and Night Vale RPG

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Asmodee, the tabletop publishing company known for games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic, faced a setback as its corporate owner, Embracer Group, lost a $2 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabian partner Savvy Gaming Group. This deal was reportedly tied to a Saudi government investment fund. Asmodee’s parent company Embracer Group had previously been purchased by Sweden-based Embracer group. The failed deal led to stock price drops and cost-cutting measures. Despite this, Asmodee performed well in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, with increased sales and organic growth. The company also mentioned various upcoming releases and highlighted its successful performance despite the parent company’s challenges.

Matthew Lillard, known for his roles in movies like “Scream” and his involvement in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), launched a new line of game-inspired spirits called Quest’s End through his company Find Familiar Spirits. Lillard also discussed his passion for D&D and his involvement in TTRPG-related ventures like Beadle & Grimm’s. He’s also part of an improv and live gameplay series called “Faster, Purple Worm! Kill Kill!” that blends D&D and improv comedy. He highlighted the joy of playing with family and friends and emphasized the positive impact of tabletop role-playing games in his life.

The Dolmenwood Tabletop Roleplaying Game by Gavin Norman, after 10 years of development, offers an immersive fantasy adventure set in a richly crafted world inspired by British Isles folklore. Seamlessly blending the eerie and whimsical aspects of fairy tales, players embark on journeys through enchanting woods and mystical landscapes. The game provides streamlined rules suitable for both beginners and experienced role-players, introducing novel magic and creatures. The setting, available on Kickstarter since August 9th, 2023, includes three core books: the Player’s Book with comprehensive rules, the Campaign Book detailing the expansive campaign world, and the Monster Book featuring an array of creatures. Characters can be diverse, from goat-headed breggles to capricious woodgrues, each with nine unique classes. The open sandbox world encourages exploration across a detailed map, while the intuitive Old-School Essentials rules system ensures easy adaptation. Modern formatting enhances gameplay, and a range of extras such as adventures, miniatures, maps, and a soundtrack album further enrich the experience. A 76-page preview PDF offers insights into the game’s core content, promising an extensive world with engaging features across its three books.

Finally, the popular fiction podcast “Welcome to Night Vale” is set to be adapted into a tabletop RPG by Renegade Game Studios. The RPG will allow fans to explore the strange and eerie town of Night Vale in a tabletop setting. The game is expected to use Renegade’s Essence20 system, which incorporates a 20-sided die and skill dice for resolving challenges and obstacles.

#dolmenwood #nightvale #questsend #asmodee

Dolmenwood Tabletop RPG Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/dolmenwood-tabletop-rpg

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

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Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
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The Weekly LIVE 195 – NuTSR Bankrupt, Heroscapes Returns, Embracer Layoffs and Privateer Press Legacy Ends

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It appears that NuTSR, a company owned by Justin LaNasa, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves the liquidation of the company’s assets. According to documents filed in North Carolina, NuTSR’s gross revenue for 2023 is $621.93, while its total liabilities amount to over $384,000. The company gained attention in 2020 when Justin LaNasa and Stephen Dinehart registered the defunct TSR trademarks and launched a new venture involving Ernie Gygax, son of D&D co-creator Gary Gygax. However, NuTSR faced various controversies, including an attempted lawsuit against D&D publishers Wizards of the Coast, and in March 2022, they were sued by Wizards of the Coast.

On a different note, the game Heroscape, a wargaming classic, is set to return despite a failed crowdfunding campaign in the past. Renegade Game Studios has taken up the reboot of the miniatures game after the project called “Age of Annihilation” did not reach its funding goal. Heroscape is known for its accessible hex-based terrain, Lego-like fantasy miniatures, and beginner-friendly rules.

Additionally, Embracer Group, a major gaming publisher that owns studios such as Gearbox (known for Borderlands), Crystal Dynamics (known for Tomb Raider), and the rights to The Lord of the Rings, has announced a restructuring program. This program aims to make the company leaner, stronger, more focused, and self-sufficient. As part of this restructuring, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations are expected.

