This Week In TTRPG News: Convention Season

The start of July saw a lot of big tabletop gaming news updates. Some games are taking on new life, others are branching out into other media, and old problems are rearing their heads for round two. But before we get to the heavy stuff, StartPlaying Games has some fun news of our own! This weekend, we’re hosting a special event with horror-themed TTRPG games! If you’re looking for a thrilling new game to play this weekend, check out our offerings. 

Virtual Horror Con Is Here! 

A lot of gamers miss conventions, but it’s still not very safe to gather in large groups. That’s where Virtual Horror Con, a three-day virtual event, comes in! Those who enjoy spooks can watch video panels, livestream shows, and sign up for remote tabletop gaming from July 8-10. The folks at Gehenna Gaming and Carrion Comfort Studios have arranged Virtual Horror Con to be just like an in-person convention complete with an online artist alley, interviews with creators, and a chance to play games with people from all over the world. StartPlaying is hosting the games, so join us for some chilling fun!

Satine Phoenix And Jamison Stone Investigate Themselves, Clear Themselves

A few weeks ago, Dungeons & Dragons streamers/creators Satine Phoenix and Jamison Stone came under fire for several accounts of alleged worker abuse and mistreatment. TTRPG writers, liaisons, and artists came forward to tell stories of the couple’s rude behavior, threatening use of status, and lack of proper compensation. The ensuing social media activity resulted in the pair losing several TTRPG gigs. Phoenix gave an Instagram live apology while Stone stepped away from his CEO position at Apotheosis Studios, the company they own and publish D&D books through. 

…Or so it seemed. A week later, Twitter users found Stone listed once again in a leadership role on the Apotheosis website. Now, Apotheosis claims that it did an “internal investigation” that determines the “vast majority” of accusations are false. Dicebreaker obtained a first draft of Stone’s statement where he says that “the allegations to date levelled against Jameson and others on our team have been proven to be factually inaccurate.” Further down the draft, mention is made of “the ramifications of cancel culture.”

The latest update sees the actual statement remove the cancel culture and “factually inaccurate” remarks. Instead, Apotheosis announces that it is “winding down.” That doesn’t mean the company will shut down. Instead, the company plans to continue fulfilling orders of its current Kickstarter product with no intention of offering refunds. 

San Diego Comic-Con Will Have A Real-Life D&D Tavern

Paramount will have a D&D movie called Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves hitting theaters in March 2023. With San Diego Comic-Con around the corner, it looks like the studios is ready to start promoting. According to IGN, D&D’s presence at this year’s Comic Con will include a “Tavern Experience” that lasts 20 minutes and includes Dragon Brew, swag, and interactions with D&D characters. 

Fans will also be able to get an “exclusive sneak peek” at the film if they go to the Hall H panel. The big panel will happen on July 21st at 12:00 pm PT and have appearances from the movie’s stars. Based on how previous Comic-Con Hall H events have gone, it’s likely that those who go will get to see an exclusive trailer or at least teaser footage. 

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To have your own tavern experience at home, crack open a cold one and check out the many D&D games we have going on at StartPlaying!