Rascal News
@rascal.news
Independent, Worker-Owned TTRPG Journalism | Subscribe to us at rascal.news
And we also interviewed the designs trying to understand why they designed it.
www.rascal.news/why-does-the...
www.rascal.news/why-does-the...
Why does the January 6 wargame even exist?
A conversation with the creators of Fight for America! about art, politics, and player safety.
www.rascal.news
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
And we also interviewed the designs trying to understand why they designed it.
www.rascal.news/why-does-the...
www.rascal.news/why-does-the...
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In February last year, we reported on a troubling new war game based on the Jan 6th insurrection.
www.rascal.news/red-hats-red...
In February last year, we reported on a troubling new war game based on the Jan 6th insurrection.
www.rascal.news/red-hats-red...
Red hats, red blood: roleplaying the January 6 insurrection in a Brooklyn warehouse
What about America is worth fighting for?
www.rascal.news
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In February last year, we reported on a troubling new war game based on the Jan 6th insurrection.
www.rascal.news/red-hats-red...
In February last year, we reported on a troubling new war game based on the Jan 6th insurrection.
www.rascal.news/red-hats-red...
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In February 2025, we wrote about South Korea's RPG scene and its fight with misogyny.
www.rascal.news/how-rpgs-bec...
In February 2025, we wrote about South Korea's RPG scene and its fight with misogyny.
www.rascal.news/how-rpgs-bec...
How RPGs Became A Haven For Women in South Korea
After a GamerGate-like incident in 2016, the industry doubled-down on inclusivity.
www.rascal.news
February 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In February 2025, we wrote about South Korea's RPG scene and its fight with misogyny.
www.rascal.news/how-rpgs-bec...
In February 2025, we wrote about South Korea's RPG scene and its fight with misogyny.
www.rascal.news/how-rpgs-bec...
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled as a gift from our subscribers.
In January 2025, to mark the release of the Realis ashcan, we spoke to Austin Walker about the game.
Part 1: www.rascal.news/austin-walke...
Part 2: www.rascal.news/realis-ditch...
In January 2025, to mark the release of the Realis ashcan, we spoke to Austin Walker about the game.
Part 1: www.rascal.news/austin-walke...
Part 2: www.rascal.news/realis-ditch...
Austin Walker's Realis finds the magic in language
When I design a tabletop RPG, I always synthesize Berserk and sentence diagrams.
www.rascal.news
February 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled as a gift from our subscribers.
In January 2025, to mark the release of the Realis ashcan, we spoke to Austin Walker about the game.
Part 1: www.rascal.news/austin-walke...
Part 2: www.rascal.news/realis-ditch...
In January 2025, to mark the release of the Realis ashcan, we spoke to Austin Walker about the game.
Part 1: www.rascal.news/austin-walke...
Part 2: www.rascal.news/realis-ditch...
And if you want more, the interview continues with more insightful conversation in part two.
www.rascal.news/a-galaxy-of-...
www.rascal.news/a-galaxy-of-...
A Galaxy of Tactics in Going Rogue
"What is worthy of our sacrifice? When is it more important that we live to fight another day?"
www.rascal.news
February 6, 2026 at 6:03 PM
And if you want more, the interview continues with more insightful conversation in part two.
www.rascal.news/a-galaxy-of-...
www.rascal.news/a-galaxy-of-...
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In May 2025, we spoke to Jess Levine about Going Rogue, Galactic, rebellions, both fictional and real.
Part One: www.rascal.news/the-reality-...
In May 2025, we spoke to Jess Levine about Going Rogue, Galactic, rebellions, both fictional and real.
Part One: www.rascal.news/the-reality-...
The reality of rebellion in Galactic and Going Rogue
The Star Wars-inspired game asks players to be honest with themselves about what revolution actually looks like.
www.rascal.news
February 6, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Our 2026 Pledge Drive continues and so here's more of our work, now un-paywalled forever as a gift from our subscribers.
