Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
@themikeballes.bsky.social
MEX Born and raised. Writer, Game Designer, CON Panelist & Event Organizer for the Latine Lounge. 🇲🇽 TTRPGs Advocate. ENG ESP. He/Him/Él Husband to @Cymorgan.bsky.social #LATAM #RolORollo #LatineLounge #RolEnTuIdioma #TTRPGNoticias
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
reminiscing about playing D&D in spanish with @themikeballes.bsky.social @cymorgan.bsky.social @elventower.bsky.social 🥰i miss jazra
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
reminiscing about playing D&D in spanish with @themikeballes.bsky.social @cymorgan.bsky.social @elventower.bsky.social 🥰i miss jazra
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Just one month away from the release of Making Enemies, my deep dive into creating #TTRPG monsters from the ground up, with system-specific advice for #DnD 5E, #Pathfinder 2E, #Shadowdark, the #CypherSystem and #CallOfCthulhu 7E! On sale Oct. 7—preorder today at spyandowl.com/making... !
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September 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Just one month away from the release of Making Enemies, my deep dive into creating #TTRPG monsters from the ground up, with system-specific advice for #DnD 5E, #Pathfinder 2E, #Shadowdark, the #CypherSystem and #CallOfCthulhu 7E! On sale Oct. 7—preorder today at spyandowl.com/making... !
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Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Dead channel? I beg to differ! Episode 23 takes us to Mexico and I would invite you to go check out all the amazing creators and publishers in the shownotes, because there's a lot! Interviews with @wingedlion.bsky.social, @cymorgan.bsky.social and more! open.spotify.com/show/0z4WwX6...
Episode 23 - Mexico Part 2
open.spotify.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Dead channel? I beg to differ! Episode 23 takes us to Mexico and I would invite you to go check out all the amazing creators and publishers in the shownotes, because there's a lot! Interviews with @wingedlion.bsky.social, @cymorgan.bsky.social and more! open.spotify.com/show/0z4WwX6...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
From "Baahubali - The Eternal War - Part 1" (Indian movie, 2027).
Co-produced with French animation studio Alcyde, and several "Arcane" artists.
Directed by Ishan Shukla ("Star Wars Visions" S2, "Schirkoa" Indian-French movie...).
Full trailer >> www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdUP...
Co-produced with French animation studio Alcyde, and several "Arcane" artists.
Directed by Ishan Shukla ("Star Wars Visions" S2, "Schirkoa" Indian-French movie...).
Full trailer >> www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdUP...
November 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
From "Baahubali - The Eternal War - Part 1" (Indian movie, 2027).
Co-produced with French animation studio Alcyde, and several "Arcane" artists.
Directed by Ishan Shukla ("Star Wars Visions" S2, "Schirkoa" Indian-French movie...).
Full trailer >> www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdUP...
Co-produced with French animation studio Alcyde, and several "Arcane" artists.
Directed by Ishan Shukla ("Star Wars Visions" S2, "Schirkoa" Indian-French movie...).
Full trailer >> www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdUP...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Reminder this is happening tomorrow!
Bring your games to the Yuri Salon AKA Playtest Zero! For our US-friendly session, join us next Thursday, 6 November from 6 pm (PT) / 9 pm (ET) to late over at the Session Zero Discord server to do some 1-hour playtests of TTRPGs/game bits and chat with other designers! (Image unrelated)
November 6, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Reminder this is happening tomorrow!
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
It wasn't deep. It didn't have much to say. But Xiao Xiao inspired millions to try Flash animation for themselves.
A Beijing artist made this series -- and turned stick fights into a phenomenon. We're exploring why and how he did it:
animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-stick...
A Beijing artist made this series -- and turned stick fights into a phenomenon. We're exploring why and how he did it:
animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-stick...
November 3, 2025 at 7:27 PM
It wasn't deep. It didn't have much to say. But Xiao Xiao inspired millions to try Flash animation for themselves.
A Beijing artist made this series -- and turned stick fights into a phenomenon. We're exploring why and how he did it:
animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-stick...
A Beijing artist made this series -- and turned stick fights into a phenomenon. We're exploring why and how he did it:
animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-stick...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
The world often feels like it isn't made for freelancers who aren't in a pairing. Paying taxes on my own, healthcare on my own, tabling and traveling on my own, not having any of those burdens shared can make life much more expensive. I'm doing well, but well means paying more for everything!
November 1, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The world often feels like it isn't made for freelancers who aren't in a pairing. Paying taxes on my own, healthcare on my own, tabling and traveling on my own, not having any of those burdens shared can make life much more expensive. I'm doing well, but well means paying more for everything!