In a separate announcement, Privateer Press, a company known for its WARMACHINE, HORDES, and Riot Quest models, has stated that it will halt manufacturing for its Legacy models. This decision is in preparation for an upcoming facility move. Manufacturing of models cast in metal and resin will cease at the end of the week, and afterward, the company will fulfill online store orders only with remaining stock. Privateer Press has assured customers that the online store will be promptly updated to reflect available and out-of-stock items.

#NuTSR #privateerpress #heroscape #embracer

Full Glorious History of NuTSR:
https://www.enworld.org/threads/the-full-glorious-history-of-nutsr.684697/

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

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

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

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Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
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The Weekly LIVE 171 – Amazon Making Warhammer, Asmodee Steals GW’s Pricing, #OneDND and 2022 in Review

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Amazon Studios today announced that it has secured global rights to Warhammer  40,000, based on the immensely popular intellectual property from Games Workshop (GAW) that has given rise to an immersive global hobby – Warhammer. The agreement encompasses rights to the universe across series, film, and more, and will sit alongside GAW’s activities as they continue to make the best miniatures in the world. This is the first deal of its kind for Amazon Studios for IP of this scale, and it allows the company to utilize the title across its entertainment businesses. Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Mission: Impossible – Fallout) is set to star in and executive produce the Warhammer 40,000 franchise across all Amazon Studios productions.

Asmodee’s pricing for its new terrain kits for Marvel Crisis Protocol are reminding us of the incredibly overpriced offering from Games Workshop. Discuss.

Dungeons and Dragons fans banded together to get #OpenDnD trending on Twitter. This tag emerged in response to recent activity that suggests Dungeons and Dragons might be considering cracking down on homebrew in One D&D.

We also cover the good and the bad of 2022. A surprising amount of bad.

#onednd #asmodee #amazon #warhammer40k

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The Weekly LIVE 161 – Asmodee Digital Rebrand, Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg Kickstarter,Renegade Licenses Classic Games from Hasbro and D&D Documentary by Critical Role Player

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Asmodee Digital rebrands itself as Twin Sails Interactive. With the help of the Embracer Group they plan to leverage their licensed IPs to produce AA console games as well as mobile and PC offerings beyond the digital boardgames they have mde up until now. Good luck.

The second printing of the Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg hardcover module is on Kickstarter. This is a chance to get a rare piece of TTRPG history. Tonisborg is a 10-level megadungeon, thought to be lost, reproduced with care along with a playable old school game system. The first printing of Tonisborg was first available from the original Secrets of Blackmoor documentary crowdfunding campaign. Pledge for your copy with the link below! 

Renegade Game Studios has announced that they are in negotiations to expand their licensing relationship with Hasbro, a global branded entertainment company, to include best-selling games Axis & Allies, Diplomacy, Squad Leader, and Robo Rally. Hasbro has has success with their reboot of Heroquest and are also currently crowdfunding a new Heroscape expansion. How long will they be able to farm our nostalgia? Place you bets.

A new documentary covering the creation, lifetime and recent popularity surge of Dungeons & Dragons has been announced by Hasbro’s Entertainment One division. Veteran Critical Role player and actor Joe Manganiello will co-direct the as-yet untitled feature. This is just in time for the 50th anniversary, like everything else from WotC we have talked about this year. Brace yourselves.

#asmodee #tonisborg #renegade #hasbro #dnd50th 

The Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretsofblackmoor/the-lost-dungeons-of-tonisborg

Secrets of Blackmoor Spoiler-Free Review:
https://youtu.be/hxw6L4EcELM

Interview with Griff for Blackmoor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1AE7GcBlnk&list=PL5oFq35xgW-eejPcBcs3fsNJ3u8Im88qB

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Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
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The Weekly LIVE 153 – Tolkien Gets Embraced, 40th Anniversary Call of Cthulhu Starter Set, DC Comics Deleted and GW Versus Cults 3D

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The Embracer Group has acquired the rights to Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. by purchasing Middle Earth Enterprises. This is one of five acquisitions that cost the Swedish company a reported SEK 6 billion ($576 million). Middle Earth Enterprises was a division of The Saul Zaentz Company, which had stewarded the intellectual property rights to author J. R. R. Tolkien’s worlds for more than 50 years. What does this mean for Amazon’s rights and how will this affect the destruction of established characters from this setting?