In May 2025, we spoke to Jess Levine about Going Rogue, Galactic, rebellions, both fictional and real.
Part One: www.rascal.news/the-reality-...
In May 2025, we spoke to Jess Levine about Going Rogue, Galactic, rebellions, both fictional and real.
Part One: www.rascal.news/the-reality-...
One of the year's most interesting games involves forum arguments over the existence of a Junji Ito-themed pinball cabinet.
Mass hallucinate a haunted arcade machine in JUNJI ITO PINBALL
Conspiracy theories, but, like... wholesome.
www.rascal.news
February 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
One of the year's most interesting games involves forum arguments over the existence of a Junji Ito-themed pinball cabinet.
Reposted by Rascal News
"Despite the seemingly macho exterior of hyperviolence, HELLPIERCERS is a game that unapologetically celebrates human dignity."
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
I want to believe in HELLPIERCERS like it believes in me
Does winning matter in a tactics game?
www.rascal.news
February 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM
"Despite the seemingly macho exterior of hyperviolence, HELLPIERCERS is a game that unapologetically celebrates human dignity."
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
"Despite the seemingly macho exterior of hyperviolence, HELLPIERCERS is a game that unapologetically celebrates human dignity."
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
I want to believe in HELLPIERCERS like it believes in me
Does winning matter in a tactics game?
www.rascal.news
February 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM
"Despite the seemingly macho exterior of hyperviolence, HELLPIERCERS is a game that unapologetically celebrates human dignity."
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
Hell will be empty because this aesthetically baroque RPG believe every single soul deserves saving.
Reposted by Rascal News
Two years, phewww. Rascal has been simultaneously extremely fulfilling and incredibly difficult, but I can't imagine spending the last two years of my life any other way.
Spend the month celebrating with us, and help keep the team working for another two years, at least!
Spend the month celebrating with us, and help keep the team working for another two years, at least!
We're turning two years old later this month! Come celebrate with some birthday programming, including a crossword, special podcast episode, and a 20% membership discount during February only.
Rascal invites you to celebrate another anniversary
Welcome to our Terrible Twos >:]
www.rascal.news
February 2, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Two years, phewww. Rascal has been simultaneously extremely fulfilling and incredibly difficult, but I can't imagine spending the last two years of my life any other way.
Spend the month celebrating with us, and help keep the team working for another two years, at least!
Spend the month celebrating with us, and help keep the team working for another two years, at least!
Reposted by Rascal News
Oh, baby! The TTRPG press just unlocked a new class ability
Play a (mostly) RPG-themed crossword developed by our own @newmadras.bsky.social as a special anniversary month treat!
Rascal Crossword #1: Retro Reviews
We heard you liked games.
www.rascal.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Oh, baby! The TTRPG press just unlocked a new class ability
This is part of our 2nd anniverary celebration, which will feature some special programming sprinkled throughout the month. Want to support us? Become a member at 20% off six months here:
www.rascal.news/2rasc2curious
www.rascal.news/2rasc2curious
Rascal News
Rascal is a tabletop roleplaying game and culture outlet striving to sustainably publish voicey journalism that is compelling, deeply-reported, and fearlessly honest. We’re also a little cheeky
www.rascal.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:10 PM
This is part of our 2nd anniverary celebration, which will feature some special programming sprinkled throughout the month. Want to support us? Become a member at 20% off six months here:
www.rascal.news/2rasc2curious
www.rascal.news/2rasc2curious
Play a (mostly) RPG-themed crossword developed by our own @newmadras.bsky.social as a special anniversary month treat!
Rascal Crossword #1: Retro Reviews
We heard you liked games.
www.rascal.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Play a (mostly) RPG-themed crossword developed by our own @newmadras.bsky.social as a special anniversary month treat!
This week's episode of the Rascal Radio Hour podcast is a longer, more casual discussion of the recent Yazeba's Bed & Breakfast article, including questions and criticisms sent in by readers.