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
When people hear that I'm returning to part time work they often ask "are things not going well with your art?"
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
November 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
When people hear that I'm returning to part time work they often ask "are things not going well with your art?"
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Many full time creatives have “invisible safety nets” like bread-winning partners, trust funds, external support, etc. No shame on anyone, but it creates a false vision of success. The cost of going to cons alone on top of hoping to eat as a freelancer are untenable, IMO.
When people hear that I'm returning to part time work they often ask "are things not going well with your art?"
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
November 1, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Many full time creatives have “invisible safety nets” like bread-winning partners, trust funds, external support, etc. No shame on anyone, but it creates a false vision of success. The cost of going to cons alone on top of hoping to eat as a freelancer are untenable, IMO.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
I’ve been working as a full time contractor while juggling comics since 2018.
Even with publisher royalties, TV options, Kickstarter takings and comic cons, I’ve made enough to chuck a little into my savings but that’s it.
If this was my actual job I’d have starved to death years ago.
Even with publisher royalties, TV options, Kickstarter takings and comic cons, I’ve made enough to chuck a little into my savings but that’s it.
If this was my actual job I’d have starved to death years ago.
Many full time creatives have “invisible safety nets” like bread-winning partners, trust funds, external support, etc. No shame on anyone, but it creates a false vision of success. The cost of going to cons alone on top of hoping to eat as a freelancer are untenable, IMO.
When people hear that I'm returning to part time work they often ask "are things not going well with your art?"
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
The problem really is things are going well, but the world is so unstable that I long for some consistency and income that I don't have to pay quarterly taxes on
November 3, 2025 at 7:31 AM
I’ve been working as a full time contractor while juggling comics since 2018.
Even with publisher royalties, TV options, Kickstarter takings and comic cons, I’ve made enough to chuck a little into my savings but that’s it.
If this was my actual job I’d have starved to death years ago.
Even with publisher royalties, TV options, Kickstarter takings and comic cons, I’ve made enough to chuck a little into my savings but that’s it.
If this was my actual job I’d have starved to death years ago.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Ithaca in the Cards: Second Expedition is a storygame about doomed travelers on a perilous journey home. It's inspired by The Odyssey, and blackjack, and it's about how you deal with loss and the vagaries of fate as you desperately reach for home.
October 15, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Ithaca in the Cards: Second Expedition is a storygame about doomed travelers on a perilous journey home. It's inspired by The Odyssey, and blackjack, and it's about how you deal with loss and the vagaries of fate as you desperately reach for home.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
ルールはライト。アートはヘヴィ。そしてすべてが破滅的。あのカルト的人気を誇るTRPG『MÖRK BORG（ムルク・ボリィ）』日本語版制作のためのクラウドファンディングが始動！
本日20:00(JST)からだ！
The Kickstarter campaign for the Japanese edition of MÖRK BORG launches today at 20:00 (JST)!!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/104...
本日20:00(JST)からだ！
The Kickstarter campaign for the Japanese edition of MÖRK BORG launches today at 20:00 (JST)!!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/104...
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 AM
ルールはライト。アートはヘヴィ。そしてすべてが破滅的。あのカルト的人気を誇るTRPG『MÖRK BORG（ムルク・ボリィ）』日本語版制作のためのクラウドファンディングが始動！
本日20:00(JST)からだ！
The Kickstarter campaign for the Japanese edition of MÖRK BORG launches today at 20:00 (JST)!!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/104...
本日20:00(JST)からだ！
The Kickstarter campaign for the Japanese edition of MÖRK BORG launches today at 20:00 (JST)!!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/104...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
I've got a couple new releases (Ithaca in the Cards 2E and What Should We Have Tomorrow? Full Course are now both out on digital), but itch also has a Halloween Sale thing going on, so you can get all my games for 20% off until early next week. itch.io/s/165914/hal...
October 30, 2025 at 4:15 AM
I've got a couple new releases (Ithaca in the Cards 2E and What Should We Have Tomorrow? Full Course are now both out on digital), but itch also has a Halloween Sale thing going on, so you can get all my games for 20% off until early next week. itch.io/s/165914/hal...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Hi! I'm Carlos
I am:
1. An agender dad
2. A TTRPG player and creator
3. Working on: Puppet Run, a creepy puppet hack of Psi*Run, and Magic Muck Mutant Mayhem, a crafting underdark game
4. starting up Rol Latine, a Discord for Latin TTRPG creators and players. Join here: discord.gg/MmDmbqXVQ3
I am:
1. An agender dad
2. A TTRPG player and creator
3. Working on: Puppet Run, a creepy puppet hack of Psi*Run, and Magic Muck Mutant Mayhem, a crafting underdark game
4. starting up Rol Latine, a Discord for Latin TTRPG creators and players. Join here: discord.gg/MmDmbqXVQ3
Join the Rol Latine Discord Server!
