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...
Ah gawwwd my tattoos are so itchy as the leg hairs grow back through them!
November 9, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Ah gawwwd my tattoos are so itchy as the leg hairs grow back through them!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
We won't back down - we will fight @rockstargames.com & @taketwointeractive.bsky.social for our members' reinstatement.
No one should be fired for union activity.
You can support our campaign here: actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
No one should be fired for union activity.
You can support our campaign here: actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
November 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM
We won't back down - we will fight @rockstargames.com & @taketwointeractive.bsky.social for our members' reinstatement.
No one should be fired for union activity.
You can support our campaign here: actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
No one should be fired for union activity.
You can support our campaign here: actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
I'm joining this protest outside Rockstar North in Edinburgh today and if you're nearby, we'd really appreciate your support. After what happened with my colleagues under Leslie Benzies (of former Rockstar "fame"), and now this, we really need to fix this industry!
(also come meet me! 😉)
(also come meet me! 😉)
November 6, 2025 at 11:54 AM
I'm joining this protest outside Rockstar North in Edinburgh today and if you're nearby, we'd really appreciate your support. After what happened with my colleagues under Leslie Benzies (of former Rockstar "fame"), and now this, we really need to fix this industry!
(also come meet me! 😉)
(also come meet me! 😉)
New Cybertopia episode went out yesterday & we return to see what Nox @stellarencore.bsky.social, Frankie @valerynorth.bsky.social & Bludgeon @genvexed.bsky.social got up to after the casino heist and whatever happened to Rev @thoughtpunks.com in the ARC Lead Bank!? open.spotify.com/episode/13kY...
2.25 Team Tentacle
open.spotify.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 PM
New Cybertopia episode went out yesterday & we return to see what Nox @stellarencore.bsky.social, Frankie @valerynorth.bsky.social & Bludgeon @genvexed.bsky.social got up to after the casino heist and whatever happened to Rev @thoughtpunks.com in the ARC Lead Bank!? open.spotify.com/episode/13kY...
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Rockstar union workers have set up a solidarity fund to help our fight after 30 of them were fired in an attempt to destroy the union.
Help us fight back! Anything you can donate will massively help our efforts to hold Rockstar to account.
actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
Help us fight back! Anything you can donate will massively help our efforts to hold Rockstar to account.
actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
Support Rockstar Workers Fighting Unfair Dismissals!
Last week over 30 members of staff at Grand Theft Auto VI developer Rockstar were fired en masse in a “calculated attack on workers”. The IWGB described Rockstar’s actions as ‘the most blatant and rut...
actionnetwork.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Rockstar union workers have set up a solidarity fund to help our fight after 30 of them were fired in an attempt to destroy the union.
Help us fight back! Anything you can donate will massively help our efforts to hold Rockstar to account.
actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
Help us fight back! Anything you can donate will massively help our efforts to hold Rockstar to account.
actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
Off for an adventure!
November 4, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Off for an adventure!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
I joke with a bit of truth behind it that one of the first things we did as a union is teach companies what the law is and what they're allowed (or not allowed) to do.
That has continued seven years later. It's almost like they don't want to learn. 🤔
That has continued seven years later. It's almost like they don't want to learn. 🤔
November 1, 2025 at 7:13 PM
I joke with a bit of truth behind it that one of the first things we did as a union is teach companies what the law is and what they're allowed (or not allowed) to do.
That has continued seven years later. It's almost like they don't want to learn. 🤔
That has continued seven years later. It's almost like they don't want to learn. 🤔
I already know before I even talk to any R* union buddies what's gonna be the corpo angle on this - they'll claim this external chat group was leaking confidential game info. Leslie Benzies had similar issues with staff at BARB. The paranoia is immense. They are terrified about unionisation!
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:48 PM
I already know before I even talk to any R* union buddies what's gonna be the corpo angle on this - they'll claim this external chat group was leaking confidential game info. Leslie Benzies had similar issues with staff at BARB. The paranoia is immense. They are terrified about unionisation!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Holy heck this is brutally unacceptable. Just as it was starting to feel like we were making progress with the industry this happens!? Just as well they never gave me a job!
This is the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the UK games industry. Yesterday, @rockstargames.com unfairly fired over 30 employees for union activity.
We won't back down, and we're not scared - we will fight for every member to be reinstated.
We won't back down, and we're not scared - we will fight for every member to be reinstated.
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
October 31, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Holy heck this is brutally unacceptable. Just as it was starting to feel like we were making progress with the industry this happens!? Just as well they never gave me a job!
Made the mistake of watching a video commenting on the state of the videogame industry where within minutes the host pushes back on worker claims of CEO mismanagement because "did the CEO make you leave in bugs? did the CEO make you write a bad story? etc."