A Postage Stamp Is Not A Paywall
Imagine a headline so sexy you can't help but click it.
www.rascal.news
February 4, 2026 at 3:17 PM
This week's episode of the Rascal Radio Hour podcast is a longer, more casual discussion of the recent Yazeba's Bed & Breakfast article, including questions and criticisms sent in by readers.
Exile's crying-based economy is just one element that marks the "feelings-based RPG" as unique. Designer @ema-acosta.com puts her whole heart into our gauntlet of questions in the latest Rascal 7.
Exile wants you to share your teenage angst amidst monster fighting
Designer Ema Acosta lays bare her feelings on one of two new games.
www.rascal.news
February 3, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Exile's crying-based economy is just one element that marks the "feelings-based RPG" as unique. Designer @ema-acosta.com puts her whole heart into our gauntlet of questions in the latest Rascal 7.
We're turning two years old later this month! Come celebrate with some birthday programming, including a crossword, special podcast episode, and a 20% membership discount during February only.
Rascal invites you to celebrate another anniversary
Welcome to our Terrible Twos >:]
www.rascal.news
February 2, 2026 at 3:15 PM
We're turning two years old later this month! Come celebrate with some birthday programming, including a crossword, special podcast episode, and a 20% membership discount during February only.
"I have always been fascinated with weird places and things that hide in the woods."
Fomoria designer @thebreadwyrm.bsky.social tells Rascal about her nightmarish, occult world and what it's like working with MÖRK BORG creator Johan Nohr.
Fomoria designer @thebreadwyrm.bsky.social tells Rascal about her nightmarish, occult world and what it's like working with MÖRK BORG creator Johan Nohr.
Fomoria’s folk horror is a little bit MÖRK BORG and a little bit freaky
Sink deeper into the void alongside your occult friends.
www.rascal.news
January 30, 2026 at 3:40 PM
"I have always been fascinated with weird places and things that hide in the woods."
Fomoria designer @thebreadwyrm.bsky.social tells Rascal about her nightmarish, occult world and what it's like working with MÖRK BORG creator Johan Nohr.
Fomoria designer @thebreadwyrm.bsky.social tells Rascal about her nightmarish, occult world and what it's like working with MÖRK BORG creator Johan Nohr.
"We've seen the way other companies treat their communities in order to extract profit from them. I'm just so proud that I can work for an organization that doesn't have to resort to that.”
Three members of the nonprofit behind Netrunner talk about balancing growth against an anti-corporate stance.
Three members of the nonprofit behind Netrunner talk about balancing growth against an anti-corporate stance.
Null Signal Games is keeping corporations fictional
The volunteer nonprofit behind Netrunner is growing, and growing up, on its own terms.
www.rascal.news
January 29, 2026 at 3:09 PM
"We've seen the way other companies treat their communities in order to extract profit from them. I'm just so proud that I can work for an organization that doesn't have to resort to that.”
Three members of the nonprofit behind Netrunner talk about balancing growth against an anti-corporate stance.
Three members of the nonprofit behind Netrunner talk about balancing growth against an anti-corporate stance.
"Sometimes, what matters is the rain that's falling on your helmet just before battle ... and dripping into the puddle next. So, why not roll for that?”
Rascal spoke with @epidiah.bsky.social about the glum/jovial dual nature of pulp fantasy and the new edition of Swords Without Master.
Rascal spoke with @epidiah.bsky.social about the glum/jovial dual nature of pulp fantasy and the new edition of Swords Without Master.
Swords without Master enters a whole new phase
The beloved sword and sorcery game feels as original as the day it released.
www.rascal.news
January 28, 2026 at 3:08 PM
"Sometimes, what matters is the rain that's falling on your helmet just before battle ... and dripping into the puddle next. So, why not roll for that?”
Rascal spoke with @epidiah.bsky.social about the glum/jovial dual nature of pulp fantasy and the new edition of Swords Without Master.
Rascal spoke with @epidiah.bsky.social about the glum/jovial dual nature of pulp fantasy and the new edition of Swords Without Master.
