The tabletop RPG news is full of twists and turns this week! Our headlines for mid-March are: Neopets TTRPG hits a snag as the dev is let go, Hasbro CEO insists that AI isn’t used for DnD due to backlash, Pathfinder/Starfinder PDF prices to raise, and a never-before-seen Magic: The Gathering TTRPG is revealed for charity.
Neopets TTRPG In Limbo As Company Fires Developer
There is no longer a Neopets TTRPG on the way from Geekify. The Neopets company decided to terminate its license agreement with Geekify, who was tasked with making the game after a successful Kickstarter. This is likely after a recent incident where fans found oddly adult content in an early playtest version of the Neopets RPG.
Neopets did not reference the exact incident, but did speak about aligning goals and evaluating partnerships for the sake of the brand. They direct Kickstarter backers to go to Geekify with their issues about their rewards. However, Neopets still intends to honor its promise of an exclusive avatar for the video game. As for the Neopets TTRPG, the company is “continuing to explore alternative options.”
Hasbro CEO Says That AI Isn't Used For DnD Because The Audience And Creators Don't Want It
Current Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks is known for his positive stance on AI, but once again assured consumers that it isn’t being used in official DnD products. In an interview with The Verge, Cocks talked up how AI helps with development (apparently there’s a Peppa Pig AI that gives opinions on toys).
When it comes to DnD or Magic: The Gathering, however, Cocks recognizes that “There are some brands that the audience, the creators, just don’t want it…” And so it seems that, even though Cocks himself claims that his own DnD groups of 30-40 people all use AI, Wizards of the Coast won’t be using it to develop DnD for the foreseeable future.
Paizo To Increase PDF Prices Due To Rising Production Costs
Pathfinder and Starfinder publisher Paizo is going to be raising prices on certain PDF products by $10 come March 16. The affected items are rulebooks, 128 page adventures, and hardcover Adventure Paths. Paizo cites rising production costs as the reason. Shorter Adventure Paths and Society Scenarios will remain at the same price.
Unreleased Magic: The Gathering TTRPG Up For Sale In Charity Auction
Game Designer Jonathan Tweet is selling a draft manuscript of Manastorm, a never-released original TTRPG set in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. The game was being made for Wizards of the Coast back in 1996, and no copies have ever surfaced until now. Tweet is auctioning his draft via BlueSky and will donate the proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
Imagine owning a copy of the Magic TTRPG! Hope it finds a good home and raises lots of money for charity. Until next time, may your dice be kind!
Sergio Solórzano is the best Dungeon Master in the USA (according to a Wizards of the Coast competition, anyway). He loves minis and terrain but also goes all-in on improv!
