Tag: games workshop

The Weekly LIVE 289 – Tariff Talks, GW Sues Sellers, Riverbank RPG and Mantic Goes Full Kickstarter

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The United States and China have reached an agreement to reduce their additional tariffs on each other’s imports. China will cut its extra levies on American goods from 125% to 10%, while the US will reduce its additional tariffs on Chinese products from 145% to 30%. Some of these reduced tariffs will be suspended for 90 days while the two countries continue negotiations, with import duties set at 30% during this period. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed a desire for more balanced trade and increased Chinese openness to American goods. The agreement aims to end the escalating trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies.In a separate development, President Trump fired Shira Perlmutter, the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, shortly after her office released a report suggesting that Big Tech companies’ use of copyrighted materials to train AI systems constitutes copyright infringement. The report acknowledged that some AI training uses might be “transformative” but stated that commercial use of copyrighted works that competes with original content “goes beyond established fair use boundaries.” Critics have called the firing an “unprecedented power grab,” while noting that tech companies are seeking copyright exceptions they’re unlikely to get through Congress. Some suggest Elon Musk’s influence in the White House may have contributed to the swift dismissal.

Games Workshop has initiated a massive legal action against approximately 280 online sellers worldwide, freezing their assets and accounts in a sweeping crackdown on alleged counterfeits and trademark infringements. While many targeted sellers were producing knockoffs, some legitimate businesses were caught in the crossfire for minor infractions like mentioning “Warhammer” in product descriptions or using the word “Citadel” for brush holders. The company posted a $10,000 bond per seller (potentially $2.8 million total) to cover damages for wrongful actions, with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for May 27, 2025.

Kobold Press is launching a new cozy roleplaying game called RiverBank, which offers a stark contrast to traditional combat-focused games like Dungeons & Dragons. Written by award-winning author Kij Johnson, this “tea, poetry and total disaster” game features anthropomorphic animals in a peaceful riverside setting and will begin crowdfunding in April 2025, catering to a growing trend of cottagecore tabletop experiences.

Mantic Games has announced an exclusive partnership with Kickstarter through 2026, making the platform their sole crowdfunding venue for upcoming projects. The UK-based studio, known for games like Worms: The Board Game and Hellboy: The Board Game, has already revealed plans for Assassin’s Creed: Animus – The Board Game and DreadBall All Stars, a reboot of their sci-fi sports miniatures game. This partnership allows Mantic to focus on game development while leveraging Kickstarter’s established community.

#tariffs #warhammer #koboldpress #riverbankRPG #mantic 

Riverbank RPG:

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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 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 262 – Lone Wolf RPG, PHB 2024 2nd Printing, Bolt Action Intro Set and Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks

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“Lone Wolf – Adventures in Magnamund” is an upcoming tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) set in the world of Magnamund, utilizing the Dragonbane system by Free League. The original Lone Wolf series, a popular line of gamebooks from the 1980s, allowed players to engage in role-playing elements with a combat system, skills, and equipment. This new TTRPG will expand on the original by introducing various professions, heroic abilities, new monsters, and schools of magic, making it a rich experience for players. The game’s Kickstarter campaign aims to release two 256-page sourcebooks: one focusing on gameplay elements and another featuring a full campaign set in Magnamund. The original Lone Wolf series was a collection of 28 gamebooks where players acted as Lone Wolf, a Kai Lord seeking to defeat the Darklords who attacked his monastery. The books combined Choose Your Own Adventure mechanics with RPG features like inventory management and combat. They stood out by offering choices dependent on in-game abilities, adding a layer of complexity. Though out of print, digital versions of the books are available through fan projects like Project Aon, and an augmented reality version of the game was recently released in a limited capacity.

