News Digest 136
This is a copy of the “script” we used to organise Brainwaves Episode 136. It is not a full transcript but should give you an overview of the news as we reported it. Quotes are in italics.
Headlines
Funko sells game division
- For the last few years the team at Prospero Hall produced franchise tie-in board games that had been well regarded by many across the hobby. Disney Villainous is the most well known title they have produced but they’ve also made games based on Jaws, Top Gun, and Alfred Hitchcock thriller Rear Window.
- Well those glory days are at an end. Funko, the company responsible for all those weird plastic dolls of your favourite pop culture icons, were the owners of Prospero Hall until very recently. They sold the company to Goliath, a veteran family and kids games company that owns the game Rummikub. This was reported on Boardgamewire
- Funko interim CEO Mike Lunsford said
- “The transaction is designed to keep with our previously stated goal of streamlining our business by focusing on our core assets.
- “We intend to use the proceeds from this transaction to reduce our debt. We believe that Goliath’s size and scale, as well as their intimate knowledge of the global games and toys market, make them a strong partner for Funko in the board game category.”
- Goliath CEO Jochanan Golad said of the purchase
- “Funko Games is a highly regarded brand that includes hundreds of board games recently created as well as a great portfolio from Forrest-Pruzan.
- “We look forward to bringing the Funko brand and style to the game aisle in new and innovative ways. With Pressman’s 101 years and Goliath’s 43 years of selling games, we believe we’re a perfect fit to partner with Funko to develop and distribute games on a global level.
- “We plan to commence marketing several key games around the world immediately. We’re especially thrilled about our plan to bring to market a new and exciting game called Bitty Pop! Chase, which includes Funko’s popular Bitty Pop! miniature collectible characters.”
- Initially it was thought the employees would also be moving company but it quickly came to light that very few, if any, of the staff at Prospero Hall were being retained in the move.
- This has led to some of those staff finally putting their name on some of the games that Prospero Hall made on BGG.
- According to a follow up piece on Boardgamewire maybe 5 out of the 30 staff at Prospero Hall have been retained and mostly in administrative positions.
RPG controversy
https://diyanddragons.blogspot.com/2024/01/xandering-is-slandering.html?m=1
- On our last show we reported on the sad death of Jennell Jaquays, an icon of Dungeons and Dragons who was responsible for some famous modules including Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia.
- The RPG criticism and advice site The Alexandrian had covered some of Jennell’s work in the past, around 2010, and had even done a series of articles on the techniques she used to create dungeons. They were praiseworthy of her methods and coined the term Jaquaying the dungeon to highlight here particular style of multiple path scenario creation.
- In the last few months Justin Alexander, the main person behind the Alexandrian, has released a book called ‘So You Want to be a Dungeon Master’ which laid out this technique again.
- However, Justin had changed the term to Xandering the Dungeon and went back and changed this on his site as well.
- The reasoning behind this change seems dubious at best. Xander claims that Jennell herself wanted the change, but actually it seems that she had messaged him about getting her name correct. She is Jaquays so the verb should be Jaquaysing not Jaquaying.
- Jennell was a trans woman and the original post had her deadname (do we need to explain what that is further?) on it. She had messaged Justin to ask for it to be removed from the post and her current name be added instead (with maybe a reference to her original name for clarity). This was in response to Justin posting a piece on deadnames and why he didn’t feel the need to change them after the fact. From that post
- Your article has been helpful to a lot of people over the years. Unfortunately your rationale for deadnaming me even after it’s been brought to your attention is transphobic behaviour (sic)
- Here’s that request you were looking for: Please use my chosen name, Jennell Jaquays when referring to all past, present, and future works. If you feel somehow that you need to add clarity then please use the following form: Jennell Jaquays, writing as Paul Jaquays. (sic)
- And one last quibble: it should be Jaquaysing the Dungeon. My surname has an S at the end of it that is voiced when saying the name. So here’s an opportunity to get both the first and the last name right in your article.
- Justin responds who will update the article as soon as he has time.
- Justin then posted and article in November of 2023 called a ‘Historical note on Xandering’ where he justifies why is changing ‘Jaquaysing’ to ‘Xandering’. In that he uses the message that Jennell sent him as evidence that she wanted the name changed, seemingly ignoring the specificity of the request.
- Jennell had made the request for people to call it jaquaysing many times on various places on the internet.
