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Down with tactical rocks
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Down with tactical rocks

The evolution of miniature design in tabletop gaming has shifted from simple character representation to exaggerated poses and precarious placements. Miniatures like the ork, once depicted in dynamic stances, now feature characters such as a dwarf leaping off a statue for dramatic effect. Maugan Ra, the Phoenix Lord, is shown straddling two tactical rocks, resembling a politician rather than a harbinger of doom. Games Workshop has popularized the trend of "tactical rocks," which are intended to elevate characters for visual impact but have become excessive. Originally, key figures were distinguished by size or mounting, but now even imposing figures like Kragnos awkwardly perch on these rocks. There is a growing sentiment among enthusiasts that this trend detracts from the artistry of miniatures, with many preferring to use color schemes and banners for distinction rather than relying on exaggerated poses. The balance between creativity and practicality in miniature design continues to be a topic of discussion.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

Chuck Tingle’s latest butt-centric work of erotic fiction is about Warhammer 40,000 of all things

Chuck Tingle has recently ventured into horror with titles like Camp Damascus and Bury Your Gays, while also releasing a new project titled Fabulous Bodies, which explores the life of an influencer who moonlights as a grave robber. His latest short work, Pounded in the Butt by the Physical Manifestation of Spending an Irresponsible Portion of My Income on Warpounder 40K Miniatures, draws from his experiences as a former player of Warhammer 40,000 and features a plot centered around a "handsome sentient battleship model." This piece contains "4,000 words of sizzling human on gay Warpounder 40K model action" and is available on Amazon.
Wyldheart Announced for PC, Blending Tabletop Roleplay With Online Co-Op Action
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Wyldheart Announced for PC, Blending Tabletop Roleplay With Online Co-Op Action

Wyldheart is a cooperative fantasy RPG developed by Wayfinder Studios, featuring a team of former developers from EA DICE, Embark Studios, and Mojang Studios. The game is currently in development for PC and can be wishlisted on Steam and the Epic Games Store. It allows solo or cooperative play for up to four players, focusing on collaborative storytelling, exploration, and combat. Players will experience multiple campaign arcs, each offering around 10 hours of gameplay, set in the fallen Kingdom of Caerwyn. The game emphasizes player choice, exploration, and character development, placing players in the roles of unknown adventurers. The development team includes industry veterans like Dennis Brännvall and Fia Tjernberg, and they are seeking community support through Kickstarter.
The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?
AppWizard
March 21, 2026

The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?

In role-playing games (RPGs), there is a debate between using pre-defined characters with backstories versus creating unique characters. Many players appreciate the freedom of crafting their own characters, as seen in games like Baldur's Gate and Skyrim, which offer extensive customization and replayability. Conversely, games like Mass Effect and The Witcher, featuring defined protagonists, provide memorable experiences through strong narratives and emotional depth, despite offering less character customization. Players face significant choices that shape their journeys, even with established characters. The release of Baldur's Gate 3 blends both approaches, allowing for rich character development while starting from a blank slate. This ongoing discussion encourages players to reflect on their preferences in character creation versus narrative depth.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, a team of former Valheim members, blending cozy and horror elements in a genre they call 'friendslop.' Players explore dungeons, collect treasures, and interact with a customizable hideout that serves as a social hub. The game features a narrative framework encouraging player progression and ownership, with mechanics allowing for team revivals and ghost assistance. The demo includes a selfie camera for capturing moments, emphasizing fun and lighthearted gameplay. The demo is available for download after Steam Next Fest, although it is an early version that may contain bugs.
D&D's new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight - but without VR, I'm not finding the fun
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

D&D’s new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight – but without VR, I’m not finding the fun

Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is a cooperative multiplayer strategy game set in D&D's Forgotten Realms, available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Meta Quest, primarily designed for virtual reality (VR). The game features turn-based strategy gameplay with players choosing from various D&D classes and species, represented as virtual miniatures. It is not a virtual tabletop or a direct adaptation of D&D 5e rules. The graphics are low in polygon count but rich in character, and the game emphasizes quick play sessions without the discomfort of VR-induced nausea. The control scheme reflects its VR origins, requiring players to pick up and place figures, which feels cumbersome on a flat screen compared to other games. The game is set to release on November 20, and the reviewer notes that their experience has been limited to single-player due to illness in the office.
The League of Legends trading card game is surprisingly good, because it embraces the best trends in card games
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

The League of Legends trading card game is surprisingly good, because it embraces the best trends in card games

Trading Card Games (TCGs) are experiencing a surge in popularity, with titles like Magic: The Gathering achieving success through crossover events. Wizards of the Coast reports financial gains from these initiatives. TCGs face competition from board games, miniatures wargames, roleplaying games, and digital card games. Magic: The Gathering remains dominant, with The Pokémon TCG and Yu-Gi-Oh as its main challengers, though neither poses a significant threat. Riot Games has launched Riftbound: The League of Legends card game, which sold out its first print run and is being resold at inflated prices. Riftbound features a 40-card deck centered around a single Champion and incorporates unique gameplay mechanics. It is designed for both casual and competitive play, with straightforward mechanics and flexible formats. Riot's previous success in tabletop gaming supports their credibility in this venture, and Riftbound may develop a dedicated community even if it doesn't achieve mainstream success.
How does Warhammer 40,000's first edition hold up today?
AppWizard
October 16, 2025

How does Warhammer 40,000’s first edition hold up today?

In 1992, Games Workshop underwent a management buyout supported by a private equity firm, resulting in significant debt that influenced the company's future. The company's focus shifted towards monetizing its products, impacting young players' ability to build armies. Prior to this change, Warhammer 40,000 was known for its whimsical warbands and less stringent model expectations, fostering creativity among players. The first edition of Warhammer 40,000 was complex and challenging for newcomers. Necromunda emerged as a contrasting game, emphasizing small-scale skirmishes and character development. Games Workshop's evolution reflects the balance between creativity, community, and commerce in tabletop gaming.
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