Ben Heisler 🐐
@benwritesgames.bsky.social
He/Him. 2024 ENNIE Award Winner. Hi, I'm a Producer of RPGs at Renegade Game Studios! I love writing and playing TTRPGs w/ some of the world's coolest IPs! https://renegadegamestudios.com/ https://www.thewordrefinery.org/
Erin’s super great and WotC’s lucky to have her!
Finally got around to updating ye olde profile page with some fun news: I’ve joined Wizards of the Coast as a Game Designer for Dungeons & Dragons. Much love to everyone who has been part of my journey through TTRPG writing and design land so far – excited to see what this new chapter brings!
January 24, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Erin’s super great and WotC’s lucky to have her!
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Ponzi scheme could collapse without new marks (ahem) investors
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
Big tech boss tells delegates at Davos that broader global use is essential if technology is to deliver lasting growth
www.irishtimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Ponzi scheme could collapse without new marks (ahem) investors
In a game where you can’t miss, @paigeleitman.bsky.social has managed to have no effect with four attacks. Technically not missing in @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Draw Steel but sure feels like it… #ttrpg
January 21, 2026 at 3:16 AM
In a game where you can’t miss, @paigeleitman.bsky.social has managed to have no effect with four attacks. Technically not missing in @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Draw Steel but sure feels like it… #ttrpg
The first two episodes of Starfleet Academy are a fever dream. I don’t know what show it’s trying to be and it’s not sure either.
I don’t think I’ve hate watched something so hard before.
I don’t think I’ve hate watched something so hard before.
January 17, 2026 at 4:33 AM
The first two episodes of Starfleet Academy are a fever dream. I don’t know what show it’s trying to be and it’s not sure either.
I don’t think I’ve hate watched something so hard before.
I don’t think I’ve hate watched something so hard before.
People often ask me how to get hired in the #ttrpg industry. Leon’s blog post does a great job of explaining what to do, and what producers like me are looking for when we hire freelancers for projects.
I've gotten a lot of questions over the last two weeks about how I got my job. I actually wrote a post almost a year ago about how I became a prolific freelancer. This will take you 95% of the way down my path. The other 5% is being in the right place at the right time:
barilleon.com/ttrpg-indust...
barilleon.com/ttrpg-indust...
How I Got into the TTRPG Freelance Industry - Barilleon's Web Zone
How TTRPG freelancer Leon Barillaro got gigs writing for tabletop game companies. Advice for those who'd like to begin their careers.
barilleon.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:22 PM
People often ask me how to get hired in the #ttrpg industry. Leon’s blog post does a great job of explaining what to do, and what producers like me are looking for when we hire freelancers for projects.
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
The real ones know I was a poster FIRST. Keep posting kids, it might get you a career
i appreciate that unlike the other folks at dropout who use this platform as a marketing tool, you just kind of be posting
January 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM
The real ones know I was a poster FIRST. Keep posting kids, it might get you a career
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Blow for OpenAI in Germany as court rules song lyrics used illegally
A German court ruled on Tuesday that OpenAI violated copyright on nine popular songs in a lawsuit that marked another attempt to prevent the free use of artists' content online. The Munich Regional Co...
www.yahoo.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Remember: Most of us in this field are self-employed and must rely entirely on whatever they can save or scrounge. I myself had to cash out an emergency fund due to developing multiple health issues during the pandemic, and I live in a country with universal healthcare.
Gamers! My pal Ross Isaacs — who worked for Alderac Entertainment Group, Chaosium Inc., and HDI, and was the line developer for Last Unicorn Games/Decipher's Star Trek: The Next Generation RPG back in the day — could really use your help.
gofund.me/bd1e91de7
gofund.me/bd1e91de7
Donate to Support Ross Isaacs' Recovery and Living Expenses, organized by John Kasab
Hi, I'm John Kasab and I'm organizing a new fundraiser for Ross Isaacs to… John Kasab needs your support for Support Ross Isaacs' Recovery and Living Expenses
gofund.me
January 14, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Remember: Most of us in this field are self-employed and must rely entirely on whatever they can save or scrounge. I myself had to cash out an emergency fund due to developing multiple health issues during the pandemic, and I live in a country with universal healthcare.
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
OH anyway look dinosaurs
January 13, 2026 at 8:44 PM
OH anyway look dinosaurs
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Hello #portfolioday !
