Tag: Mantic Games

The Weekly Podcast no.324 – Dragonbane: Trudvang, Fallout Mega Bundle, MyMiniFactory Acquires Thingiverse and Ghost in the Shell RPG Again

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Free League is bringing back the iconic world of Trudvang as a standalone tabletop roleplaying game, *Dragonbane: Trudvang*, which is fully compatible with their current, award-winning edition of *Dragonbane*. The setting, rooted in Nordic mythology, features shadowed woods, dreadful beasts, and endless mystery. The core rulebook will adapt and expand the *Dragonbane* ruleset for the *Trudvang* setting, including new kin, professions, heroic abilities, and unique magic for vitner weavers and dimwalkers. The Kickstarter campaign offers four hardback volumes in Swedish and English, with early access Beta PDFs a few months after the campaign concludes.

Modiphius and Humble Bundle have released a massive Fallout Tabletop Mega Bundle, which includes content for both the *Fallout Tabletop RPG* and the *Fallout: Wasteland Warfare* miniatures skirmish game. The bundle offers over $1k worth of items for $25, with a significant draw being the STL files for miniatures, allowing 3D printing enthusiasts to create various terrain pieces, iconic Bobbleheads, cars, and other items from the Wasteland. Even without a 3D printer, the bundle provides a robust selection of PDF rulebooks, including the RPG Core Rulebook, Settler’s and Wanderer’s Guides, NPC packs, the *Winter of Atom* campaign, and *Wasteland Warfare* expansions like *Liberty Prime*. A portion of the proceeds from the bundle, which has already raised over $14k, supports the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

MyMiniFactory announced its acquisition of Thingiverse, the world’s oldest and largest 3D printing community, adding it to its family alongside YouMagine. MyMiniFactory’s decade-long focus has been on building a sustainable platform for creators, having paid out over $100 million to designers. The acquisition aims to support the underserved Thingiverse community by providing creators with the necessary tools, support, and business models. As part of MyMiniFactory’s 2025 “SoulCrafted initiative” to protect human creativity from AI-generated content, Thingiverse will now adopt a zero-tolerance stance on AI-generated designs. The platforms will remain independent, and the open sharing culture, including existing free models, will be preserved.

Mantic Games has announced they will be publishing a new *Ghost in the Shell* Tabletop Roleplaying Game in 2026. This new RPG is based solely on the original manga by Shirow Masamune. It features a bespoke design by Alessio Cavatore and Zak Barouh, combining fast-paced, narrative-driven mechanics with the philosophical depth of the source material. The game is set in a near-future world of cybernetics and political intrigue, where players design their own trainee agents in Section 9 and features rules for combat and hacking, a rich armoury of gear, and the first mission, *Lost Patriot*. This is the second *Ghost in the Shell* TTRPG due in the same year, following the crowd-funded *Ghost in the Shell Arise TTRPG* by Mana Project Studio, which is based on the anime.

#trudvang #fallout #myminifactory #mantic #gits

Dragonbane Trudvang:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/dragonbane-trudvang-the-legend-returns

Fallout MEGA Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/L0aArV

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/​​

Jeremy’s Links:

 http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
http://www.rcharvey.com

​​Support Us on Patreon:

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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe

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The Weekly Podcast no.321 – DriveThruRPG Price Hike, Mantic New Digital Plans, Hasbro Magic Lawsuit, Darkest Dungeon Fails and Empire of Bones

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DriveThruRPG is increasing its Print-on-Demand (PoD) prices again, effective February 1st, 2026. This follows a previous hike in March 2025 where US prices rose by as much as 50%. The new increase reflects rising costs for paper, materials, labor, and operations globally, with UK and Australia prices increasing by 3%, and US prices increasing by 4% (standard color) or 5% (premium color and black & white).

Mantic Games is expanding its digital store and launching a new Print-On-Demand service for miniatures in the Vault. This new service allows customers without 3D printers to order selected Vault designs as physical printed models directly from the main Mantic Games webstore. They are also updating their Digital Store membership options and offering single STL file purchases.

Hasbro is being sued by its own shareholders who allege that company executives breached their “fiduciary duties” by “overproducing Magic cards,” which is claimed to be “destroying the long-term value of the brand”. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court of Rhode Island, claims that the overproduction occurred from 2021 to 2023 to cover shortfalls in Hasbro’s balance sheet.