October 29, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Made the mistake of watching a video commenting on the state of the videogame industry where within minutes the host pushes back on worker claims of CEO mismanagement because "did the CEO make you leave in bugs? did the CEO make you write a bad story? etc."
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Hey, want to find a new and exciting AP to possible leave some helpful critics? Look at my fun list of AP studios!
Also, if you want to be added to the list, just let me know below!
Also, if you want to be added to the list, just let me know below!
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Hey, want to find a new and exciting AP to possible leave some helpful critics? Look at my fun list of AP studios!
Also, if you want to be added to the list, just let me know below!
Also, if you want to be added to the list, just let me know below!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
I don't think most people understand that the games industry is run by people who do not care about games or the people who make them.
They care about money. They intentionally create many risky endeavors hoping one will hit large. The rest of the teams and people they don't care about.
They care about money. They intentionally create many risky endeavors hoping one will hit large. The rest of the teams and people they don't care about.
important to remember that all these redundancies and closures are not because people are playing fewer games or less willing to pay for them
October 27, 2025 at 1:56 PM
I don't think most people understand that the games industry is run by people who do not care about games or the people who make them.
They care about money. They intentionally create many risky endeavors hoping one will hit large. The rest of the teams and people they don't care about.
They care about money. They intentionally create many risky endeavors hoping one will hit large. The rest of the teams and people they don't care about.
New Cybertopia ep is live and we hear how the gang make themselves comfy in their newly acquired "abode", consider their futures and take important decisions like what to name their new hideout... spotify.link/4xua9XI4GXb
2.24 The Muscle Mansion
spotify.link
October 23, 2025 at 7:22 AM
New Cybertopia ep is live and we hear how the gang make themselves comfy in their newly acquired "abode", consider their futures and take important decisions like what to name their new hideout... spotify.link/4xua9XI4GXb
Hey mum, I'm on the beeb! www.bbc.com/news/article...
MindsEye: How ex-Grand Theft Auto boss’s grand vision became a £200m flop
Lesley Benzies was one of the architects behind one of the most successful video games in history.
www.bbc.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Hey mum, I'm on the beeb! www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Newbon
Live out your wildest animal hybrid dreams as we take you through @bennewbon.itch.io's Overgrown2e
Join 4 brave souls as they follow the trail of nefarious thieves to recover some stolen pumpkins, using their brains, brawn, and - the power of friendship?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Al0...
Join 4 brave souls as they follow the trail of nefarious thieves to recover some stolen pumpkins, using their brains, brawn, and - the power of friendship?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Al0...
Overgrown 2e One-Shot | But Why? Episode 1.5
YouTube video by Pantsless Tables
www.youtube.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Live out your wildest animal hybrid dreams as we take you through @bennewbon.itch.io's Overgrown2e
Join 4 brave souls as they follow the trail of nefarious thieves to recover some stolen pumpkins, using their brains, brawn, and - the power of friendship?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Al0...
Join 4 brave souls as they follow the trail of nefarious thieves to recover some stolen pumpkins, using their brains, brawn, and - the power of friendship?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Al0...
Overgrown 2e now available in print internationally! (as long as you're in either London, UK or Perth, Australia...).
Pop into Orc's Nest or Tactics games depending on what side of the world you're in ;)
Pop into Orc's Nest or Tactics games depending on what side of the world you're in ;)
October 18, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Overgrown 2e now available in print internationally! (as long as you're in either London, UK or Perth, Australia...).
Pop into Orc's Nest or Tactics games depending on what side of the world you're in ;)
Pop into Orc's Nest or Tactics games depending on what side of the world you're in ;)
Am at Edinburgh airport for a big flight and am literally the only person wearing a mask. Sure looking forward to this flight lurgy kicking in the next few days of my 9 day trip!
October 15, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Am at Edinburgh airport for a big flight and am literally the only person wearing a mask. Sure looking forward to this flight lurgy kicking in the next few days of my 9 day trip!
Oh bugger me, forgot to announce the new Cybertopia ep again!
We're back with the newly reunited gym crew to see how they get on and what they discover at the construction site. It's all coming together... Sorta
youtu.be/vWjzAF6-eo8
We're back with the newly reunited gym crew to see how they get on and what they discover at the construction site. It's all coming together... Sorta
youtu.be/vWjzAF6-eo8
2.23 Crane Go Up, Crane Go Down
YouTube video by Ben Newbon
youtu.be
October 11, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Oh bugger me, forgot to announce the new Cybertopia ep again!
We're back with the newly reunited gym crew to see how they get on and what they discover at the construction site. It's all coming together... Sorta
youtu.be/vWjzAF6-eo8
We're back with the newly reunited gym crew to see how they get on and what they discover at the construction site. It's all coming together... Sorta
youtu.be/vWjzAF6-eo8
This is something I have been deeply involved in over the last few months. The behaviour of my former employer has been callous and despicable and they have to held accountable. If not only by the legal system, by the public they want to be buying their games!