How does tabletop journalism differ from its video game cousin? And where do they align? @crapstacular.bsky.social reflects on their leap into an analog industry and wonders why we use so many acronyms.
How does tabletop journalism function today?
Khee Hoon asks a gazillion questions about their job and the industry.
www.rascal.news
January 26, 2026 at 3:20 PM
How does tabletop journalism differ from its video game cousin? And where do they align? @crapstacular.bsky.social reflects on their leap into an analog industry and wonders why we use so many acronyms.
RRC will live in the same feed as Rascal Radio Hour, so if you're already subscribed then Thomas' new venture will be delivered directly to you.
New listeners can find us on all the usual suspects:
pod.link/1777612676?r...
New listeners can find us on all the usual suspects:
pod.link/1777612676?r...
pod.link
January 23, 2026 at 3:13 PM
RRC will live in the same feed as Rascal Radio Hour, so if you're already subscribed then Thomas' new venture will be delivered directly to you.
New listeners can find us on all the usual suspects:
pod.link/1777612676?r...
New listeners can find us on all the usual suspects:
pod.link/1777612676?r...
Announcing a new podcast: Rascal Reading Club! Join @newmadras.bsky.social as he analyzes RPG texts in an inviting, conversational framework.
First up: the Warden's Operations Manual for @mothership.bsky.social.
First up: the Warden's Operations Manual for @mothership.bsky.social.
We just launched a new podcast
And we yearn for your responses.
www.rascal.news
January 23, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Announcing a new podcast: Rascal Reading Club! Join @newmadras.bsky.social as he analyzes RPG texts in an inviting, conversational framework.
First up: the Warden's Operations Manual for @mothership.bsky.social.
First up: the Warden's Operations Manual for @mothership.bsky.social.
Why We Fight's designer believes RPGs can teach players how to put their politics into direct, radical action, even if the steps between tables and communities aren't so clear.
Why We Fight sees a connection between dice and direct action
Play as praxis boasts one ardent defender.
www.rascal.news
January 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Why We Fight's designer believes RPGs can teach players how to put their politics into direct, radical action, even if the steps between tables and communities aren't so clear.
CROSSPOST: @ripefly.bsky.social digs into some of the many tabletop RPG influences on Cyberpunk 2077, from Mike Pondsmith's original 1988 work and Mekton, to a litany of '80s literature and beyond.
Read the whole ongoing series over at @rogue.site!
Read the whole ongoing series over at @rogue.site!
Cyberpunk 2025: My heart is alloy // I live in boxes
Part 2: Hardwired by Walter Jon Williams
www.rascal.news
January 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
CROSSPOST: @ripefly.bsky.social digs into some of the many tabletop RPG influences on Cyberpunk 2077, from Mike Pondsmith's original 1988 work and Mekton, to a litany of '80s literature and beyond.
Read the whole ongoing series over at @rogue.site!
Read the whole ongoing series over at @rogue.site!
Infinite Revolution: Overdrive designer, @gwencie.bsky.social, is the first subject to enter a new gauntlet, er-- recurring series: The Rascal 7.
Seven extremely serious, hard-nosed inquiries meant to drill down to the core of a game. This time: mecha, magical girls, and the guts of dead designs.
Seven extremely serious, hard-nosed inquiries meant to drill down to the core of a game. This time: mecha, magical girls, and the guts of dead designs.
Infinite Revolution: Overdrive is where mecha meets magical girl
Designer Gwen C answers our new ultra-serious questionnaire.
www.rascal.news
January 20, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Infinite Revolution: Overdrive designer, @gwencie.bsky.social, is the first subject to enter a new gauntlet, er-- recurring series: The Rascal 7.
Seven extremely serious, hard-nosed inquiries meant to drill down to the core of a game. This time: mecha, magical girls, and the guts of dead designs.
Seven extremely serious, hard-nosed inquiries meant to drill down to the core of a game. This time: mecha, magical girls, and the guts of dead designs.