Mythic Games hands Darkest Dungeon board game files to disappointed backers: Mythic Games, which entered liquidation in October 2025, was unable to manufacture or deliver the second wave of the Darkest Dungeon: The Board Game Kickstarter, originally due in November 2020. Red Hook Studios, the video game publisher, has now given permission for Mythic Games to share all project files, including rules and 3D models, with the failed crowdfunder’s backers.

Empire of Bones is a Kickstarter campaign from Agamemnon Press.This is a JUMBO sized hexcrawl adventure that weighs in at twice the size of the Painted Wastelands. Your players can spend an entire campaign exploring 21 areas in The Unholy City of Zeb, a sickening and polluted city ruled by Necromancers and their mummified politicians. Zeb also includes 4 dungeons. Your players can then skip town and explore the 36 hexes of the grey Lands of Dust where they will discover glory and horror in ghoul infested ruins.

#dtrpg #mantic #empireofbones #mtg #darkestdungeon

Empire of Bones on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thepaintedwastelands/empire-of-bones

Preview:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/554430?affiliate_id=2081746

Call of Cthulhu Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/Xmz13G

Bob’s Humble Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/K0roje

Free Guild Ball Starter Set:

https://steamforged.com/products/guild-ball-starter-kit

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/​​

Jeremy’s Links:

 http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
http://www.rcharvey.com

​​Support Us on Patreon:

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Give us a tip on our livestream:

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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe

https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

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The Weekly Podcast no.314 – Ghost in the Shell RPG, Twilight Sword, Hope & Fear and Black Friday 2025

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‘Ghost in the Shell Roleplaying Game’, a collaboration between Mana Project Studio and Don’t Panic Games, is based on the Production I.G. anime and Shirow Masamune manga. It is currently in the final days of its Kickstarter campaign, which has raised over $418,000, with a trade release planned for 2027. The game is set at the dawn of Section 9’s birth, specifically the Arise timeline of 2027, and utilizes a heavily modified version of the Forged in the Dark system. Its unique mechanics center around two core skill branches, Ghost (soul and mind/social and hacking) and Shell (physical prowess/gunplay and CQC), which are used for Wired Actions with six-sided dice rolls.

‘Twilight Sword RPG by 2LM’ is an adventure role-playing game being crowdfunded on BackerKit by Two Little Mice and publisher Free League. Heavily inspired by classic video games like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Ni No Kuni, the game is set in the world of Radia where heroes strive to bring back Hope against the scourge Vardas. The system, called Created at Twilight (CAT), is unique and d12-based, requiring players to roll under one of their eight abilities. It also incorporates a JRPG-style elemental system with a network of eight elements that interact, such as Fire beating Ice, and Thunder beating Water. The campaign has already surpassed $450,000 in its first day.

‘Daggerheart: Hope and Fear,’ the first major expansion for Critical Role’s Daggerheart RPG, scheduled for release in Summer 2026. This expansion promises a substantial amount of new content, including four new classes: the Assassin, Brawler, Warlock, and Witch, each coming with two subclass options. It also provides an extensive GM’s Toolkit with four new Campaign Frames, over 130 new Adversaries, and more than 100 new items. New mechanics include “transformations” like being cursed as a werewolf or vampire, and the expansion utilizes a new Dread Domain for Warlocks and Witches, alongside custom Fear tokens and a tracker for the GM.

Also Black friday 2025 deals from Mantic, Exalted Funeral, DrivethruRPG and MyMiniFactory with links.

#ghostintheshell #twilightsword #daggerheart #blackfriday

Ghost in the Shell Quickstart:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/539123/ghost-in-the-shell-ttrpg-quickstart?affiliate_id=2081746

Twilight Sword – BackerKit 

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/twilight-sword

Mantic Black Friday:

https://www.manticgames.com/black-friday-2025/

Noble Knights Black Friday Sale:

https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&

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/

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The Weekly Podcast no.304 – One Page Rules Starter, Trench Missionaries, Epic Warpath Preorder and Household RPG

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Prepare for an epic clash in the grimdark future! One Page Rules is launching an exciting new Grimdark Future: Broken Truth Two-Player Battle Box on Gamefound, featuring meticulously designed 28mm Sci-Fi plastic miniatures. This set will introduce two formidable factions: the reptilian Saurian Starhost and the relentless Robot Legions, each with their own unique strategies and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or a new recruit, this battle box offers a perfect entry point into the fast-paced and action-packed universe of Grimdark Future.