- In an exchange on his Discord, Justin Alexander said that when the term was changed in the run up to the book being printed and on the site, he was advised by a lawyer not use a term based on anyone else’s name.
- We got most of this from a post on the site DIY and Dragons lays out the timeline of this and the reasons behind along with links to all the articles. One of our Discord members Corey also helped us out with some research so thanks very much Corey!
Mojo Nation
https://mojo-nation.com/read-the-mojo-nation-100-2024-edition-online-now/
https://mojo-nation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mojo-Nation-100-2024-Edition-Digital-Download.pdf
- Toy and game magazine site Mojo has published its annual list of their one hundred most influential designers in the toy and game market currently.
- The list is chock full of worthy names with great accomplishments, but we at Brainwaves would like to focus on Ellie Dix. We’ve interviewed Ellie on the site previously and reviewed one of her games.
- In the ‘Independent Creatives’ category, her profile notes how much she has accomplished this past year:
- “She signed 10 games to companies including Ginger Fox, Gamewright, Mindware, Cheatwell, Quarto, LKP and Indie Boards and Cards. 2023 also saw Ellie win a gold at the Independent Toy Awards for Monster Chef, as well as being named one of the inaugural winners of Hasbro’s Women Innovators of Play challenge.”
- Alongside this, Ellie has written an article included in the document about how getting feedback with other game designers is a rewarding experience. It opens with:
- Game design can be a solitary activity – but if you stay in your own little corner, you’re missing out. In my experience, spending time with other game designers can have a disproportionately huge impact.”
- THe article talks about how it can expand your frame of reference and gain advice on overcoming issues you’re having with game design. WE’re keeping it vague here because it’s a really good and informative read. And Ellie has had a hell of a good year so it’s a good thing to peruse.
Updates
Evil Genius Settle Legal Dispute
- Back in Episode 131 we covered the legal dispute between Evil Genius, an RPG publisher, and the video streaming service Netflix.
- Evil Genius said they had a secured a deal to produce RPGs based on the at the time forthcoming Rebel Moon film from Zack Snyder. The film released in December 2023.
- The deal was summarily terminated by Netflix over alleged breaches of contract that seemed to centre on some of the cover art for the game being shown of at the GAMA trade show in April of 2023. Rebel Moon claimed that the reveals were agreed by Netflix executives and sued Netflix for breach of contract.
- This messy chapter seems to have been brought to a resolution. A press release sent to several sites included a joint statement from Netflix and Rebel Moon. it says:
- “The parties are pleased that they were able to amicably resolve this dispute. Netflix thanks Evil Genius for their hard work and professionalism.”
- The press release then goes onto say.
- We will not be releasing a Rebel Moon game, but stay tuned for more amazing Cinematic Adventures and an upcoming sci-fi project. And thank you again for your amazing support!
- If you are a retailer who preordered the Rebel Moon game in advance, be on the lookout for a follow-up email within the next 7-10 days on how to process your refund.
Synapse fires up the engines
- Back in episode 116 we brought you the news that Holy grail Games, publisher of Rallyman GT amongst other titles had collapsed and ceased trading.
- It was one of many companies affected by the rise in prices of shipping and raw materials during the height of the pandemic years.
- Now it seems that Snyapses Games is coming to rescue of at least one of the titles in Holy Grails’ catalogue, Rallyman GT and its expansions.
- Synapses games are a french publisher that have previously worked with Holy Grail Games to publish the Rallyman Franchise.
- From a press release on the 18th of January, 2024, president of Synapses Games Carl Briere said
- “Working on the Rallyman franchise alongside Holy Grail Games in the past gave us a deep understanding and appreciation for this game and its devoted community. We want to take this franchise to the next level and share it with even more gamers around the world.”
- The designer of the series, Jean-Christophe Bouvier said this in the press release
- “I am extremely happy to be handing the reins of the Rallyman franchise over to Synapses Games, a publisher whose track record has proven them to be dynamic, rigorous and effective”
- “Speaking with Carl, I recognized his passion and ambitions for Rallyman, which have breathed life back into my biggest dreams: the pursuit of GT’s influence internationally, the launch of DIRT, the engagement of the community… all with a desire to maintain the quality and authenticity which have bolstered the Rallyman brand.”
