Several board game publishers have been deceived by scammers impersonating a Facebook group with 80,000 members. Renegade Games Studios and CrowD Games were among the victims who sent review copies of their latest games to fraudsters pretending to be Thomas Covert, the real social media manager and marketing coordinator for Board Game Revolution (BGR). The scammers contacted publishers with a fake email, claiming that BGR was venturing into reviews. Despite the real Covert’s efforts to alert the industry, Renegade and CrowD had already shipped their games. CrowD’s marketing director, Serge Sintsov, explained that he received a convincing email from the impersonator during a busy period and sent a game before realizing the scam.

Devir Americas narrowly avoided sending their games due to good fortune, as managing partner Matt Hyland explained that their shipment request fell through the cracks. Other publishers like Gamelyn Games and Daily Magic Games were also targeted, with Daily Magic’s David Mackenzie stating they might have sent copies if the scam had not been uncovered in time. Daily Magic is also dealing with a fake Instagram account impersonating their company to access sensitive information. Covert has now hired a private investigator to track the packages sent to various addresses across the U.S. and emphasized that any affected publishers should contact him via the official BGR email.

Skydawn Studios has announced a new tabletop RPG based on the beloved video game series Phantasy Star. Known for its sci-fi settings and characters, Phantasy Star is being adapted into a cooperative storytelling game using the Esper Genesis rules system, a sci-fi adaptation of 5E D&D. The game allows players to create characters from various archetypes and embark on quests in a universe filled with cosmic threats and ancient evils. The release is expected in 2025, with a preview planned for August 2024 for newsletter subscribers. Fans can expect familiar elements and characters from the original video game series, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and new experiences.

Etsy has clarified its policy on the sale of A.I.-generated artwork, allowing it to be sold on the platform with specific labeling requirements. While Etsy has marketed itself as a site for handmade items, A.I. art must be labeled as “designed” rather than handmade. Sellers must disclose if their items were created using A.I. tools. However, Etsy will no longer permit the sale of A.I. prompts, which are instructions used to generate art via A.I. tools. Etsy aims to support artists while adapting to technological changes, ensuring that its policy aligns with its mission to “Keep Commerce Human.”

The newly released history book “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970-1977” has sparked controversy by highlighting the sexist language and attitudes present in early D&D materials. Historians Jon Peterson and Jason Tondro reveal that D&D’s original drafts contained derogatory language and sexism, reflecting the views of its creators, particularly Gary Gygax. This revelation has led to significant backlash online, with some defending the game as a product of its time. However, historian Ben Riggs argues that acknowledging these flaws is essential for preserving the legacy of D&D’s creators and ensuring the game is inclusive for all players. Riggs emphasizes that discussing the game’s past shortcomings allows the community to move forward and grow, making D&D more welcoming to a diverse audience.

#phantasystar #etsy #garygygax #benriggs

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“Darkness at the Brink of Ohio” is a new solo tabletop roleplaying game designed by Banana Chan. The game follows the transformation of a late-night radio DJ into something horrific and otherworldly. Set in Akron, Ohio, players choose one of three characters (a clinical lab tech, a gas station attendant, or a security guard) as they listen to a horrific event involving DJ Mike from 106.6: The Brink. The game includes a soundtrack released for free on YouTube. Themes in this solo RPG include parasocial relationships and hypervisibility within a small fanbase. The book will be approximately 100-125 pages with a cover illustrated by Michael Croteau.

One More Multiverse, a virtual tabletop app, is closing down after four years. It offered pixel-art sprites and a user-friendly interface for playing RPGs online. The app supported games like Blades in the Dark and Yazeba’s Bed and Breakfast. Despite efforts, sustainability became an issue. Assets and verses created by players will remain accessible for 90 days. The closure announcement precedes the official release date for Yazeba’s. Players have 90 days to download or screenshot their creations. A well-crafted alternative to platforms like Roll20 and D&D Beyond, it’s unfortunate to see it go.

The 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons will feature Greyhawk as a sample setting in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Greyhawk, one of the original D&D campaign settings created by Gary Gygax, will be showcased with a double-sided poster map including the City of Greyhawk and the Flanaess. The setting is presented as a template for Dungeon Masters to create their own worlds, with enough detail to bring Greyhawk to life but also leaving room for customization. The release is part of D&D’s 50th-anniversary celebration, highlighting Greyhawk’s classic fantasy elements and its potential for new adventures. The Dungeon Master’s Guide is set to release on November 12, 2024.