Wizards of the Coast has ordered a large print run for the new Player’s Handbook (2024) to meet high demand. According to Jess Lanzillo, Wizards’ VP of franchise and product, the English version of the book sold more in its first month than the 2014 edition did across all languages in two years. A second printing is already in the works due to the unexpectedly high demand. Despite some quality concerns from 2023, the initial run has filled shelves across the U.S., though big retailers like Walmart and Target won’t get stock until later this year or 2025. Localized versions of the Player’s Handbook are also in production. Wizards of the Coast is working to ensure the distribution of its core rulebooks, with the Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) set for release later in October. Lanzillo highlighted the importance of keeping up with demand and reducing gaps between restocks. The production team is addressing these challenges with improved press checks. Digital adoption of the new 2024 rules is also on the rise, outpacing the older 2014 rules for character creation. Wizards anticipates a smooth transition to the new rule set, with Dungeon Masters beginning to plan campaigns using the 2024 rules. Looking ahead, the next major Dungeons & Dragons release after the Monster Manual (2025) will be a dragon-themed anthology, similar to past releases like Candlekeep Mysteries. Wizards is also working on making older campaigns compatible with the new rules, especially for high-level monsters, and encouraging third-party content creation. Lanzillo emphasized that Wizards is committed to maintaining continuity with the game’s previous editions, ensuring that long-time fans’ investments in the 5th edition remain relevant.

The Bolt Action Introductory Set, due for release on November 30, 2024, is designed to introduce new players to the popular WWII tabletop wargame. The set includes a Bolt Action Field Manual, miniatures for US Rangers and German Grenadiers, a terrain piece, and essential gaming components. The manual teaches gameplay through six missions that gradually introduce players to the mechanics. While the set is aimed at beginners, it also offers value for returning veterans looking to brush up on the basics.

The Fighting Fantasy series, a solo adventure gamebook franchise created by Steve Jackson and Sir Ian Livingstone, is set to return to the U.S. for the first time in over 20 years, thanks to a deal with Steve Jackson Games. Fighting Fantasy was another influential series in the 1980s, blending non-linear storytelling with tabletop mechanics. This re-release is scheduled for 2025, bringing the first ten books back to shelves in the U.S. for a new generation of readers and players.

#lonewolf #phb2024 #boltaction #fightingfantasy

Lone Wolf RPG on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1152089861/lone-wolfadventures-in-magnamund

Bolt Action Intro Set:

https://us.warlordgames.com/products/bolt-action-introductory-set

Submit to Wharf Rat Games:

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Alien 2E Kickstarter Campaign URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:

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The Weekly LIVE 255 – Paizo Giveaway, Golden Demon AI, Amazon 40k and Star Trek 1E Bundle

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Paizo, the publisher of Pathfinder, is hosting a giveaway of their Sketch Edition Player Core rulebook to fans who share stories of their characters’ memorable in-game deaths. The Player Core rulebook, an essential guide for Pathfinder players, covers the game’s basic rules, character creation, classes, and ancestries. Initially exclusive to partnered stores, the Sketch Edition features a unique pencil sketch of the regular cover art by Wayne Reynolds. Paizo announced the giveaway on social media, inviting fans to recount the deaths of their characters for a chance to win the $60 book. Although the exact number of winners is unclear, fans have eagerly shared their character death stories, blending humor and tragedy. The contest ties in with Paizo’s efforts to promote Pathfinder, positioning it as a strong alternative to DnD, especially with its crunchier gameplay mechanics.

Games Workshop has officially banned the use of AI-generated content in their prestigious Golden Demon miniature painting contest. The decision comes after a controversy surrounding a winning entry at the March 2024 Golden Demon event, where the backdrop of a winning Warhammer 40k model was found to be AI-generated. Fans debated the role of AI in art and the ethics surrounding it. To prevent future issues, Games Workshop has updated its rules, prohibiting AI tools in all future Golden Demon contests. This policy will be in effect at upcoming events, including the October 2024 tournament at SPIEL Essen in Germany.

