The article introduces Spearhead Doubles, a new game mode for Warhammer Age of Sigmar that allows four players to team up in a doubles format, providing rules and instructions to facilitate balanced and fun gameplay, perfect for introducing new players to the game.
Sony is reportedly considering acquiring Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa, which could significantly impact the Japanese tabletop gaming industry. Kadokawa, known for its involvement in print media, anime, and gaming, recently acquired Arclight, a major player in Japan's tabletop sector. The potential acquisition by Sony could provide new international opportunities for tabletop designers, especially amid regulatory changes in the U.S. and EU. However, concerns remain about the impact on the industry due to Kadokawa's recent scandals and a ransomware attack, as well as the broader trend of layoffs following major acquisitions in the gaming sector.
As generative AI becomes more prevalent in tabletop gaming, a divide is growing between consumers and creators over its ethical use. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, BackerKit, and Gamefound have varying policies on AI, with some projects disclosing AI use while others do not. The Draconis 8 card game by Wise Wizard Games, which used AI in its creation, has sparked controversy, leading some fans and retailers to boycott the company. Despite this, AI-assisted projects continue to raise significant funds, prompting platforms to maintain AI projects as long as they remain profitable.
Polygon readers are favoring board games during Amazon Prime Day, with top deals including Tokaido Duo, Red Rising, and Splendor Duel. The majority of the most popular deals are tabletop games, highlighting a trend towards game nights with loved ones.
IGN showcases four tabletop games at PAX East 2024, including Dice Throne, Mega Man: The Adventure Game, Gloomhaven Buttons and Bugs, and SolForge Fusion, led by tabletop guide Scott White, offering a glimpse into the diverse array of tabletop gaming experiences available at the event.
The tabletop gaming world is set to see an exciting lineup of releases in 2024, including the highly anticipated return of Warhammer: The Old World, a new Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, a Final Fantasy 14 Tabletop Role-Playing Game, Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game, and fresh iterations of popular titles like Catan and Disney Lorcana. Additionally, new games such as Wyrmspan, RŌNIN, and Epic Encounters: Local Legends are also set to make their debut, offering a diverse range of experiences for tabletop enthusiasts.
Nemesis: Retaliation, the third installment in the Alien-inspired board game series by Awaken Realms, has become the third most-funded tabletop game of all time, raising nearly $12.2 million on the crowdfunding platform Gamefound. The game combines cooperative gameplay with a traitor mechanic, dungeon crawling elements, and highly detailed miniatures, appealing to the growing community of hobby board gamers. With its impressive funding, Nemesis: Retaliation is set to be the biggest crowdfunding success of the year across all platforms.
Looking for the perfect gift for a Baldur's Gate 3 fan? Consider buying them a Dungeons & Dragons book like Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus, which ties directly into the events of the game. Alternatively, explore tabletop alternatives like Pathfinder or Blades in the Dark. Die are also a great gift for tabletop players, and you can find a variety of options at local game stores or online retailers. Other gift ideas include companion approval stickers, themed candles, and fan art. If you're looking for more games, consider classics like the Baldur's Gate series, Divinity: Original Sin, Dragon Age: Origins, or explore the unique CRPG Disco Elysium.
MCDM Productions, known for producing popular third-party supplements for Dungeons & Dragons, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to create its own role-playing game called the MCDM RPG. The game will focus on the heroes' journey, cinematic action, and strategic combat, using primarily six-sided dice instead of the d20 system. The campaign aims to raise $800,000 to publish the core rules and a book of monsters, with stretch goals for a virtual tabletop and a box set for the Vasloria fantasy setting. Delivery is expected in Q2 2025.
Polygon's Best of the Year 2023 highlights the remarkable year in media, with Tears of the Kingdom leading the game of the year race, followed by surprise contenders like Baldur's Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2. The Movies made a comeback, potentially challenging Disney's box office dominance. Video game adaptations gained popularity, including the Mario movie and HBO's The Last of Us. Thrilling new seasons of popular anime series and the release of great books and tabletop games also made 2023 a standout year.
Magic: The Gathering is offering a variety of deals on their cards and accessories for Amazon's Black Friday sale. Highlights include discounted booster boxes such as Brothers' War and Dominaria Remastered, as well as the Tales of Middle-earth Starter Kit. There are also deals on Commander decks, card boxes, and sleeves.
Get ready for a spooky Halloween game night with these seven tabletop games perfect for horror fans. From Alien: Fate of the Nostromo, which recreates the intensity of the first Alien film, to Bloodborne: The Card Game, a simple yet terrifying push and pull of risk and reward, these games offer accessible gameplay and thrilling experiences. Other notable games include Escape From Tall Oaks, Horrified, Scream: The Game, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Mork Borg, a tabletop role-playing game set in a doom metal-inspired dying world.
Baldur's Gate 3, a video game adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons, is helping players improve their understanding of D&D mechanics and enhancing their tabletop gaming experiences. Players are learning how to use spell slots, strategize as a team, and interact with the game world. The game's dynamic characters and immersive gameplay have inspired players to explore different classes and engage more deeply with their own D&D campaigns. Even experienced players are considering incorporating Baldur's Gate 3 mechanics into their tabletop sessions. The game's user-friendly interface and visual design effectively teach D&D rules, making it easier for players to grasp complex concepts. Overall, Baldur's Gate 3 has revitalized players' enthusiasm for the game and sparked renewed excitement in their campaigns.
Hasbro has announced a partnership with Xplored, the developers of the digital board game platform Teburu, to incorporate AI into its tabletop games such as Dungeons & Dragons. The use of AI will allow for innovative gameplay, limitless digital expansions, seamless onboarding, and powerful AI-driven game mechanics that can react to player decisions and potentially streamline rules. However, the popular online D&D marketplace Dungeon Masters Guild recently announced restrictions on the sale of standalone AI art products and the use of primarily AI-generated written content. It is unclear how this will impact Hasbro's plans, but more information is expected to be revealed during Hasbro's earnings call on August 3rd.
Games Workshop has released a development diary for Warhammer: The Old World, revealing some rules teases. The goal is to create a modern game that appeals to both veterans and newcomers. The designers played games of every edition of Warhammer Fantasy Battle to identify what worked and what could be improved. The rules encourage units with wide frontages, allowing models in the fighting rank to bring their weapons to bear. Units that lose a round of combat will give ground reluctantly instead of immediately breaking, creating new tactical opportunities. Spellcasting has been spread throughout different phases of the game, with a focus on positioning Wizards. The challenge for Games Workshop is to attract new players while appeasing veterans. More previews of the game rules and lore are needed before its launch.