Wargames Atlantic, renowned for their high-quality plastic miniatures, has partnered with MiniWarGaming Dave to bring a truly unique and evocative set of 32mm scale plastic miniatures to the world of Trench Crusade: the Trench Missionaries. This set of seven faith-driven warriors introduces a compelling narrative element to the grim battlefields, serving as proxies for the fanatical forces of New Antioch. What sets these miniatures apart is their distinctive Mormon-inspired aesthetic, offering a fresh and intriguing visual style that will undoubtedly stand out on any tabletop. These figures are not just soldiers; they are fervent believers, ready to spread their doctrine—and if necessary, their righteous fury—across the war-torn trenches.

Mantic Games is now accepting pre-orders for their highly anticipated 10mm Sci-Fi wargame, Epic Warpath. Dive into large-scale strategic battles with a game designed for grand conflict and sweeping maneuvers. At the heart of the release is the “Battle for Phrovox” two-player Starter Set, which pits the disciplined and heavily armored Enforcers against the grotesque and relentless Plague. This set provides all the miniatures, rules, and accessories needed to jump straight into the action. Beyond the starter set, players can expand their forces with a range of Core Army Packs. Command the technologically advanced Enforcers, lead the mutated hordes of the Plague, field the resilient and technologically adept Forge Fathers, or deploy the enigmatic and agile Asterians. Each army pack offers a substantial force to build around, allowing for diverse tactical approaches. To further enhance your battlefields, Mantic Games also offers a selection of detailed terrain packs, ensuring your Epic Warpath games are as immersive as they are strategic.

Embark on a charming yet perilous adventure within the “Household I & II Collection,” a unique role-playing game that transports players to a grand, abandoned house from the perspective of “littlings”—tiny creatures drawn from European folklore. In this imaginative setting, everyday objects become colossal obstacles and potential havens, and the very structure of the house holds untold secrets. The game utilizes a “Director’s Cut” system, employing six-sided dice with a focus on rolling sets of two, three, and four-of-a-kind to determine success and narrative outcomes. This intuitive system encourages storytelling and character development as players navigate the vast and forgotten corners of their immense home. The collection offers a wealth of content to enrich your campaigns. To enhance the gameplay experience, the collection also includes narrator screens, custom dice sets, and a variety of collectible items for dedicated fans. For those familiar with the popular 5th Edition ruleset, Mantic Games has also made 5e compatible versions of the core rules and expansions available, allowing for a seamless transition into the enchanting world of Household.

#onepagerules #trenchcrusade #epicwarpath #householdrpg

Trench Crusade Missionaries:
https://spikeybits.com/trench-missionaries-march-to-war-in-new-crusade-set/

One Page Rules Starter:

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/onepagerules/grimdark-future-battle-box

Epic Warpath Preorder:

https://www.manticgames.com/epic-warpath/

Household Collection:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2lm/household-rpg-collection-i-and-ii

3-Month FREE Patreon Access:

https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable/redeem/ACFB8

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/

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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:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/kobold-press/riverbank-a-cozy-rpg-of-elegant-animals-chaos-whimsy

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/

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The Weekly Podcast no.287 – Tariffs Lawsuit, Warmachine Mk4, Roll20 & Demiplane and Halo App

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The Pacific Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Stonemaier Games and other small business plaintiffs challenging the legality of recently applied tariffs on Chinese imports. The lawsuit, detailed in an April 30, 2025 article, argues that President Biden’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs exceeds presidential authority, as the 1977 law makes no mention of tariffs and has historically been used only for economic sanctions. The plaintiffs, including tabletop game publisher Stonemaier Games, children’s clothing company Princess Awesome & Boy Wonder, art gallery Quent Cordair Fine Art, and metal treatment company 300 Below, seek refunds for tariffs already paid and aim to “restore the proper limits of presidential authority” by reasserting that tariff authority is constitutionally granted exclusively to Congress, not the executive branch.