Amazon has announced a new Warhammer 40,000 animated anthology series titled Secret Level, produced by Blur Studio, the team behind Love, Death & Robots. Set to release on Prime Video on December 10, the series will include an episode based on the upcoming Warhammer 40k videogame Space Marine 2. While the new series is not linked to the Warhammer 40k film and TV projects involving Henry Cavill, fans can expect plenty of grimdark action in this anthology that spans multiple video game franchises. The animation represents another expansion of the Warhammer universe, appealing to both Warhammer enthusiasts and video game fans alike.

Humble Bundle is offering a special Star Trek RPG collection from Modiphius, featuring various character templates, campaigns, and expansions from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Discovery, and more. This expansive bundle, available for as low as $25, includes 36 items at a 94% discount, and supports Girls Who Code. The collection also includes future expansions and promises to enhance the Star Trek Adventures tabletop role-playing game experience.

#paizo #goldendemon #spacemarine2 #STA1E

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Alien 2E Kickstarter Campaign URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

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The Weekly LIVE 254 – Welcome to Nightvale RPG, William King on Konflikt ‘47, Free League PDFs on Alchemy and Tabletop News is Dead

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Renegade Game Studios has announced the launch of the Welcome to Night Vale RPG, based on the popular podcast of the same name. The crowdfunding campaign will kick off on BackerKit on October 1, 2024. The game was first revealed at Gen Con 2023, offering fans the chance to immerse themselves in the strange and supernatural world of Night Vale. Players can choose between pre-generated characters or create their own citizens to experience the mysterious desert town. Co-creator Joseph Fink expressed his excitement about allowing fans to tell their own stories in the Night Vale universe. Renegade Game Studios has previously released a variety of tabletop RPGs and continues to expand its offerings.

Renowned Warhammer author William King has joined the design team for the alt-history WW2 wargame Konflikt ‘47. Best known for his Gotrek and Felix and Space Wolf series, King brings extensive experience in fantasy and game design. His addition to the team comes as Konflikt ‘47 expands its creative vision with Andy Chambers at the helm. King will contribute to both the rules and lore of the game, infusing his passion for dieselpunk, alternate history, and World War II themes. Warlord Games promises additional high-profile team members will be announced soon.

Alchemy, a platform that offers digital modules for tabletop RPGs, announced that it will no longer provide free PDF downloads of titles purchased through Free League Publishing due to changes in Free League’s policies. Alchemy will continue to support PDF downloads for the next seven days, allowing customers to obtain digital copies of games like Tales from the Loop and Mörk Borg. Alchemy emphasized their commitment to ensuring that customers retain access to their content despite potential future issues with cloud-based services.

TabletopGamingNews.com is facing significant challenges due to declining traffic and the rise of AI-generated content. Once a thriving site for tabletop gaming news, it now struggles to maintain its readership and budget. Chief editor Daniel Kling Lorentsen, who runs the site from his farm in Norway, revealed that he has had to rely on AI-generated articles to keep the site running. Despite this, Lorentsen remains committed to the community and aims to revive the site by producing more human-made content, provided traffic improves. He urges readers to continue visiting the site to help ensure its survival.

#welcometonightvale #konflikt47 #alchemyvtt #freeleague

Deadzone Frontier:

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4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 226 – Evil Genius v. Netflix, The Old World RPG, Fall of the Imperium and Guildball Print&Play

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Evil Genius Games and Netflix have reached an amicable resolution regarding the canceled Rebel Moon roleplaying game. The lawsuit, which involved a breach of contract claim by Evil Genius Games after Netflix terminated their license, has been settled without disclosing details. Despite the resolution, the Rebel Moon game will not be released. Netflix expressed gratitude for Evil Genius’ work, and the latter assured fans of upcoming cinematic adventures and a new sci-fi project. Retailers who preordered the game will receive information on processing refunds.

 

Warhammer: The Old World, recently relaunched by Games Workshop, will have a tabletop RPG adaptation by Cubicle 7. While details about the RPG are pending approval, it is expected to explore a new era in the Warhammer universe. Cubicle 7 plans to support both Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition and the new Old World RPG. The lack of concrete information has left fans curious about the differences between the two game systems.