A place for Latine TTRPG players to meet and play games.Un lugar para jugadores del rol para encontrarse y jugar juegos. | 25 members
discord.gg
August 29, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Hi! I'm Carlos
I am:
1. An agender dad
2. A TTRPG player and creator
3. Working on: Puppet Run, a creepy puppet hack of Psi*Run, and Magic Muck Mutant Mayhem, a crafting underdark game
4. starting up Rol Latine, a Discord for Latin TTRPG creators and players. Join here: discord.gg/MmDmbqXVQ3
I am:
1. An agender dad
2. A TTRPG player and creator
3. Working on: Puppet Run, a creepy puppet hack of Psi*Run, and Magic Muck Mutant Mayhem, a crafting underdark game
4. starting up Rol Latine, a Discord for Latin TTRPG creators and players. Join here: discord.gg/MmDmbqXVQ3
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
@thecandacemarie.bsky.social @therosecleric.bsky.social @alewoodgames.bsky.social @themikeballes.bsky.social @roadblock.bsky.social @lauratutu.bsky.social @bruthaqueon.bsky.social @holloworange.bsky.social @chaoticdarby.bsky.social @kyngvee.bsky.social @weirdplace.bsky.social
RSVP to Power Word: Unity | Partiful
Hey adventurers! ⚔️ The Pocket Dragon Pub and Role Latine, alongside our amazing sponsors, are hosting a BiPOC TTRPG Meetup at PAX Unplugged, and you’re invited! This space is all about us: the…
partiful.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
If you are headed to PAX Unplugged and are a BIPOC TTRPG Designer, Publisher, Content Creator or just love the hobby, I have something for you!
The Pocket Dragon Pub & Role Latine Discord are hosting a networking event for BIPOC TTRPG Folx.
RSVP (only 50 spots!): partiful.com/e/Rp1YW5BDXt...
The Pocket Dragon Pub & Role Latine Discord are hosting a networking event for BIPOC TTRPG Folx.
RSVP (only 50 spots!): partiful.com/e/Rp1YW5BDXt...
RSVP to Power Word: Unity | Partiful
Hey adventurers! ⚔️ The Pocket Dragon Pub and Role Latine, alongside our amazing sponsors, are hosting a BiPOC TTRPG Meetup at PAX Unplugged, and you’re invited! This space is all about us: the…
partiful.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
If you are headed to PAX Unplugged and are a BIPOC TTRPG Designer, Publisher, Content Creator or just love the hobby, I have something for you!
The Pocket Dragon Pub & Role Latine Discord are hosting a networking event for BIPOC TTRPG Folx.
RSVP (only 50 spots!): partiful.com/e/Rp1YW5BDXt...
The Pocket Dragon Pub & Role Latine Discord are hosting a networking event for BIPOC TTRPG Folx.
RSVP (only 50 spots!): partiful.com/e/Rp1YW5BDXt...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Hey hey, look at this, my game The Wicked Forever King Hungers is at the @ipr.bsky.social booth at Gamehole Con.
October 16, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Hey hey, look at this, my game The Wicked Forever King Hungers is at the @ipr.bsky.social booth at Gamehole Con.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Friday @ 3pm
Project Communication 101: it's time to talk ttrpgs with @ajoyce-rivera.bsky.social @suffety.com @taylorannnx.bsky.social Javier Beltrán and me! Learn about communicating with writers, editors, artists and more.
Project Communication 101: it's time to talk ttrpgs with @ajoyce-rivera.bsky.social @suffety.com @taylorannnx.bsky.social Javier Beltrán and me! Learn about communicating with writers, editors, artists and more.
October 16, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Friday @ 3pm
Project Communication 101: it's time to talk ttrpgs with @ajoyce-rivera.bsky.social @suffety.com @taylorannnx.bsky.social Javier Beltrán and me! Learn about communicating with writers, editors, artists and more.
Project Communication 101: it's time to talk ttrpgs with @ajoyce-rivera.bsky.social @suffety.com @taylorannnx.bsky.social Javier Beltrán and me! Learn about communicating with writers, editors, artists and more.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
What Should We Have Tomorrow? Full Course is a solo journaling game about cooking a weeks worth of meals for your loved ones. Digital release is coming very soon. I'm still working on stickers with the printer, and physical copies and sticker sets will go out with Ithaca in the Cards.