We stand in solidarity with employees and ex-employees at Build a Rocket Boy as they file legal claims through our union and publish an open letter, condemning the way in which they’ve been mistreated and discarded by the studio’s millionaire executives.
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
October 10, 2025 at 12:19 PM
This is something I have been deeply involved in over the last few months. The behaviour of my former employer has been callous and despicable and they have to held accountable. If not only by the legal system, by the public they want to be buying their games!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
We stand in solidarity with employees and ex-employees at Build a Rocket Boy as they file legal claims through our union and publish an open letter, condemning the way in which they’ve been mistreated and discarded by the studio’s millionaire executives.
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
October 10, 2025 at 12:15 PM
We stand in solidarity with employees and ex-employees at Build a Rocket Boy as they file legal claims through our union and publish an open letter, condemning the way in which they’ve been mistreated and discarded by the studio’s millionaire executives.
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
www.gameworkers.co.uk/barb-open-le...
Reposted by Ben Newbon
The premiere episode of "But Why?" our TTRPG Talk Show is now on YouTube! Join us as we talk to @bennewbon.itch.io about their passion for game dev, updates to Overgrown2e, and [redacted]!
Hosts: @runlikecraig.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkP...
Hosts: @runlikecraig.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkP...
Ben Newbon and Overgrown 2e | But Why? Episode 1 | A TTRPG Talk Show
YouTube video by Pantsless Tables
www.youtube.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The premiere episode of "But Why?" our TTRPG Talk Show is now on YouTube! Join us as we talk to @bennewbon.itch.io about their passion for game dev, updates to Overgrown2e, and [redacted]!
Hosts: @runlikecraig.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkP...
Hosts: @runlikecraig.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkP...
Come watch some wonderful friends play my ridiculous game right now!
Its time for But Why?
You heard us talk to TTRPG creator and designer @bennewbon.itch.io about their game, now watch us play Overgrown2e!
Featuring DM Lenny with players @lesbyearning.bsky.social @dendinius.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social!
Watch here: www.twitch.tv/pantslesstab...
You heard us talk to TTRPG creator and designer @bennewbon.itch.io about their game, now watch us play Overgrown2e!
Featuring DM Lenny with players @lesbyearning.bsky.social @dendinius.bsky.social and @sassypants1996.bsky.social!
Watch here: www.twitch.tv/pantslesstab...
October 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Come watch some wonderful friends play my ridiculous game right now!
Reposted by Ben Newbon
A week of returns on Pantsless Tables -
Monday: BUT WHY, our TTRPG talk show is back with part 2 of Episode 1 - an actual play featuring Overgrown2e!
Tuesday: We return to Duskwall with our Blades in the Dark AP!
Saturday: Community night is back, baybee!
Sunday: The return of Godkiller: Qismat!
Monday: BUT WHY, our TTRPG talk show is back with part 2 of Episode 1 - an actual play featuring Overgrown2e!
Tuesday: We return to Duskwall with our Blades in the Dark AP!
Saturday: Community night is back, baybee!
Sunday: The return of Godkiller: Qismat!
October 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM
A week of returns on Pantsless Tables -
Monday: BUT WHY, our TTRPG talk show is back with part 2 of Episode 1 - an actual play featuring Overgrown2e!
Tuesday: We return to Duskwall with our Blades in the Dark AP!
Saturday: Community night is back, baybee!
Sunday: The return of Godkiller: Qismat!
Monday: BUT WHY, our TTRPG talk show is back with part 2 of Episode 1 - an actual play featuring Overgrown2e!
Tuesday: We return to Duskwall with our Blades in the Dark AP!
Saturday: Community night is back, baybee!
Sunday: The return of Godkiller: Qismat!
The Cypher game I'm playing in over at Would Be Heroes is getting so intense!
Last night we had a helluva session with some weird lore drops and mind bending time loop nonsense that is both deeply compelling and absolutely ruining everyone's minds and no one has a clue where we're gonna be ending up
Last night we had a helluva session with some weird lore drops and mind bending time loop nonsense that is both deeply compelling and absolutely ruining everyone's minds and no one has a clue where we're gonna be ending up
October 5, 2025 at 9:14 AM
The Cypher game I'm playing in over at Would Be Heroes is getting so intense!
Last night we had a helluva session with some weird lore drops and mind bending time loop nonsense that is both deeply compelling and absolutely ruining everyone's minds and no one has a clue where we're gonna be ending up
Last night we had a helluva session with some weird lore drops and mind bending time loop nonsense that is both deeply compelling and absolutely ruining everyone's minds and no one has a clue where we're gonna be ending up