 

To coincide with the release of Dune: Part 2 in cinemas, Modiphius Entertainment is offering the pre-order for Dune: Fall of the Imperium, a campaign book for the Dune: Adventures in the Imperium roleplaying game. The book follows the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune and lets players experience the rise of Muad’Dib and the fall of the Imperium. The campaign is divided into four acts, each with three adventures, providing players with choices that impact their House’s fate.

 

Guild Ball, a fantasy football miniatures game by Steamforged Games, is making a return in the form of officially sanctioned print-on-demand files. Steamforged will release updated rules for free, and players can use STL files to print their own copies of the game components, including teams and terrain. The decision to support Guild Ball again comes after the game’s cancellation in 2020 due to reasons including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift in gameplay style in the competitive scene. The files will be available on Steamforged’s website soon.

#guildball #oldworld #dunerpg #rebelmoon

Game Jam for Jennel Jaquays:
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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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Dragonbane Core Set:
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The Weekly LIVE 224 – Brian Ansell and Jennell Jaquays Passing, Halo Wargame, New Year New MtG AI Art and End of the TTRPG Golden Age

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Bryan Ansell, considered the grandfather of Warhammer, has passed away at the age of 68. Ansell played a significant role in transforming Games Workshop from a hobby game retailer to a miniature wargame manufacturer, with Warhammer becoming a central focus. Ansell co-founded Asgard Miniatures in 1976, which caught the attention of Games Workshop founders. In collaboration, Citadel Miniatures was established in 1978, becoming a profitable part of Games Workshop. Ansell’s leadership saw a shift towards the production and sale of miniatures, and Warhammer Fantasy Battle, co-authored by Ansell, played a crucial role in this transformation. Ansell bought out Games Workshop founders in 1985 and remained involved in the wargames industry. He started Wargames Foundry in 1983, a separate miniature manufacturer. Ansell stayed connected with the ‘Oldhammer’ community until his passing.

Jennell Jaquays, a significant figure in the development of Dungeons & Dragons and the tabletop roleplaying game industry, has passed away at the age of 68. Known for her contributions to games like Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia, she worked as a game designer and artist, creating RPG covers, including Dragon Mountain. Jaquays was associated with TSR, Judges Guild, Chaosium, and various video game companies, contributing to titles like Quake and Age of Empires. Beyond her professional achievements, she was an activist for trans rights and played a crucial role in legislative changes as the creative director for the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Her recent years were marked by struggles with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The industry mourns the loss of this legendary figure, remembering her impact on both gaming and the advocacy for trans rights.

Mantic Games, developers of Kings of War, will partner with 343 Industries to create a new Halo tabletop miniatures game based on the Halo videogame franchise, set to launch in September 2024. The game will feature 40mm Spartan miniatures and will be suitable for both newcomers and veterans.There will be no crowdfunding campaign as the game is going direct to market.

Wizards of the Coast and AI: Wizards of the Coast (WotC) denies using AI in recent Magic: The Gathering images, emphasizing that the art was created by humans. The denial follows accusations from fans who believed AI was involved in a promotional image. WotC acknowledges the need for better transparency and disclosure regarding AI use in creative processes. Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft: The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, claiming the unauthorized use of millions of its articles to train large language models. The lawsuit seeks damages in the billions of dollars, alleging systematic and competitive infringement. Wacom and Wizards of the Coast Controversy: Wacom and Wizards of the Coast face criticism for allegedly using AI-generated images in their recent ad campaigns. Artists accuse Wacom of using AI in a dragon illustration, and Wizards of the Coast issued an apology for using AI-generated elements in an ad. The controversies raise concerns about the impact on creative professions and trust in companies within the creative community.

