As part of the acquisition, game designer Alessio Cavatore will join Mantic Games. Cavatore has previously collaborated with both companies on several projects, and his expertise in game design is expected to contribute significantly to future product developments.

The acquisition follows a history of cooperative ventures between Mantic Games and Cavatore, including titles like Kings of War, Warpath, Loka, Umbrella Academy, Worms, and the forthcoming Epic Warpath. This new arrangement promises to foster further innovation and the development of high-quality gaming experiences.

To celebrate this significant development, Mantic Games has also announced their first new project together—a special collection marking the 40th Anniversary of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. This collection is scheduled for launch on Gamefound this summer and will feature new miniatures and game content that pay tribute to the movie’s rich storytelling and magical world.

Fans of Mantic Games and River Horse are encouraged to follow the campaign page for updates on this project and more news from the “Summer of Sci-Fi” series.

“Mutant Year Zero: Zone Wars” aims to offer a fast-paced gameplay experience, emphasizing tactical battles intertwined with a narrative that evolves with each session. Players lead groups of mutants, animals, and robots in a quest to transform a Rot-infested wasteland into a new land of opportunity. They face challenges including scavenging for artifacts and confronting new, formidable enemies.

The core set of the game includes ten 32 mm miniatures split between two factions: the Ark Mutants and the Genlab Tribe. The Ark Mutants are human mutants on a quest to find their origins, while the Genlab Tribe comprises intelligent animal mutants who have recently gained freedom. The set also features 83 playing cards, 105 tokens, 10 custom dice, a 36″ x 36″ game mat, three full sheets of cardboard terrain, a measuring ruler, and a rulebook that includes rules for character generation, solo play, and campaign scenarios.

Additionally, Free League Publishing has released the “Robots & Psionics” expansion alongside the core game. This expansion introduces ten new miniatures—five each from the Mechatron Hive, a group of newly self-aware robots, and the Nova Cult, a secretive group of human mutants with psionic powers. The expansion adds new playing cards, tokens, dice, and terrain, along with a scenario booklet that outlines five new gameplay scenarios.

Both the core game and its expansion come with miniatures that are pre-assembled and pre-painted, designed to be used directly out of the box, facilitating immediate gameplay.

“Mutant Year Zero: Zone Wars” is compatible with the Mutant: Year Zero roleplaying game, allowing players to incorporate characters and scenarios from the tabletop RPG into the skirmish game.

The game and its expansion are now available for purchase through the Free League webshop and will soon be available at global retailers.

Anarchy at the Arena introduces several new gameplay features. Dead Wizard tokens ensure that no player is eliminated, allowing everyone to stay in the game even after suffering setbacks. Applause tokens and Rally cards add new strategic elements, enabling players to rally the crowd and unleash powerful spell effects. Champion cards bring in old-time Wizard Champions, providing opportunities for creating impressive spell combinations and dealing significant damage.

This game is designed to be both a standalone experience and compatible with previous games in the Epic Spell Wars series. It includes over 150 new cards, eight oversized Wizards, and a signature standee. Each card and character has been crafted to enhance the overall gameplay, ensuring that every session is filled with excitement and strategic depth.

Preorders are now open for Epic Spell Wars: Anarchy at the Arena, with the game officially releasing in August.

For the past two decades, the Iron Kingdoms titles, especially Warmachine, have been popular among players and hobbyists for their rich lore and immersive gameplay. Moving forward, Steamforged and Privateer Press will work together on the design and development of these lines.

Steamforged is positioned to further develop Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Steamforged has experienced continuous growth, with trading revenue increasing by 50% each year for the past three years.

“This project is a perfect, logical fit for us. Almost every aspect of Steamforged’s history can be traced back to Warmachine in some way or another,” said Rich Loxam, CEO and Founder of Steamforged. “Both Mat Hart and I are Warmachine players, and Warmachine was actually a key inspiration for us creating Guild Ball. We are excited to bring our experience and infrastructure to take Warmachine into its next era.”

Mat Hart, CCO and Founder of Steamforged, added: “There’s a real wealth of creative talent and passion for tabletop gaming in our team. We all share a special love for Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms. Our expertise in creating beloved games makes us well-suited to collaborate with Privateer Press in shaping the future of this important franchise. We look forward to what’s to come for the players in this world.”

