Ben Newbon
@bennewbon.itch.io
Creator of silly rules-lite TTRPGs, actual player and host of the Cybertopia actual play podcast.
Videogames analyst currently looking for work
https://bennewbon.itch.io
https://anchor.fm/cybertopiaap
https://youtube.com/@ben_newbon/videos
Say no to genAI
Videogames analyst currently looking for work
https://bennewbon.itch.io
https://anchor.fm/cybertopiaap
https://youtube.com/@ben_newbon/videos
Say no to genAI
Pinned
Ben Newbon
@bennewbon.itch.io
· Sep 2
Overgrown 2e is now available to purchase (or update to if you already owned it!)
bennewbon.itch.io/overgrown/de...
bennewbon.itch.io/overgrown/de...
Absolutely nowhere near ready to start sorting out my next show recording (not even written the game yet!) but my brain won't stop jumping ahead to things like casting and logistics and stuff. I'm too excited to be only at this stage of the project!
January 1, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Absolutely nowhere near ready to start sorting out my next show recording (not even written the game yet!) but my brain won't stop jumping ahead to things like casting and logistics and stuff. I'm too excited to be only at this stage of the project!
New Year, new Ben Newbon, new job, new games... Let's go!
January 1, 2026 at 10:57 AM
New Year, new Ben Newbon, new job, new games... Let's go!
An epistolary madlibs game where you address a postcard to "who so ever finds this and feels compelled to keep it going". Write one line of a story and send that line to a specified email/website.
I need everyone to make a shitpost game that fits into at most 3 posts on here before the end of the year otherwise thr sun will not rise again
Not enough shitpost games though
December 31, 2025 at 7:09 PM
An epistolary madlibs game where you address a postcard to "who so ever finds this and feels compelled to keep it going". Write one line of a story and send that line to a specified email/website.
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Oh yeah, and another bonus round: I'm a huge fan of @bennewbon.itch.io 's Cybertopia and Overgrown games & have devised a couple of hacks/games using the same core system.
I'd love to run oneshots of Ben's games or my own versions if there's people who want to do those.
bennewbon.itch.io
I'd love to run oneshots of Ben's games or my own versions if there's people who want to do those.
bennewbon.itch.io
Ben Newbon
bennewbon.itch.io
December 31, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Oh yeah, and another bonus round: I'm a huge fan of @bennewbon.itch.io 's Cybertopia and Overgrown games & have devised a couple of hacks/games using the same core system.
I'd love to run oneshots of Ben's games or my own versions if there's people who want to do those.
bennewbon.itch.io
I'd love to run oneshots of Ben's games or my own versions if there's people who want to do those.
bennewbon.itch.io
Ppl have forgotten the point of placeholders, whether art or text - they are supposed to be noticeably wrong. If they even look vaguely right (which is really the best you can hope for from genAI!), you are going to miss that they need replacing!
Lost count of how many tabletop game drafts we get with forgotten AI placeholders. The errors are now so baked-in that starting over is ''faster'' than fixing them.
a man in a black shirt is making a funny face while pointing at something with his fingers .
Alt: a man in a black shirt is making a funny face while pointing at something with his fingers .
media.tenor.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Ppl have forgotten the point of placeholders, whether art or text - they are supposed to be noticeably wrong. If they even look vaguely right (which is really the best you can hope for from genAI!), you are going to miss that they need replacing!
In the latest episode of Cybertopia, it's time to settle down in a cave of wonders (broken machines) and get cozy with our little buddies Clarity (@kobanya.bsky.social) and Whisper, their very much juvenated drone! open.spotify.com/episode/1XLg...
2.29 Where Does All This Confetti Keep Coming From!?
open.spotify.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:24 PM
In the latest episode of Cybertopia, it's time to settle down in a cave of wonders (broken machines) and get cozy with our little buddies Clarity (@kobanya.bsky.social) and Whisper, their very much juvenated drone! open.spotify.com/episode/1XLg...
Reposted by Ben Newbon
I'm looking for a small OSR dungeon (maybe one-page) with an elven mural activated with elf or faery blood, orcs (I'm almost sure "orcs" was in the title) and the specific detail I remember is a funerary room with ash‑filled jars, and there was treasure in one if you went through these ashes.