A D&D historian and writer, Ben Riggs, claims that the Golden Age of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) is coming to an end. Riggs argues that the peak, brought in by the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) in the 2010s, is declining due to the aftermath of the Open Gaming License (OGL) controversy. He suggests that the emergence of new RPG systems, while successful in crowdfunding, is a sign that the industry has peaked rather than grown. Riggs predicts that the upcoming 6th edition of D&D may not match the success of its predecessor, leading to layoffs at Wizards of the Coast. He contends that the diversification of RPG systems will result in a fractured community, making it harder for businesses to thrive. Riggs draws parallels with the 1990s, citing TSR’s downfall due to splitting the fan base among various settings. Criticism of Riggs’ viewpoint comes from D&D Twitter, with some arguing against his D&D-centric perspective and pointing out inaccuracies in his claims. Despite Riggs’ warnings, TTRPG creators seem undeterred, with figures like Matt Colville dismissing the idea of a decline, suggesting that the so-called Golden Age was primarily beneficial for investors and D&D’s owners. Riggs concludes with predictions of a less successful 6th edition, decreased crowdfunding success for TTRPGs, plateauing attendance at gaming conventions, and a less diverse and interesting TTRPG landscape, unless significant changes occur in the industry.

#BryanAnsel #JennellJaquays #mantic #AIart

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 220 – Making of D&D Book, Shin Megami Tensei RPG, Artists Leaving GW, CoolStuffInc and MCDM

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The upcoming historical book, “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1976,” delves into the first six years of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) history. The 500-page book, not intended as a playable module or rulebook, features annotated pages and letters between D&D’s co-creators, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The book, set for a general release in 2024, is described as a retrospective historical account with original illustrations and notations from the original RPG manuscript. A key highlight is the inclusion of never-before-seen correspondences between Gygax and Arneson during the playtesting phase, shedding light on the collaborative process that led to the creation of D&D. The article also mentions a leaked promotional image indicating release dates for D&D’s 2024 core rulebooks and related materials, although the official release dates have not been confirmed.

Preorders for the English translation of the Shin Megami Tensei tabletop RPG rulebook, titled “Shin Megami Tensei: The Roleplaying Game – Tokyo Conception,” have unexpectedly become available on Amazon. This marks the first localization of the RPG, which has been present in Japan since 1993. The English hardcover edition is set to release on February 20, 2024, at a price of $50. LionWing Publishing, known for localizing other Japanese tabletop games, is listed as the publisher. The game, based on Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, was originally launched in Japan in 2004, with an expansion called Mala Underground following. The article notes uncertainty regarding the inclusion of the expansion material in the English release. Despite the lack of official details, fans are anticipating the opportunity to embark on demon-infested tabletop adventures with the English release.

A concerning trend of artists leaving Games Workshop, a prominent company in the tabletop gaming industry. Notable departures include Paul Dainton, who served as the head of the Warhammer 40k art team for over 20 years, and others like Thomas Elliot and Phil Moss. The loss of key artistic talents raises questions about the impact on the company’s ability to create compelling content, such as codexes and rulebooks. The article also notes a decline in live viewership for Games Workshop’s previews on Twitch, suggesting a potential disconnect between hobbyists and the company’s products, possibly influenced by economic issues, ordering changes, and product delays. The overall tone of the article reflects apprehension about the company’s current trajectory.

The founder of CoolStuffInc, Jerry Sunkin, expressed frustration over Amazon’s impact on the online board game market, leading to CoolStuffInc’s decision to exit the sector. Sunkin mentioned that Amazon’s competitive advantage in shipping costs and willingness to undercut prices significantly affected CoolStuffInc’s ability to compete. The company faced challenges as manufacturers began taking more control of product lines, and the board game market became more complex with the rise of Kickstarter and increased releases. Sunkin acknowledged the financial feasibility issues of competing with Amazon on its own marketplace due to lower shipping costs and additional fees. Despite CoolStuffInc diversifying its operations in response to these challenges, Sunkin believes that Amazon’s practices, including targeting competitors with similar pricing, contributed to the difficulty faced by CoolStuffInc and other businesses. Sunkin welcomes the legal action taken by the US Federal Trade Commission against Amazon, hoping it may benefit others in the future. The article also includes perspectives from other board game retailers on Amazon’s role in the industry.

