Chase Taylor-Carter
@chasecarter.bsky.social
Co-owner of Rascal News. Tabletop and internet culture journalist. Avoiding unhealthy use this time around.
✉️: [email protected]
https://www.rascal.news/
✉️: [email protected]
https://www.rascal.news/
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
Something incredible is happening in the Magic: The Gathering community.
The prolific MTG Youtube channel Tolarian Community College has raised $450,000 and growing for Trans Lifeline.
Read our writer S. Baum's story here and go pitch in!
www.erininthemorning.com/p/magic-the-...
The prolific MTG Youtube channel Tolarian Community College has raised $450,000 and growing for Trans Lifeline.
Read our writer S. Baum's story here and go pitch in!
www.erininthemorning.com/p/magic-the-...
“Magic: The Gathering” Gathers for Trans Lives, Raises $450,000 in Less Than Two Days
“Magic is political.”
www.erininthemorning.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Something incredible is happening in the Magic: The Gathering community.
The prolific MTG Youtube channel Tolarian Community College has raised $450,000 and growing for Trans Lifeline.
Read our writer S. Baum's story here and go pitch in!
www.erininthemorning.com/p/magic-the-...
The prolific MTG Youtube channel Tolarian Community College has raised $450,000 and growing for Trans Lifeline.
Read our writer S. Baum's story here and go pitch in!
www.erininthemorning.com/p/magic-the-...
Rowan and I survived a crucible together, and I'll never be able to repay her camaraderie and friendship during the past two years.
I am gutted to be losing her voice on the site, but I'm so excited to see what comes next and have no doubt it will involve kicking ass.
I am gutted to be losing her voice on the site, but I'm so excited to see what comes next and have no doubt it will involve kicking ass.
As of earlier this week, I made the official decision to step back entirely from Rascal in any formal editorial capacity. I still function as payroll on a very part time capacity, but I am actively looking for non-games related work.
February 6, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Rowan and I survived a crucible together, and I'll never be able to repay her camaraderie and friendship during the past two years.
I am gutted to be losing her voice on the site, but I'm so excited to see what comes next and have no doubt it will involve kicking ass.
I am gutted to be losing her voice on the site, but I'm so excited to see what comes next and have no doubt it will involve kicking ass.
JUNJI ITO PINBALL is lying on the internet, but fun and collaborative. And it's already a frontrunner for my favorite games of 2026.
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 2:53 PM
JUNJI ITO PINBALL is lying on the internet, but fun and collaborative. And it's already a frontrunner for my favorite games of 2026.
Put Jared Harris in githyanki makeup and pay him to act his ass off.
A ‘Baldur’s Gate’ TV series in development at HBO will Game 3's story. It comes from 'The Last of Us' co-creator Craig Mazin and Hasbro Entertainment
‘Baldur’s Gate’ TV Series Continuing Game’s Story In Works At HBO From ‘The Last Of Us’ Co-Creator Craig Mazin & Hasbro Entertainment
A ‘Baldur’s Gate’ TV series in development at HBO will Game 3's story. It comes from 'The Last of Us' co-creator Craig Mazin and Hasbro Entertainment
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Put Jared Harris in githyanki makeup and pay him to act his ass off.
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
I'm writing a story about this and would love to talk to trans TTRPG creators, if you're open to sharing your thoughts. Hit me up please! [email protected]
YIKES.
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COVETED HARRY POTTER LICENSE, UPCOMING PRODUCT COLLECTION - Upper Deck
Carlsbad, CA (Jan. 7, 2026) – Upper Deck, the global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is adding another iconic license to its extensive portfolio – announcing a deal to create collecti...
upperdeck.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:43 AM
I'm writing a story about this and would love to talk to trans TTRPG creators, if you're open to sharing your thoughts. Hit me up please! [email protected]
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
This sounds like an iteration of what makes every @sandypuggames.bsky.social RPG whip ass: unapologetic style and politics synthesized around a satisfying loop.
"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 3:55 PM
This sounds like an iteration of what makes every @sandypuggames.bsky.social RPG whip ass: unapologetic style and politics synthesized around a satisfying loop.
It looks like Scott has found a Kickstarter bottom feeder who created shell companies to distribute a slew of AI-generated RPG supplements without raising suspicion with the platform.
So, this is odd. Not suggesting wrongdoing, but oddness (and AI image slop). Matthew David runs Penny Blood, putting out seemingly monthly KS for 5e. Raises lots. www.kickstarter.com/profile/mad-... 🧵
Matthew David
Hello! I'm Matt, the passionate founder of Penny Blood Adventures, a boutique creative studio dedicated to crafting immersive and high-quality storytelling experiences through tabletop role-playing ga...
www.kickstarter.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:04 AM
It looks like Scott has found a Kickstarter bottom feeder who created shell companies to distribute a slew of AI-generated RPG supplements without raising suspicion with the platform.
Love seeing Mollie carry a torch for smaller crowdfunding projects during Feb's zine initiatives!
It can be thankless work and poison for news placement algos.
It can be thankless work and poison for news placement algos.
Happy Zine Quest month! Hoping to highlight more than a few neat projects over on Wargamer this Feb. First up, the deliciously pun-filled Food and Evil by @goosepoopgames.com www.wargamer.com/food-and-evi...
This new indie tabletop RPG is basically Overcooked with extra demons
Food and Evil is a silly, setting-agnostic food truck TTRPG that mixes card-based cooking mechanics with mischief and many, many puns.
www.wargamer.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Love seeing Mollie carry a torch for smaller crowdfunding projects during Feb's zine initiatives!