I'm Genel, a Filipino artist working in the games industry. I've done work for Wizards of the Coast, Critical Role, Disney, Marvel, The Walking Dead, and Fortnite.
📧[email protected]
www.artstation.com/geneljumalon
I'm Genel, a Filipino artist working in the games industry. I've done work for Wizards of the Coast, Critical Role, Disney, Marvel, The Walking Dead, and Fortnite.
📧[email protected]
www.artstation.com/geneljumalon
January 13, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Hello #portfolioday !
I'm Genel, a Filipino artist working in the games industry. I've done work for Wizards of the Coast, Critical Role, Disney, Marvel, The Walking Dead, and Fortnite.
📧[email protected]
www.artstation.com/geneljumalon
I'm Genel, a Filipino artist working in the games industry. I've done work for Wizards of the Coast, Critical Role, Disney, Marvel, The Walking Dead, and Fortnite.
📧[email protected]
www.artstation.com/geneljumalon
This image of Optimus Prime protecting Americans from ICE by @danielwarrenart.bsky.social is giving me life this morning.
January 13, 2026 at 2:57 PM
This image of Optimus Prime protecting Americans from ICE by @danielwarrenart.bsky.social is giving me life this morning.
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
DON'T stop making art. DON'T stop making music. DON'T stop playing instruments. DON'T stop writing. DON'T stop photography. DON'T stop cooking beautiful dishes. DON'T stop designing. DON'T stop being creative.
January 8, 2026 at 4:35 AM
DON'T stop making art. DON'T stop making music. DON'T stop playing instruments. DON'T stop writing. DON'T stop photography. DON'T stop cooking beautiful dishes. DON'T stop designing. DON'T stop being creative.
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
I see devs get prickly about playtesting because they're afraid of being "focus grouped" or having the edges sanded off.
The point of playtesting is to see if what you intended was what the player actually experienced, and there's no other way to find this out than putting it in front of someone.
The point of playtesting is to see if what you intended was what the player actually experienced, and there's no other way to find this out than putting it in front of someone.
January 6, 2026 at 11:17 PM
I see devs get prickly about playtesting because they're afraid of being "focus grouped" or having the edges sanded off.
The point of playtesting is to see if what you intended was what the player actually experienced, and there's no other way to find this out than putting it in front of someone.
The point of playtesting is to see if what you intended was what the player actually experienced, and there's no other way to find this out than putting it in front of someone.
Relevant to your interests @paigeleitman.bsky.social
Since the last stream from Matt I have been posessed by the Gol concept art for Draw Steel, and I made some fanart!
I tried a new workflow for this one so this is a bit messy.
Thanks for such a wonderful concept art @eriopsis.bsky.social!
I tried a new workflow for this one so this is a bit messy.
Thanks for such a wonderful concept art @eriopsis.bsky.social!
January 7, 2026 at 4:55 AM
Relevant to your interests @paigeleitman.bsky.social
Playing D&D 2024 for the first time since I started getting into @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Draw Steel, and am like “wait, I missed?” #ttrpg
a close up of a person wearing sunglasses with the words `` wait , what ? ''
ALT: a close up of a person wearing sunglasses with the words `` wait , what ? ''
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Playing D&D 2024 for the first time since I started getting into @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Draw Steel, and am like “wait, I missed?” #ttrpg
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Learn to GM Daggerheart 🗡️❤️🔥
The first of 8 articles at New Gamemaster Month for #Daggerheart is out!
Every Tues & Thurs from now till Jan. 29th, a new article with everything from getting the game to running your first session will be released at:
https://newgamemastermonth.com
The first of 8 articles at New Gamemaster Month for #Daggerheart is out!
Every Tues & Thurs from now till Jan. 29th, a new article with everything from getting the game to running your first session will be released at:
https://newgamemastermonth.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Learn to GM Daggerheart 🗡️❤️🔥
The first of 8 articles at New Gamemaster Month for #Daggerheart is out!
Every Tues & Thurs from now till Jan. 29th, a new article with everything from getting the game to running your first session will be released at:
https://newgamemastermonth.com
The first of 8 articles at New Gamemaster Month for #Daggerheart is out!
Every Tues & Thurs from now till Jan. 29th, a new article with everything from getting the game to running your first session will be released at:
https://newgamemastermonth.com
Back in the office for the first day in 2026. I’m kicking off the new year with a promotion to Producer, RPGs (no longer an Associate) and lots of fun #ttrpg projects in the works. And dope HeroScape style art!