#osr
#osr
December 30, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I'm looking for a small OSR dungeon (maybe one-page) with an elven mural activated with elf or faery blood, orcs (I'm almost sure "orcs" was in the title) and the specific detail I remember is a funerary room with ash‑filled jars, and there was treasure in one if you went through these ashes.
#osr
#osr
Someone bought my son a really cool Analog alarm clock for Christmas, with the classic dinging bells on top and everything... Except it ticks like super loud. How are ppl still making Analog clocks that tick in this day and age!? Surely this is a solved problem by now!?
a red alarm clock with two bells on a white background shows the time as 10:09 .
Alt: a red alarm clock with two bells on a white background shows the time as 10:09 and jumps around
media.tenor.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Someone bought my son a really cool Analog alarm clock for Christmas, with the classic dinging bells on top and everything... Except it ticks like super loud. How are ppl still making Analog clocks that tick in this day and age!? Surely this is a solved problem by now!?
I think the surest sign of growing up is learning to hate airports...
Used to love them into my late 20s but now, even in the absolute best of circumstances, they're at most tolerable necessities to travel.
Used to love them into my late 20s but now, even in the absolute best of circumstances, they're at most tolerable necessities to travel.
December 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I think the surest sign of growing up is learning to hate airports...
Used to love them into my late 20s but now, even in the absolute best of circumstances, they're at most tolerable necessities to travel.
Used to love them into my late 20s but now, even in the absolute best of circumstances, they're at most tolerable necessities to travel.
Should probably do some sort of new year new pinned post thing over the next few days...
Now to think of what I want to put in it 🤔
Now to think of what I want to put in it 🤔
December 27, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Should probably do some sort of new year new pinned post thing over the next few days...
Now to think of what I want to put in it 🤔
Now to think of what I want to put in it 🤔
Bought a new cardigan because it turns out our winter sun destination isn't as warm as expected. Realising that I might have been subliminally influenced in my choice by my kids as my daughter points out it's the same colour as Sonic!
December 24, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Bought a new cardigan because it turns out our winter sun destination isn't as warm as expected. Realising that I might have been subliminally influenced in my choice by my kids as my daughter points out it's the same colour as Sonic!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
I'm looking to talk to an artist or two who are interested in visual novels, dating sims, and might consider a long-term project. Any recommendations?
Still in the exploring phase for building something. Reposts or tags appreciated.
Still in the exploring phase for building something. Reposts or tags appreciated.
December 24, 2025 at 6:03 AM
I'm looking to talk to an artist or two who are interested in visual novels, dating sims, and might consider a long-term project. Any recommendations?
Still in the exploring phase for building something. Reposts or tags appreciated.
Still in the exploring phase for building something. Reposts or tags appreciated.
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Just want to put out feelers for a TTRPG writer/dev or two who would be interested in collaborating on a pulpy scifi/fantasy project in 2026 with myself and another artist/writer. Ideally someone who'd fuck with "Frank Frazetta but queer" as an aesthetic. Would love 2 chat if this sounds interesting
December 24, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Just want to put out feelers for a TTRPG writer/dev or two who would be interested in collaborating on a pulpy scifi/fantasy project in 2026 with myself and another artist/writer. Ideally someone who'd fuck with "Frank Frazetta but queer" as an aesthetic. Would love 2 chat if this sounds interesting
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Your reminder to give the gift of five star ratings!
Enjoyed a game by a small creator this year? Head to the itch page, rate them five stars, maybe drop a short review and you'll have made someone's day sparkle 💖✨
Enjoyed a game by a small creator this year? Head to the itch page, rate them five stars, maybe drop a short review and you'll have made someone's day sparkle 💖✨
December 24, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Your reminder to give the gift of five star ratings!
Enjoyed a game by a small creator this year? Head to the itch page, rate them five stars, maybe drop a short review and you'll have made someone's day sparkle 💖✨
Enjoyed a game by a small creator this year? Head to the itch page, rate them five stars, maybe drop a short review and you'll have made someone's day sparkle 💖✨
Okay, so I've been ruminating on this the last few days and think I've got a framework starting to form:
A 4 player GMless co-op/PvP style game of political intrigue, alliances, backstabbing and making a name for yourself...