Steamforged Games is rejuvenating the Warmachine franchise, which previously competed closely with Warhammer 40K in the miniature wargaming sector. Following a challenging period, Warmachine is set to make a strong comeback in 2025, and to generate excitement, the senior team at Steamforged will host a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Discord. Scheduled for May 8, 2025, this event will feature key figures from the company who will address questions about the game’s revival, new model releases, and future plans, creating direct engagement opportunities for fans. The AMA will not only provide insights into the development of the Warmachine universe but also includes promotions such as giveaways of starter sets for beginners, designed to help newcomers engage with the game. Attendees will have the chance to interact via video and chat, making this a dynamic platform for community building. Additionally, ongoing support for the game will be featured, including updates on expansions and exclusive content available through the Warmachine app.

Roll20, which acquired the Demiplane rules compendium platform in June 2024, has launched a public beta integrating the two systems. This integration allows users to seamlessly link their Demiplane characters to Roll20 campaigns without exporting or rebuilding, with both platforms now offering cross-platform sync and shared subscription benefits active since February. The public beta currently supports character sheets for six game systems (Alien: RPG, Candela Obscura, Cyberpunk RED, Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, Pathfinder 2e, and Vampire the Masquerade 5e), with over 2,000 data fields available for use in Modscripts and Macros. This integration represents another step in Roll20’s strategy to become a comprehensive tabletop gaming platform, following previous acquisitions of DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Scrawl.

Mantic Games has launched the Halo: Flashpoint app to facilitate gameplay and event management for players. This app will provide users with access to full rules, gameplay content, and a free list-building feature, enabling players to create their army lists conveniently. The app supports both free and subscription-based functionalities, allowing for organized play and the ability to run tournaments. Covering a range of features, the app aims to enhance the gaming experience for Halo: Flashpoint fans, making it a comprehensive tool for both casual and competitive play.

Andrew Clayton, creator of Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT), has taken a strong stance against the use of generative AI in the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) industry, calling it a “betrayal” of the artists, writers, and designers who built the space. In a recent interview, Clayton described AI-generated content as “soulless and derivative,” arguing that it exploits creative work without consent. This view sharply contrasts with Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks, who has openly embraced AI for Dungeons & Dragons development. While Foundry as a company opposes AI integration, some user-created modules do include AI tools, but Clayton emphasizes that Foundry itself will not support AI, now or in the future. This puts Foundry at odds with Hasbro’s vision, despite its official partnership with D&D.

#warmachine #roll20 #demiplane #halo #foundryvtt

Warmachine on MyMiniFactory:

https://mmf.io/upturned

Wargamer.com Discord:

https://discord.gg/yhMQJwWfCt

Halo Flashpoint App:

https://haloflashpoint.manticgames.com/the-app/

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/

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The Weekly Podcast no.282 – Battletech 40k, Kings of War Champions, StarCraft Wargame and Monster Apocalypse

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Catalyst Game Labs has announced BattleTech: Gothic, a standalone, themed-box expansion for the long-running BattleTech tabletop game. Departing from its traditional sci-fi roots, this new installment introduces a grimdark setting reminiscent of Warhammer 40,000, featuring biomechanical monsters known as “Abominations” and heavily ornamented mechs. This release is the first in the BattleTech Continuum, an initiative meant to explore alternative takes on the BattleTech universe, with future projects including Rockets and RayGuns and an anime-inspired installment. While BattleTech: Gothic retains the franchise’s core gameplay, it incorporates new aesthetics and mechanics to match its darker tone. Despite excitement from some fans, others remain skeptical about the shift, questioning its necessity and Catalyst’s allocation of resources.

Mantic Games has launched Kings of War Champions, a new 28mm rank-and-flank miniatures game designed for quick, accessible play. Set in the Kings of War universe, Champions simplifies army-building by offering pre-assembled “Company” boxes, making it an easy entry point for newcomers. The Faith and Fury starter set includes two opposing forces—one led by the demonic Bloody Cardinal and the other by the noble Alanis Sallustis—along with miniatures, rules, and gaming accessories. Additional army boxes expand the roster, including goblins, northern warriors, and shadowy Twilight Kin. While some players welcome the accessibility, others question its necessity in an already niche market. Nonetheless, Champions aims to attract new players and provide a structured alternative to the more flexible Kings of War Ambush.

Blizzard Entertainment’s classic real-time strategy game StarCraft is being adapted into a miniatures game by Polish publisher Archon Studio, with an initial release set for 2026 and a series of board games planned for 2027. The StarCraft franchise, known for its iconic factions—the Terran, Zerg, and Protoss—has had a lasting impact on the gaming world, especially in esports. Archon, a well-established name in the tabletop industry, has experience with high-quality miniatures and board games based on popular video game franchises. While details on the scale and mechanics of the game remain scarce, a livestream presentation on April 3 is expected to provide more information.