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Call of Cthulhu we are getting a new release of the Starter Set. This will include updated booklets and handouts. This set also includes the solo adventure that will teach you the rules of the game in a choose-your-own-adventure style booklet. After the fulfillment of Call of Cthulhu Classic (which is actually second edition) this amazing digital restoration of Call of Cthulhu history should also be available.

Warner Bros. Discovery has removed the “comics” from the DC Comics website. Now the URL is simple DC.com. This may be a product of restructuring and streamlining the properties, but it may also be an indication of a future move where Warner Bros. Discovery holds the license and the comics are created elsewhere. That has always been the biggest difference between Marvel and DC comics. The DC characters all have identifiable and trademarked logos on their chests that probably make as much money in licensing as the comics ever did.

Cults3D has posted a statement about a takedown request they have received from Games Workshop. Cults is a 3D printing marketplace that sells user uploaded STL files and also offer a certain amount for free. 200 models were listed as violating trademarked IP with some of these possible being only filenames. Cults is working with the artists on the website to eliminate the offending names, logos or deigns so that they can be re-uloaded. They are also coming back at GW over the free models, saying that the constitute “fan art” and should be left alone. Cults shared the list of infringing terms that reinforces the GW strategy to de-Tolkien-ize their naming to make it legally defensible in situations exactly like this.

#lotr #tolkien #dcomice #cults3D

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The Weekly LIVE 144 – Mantic Boardgames, Backerkit Launches, Troll Trader Statement and Saudi Arabia Embrace

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Mantic Games has announced that they will launch a new Boardgames Division. This will focus on family-friendly and licensed-IP games. They want to be able to create projects that will be crowd-funded on Gamefound and will be one and done including expansions that are funded. The idea is to free them from one the wargaming space and also to make games that will lead players to the existing Mantic IPs.

BackerKit posts a surprise announcement that they are in beta as a full-fledged crowdfunding platform. They will officially launch in 2023 and already have over 30 companies committed to the platform. This includes Cephalofair Games, creator of the popular Gloomhaven and Frosthaven games. Isaac Childres, owner of Cephalofair, stated concerns over the announcement by Kickstarter to embrace blockchain technology that precipitated the move. BackerKit tools will still be available to Kickstarter campaigns.

We were contacted by Louis Simspon, managing director of Troll Trader, telling us that our discussion of the circumstances of the closure of Secret Weapon Miniatures was completely incorrect. He referred us to a statement posted by his company and the details when compared to the Secret Weapon Kickstarter update posted by Justin McCoy, nothing matches up. The truth lies somewhere in between. We under no circumstances want to damage the reputation of Troll Trader by our discussion. They are a company I have personally bought from in the past. The details are quite interesting so we will discuss them.

Following up on last week’s announcement, we get a statement from the CEO of Embracer Group explaining why Saudi Arabia is a good business partner and how they discussed difficult topics prior to this investment. So we have nothing to worry about and money is money so keep feeding that machine. Just remember to wipe off the blood and human rights abuses!
#manticgames #trolltrader #embracergroup

Interview with Ronnie Renton of Mantic:
https://youtu.be/SrPPn_TAFNs

TTCombat Statement about Secret Weapon Miniatures:
https://community.ttcombat.com/2022/06/10/secret-weapon-statement/

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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
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The Weekly LIVE 136 – Dark Souls TTRPG, Asmodee Unbox Now, Million Dollar Babies and Not the Best

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Support the stream: https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop

The Dark Souls TTRPG by Steamforged Games is being reprinted due to printing and rules errors. Customers that ordered the $95 Collector’s Edition or preordered the Standard Edition will be sent a replacement. This is unfortunate and will probably create reluctance to try this system. Was this a simple version or editing error or something caused by a short production schedule?

We may be seeing the first effects of the Embracer Group owning Asmodee. Asmodee has launched Unbox Now, a service that provides benefits from a loyalty program and access to a digital platform for their 11 most popular games. Customers enter codes on their website from the purchase of physical boardgames. Some of the titles in the program include Catan, Rivals of Catan, Pandemic, Ticket to Ride, 7 Wonders, and Splendor. Not much is explained on their website except for listing the titles included in the program. Hopefully the games themselves include documentation of what the benefits exactly are or there will be plenty of confusion for people trying to take advantage of the program. Feel the embrace!

