The Weekly LIVE 250 - Publishers Scammed, Phantasy Star TTRPG, Etsy Now Sells AI and Sexist D&D

Several board game publishers have been deceived by scammers impersonating a Facebook group with 80,000 members. Renegade Games Studios and CrowD Games were among the victims who sent review copies of their latest games to fraudsters pretending to be Thomas Covert, the real social media manager and marketing coordinator for Board Game Revolution (BGR). The scammers contacted publishers with a fake email, claiming that BGR was venturing into reviews. Despite the real Covert's efforts to alert the industry, Renegade and CrowD had already shipped their games. CrowD's marketing director, Serge Sintsov, explained that he received a convincing email from the impersonator during a busy period and sent a game before realizing the scam.
Devir Americas narrowly avoided sending their games due to good fortune, as managing partner Matt Hyland explained that their shipment request fell through the cracks. Other publishers like Gamelyn Games and Daily Magic Games were also targeted, with Daily Magic's David Mackenzie stating they might have sent copies if the scam had not been uncovered in time. Daily Magic is also dealing with a fake Instagram account impersonating their company to access sensitive information. Covert has now hired a private investigator to track the packages sent to various addresses across the U.S. and emphasized that any affected publishers should contact him via the official BGR email.
Skydawn Studios has announced a new tabletop RPG based on the beloved video game series Phantasy Star. Known for its sci-fi settings and characters, Phantasy Star is being adapted into a cooperative storytelling game using the Esper Genesis rules system, a sci-fi adaptation of 5E D&D. The game allows players to create characters from various archetypes and embark on quests in a universe filled with cosmic threats and ancient evils. The release is expected in 2025, with a preview planned for August 2024 for newsletter subscribers. Fans can expect familiar elements and characters from the original video game series, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and new experiences.
Etsy has clarified its policy on the sale of A.I.-generated artwork, allowing it to be sold on the platform with specific labeling requirements. While Etsy has marketed itself as a site for handmade items, A.I. art must be labeled as "designed" rather than handmade. Sellers must disclose if their items were created using A.I. tools. However, Etsy will no longer permit the sale of A.I. prompts, which are instructions used to generate art via A.I. tools. Etsy aims to support artists while adapting to technological changes, ensuring that its policy aligns with its mission to "Keep Commerce Human."
The newly released history book "The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970-1977" has sparked controversy by highlighting the sexist language and attitudes present in early D&D materials. Historians Jon Peterson and Jason Tondro reveal that D&D's original drafts contained derogatory language and sexism, reflecting the views of its creators, particularly Gary Gygax. This revelation has led to significant backlash online, with some defending the game as a product of its time. However, historian Ben Riggs argues that acknowledging these flaws is essential for preserving the legacy of D&D's creators and ensuring the game is inclusive for all players. Riggs emphasizes that discussing the game's past shortcomings allows the community to move forward and grow, making D&D more welcoming to a diverse audience.
#phantasystar #etsy #garygygax #benriggs
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