- Unfortunately the press release is not all good news. When Holy Grail Games went under they were in the process of delivering the Rallyman GT: DIRT crowdfunding project. Synapses Games were unable to secure any of the stock that may have been printed for that version of the game and also don’t have access to the backer lists. They will therefore not be honouring that existing campaign. They will update backers if this changes
News
Mythic send backers to Hel
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162110258/anastyr/posts
- We first started reporting on the troubles Mythic Games found itself in back in episode 119 of March 2023. This is a company that funds all its games through Kickstarter, is frequently late delivering and even more frequently asks for more money from its backers to get the items they have already paid for.
- Well we are here again.
- In updates to two kickstarters Hel and Anastyr Mythic say the same thing. We are going to read from the update to HEL.
- You’ve been waiting a long time for news about HEL: The Last Saga and we want to thank you for your patience. In the meantime, as some of you may know, we’ve been focusing on the delivery of the 6: Siege and Darkest Dungeon projects, which has necessitated a difficult request to our backers to contribute to the extra costs. Our team, reduced since our reorganization, has been monopolized on this task, but we have continued to seek solutions for the delivery of HEL.
- Today, we have to admit that this game, as it was conceived from the beginning, is excessively difficult, if not impossible, to complete with our current means, despite the enormous resources already committed, whether in terms of time, team, or budget. Unless, of course, we were to ask our backers for a financial contribution. A contribution for this game would far exceed what we’ve been asking for other projects, knowing that backers would also have to wait a long time to receive it. This did not seem like an acceptable solution to us.
- But all is not doom and gloom. During this period of study and reflection, we found another publisher who was really excited about this IP.
- This other publisher, who will make their own announcement, will take over the IP and develop it using their own proven methods. The exact announcement will be made very soon, and we know that our backers will have the opportunity to receive a copy of the new HEL base game to be produced. Given the quality of the games produced by this publisher, their experience and high standards, we are not only reassured, but certain that this new version of HEL will live up to your expectations.
- We’ll post another update with more important details soon.
- This was then quickly followed by an update from publisher Cool Mini or Not, who have a track record of delivering huge miniature laden Kickstarters.
- From the Cool Mini or Not Update
- Regrettably, as Mythic Games announced, they will no longer be able to deliver their Kickstarter campaigns for HEL: The Last Saga and Anastyr. As you are a backer of these campaigns, we understand that this is disappointing.
- Upon careful evaluation of both titles, we have concluded that neither HEL: The Last Saga nor Anastyr are currently ready for publication in their current state and will require substantial effort to complete them.
- We want to assure you that we are committed to delivering quality gaming experiences, and we appreciate your understanding and support during our development.
- Cool Mini or Not goes on to layout what this will mean for backers of the two projects.
- The long and short of it is that Cool Mini or Not will not be sending out copies of their versions of these games to backers for free. Those backers who choose to will be able to get a copy for shipping and VAT
- Hel funded in May 2020 and was meant to deliver in June 2021. It raised $2,215,842
- Anastyr funded in May 2022, and was meant to deliver in July of 2023. It raised $1,079,826.
- Thanks very much to Adam Richards from Punchboard for bringing this next step in the Mythic saga to our attention.
BGA Award Winners
- The awards do keep on rolling and this time it is the turn of digital board game site Boardgame Arena to dole out the plaudits.
- There were 5 categories
- Best Casual Game – Ticket to Ride: Europe
- Best Regular Game – Heat
- Best Hardcore Game – Ark Nova
- Best2 player Game – Sky Team
- Best Forest Game – Earth
- The last category was chosen by fans of the site.
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
James Naylor
Shaun Newan
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
Metallic Dice Games
https://metallicdicegames.com/
Promo Code: ROLLWITHBRAINS
Sir Meeple
Outro
Monopoly Dune
https://theop.games/products/monopoly-dune
“Experience life’s mysteries through one of the greatest tales of contemporary sci-fi with the ultimate game for Dune fans!” Yep it’s Dune Monopoly. Dunno what you were thinking of.
- Instead of property it’s characters and faction from the Duniverse (i threw up a little un my mouth as i wrote it and hate it more and more as I say it), sorry “influence” with them, placing leverage which turns eventually to Loyalty. From the scarred warrior bard Gurney Halleck all the way to the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV past the Beast Rabban Harkonnen, the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood and the Kwisatz Haderach, Muad-Dib himself, Usul, Paul Atreides.
- Play as a Muad-Dib (the kangaroo mouse) or a ducal signet ring or indeed a Fremen crysknife, and draw POLlitics and Fate cards. THe money has at least some Dune theming to it.
Our Links
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