There are already two Kickstarter campaigns that have generated over one million dollars in support. Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game from Monte Cook Games and “Flee, Mortals!” – The MCDM Monster Book for 5e from Matt Colville are both almost at a million and a half dollars and still have several days left for their campaigns. Is Kickstarter going to set another record in funds raised this year? With big projects like the Blade Runner RPG still to launch it may be possible. Why is the tabletop so dominate on crowdfunding platforms?

Our new segment, “Not the Best” focuses on the biggest competitor to the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game. Pathfinder, now with a second edition, has fallen to a distant second after being the only alternative for people that wanted an active system for fantasy roleplaying that wasn’t Dungeons and Dragons fourth edition. There is a Pathfinder Beginner’s Box Day this weekend (April 23-24th) organized by r/Pathfinder2e. This will give new players a chance to play a level one character with experienced GMs and if they are new, try the system. The irony of the decline of Pathfinder is that Critical Role originally played Pathfinder before becoming a web based actual play. Does Paizo deserve more love than their 4.6% share of the active campaigns on Roll20 represents? Will the release of Pathfinder Adventure Paths for 5E seal the systems fate?

#pathfinder2e #unboxnow #montecookgames #oldgodsofappalachia

Unbox Now website:
https://www.unboxnow.com/

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The Weekly LIVE 121: Year in Review 2021 – Livestreaming, Dune Movie ad RPG Released, Warmaster 15mm Wargaming, Frostgrave Campaign and TSR3 Controversies

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We look back at the year that almost was… 2021. The Weekly began livestreaming. The Dune movie was actually released to join its supporting 2d20 rpg and boardgames. Warmaster let us play 15mm Warhammer Fantasy. 3D printing should us the possibilities of miniature agnostic gaming. We began pursuit of the Lich Lord in Frostgrave. Magic the Gathering pulls us back in via the Forgotten Realms. The newest incarnation of TSR kept us entertained and spawned our As the Gygax Turns segments. The Embracer Group showed its bottomless appetite for not only video game studios. What will 2022 bring?
#warmaster #dune #frostgrave #AstheGygaxTurns #ttrpg #embracergroup #mtg

 

Chris on Itch.io:
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Intro song is “Chips” by Kokoro No Me
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The Weekly LIVE 120 – Dark Souls TTRPG, Free D&D 5E Adventure, Miniature Market Embraced and Giantlands Changes Credits

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Steamforged Games is making a Dark Souls TTRPG. They are the studio that credit the impressive boardgame from a free years back. Is there enough in the world to keep roleplayers happy? Wizards of the Coast released an abridged version of the adventure Dragon of Icespire Peak previously included in their Essentials Kit. It includes pre-generated level one characters for new players and to get started fast. Before being purchased by Embracer Group, Asmodee purchased Miniature Market. So a boardgame publisher and retailer in one easy purchase. For almost US$3billion. THere has been a change to the credits for Ernie Gygax on the release of Giantlands.
#darksouls #dnd5e #AstheGygaxTurns #ttrpg #embracergroup

D&D freebie page:
https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial

Rob’s podcast:
https://anchor.fm/menion

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The Weekly LIVE 119 – Embracer Buys Dark Horse, Fantasy Trip STLs and Cursed City Returns

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Embracer Group just paid $2 billion for Asmodee and now has Dark Horse Comics in its grasp. Quite diverse properties for a video game company. Steve Jackson Games has a fun Kickstarter running for a set of STLs of their famous monsters from their Fantasy Trip setting. You can also add many of their previous Fantasy Trip books and accessories to your pledge. Unfortunately, shipping is only available in the US. Games Workshop has reversed themselves on Cursed City. The next iteration of Warhammer Quest will be available again after selling out immediately with no hope of restocking. They have also announced expansions for the game coming next year. So what happened? And finally, just in time for the new year, a conversion and revelation that will make us all better Warhammer customers.
#cursedcity #warhammer #fantasytrip #darkhorse #embracergroup

Fantasy Trip – Foes STLs Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/warehouse23/the-fantasy-trip-foes-stl-miniatures-for-fantasy-rpgs

Free Octopi Sample STL (affiliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/379977/Foes-Octopus-Warrior-with-2Handed-Sword?affiliate_id=2081746‌

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