(Still not enough coffee in the world)
(Still not enough coffee in the world)
January 5, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Back in the office for the first day in 2026. I’m kicking off the new year with a promotion to Producer, RPGs (no longer an Associate) and lots of fun #ttrpg projects in the works. And dope HeroScape style art!
(Still not enough coffee in the world)
(Still not enough coffee in the world)
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
18 hours left to Draw Steel and Crack the Sun! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/m...
Draw Steel: Crack the Sun
"We watched Cthrion Uroniziir try to reduce the timescape into one singular universe, wiping out reality as we know it. She was defeated, and we see her cage every day."
www.backerkit.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:48 PM
18 hours left to Draw Steel and Crack the Sun! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/m...
This woman is too good to me
Going out to fancy dinner and celebrating the New Year and our 12th Anniversary at home!
January 1, 2026 at 3:56 PM
This woman is too good to me
It’s a sprinkles kind of day
December 28, 2025 at 5:36 PM
It’s a sprinkles kind of day
Reposted by Ben Heisler 🐐
Out now: THE SNOW QUEEN'S FURY, a midwinter one-shot for Draw Steel! Battle dangerous ice monsters, explore a strange fey realm, and negotiate with a powerful archfey to save a village from endless winter.
An icy mystery! Tips for running at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd echelon! Queer grandmas! ⚔️❄️
An icy mystery! Tips for running at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd echelon! Queer grandmas! ⚔️❄️
The Snow Queen's Fury: A Midwinter Draw Steel Adventure by Midnight Kelpie Press
Save a village from an archfey's rage in this seasonal one-shot for 1st-level heroes.
midnightkelpiepress.itch.io
December 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Out now: THE SNOW QUEEN'S FURY, a midwinter one-shot for Draw Steel! Battle dangerous ice monsters, explore a strange fey realm, and negotiate with a powerful archfey to save a village from endless winter.
An icy mystery! Tips for running at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd echelon! Queer grandmas! ⚔️❄️
An icy mystery! Tips for running at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd echelon! Queer grandmas! ⚔️❄️
Had a great time playing @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Summoner class by @thewillyboo.bsky.social. It’s definitely more complicated than the base classes and a lot of fun controlling an army of minions. Grab your copy here shop.mcdmproductions.com/products/the... #ttrpg
The Summoner - Class for Draw Steel - PDF
The summoner, a mage who takes their dreams and makes them manifest. Wield magic to call forth minions, overwhelm your enemy, and contend with greater threats.
shop.mcdmproductions.com
December 21, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Had a great time playing @hellomcdm.bsky.social ‘s Summoner class by @thewillyboo.bsky.social. It’s definitely more complicated than the base classes and a lot of fun controlling an army of minions. Grab your copy here shop.mcdmproductions.com/products/the... #ttrpg
This book was a ton of fun to work on and provides the references for characters that the community frequently requested. Plus it’s got a ton of iconic G.I. JOE art!
G.I. JOE Roleplaying Game Hawk’s Personnel Files Sourcebook is available now from @renegadegamestudios.com
Get it here: tinyurl.com/ssj4arwr
Delve Into Classified Files to Bring Iconic Real American Heroes to Your Game!
#ttrpg #GIJoe
Get it here: tinyurl.com/ssj4arwr
Delve Into Classified Files to Bring Iconic Real American Heroes to Your Game!
#ttrpg #GIJoe
December 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This book was a ton of fun to work on and provides the references for characters that the community frequently requested. Plus it’s got a ton of iconic G.I. JOE art!
Not burnt out but the rest is pretty accurate.
Also it’s just a different kind of grind.
Also it’s just a different kind of grind.
What people call "making games" is actually twenty jobs stacked on top of a burned-out creative arts graduate who just wanted to avoid the grind.
December 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Not burnt out but the rest is pretty accurate.
Also it’s just a different kind of grind.
Also it’s just a different kind of grind.
Super excited to be part of this project. @paigeleitman.bsky.social and I are writing Act 2 of Crack the Sun! #ttrpg
The team put an exceptional amount of work into this campaign over the last several months. It’s so wonderful to see the community supporting it. Thanks to you all we get to spend the next year Cracking the Sun.
December 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Super excited to be part of this project. @paigeleitman.bsky.social and I are writing Act 2 of Crack the Sun! #ttrpg