October 15, 2025 at 7:05 PM
What Should We Have Tomorrow? Full Course is a solo journaling game about cooking a weeks worth of meals for your loved ones. Digital release is coming very soon. I'm still working on stickers with the printer, and physical copies and sticker sets will go out with Ithaca in the Cards.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Updated our Convention list to add Board Game Extravaganza 10/22 in Modesto, CA
Also, look for our convention affiliate Imagining Games 10/16-19 at Gamehole Con
in Madison, WI.
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Conven...
Also, look for our convention affiliate Imagining Games 10/16-19 at Gamehole Con
in Madison, WI.
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Conven...
October 15, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Updated our Convention list to add Board Game Extravaganza 10/22 in Modesto, CA
Also, look for our convention affiliate Imagining Games 10/16-19 at Gamehole Con
in Madison, WI.
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Conven...
Also, look for our convention affiliate Imagining Games 10/16-19 at Gamehole Con
in Madison, WI.
www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Conven...
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
OH MY GODS
Being a villain is not easy.
BBER is an epistolary game for two players where you’ll play as villains, scheme masterful plans and complain when they fail to your archvillain friend.
studiotrinketmx.itch.io/big-bad-evil...
#BeAVillain #Epistolary #RPG #Roleplaying
BBER is an epistolary game for two players where you’ll play as villains, scheme masterful plans and complain when they fail to your archvillain friend.
studiotrinketmx.itch.io/big-bad-evil...
#BeAVillain #Epistolary #RPG #Roleplaying
October 14, 2025 at 6:04 PM
OH MY GODS
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Escribí un jueguito epistolar junto con amix y ya pueden descargarlo en itchio. BBER es un juego para dos personas sobre ser villanos, escribir cartas y rantear con tu amix sobre planes fallidos: studiotrinketmx.itch.io/big-bad-evil...
También sigan a @studiotrinketmx.bsky.social :3
También sigan a @studiotrinketmx.bsky.social :3
October 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Escribí un jueguito epistolar junto con amix y ya pueden descargarlo en itchio. BBER es un juego para dos personas sobre ser villanos, escribir cartas y rantear con tu amix sobre planes fallidos: studiotrinketmx.itch.io/big-bad-evil...
También sigan a @studiotrinketmx.bsky.social :3
También sigan a @studiotrinketmx.bsky.social :3
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Since it's #PortfolioDay, it's an excellent time to repost the Sensitivity Consultant starter pack!
go.bsky.app/92T7cw1
go.bsky.app/92T7cw1
October 14, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Since it's #PortfolioDay, it's an excellent time to repost the Sensitivity Consultant starter pack!
go.bsky.app/92T7cw1
go.bsky.app/92T7cw1
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Now that the new DMsGuild site is live you can adjust your Account settings to filter out content you are not interested in.
Community Content Creators are still getting caught up with updating the settings on their content, so please have some patience as things get updated.
Community Content Creators are still getting caught up with updating the settings on their content, so please have some patience as things get updated.
October 14, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Now that the new DMsGuild site is live you can adjust your Account settings to filter out content you are not interested in.
Community Content Creators are still getting caught up with updating the settings on their content, so please have some patience as things get updated.
Community Content Creators are still getting caught up with updating the settings on their content, so please have some patience as things get updated.
Reposted by Mike Balles 🔜 GAMEHOLECON🔜 NYCC 🔜 PAXUnplugged
Although not spotlighted, POC of Latine heritage are a vital part of many European communities. Ours too.
We're playing Pasión de las Pasiones by @blg.bsky.social & @magpiegames.bsky.social with an all Latine cast based in Europe. Supported by @luckyleafteas.bsky.social!
TOMORROW: 7pm BST/8pm CEST
We're playing Pasión de las Pasiones by @blg.bsky.social & @magpiegames.bsky.social with an all Latine cast based in Europe. Supported by @luckyleafteas.bsky.social!
TOMORROW: 7pm BST/8pm CEST
October 14, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Although not spotlighted, POC of Latine heritage are a vital part of many European communities. Ours too.
We're playing Pasión de las Pasiones by @blg.bsky.social & @magpiegames.bsky.social with an all Latine cast based in Europe. Supported by @luckyleafteas.bsky.social!
TOMORROW: 7pm BST/8pm CEST
We're playing Pasión de las Pasiones by @blg.bsky.social & @magpiegames.bsky.social with an all Latine cast based in Europe. Supported by @luckyleafteas.bsky.social!
TOMORROW: 7pm BST/8pm CEST