Matt Wilson, CCO and Founder of Privateer Press, stated: “We couldn’t have asked for better custodians than Steamforged. Their track record, history with the games, and genuine excitement about the future make them the perfect fit to lead Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms into the future. We look forward to working with Steamforged in the years to come.”

As the games transition to their new home under the Steamforged banner, there will be a period of adjustment as the range moves from the Privateer Press website to Steamforged’s platform. For the latest updates, enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for the Steamforged newsletter, join their Discord, and follow them on social media.

In this new chapter, Steamforged and Privateer Press are committed to making the gaming experience better than ever, with joint efforts in design and development. Steamforged’s 10-year track record of creating, developing, and delivering large-scale games is set to support Warmachine’s growth.

For those interested in staying informed, the Steamforged community channels, including a dedicated Iron Kingdoms section on Discord, will provide the latest news and updates. Additionally, Steamforged will manage the Warmachine Facebook group, ensuring continuous updates for the community.

As orders transition to the Steamforged website, the focus will initially be on Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms RPG lines, with more information on Formula P3 Paint, Warcaster, Riot Quest, and other titles to follow. Existing orders placed with Privateer Press will be honored and dispatched as promised.

Steamforged’s plans for Guild Ball and Godtear remain unchanged, with ongoing support and updates for these titles. Warmachine joining the Steamforged family is expected to strengthen the miniature gaming community.

Scheduled Gen Con events for Warmachine and Warcaster will continue as planned. Additionally, the Iron Kingdoms RPG Kickstarter for Strangelight Workshop is set to launch at the end of the month.

Ariadna Faction Receives Tactical Reinforcements

Two new packs will bolster the Ariadna faction. The “Reinforcements: Ariadna Pack Alpha” comprises six miniatures, including characters like the Loup-Garou with a Viral Rifle and a Moblot with Spitfire AP. This pack aims to provide strategic options for players facing challenging scenarios.

The “Reinforcements: Ariadna Pack Beta” features three miniatures, such as the Wardriver Hacker and the Chasseur with Rifle. These figures are intended for specialized operations, expanding the tactical playbook for Ariadna commanders.

New Daemonist Figures for the Nomads Faction

The “Daemonist Observant” release adds two new miniatures to the Nomads faction, enriching the game’s narrative with themes of conflict against the AI entity, ALEPH. The set includes an Observant Daemonist armed with a Vulkan Shotgun and his Guardian, offering new tactical possibilities for players.

ALEPH Enhances Its Forces

ALEPH’s offerings include the “Atalanta, Agêma’s NCO & Spotbot” set, which features a sniper and her assistant robot, enhancing long-range combat capabilities. This set is highlighted as a strategic asset for players requiring precision.

The “ALEPH Steel Phalanx Sectorial Pack” introduces 11 new miniatures, effectively serving as an entry point for newcomers or an expansion for existing players. This set represents the robust and aggressive nature of ALEPH’s Steel Phalanx, aiming to strengthen player armies with diverse unit options.

Additional Reinforcements for Varied Combat Scenarios

The game also introduces the “Warcors, War Correspondents” pack. This unique set features journalists equipped to navigate the battlefield, capturing critical moments while supporting their forces with tactical capabilities like the Flash Pulse. This addition provides an interesting dynamic to any army within the Human Sphere.

Furthermore, the “Reinf. Nightshades, Clandestine Action Unit” expands the O-12 faction’s capabilities. The pack includes a Nightshade miniature with a Boarding Shotgun, depicted as a shadowy figure who can play the role of a hero or a mysterious vigilante. This unit is tailored for players who value stealth and surprise in their tactical array.

The Nightstalkers, depicted as interdimensional entities from a realm known as the Void, have been designed to offer players new tactical options and challenges within the game. The series includes several types of units, each with distinct characteristics and abilities that enhance the gaming experience.

Units in the Nightstalker Series:

• Nightstalker Strike Force: This unit represents the vanguard of the Nightstalker invasion, capable of overwhelming defenses through strategic deployment.
• Nihilitas Void Ray: A flying unit that can summon additional Nightstalker forces directly from the Void, adding a dynamic layer to gameplay.
• Luctus Void Rays: These units function in groups and are designed for swift, aggressive engagements with enemy forces.
• Dread Ravager: A heavily armed unit that combines traditional and organic weaponry, providing a unique challenge for opponents.
• Butcher Squad: Characterized by their brute strength and melee combat skills, these units are effective at breaking through enemy lines.
• Spectre/Scarecrow Squad: These units add a psychological element to the game, designed to unsettle opponents with their eerie appearances.