MCDM Productions, known for third-party Dungeons & Dragons supplements, is venturing into creating its own role-playing game called the MCDM RPG. Founded by Matt Colville, with roots in video game development and ties to Critical Role, the studio aims to deliver a unique gaming experience by focusing on the heroes’ journey, cinematic action, and strategic combat. Departing from the d20 system, the MCDM RPG primarily uses six-sided dice and emphasizes dynamic storytelling over simulationist elements. The crowdfunding goal is $800,000, with plans for core rulebooks and a monster book. Stretch goals include a virtual tabletop and a box set for the Vasloria setting. The BackerKit campaign begins on Dec. 7, with an expected delivery in Q2 2025.

#mcdmrpg #dnd #coolstuffinc #GW

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The Weekly LIVE 218 – Stormlight RPG, Epic Sellout, Adventure Time 5e, Ring of Chaos and Pathfinder Now D&D-Free

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Brandon Sanderson, the bestselling author, has unveiled details about a new tabletop role-playing game called Stormlight. The game features a unique d20-based system with the addition of a “plot die” for risky rolls. It also incorporates a skill-based magic system and allows players to join different factions. Brotherwise Games, Sanderson’s partner, also teased a deck-building game based on Sanderson’s Mistborn novels and a standalone card game called Shards of Creation. The Stormlight RPG will be funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2024. 

Games Workshop is releasing Legions Imperialis, a 6-millimeter-scale wargame set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game offers grand strategy battles with multiple infantry and armor units and allows for different unit compositions. However, the small size of the miniatures may lead to challenges in building them, potentially driving players to seek proxy models.

The Adventure Time RPG, which was previously announced to use a custom Yes And rule set, will now use the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules instead. The crowdfunding for the game has been delayed until the first part of 2024. The Yes And rule set will still be released as a companion piece, but the main offering will be the 5e RPG. The Adventure Time Card Wars Ultimate Edition is also being crowdfunded and has already surpassed its original goal of $80,000. It is a competitive card game based on the Adventure Time episode “Card Wars”. 

“Ring of Chaos” is a competitive fantasy card and board game where players form parties of heroes and monsters to fight for control of the legendary Ring of Chaos. The game combines elements of TTRPGs, card games, and board games, and offers multiple ways to win. It features original fantasy art and includes various components such as player mats, battle maps, acrylic standees, action cards, and temple guardian cards. There are two editions available: Standard and Platinum, with the Platinum Edition offering additional upgrades such as 3D “Sundrop” minis and specialty printing effects on hero cards. The game is designed by Beadle & Grimm’s and is set in an ancient temple where adventurers from around the world compete to claim the power of the Ring.

Paizo, the publisher of Pathfinder, has released remastered rulebooks for Pathfinder Second Edition in response to proposed changes to the Dungeons & Dragons Open Gaming License (OGL). The remastered rulebooks, Pathfinder Player Core and Pathfinder GM Core, have been modified to avoid future licensing conflicts with Wizards of the Coast. Changes include renaming mechanics and fictional languages, as well as reclassifying character ancestries. Additionally, Paizo has introduced new dragons tied to different sources of magic. Paizo has also created its own alternative to the OGL called the Open RPG Creative (ORC) License to foster collaboration and provide peace of mind to publishers. The remastered rulebooks redefine key elements of D&D, such as replacing alignment with edicts and anathema. The revisions also address criticisms of Pathfinder 2E, including splitting the Core Rulebook into separate versions for players and game masters and updating the character sheet.
#epic40k #pathfinderrpg #ringofchaos #stormlightrpg

Card Wars 10th Anniversary:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cze/adventure-time-card-wars-10th-anniversary

Ring of Chaos:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beadleandgrimms/ring-of-chaos/

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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