In this episode, we discuss the updated D&D rulebooks rolling out soon, the impact of the recent massive layoffs at Wizards of the Coast on both their own products and the larger industry, the role of AI in game development, and the importance of community trust for TTRPG companies to be successful.

Over time I’ve started really leaning in to ambient noise soundtracks while I’m working. I’ve done this for a long time, just keeping WoW open while I double check things, so I get all the little chimes from nearby lanterns, or the occasional jingling of horsetack in certain towns and cities. However, now it’s becoming a real necessity for–

Wait, what was I saying? Oh, right, I use the birds chirping soundtrack in Spirit City a lot, and Plant Daddy, also just those youtube videos intended for cats with ambient outdoor noise. Having something neutral like that really helps me focus, when I’m being asked by my kids for–

This is The Queue, the daily column where you ask us questions and we’ll give you goldfish crackers right after we get the kids some answers. No, wait. Other way. I think? Did you…? Okay, no, yeah, I’ll be with you in a second.

Since the end of Season 8, the Overwatch community has been buzzing about the evolving role of the Tank.

Perhaps you've heard of Slay the Spire.

The Hearthstone Too Many Portals Tavern Brawl would like for you to stop for a moment and remember those dedicated Mages who make your life on Azeroth a little easier.

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's game subscription service, providing a broad game library, cloud gaming, as well as discounts and some other perks depending on your subscription tier -- which will likely be getting pricier soon.

World of Warcraft: The War Within will introduce Delves, a new type of instanced progression activity for players that will reward gear equivalent to raids and Mythic dungeons, as well as the Delver's Dirigible customizable mount.

Join us as we discuss if WoW is a narrative-first game, the evolution of the portrayal of goblins, and if Anduin taking center stage in the upcoming expansion means Sylvanas will also make an appearance.

Sometimes all you wanna do is think about cute whelps having fun, and perhaps even wish you were in their shoes. (Do dragons wear shoes? I don’t know; someone should ask that on the next Queue).

But you don’t always have access to a pool, or bathtub, or the ocean, so you might consider doing the second best thing instead: answering questions, and adding fun prompts and pictures to embellish some of them.

I’m in luck, for I can do that second thing. So let’s get to that!

While making your first character in Dungeons and Dragons can take a bit of time, over time it gets a lot faster once you're familiar with it -- possibly with the biggest slowdown being figuring out how to translate the concept in your head into a D&D character mechanically.