It can be thankless work and poison for news placement algos.
It can be thankless work and poison for news placement algos.
Luke's headline game and Being Professionally Angry is a constant pleasure to read.
The Steam Machine has been delayed because stupid little babies can't stop using AI to write their emails:
aftermath.site/steam-machine-...
aftermath.site/steam-machine-...
February 5, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Luke's headline game and Being Professionally Angry is a constant pleasure to read.
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
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!
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
I was laid off today, among hundreds of others at The Washington Post.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I was laid off today, among hundreds of others at The Washington Post.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
another day of relentlessly convincing myself that journalism must outlast billionaires.
February 4, 2026 at 3:40 PM
another day of relentlessly convincing myself that journalism must outlast billionaires.
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
independent media or bust.
February 4, 2026 at 3:10 PM
independent media or bust.
While it's refreshing to see a publisher talk realistically about product glut, somehow I don't think it's the fault of designers forced to work as permanent creative freelancers.
February 4, 2026 at 3:36 PM
While it's refreshing to see a publisher talk realistically about product glut, somehow I don't think it's the fault of designers forced to work as permanent creative freelancers.
The podcast has always been a place where we can provide a coda to news stories and trending topics without necessarily augmenting our written work. My discussion here with Thomas adopts that framework, and it was both generative and exhausting.
Thanks to everyone who wrote in!
Thanks to everyone who wrote in!
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 3:23 PM
The podcast has always been a place where we can provide a coda to news stories and trending topics without necessarily augmenting our written work. My discussion here with Thomas adopts that framework, and it was both generative and exhausting.
Thanks to everyone who wrote in!
Thanks to everyone who wrote in!
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
NEW: A NetEase spokesperson has told me that reports indicating it shuttered a genAI research division and is now moving away from the tech are "false."
"The situation described did not occur, and we have not published any related policies."
"The situation described did not occur, and we have not published any related policies."
February 4, 2026 at 1:54 PM
NEW: A NetEase spokesperson has told me that reports indicating it shuttered a genAI research division and is now moving away from the tech are "false."
"The situation described did not occur, and we have not published any related policies."
"The situation described did not occur, and we have not published any related policies."
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
I personally do not think some rich man should be able to buy an institution like this like a toy and then break it when he doesn’t want to play with it anymore. bsky.app/profile/benm...
New: Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray and HR Chief Wayne Connell tell employees to stay home for a zoom webinar ahead of “significant actions across the company.” Widely expected layoffs are scheduled to begin today.
February 4, 2026 at 11:53 AM
I personally do not think some rich man should be able to buy an institution like this like a toy and then break it when he doesn’t want to play with it anymore. bsky.app/profile/benm...
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
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.
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
Talking about nerdery, my conversation with Tim for the Yes Indie'd podcast is now live. The episode is titled "Maximal Minimalism" and you can get it wherever podcasts exist:
pod.link/1496698286/e...
pod.link/1496698286/e...
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
February 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Talking about nerdery, my conversation with Tim for the Yes Indie'd podcast is now live. The episode is titled "Maximal Minimalism" and you can get it wherever podcasts exist:
pod.link/1496698286/e...
pod.link/1496698286/e...
I scrolled my mouse wheel five times before reaching the portion of Zinetopia's crowded page that simply featured a project.
www.backerkit.com/c/collection...
www.backerkit.com/c/collection...
February 3, 2026 at 10:14 AM
I scrolled my mouse wheel five times before reaching the portion of Zinetopia's crowded page that simply featured a project.
www.backerkit.com/c/collection...
www.backerkit.com/c/collection...
Written records get extremely slim by the time you reach my grandparent's grandparents on both side. Best I can tell, everyone was subsistence farmers or laborers. Poor settlers who didn't bring much heritage with them.
Genuinely curious: If your family is American, what brought them here?
Mine: religious nuttery & primogeniture
Mine: religious nuttery & primogeniture
February 3, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Written records get extremely slim by the time you reach my grandparent's grandparents on both side. Best I can tell, everyone was subsistence farmers or laborers. Poor settlers who didn't bring much heritage with them.
Reposted by Chase Taylor-Carter
Very excited to say that 404 Media's zine about ICE Surveillance is here. If you ordered a print copy, I put it in the mail last week. If not, we of course think the info inside is very important so here's a free PDF. We also translated it into Spanish:
www.404media.co/icezine/
www.404media.co/icezine/
Our Zine About ICE Surveillance Is Here
Download a PDF of our first ever zine here.
www.404media.co
February 2, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Very excited to say that 404 Media's zine about ICE Surveillance is here. If you ordered a print copy, I put it in the mail last week. If not, we of course think the info inside is very important so here's a free PDF. We also translated it into Spanish:
www.404media.co/icezine/
www.404media.co/icezine/
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!
Grew up 25 minutes from here and was in my whole ass 20s before realizing it.
A more innocuous version northeast of me was Flower Mound. Very literal settlers in NTX.
A more innocuous version northeast of me was Flower Mound. Very literal settlers in NTX.
watching non-Texans discover that there's a town near Fort Worth called "White Settlement" today
a man from schitts creek is making a funny face and the word yup is above him
ALT: a man from schitts creek is making a funny face and the word yup is above him
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Grew up 25 minutes from here and was in my whole ass 20s before realizing it.
A more innocuous version northeast of me was Flower Mound. Very literal settlers in NTX.
A more innocuous version northeast of me was Flower Mound. Very literal settlers in NTX.