These miniatures are set to begin shipping on June 17th. Players interested in incorporating the Nightstalkers into their Warpath Universe games can place their orders through the Mantic Games website or selected retailers.

The event’s key revelation was the introduction of Starfinder Second Edition, initially announced at Gen Con 2023. This update aims to align Starfinder more closely with the mechanics of Pathfinder Second Edition. The launch of the Starfinder Playtest Rulebook, expected at Gen Con 2024, will start a comprehensive playtest phase, including content for six classes, ten ancestries, and a variety of new technological and magical options.

On the Pathfinder front, the convention showcased the forthcoming Pathfinder Player Core 2, the final installment in the Core Rulebook series, which integrates extensive player feedback and updates. The Pathfinder War of Immortals rulebook was also announced, setting the stage for a new meta event in the Golarion universe following the death of the god Gorum, which disperses mythic powers across the world.

Additional updates included the Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries, which will explore changes in the divine landscape after the War of Immortals event, and the announcement of Godsrain: A Pathfinder Novel, which follows Pathfinder’s heroes as they face new mythic challenges.

Paizo also revealed Pathfinder Quest, a new cooperative board game set to launch on BackerKit this fall. This dungeon crawler is designed for quick, campaign-style play and is aimed at both new and veteran players.

The convention additionally featured the premiere of the trailer for The Gamers: Dorkness Falls, the concluding installment of The Gamers film series, which follows the protagonists as they navigate their most perilous adventure to date.

The Clone Wars Edition is designed to be accessible to newcomers as it does not require the original game to play. It also offers current players of Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game the option to integrate with the existing game, adding new cards and strategies.

Players can align with either the Galactic Republic or the Separatist Confederacy, starting with specific decks that include characters and units relevant to their factions. The game’s objective is to outstrategize the opponent using a mix of tactics and card interactions.

The game introduces 90 new cards divided equally among Republic, Separatist, and neutral factions. The card mechanics are designed to reflect the strategies and alliances of the Clone Wars era. Republic decks focus on synergy between Jedi and clone troopers, while Separatist decks utilize an “exile” mechanic that allows for strategic card removal and retrieval, affecting gameplay and decision-making.

Neutral cards feature a range of characters and entities, providing versatile strategies and interactions within the game.

This edition maintains the capability to be mixed with cards from the original game, allowing players to customize their decks further and explore different combinations and strategies.

The Clone Wars Edition of Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game is scheduled for release in August, with pre-orders available through various channels, including online retailers and local game stores.

In “Pathfinder Quest,” players assume the roles of various characters, each with customizable ancestries, classes, and skills. The game unfolds across eight of twelve possible adventures, with the outcome of each influenced by player decisions and dice rolls, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough.

The game set includes an Adventure Book that details each potential adventure and a Challenge Book that reveals the outcomes of player decisions. Additionally, the set contains map tiles, custom dice, hundreds of cards, monster pawns, and selected miniatures.

“Pathfinder Quest” will be available for pre-order via a crowdfunding campaign on BackerKit, launching this fall. Interested parties can sign up on the Pre-Launch page to receive updates and news about the game. Early backers will receive a special metal coin as a bonus.

The expansion includes a variety of goblin characters, each designed with unique attributes. The miniatures feature detailed sculpts, enhancing the visual and tactical aspects of gameplay. Players will face strategic challenges posed by different types of goblins such as archers, Luggits, Mawbeasts, and Banggits, who populate the fortress setting of this chapter.

Following the events in the Halls of Dureg, “Glimmer of Greed” tasks players with exploring a fortress in the Dragon Teeth Mountains. The objective is to prevent a goblin leader from seizing a powerful ancient relic. The storyline builds towards an intensive finale, structured to create a cinematic experience.

The expansion builds on the core game with additional gameplay components. These include new exploration cards, enhanced door mechanisms, treasure collections, and trap settings. New gameplay effects such as ‘stunned’, roaming raiders, and an expansive new dungeon area are introduced. A new spell set, the Common Arcana, is also available for spellcasting characters.

“Glimmer of Greed” includes support for a free web tool that offers voice narration, map management, and the ability to track party status and quest progress. This digital enhancement is optional and designed to complement the physical game experience.