Privateer Press has provided a long-awaited update on the Monsterpocalypse miniatures game, outlining plans to transition its production to an on-demand 3D printing service following the failure of Mythic Games’ Monsterpocalypse board game Kickstarter. Despite the setback, Privateer remains committed to the game’s community by offering digital STL files and printable game components for players. Although no new content is currently planned for the miniatures game, the company is expanding the Monsterpocalypse universe through a planned Monsterpocalypsonomicon Kickstarter for 5e and exploring other gaming formats, including digital adaptations and fiction. While challenges remain, Privateer is dedicated to keeping the Monsterpocalypse experience alive and growing.

#falloutfactions #battletech #starcraft #monsterapocalypse

BattleTech Gothic Primer:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1duleZQjy4YksSm7Ev48Xu0Ypu42h3ihz?fbclid=IwY2xjawJQLTNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZiHzEJvVfgDAaFBL7EU3CVp1ntf6OzK6Puc-cCVKXDOB0SWfoeJdcA99A_aem_Km0dJFdc4ZHPeSgQOQft0Q

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Chris on social media:

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The Weekly LIVE 229 – DnD 2024 Revision Late, Epic Warpath Launches, OpenAI Wins A Little and The Purple Planet Horde

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Wizards of the Coast is working on a revision of the 5th edition of D&D, initially referred to as One D&D and later as the 2024 revision. However, the release of the Monster Manual, the final book in the revised rulebooks, is delayed until February 18, 2025, a year after the game’s 51st anniversary. The Player’s Handbook (2024) is expected to release on September 17, 2024, followed by the Dungeon Master’s Guide on November 12, 2024, and the Monster Manual on February 18, 2025. Two new adventures for D&D: “Vecna: Eve of Ruin” and “Quests from the Infinite Staircase,” offering diverse settings and challenges will also be released this year. A history book titled “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977” by Jon Peterson is set to release on June 18, 2024. The 3D virtual tabletop for D&D, aiming to enhance the gaming experiences also due some time this year. Additional products, including footwear and apparel from Converse, an official LEGO IDEAS building set, and treats from Pop-Tarts. 

A new sci-fi wargame called “Epic Warpath” by Mantic Games is introduced, drawing inspiration from the classic Epic 40k and involving tiny miniatures in large-scale battles. The Kickstarter campaign is now live and is only running for 15 days. Four Warpath army factions are included with the possibility of unlocking two more as Stretch Goals.

Comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors filed a copyright case against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT pirated their work. The court partially dismissed some claims, but the main complaint of direct copyright infringement remains. This is one of several copyright lawsuits Open AI is facing including suits from John Grisham, George R.R. Martin and The New York Times.

Goodman Games is running a crowdfunding campaign for Adventures On the Purple Planet, offering various DCC RPG products, including a hardcover compilation, dice sets, accessories, and more. This campaign is on Backerkit and is a hardcover volume including all the contents of the previously released Purple Planet boxed set. Seven publishers are also contributing to this campaign and the more campaigns you support the more you can save as well as getting a free 3d6 dice set.

#DnD #epicwarpath #mantic #openAI #purpleplanet

Purple Planet on Backerkit’
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/goodman-games/return-to-the-purple-planet

Epic Warpath by Mantic:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manticgames/warpath-the-game-of-epic-scale-sci-fi-warfare

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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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The Weekly LIVE 215 – Deck of Lousy Things, Army Painter Fanatic, Help Jennel Jaquays, Forbidden Psalm: End Times Edition, Epic Mantic and Magnagothica: Maleghast

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Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), is delaying the shipment of its physical release, The Deck of Many Things, due to defects in the product. The defects include issues with the shape of the cards, tight paper bands damaging the foil on the cards, and size discrepancies among the cards. The publisher intends to re-manufacture and re-distribute copies without these issues and is suspending the initial ship date.The specific defects in the cards and how they impact gameplay. Wizards of the Coast remains confident that pre-order customers may still receive their orders before the end of 2023, but inspection and replacement will take time. These issues are not related to a cost-saving strategy but could be due to using paper packaging instead of non-biodegradable plastic wrapping. The publisher’s effort to reduce plastic waste in packaging might have led to some of the problems.