A 4 player GMless co-op/PvP style game of political intrigue, alliances, backstabbing and making a name for yourself...
Oh, like Hearts, Spades, Bridge. I see the way you play hands as very much political posturing. I don't know if there are TTRPGs built on a trick-taking engine?
December 23, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Okay, so I've been ruminating on this the last few days and think I've got a framework starting to form:
A 4 player GMless co-op/PvP style game of political intrigue, alliances, backstabbing and making a name for yourself...
A 4 player GMless co-op/PvP style game of political intrigue, alliances, backstabbing and making a name for yourself...
Uh so did something break with .itchy.io handles or something?
December 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Uh so did something break with .itchy.io handles or something?
Reposted by Ben Newbon
I'm once again hunting artists 🔍 BAME and BIMPOC only please this time, for paid work!
@hatchlingdm.itch.io and I are looking for those interested in drawing dragons, high-fantasy mechs, and nature vs. technology for our Daggerheart compatible sourcebook based on 'Dragon Dowser', the solo game!
@hatchlingdm.itch.io and I are looking for those interested in drawing dragons, high-fantasy mechs, and nature vs. technology for our Daggerheart compatible sourcebook based on 'Dragon Dowser', the solo game!
December 19, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I'm once again hunting artists 🔍 BAME and BIMPOC only please this time, for paid work!
@hatchlingdm.itch.io and I are looking for those interested in drawing dragons, high-fantasy mechs, and nature vs. technology for our Daggerheart compatible sourcebook based on 'Dragon Dowser', the solo game!
@hatchlingdm.itch.io and I are looking for those interested in drawing dragons, high-fantasy mechs, and nature vs. technology for our Daggerheart compatible sourcebook based on 'Dragon Dowser', the solo game!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
1 MORE DAY for Horror for Two, an intimate horror series playing horror ttrpgs designed for one-shots with less than 3 people.
Applications due TOMORROW, Dec 20th OR 4 more applications since we've hit a record!!
Thank you and excited for this~
Applications due TOMORROW, Dec 20th OR 4 more applications since we've hit a record!!
Thank you and excited for this~
Horror For Two : A Intimate Horror Casting Call
Othersider Studios is currently looking for people for our potential ongoing series, Horror For Two, which will take indie horror games designed to be played in one session with anywhere from 2 to 3 players at the most. Each game will have elements of horror or the supernatural in it, anywhere from slashers, zombie apocalypses, isolated witches, wandering ghosts, and more.
These sessions will be pre-recorded and will appear on Othersider Studios' Twitch & Youtube Channels and will be run by OR produced by Ambrose (any/all).
We will have a session 0 that may be recorded for Patreon content (up to participates comfort). During the session 0, the following will be discussed: tabletop safety, house rules and etiquette, game mechanics, and character creation.
Deadline for submission: December 20th 2025
Recording Schedule: December 2025 - April 2026
docs.google.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:44 PM
1 MORE DAY for Horror for Two, an intimate horror series playing horror ttrpgs designed for one-shots with less than 3 people.
Applications due TOMORROW, Dec 20th OR 4 more applications since we've hit a record!!
Thank you and excited for this~
Applications due TOMORROW, Dec 20th OR 4 more applications since we've hit a record!!
Thank you and excited for this~
Reposted by Ben Newbon
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
thisweekinvideogames.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:06 PM
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
For some reason the last couple of days I've woken up with t.A.T.u's All The Things She Said stuck in my head... it's so weird, I've not heard that song in like a decade or more!
t.A.T.u. - All The Things She Said (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by tATuVEVO
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 11:53 AM
For some reason the last couple of days I've woken up with t.A.T.u's All The Things She Said stuck in my head... it's so weird, I've not heard that song in like a decade or more!
Okay, so yesterday I asked about TTRPGs where players run a government/city/country or something. I got some excellent suggestions that I've been looking into...
Today I'm developing that a bit further and asking for games where players kinda do political posturing with/against/between each other?
Today I'm developing that a bit further and asking for games where players kinda do political posturing with/against/between each other?