The Savage World of Solomon Kane RPG is based on the works of Robert E. Howard and allows players to embark on adventures as Solomon Kane, a hero battling evil in the 17th century. The game emphasizes themes of good versus evil and encourages gamemasters to create a grim setting where players can fight against darkness. The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) system is used for its simplicity and ease of play. The content for this RPG is Kickstarter Exclusive and will not be available through retail.

#bananachan #OMM #greyhawk #solomankane

Darkness at the Brink of Ohio:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gameandacurry/the-darkness-at-the-brink-of-ohio

The Sassoon Files Second Edition:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/singularity-sons/the-sassoon-files-second-edition

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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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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:
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Free League Publishing is releasing two new game licenses for community creators – a Free Tabletop License (FTL) for the Year Zero Engine and a third-party license for the upcoming Dragonbane fantasy RPG. The Year Zero Engine FTL comes with a massively updated Standard Reference Document (SRD). Feedback can be posted on their forum on all three documents before they are finalized and officially launched.

Did Greg Stafford receive the first ever copy of Dungeons and Dragons directly from Gary Gygax?

Dungeons & Dragons’ 2024 Player’s Handbook won’t contain Ardlings. D&D lead rules designer Jeremy Crawford stated that the Ardlings, a proposed species with celestial origins and animal heads, did not test well in the most recent playtest. “There are a lot of fans of the Ardling, but the Ardlings’ time has not yet come.The Ardling is moving out of the playtest for now and maybe in some future year we will return [to them].”

Celeste Conowitch, Kobold Press’s Senior Game Designer posted on their Design Diary that “ It’s Time for the Monopoly on D&D to End… This is a wildly exciting time to make TTRPGs as we stare down the possibility of an RPG future not ruled by one master game under the control of one master company (The Lord of the Rings taught us this is bad)… This game has meant too much to us for too long to let it remain owned by just one company.”

FreeLeague DRFT Licnese:
https://freeleaguepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Year-Zero-Engine-License-Agreement-Discussion-Draft.pdf?mc_cid=b763dc8590&mc_eid=5d8af4c50e

Year Zero Engine Revised SRD:

https://freeleaguepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/YZE_Standard_Reference_Document.pdf?mc_cid=b763dc8590&mc_eid=5d8af4c50e

Project Black Flag Design Diary:

https://koboldpress.com/project-black-flag-friday-design-diary-1/

#freeleague #dragonbane #blackflagrpg #gregstafford #ardlings

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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:
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It’s a solo cast this week! Chris is out sick, but through the miracle of modern technology we have a virtual co-host (visit our Twitch or YouTube for the visual). Moon Design Publications, the majority owner, and Black Monk Games form The Chaosium Group. Paizo changes terminology because of connection to real world religious custom. Warhammer 40k holiday candles. And finally, the paper shortage continues to hinder both comics and tabletop.
#paizo #warhammer #chaosium #imagecomics

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We talk about the confusing return of TSR with their Giantlands set and the reboot of Star Frontiers. Disney copyright claims the Norse god of mischief on Redbubble. This follows their previous attempt to trademark Day of the Dead. Galeforce Nine releases a second Dune boardgame directly tied to the movie release with simplified rules and artwork from the film.
#dune #giantlands #starfrontiers #tsr

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Our spoiler-free and tease-filled review of The Secrets of Blackmoor – The True History of Dungeons & Dragons Documentary Volume One: The Evolution of the Roleplaying Game. #blackmoor #davearneson #

From the website:

“What if everything you knew about the history of Dungeons & Dragons was wrong? 6 Years, 12 Cities, 200 Hours of Interviews, 20,000 Documents and Photos: An unprecedented investigation into the history of D&D – the game that spurred a multi-billion dollar industry.”

Watch Now on Vimeo.com:
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The third part of our interview with one of the filmmakers for Secrets of Blackmoor: The Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons.

In this excerpt, we learn the story of a group of friends who all contributed to the story of D&D and creatively played off each other to have fun. However, for many, they’ve been cut out of history and the goal of Secrets of Blackmoor is to correct that.

To get a copy of Secrets of Blackmoor on DVD or Blu-ray go to:
http://www.secretsofblackmoor.com/