The Army Painter has introduced a new line of paints called Warpaints Fanatic, which has been in development for four years. This line includes 216 new paints, featuring eight reformulated skin tones, reformulated metallics, 18 effects paints, and a wash line with 18 colors. The paints are designed to have excellent coverage, making them suitable for professional painters and tabletop gamers. They incorporated feedback from various painters to ensure the quality of the paints. The Fanatic paints also use significantly more pigment (300%-700% more) without sacrificing coverage, thanks to the addition of a stabilizer. The paints come in a flexible six-color triad system for versatility and are color-matched to The Army Painter’s existing line of sprays and air paints. The line includes mixing balls, and the paint bottles indicate their triad set and actual color on the side. The Fanatic paints will be available for pre-order in various sets starting in early 2024.

Jennell Jaquays is an American game designer, video game artist, and illustrator known for her contributions to tabletop role-playing games, video games, and fantasy art. Throughout her career, Jaquays has made significant contributions to RPG adventures, video games, and art, earning recognition for her work. She has also played a role in game development education through her involvement in establishing the Guildhall at SMU. Unfortunately, she has faced health challenges, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. A fundraiser has been organized to support her in covering the substantial medical costs associated with her treatment and recovery. Jaquays’ career has been marked by creativity and contributions to the gaming industry, and her supporters are coming together to assist her during her time of need.

Forbidden Psalm: The End Times Edition is the ultimate version of the Forbidden Psalm tabletop miniatures game. It combines the Core Book and the In the Footsteps of the Mad Wizard expansion into a single comprehensive edition. The game is compatible with the MÖRK BORG TTRPG and is designed for 28mm miniatures. It allows players to use their existing miniatures or create custom ones with random tables provided. The game offers solo play and cooperative rules, with unique warband members generated by random generators. Players recruit a warband of five members to undertake missions for Vriprix the Mad Wizard, facing rivals, monsters, and dangerous relics in their quest. The game is known for its disposable warband members who can suffer injuries, flaws, and wield dark magic. The End Times Edition includes new content, art, and lore, offering 25 scenarios for players to explore. While the core rules remain the same, this edition provides a better design, rules clarification, and combines the Mad Wizard expansion into the Core Book. It comes in hardcover or softcover versions, with the hardcover edition exclusively available through this Kickstarter. Additionally, mini-expansions from Forbidden Psalm are collected into a new edition, featuring over 20 scenarios, horrors, new weapons, and more. This softcover book is expected to be 80-100 pages long.

Mantic Games, a well-known miniature wargame studio, is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign in 2024 for an “epic-scale” Warpath game. Initially conceived as a larger version of Firefight, Warpath aimed to support sprawling battles with numerous vehicles. However, the concept evolved to focus on smaller-scale battles, allowing players to field massive armies. The game’s development has involved considerations like starting factions, materials, and rules. Mantic Games engaged with fans to gauge interest and found substantial enthusiasm for the Warpath universe at a smaller scale. Fans can follow the Kickstarter campaign page for updates, and Mantic Games has a track record of successful projects, making this new Warpath game an exciting prospect for enthusiasts of smaller-scale wargames.

Tom Bloom, the creator of the webcomic “Kill Six Billion Demons” and the mech TTRPG “Lancer,” has developed a new wargame called Magnagothica: Maleghast. It features a gothic, punk, and heavy metal theme set in a city where death is broken, and the dead return. The game is designed for virtual tabletop play and includes tactical necromancer action. The game is designed for two to four players and uses a square grid for gameplay. Players control a group called a Black Mass, which includes a Necromancer and minions. There are six different factions in the game, each with its own unique style and soundtrack. Tom Bloom created the game, including the design, layout, writing, and artwork, in a short time frame, and he hopes players will enjoy it.

Help Jennel Jaquays:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jennell-jaquays-has-a-long-road-back

Forbidden Psalm: End Times Edition:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/impioussaint/forbidden-psalm-end-times-edition

Magnagothica: Maleghast on Itch.io:

https://tombloom.itch.io/magnagothica-maleghast

Mantic Warpath Epic:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manticgames/warpath-the-game-of-epic-scale-sci-fi-warfare

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):
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Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:
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Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​
https://twitter.com/hyvemynd​​
https://twitter.com/ConanSalaryman​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
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https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
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