December 17, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Okay, so yesterday I asked about TTRPGs where players run a government/city/country or something. I got some excellent suggestions that I've been looking into...
Today I'm developing that a bit further and asking for games where players kinda do political posturing with/against/between each other?
Today I'm developing that a bit further and asking for games where players kinda do political posturing with/against/between each other?
Having a small argument with someone commenting on my LinkedIn post about being put off by companies who use AI for recruitment interviews and he effectively says "Your loss", completely missing my point that actually no, it's THEIR loss. They are missing out on ME! I don't wanna work with AI shills
December 17, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Having a small argument with someone commenting on my LinkedIn post about being put off by companies who use AI for recruitment interviews and he effectively says "Your loss", completely missing my point that actually no, it's THEIR loss. They are missing out on ME! I don't wanna work with AI shills
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Dear friends💖 Our wonderful @gothhoblin.me is helping me put together a TTRPG game bundle to raise money to pay for my son to sit his GCSE exams - a cost we can't afford on our own. Existing & new games all are welcome! Please help & join if you can / share if you can't 🙏💖
itch.io/jam/path-to-...
itch.io/jam/path-to-...
Path to Education - Mutual Aid TTRPG Bundle
A game jam from 2025-12-17 to 2025-12-31 hosted by gothHoblin. This game jam is collecting TTRPGs and TTRPG-adjacent submissions for a Mutual Aid bundle to help raise funds for Penny Blake , who is cu...
itch.io
December 17, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Dear friends💖 Our wonderful @gothhoblin.me is helping me put together a TTRPG game bundle to raise money to pay for my son to sit his GCSE exams - a cost we can't afford on our own. Existing & new games all are welcome! Please help & join if you can / share if you can't 🙏💖
itch.io/jam/path-to-...
itch.io/jam/path-to-...
Reposted by Ben Newbon
📢 ISO OF LARIAN WORKERS 📢
I HIGHLY doubt everyone at Larian is OK with Gen A/I.
If you work (or worked) for Larian, my DMs are open to you.
I’m a journalist and I’m happy to talk about and/or publish anonymously your thoughts on this.
If so, I’ll do a full piece about this.
🔁 RTs Appreciated! 🔁
I HIGHLY doubt everyone at Larian is OK with Gen A/I.
If you work (or worked) for Larian, my DMs are open to you.
I’m a journalist and I’m happy to talk about and/or publish anonymously your thoughts on this.
If so, I’ll do a full piece about this.
🔁 RTs Appreciated! 🔁
December 16, 2025 at 5:05 PM
📢 ISO OF LARIAN WORKERS 📢
I HIGHLY doubt everyone at Larian is OK with Gen A/I.
If you work (or worked) for Larian, my DMs are open to you.
I’m a journalist and I’m happy to talk about and/or publish anonymously your thoughts on this.
If so, I’ll do a full piece about this.
🔁 RTs Appreciated! 🔁
I HIGHLY doubt everyone at Larian is OK with Gen A/I.
If you work (or worked) for Larian, my DMs are open to you.
I’m a journalist and I’m happy to talk about and/or publish anonymously your thoughts on this.
If so, I’ll do a full piece about this.
🔁 RTs Appreciated! 🔁
New Cybertopia ep out today!
Frankie drives off in a stolen cyber-pickup truck and wanders the streets of Paradigm City for a while, hungry, tired and alone, until a recently acquired new friend fixes all those problems at once!
open.spotify.com/episode/2LRw...
Frankie drives off in a stolen cyber-pickup truck and wanders the streets of Paradigm City for a while, hungry, tired and alone, until a recently acquired new friend fixes all those problems at once!
open.spotify.com/episode/2LRw...
2.28 The Path of Radical Freedom
open.spotify.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
New Cybertopia ep out today!
Frankie drives off in a stolen cyber-pickup truck and wanders the streets of Paradigm City for a while, hungry, tired and alone, until a recently acquired new friend fixes all those problems at once!
open.spotify.com/episode/2LRw...
Frankie drives off in a stolen cyber-pickup truck and wanders the streets of Paradigm City for a while, hungry, tired and alone, until a recently acquired new friend fixes all those problems at once!
open.spotify.com/episode/2LRw...