franco@twigacommunications.co.za

Over the past five decades, Dungeons & Dragons have evolved and expanded, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tabletop gaming. Rulebooks, supplements, and expansions have been released, offering players new options for characters, settings, and adventures. From the medieval-inspired realms of the classic Forgotten Realms setting, to the horror themed world of Ravenloft and the steampunk wonders of Eberron, D&D has explored a vast tapestry of genres and themes, keeping the game fresh and entertaining. To mark the 50th Anniversary, a new book about how Dungeon’s & Dragons came to be, has been released. The Making of Original D&D is an extraordinary collection of rare documents that shed light on the game’s origin story. It contains materials never released to the public, including Gary Gygax’s first draft, and early published writings such as the 1974 original D&D “white box” booklets and supplements. Each document is featured alongside insightful commentary from one of the game’s foremost historians, Jon Peterson. D&D is here to stay In the realm of tabletop gaming, few titles command the same level of reverence and admiration as D&D. Since its first publication in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, Dungeons & Dragons has captivated the hearts and minds of millions worldwide, shaping the landscape of gaming and inspiring a generation of players. From character creation to decision-making during gameplay, every choice matters and contributes to the unfolding narrative. This collaborative storytelling aspect has fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among players, making it one of the top table top games for socializing and networking. Many would agree that strong friendships have been forged because of the game. Launch of new Player’s Handbook Fans can look forward to a new, revised and expanded Player’s Handbook that will be launched in September this year. It is the biggest Player’s …

Twilight Masquerade is the sixth set to be launched in the Scarlet & Violet series. The expansion builds on the themes and mechanics introduced in the earlier sets and adds a distinctive twist with the masquerade ball motif. There is a focus on Ogerpon, a character that fully captures the depths and nuances of the masquerade theme. Ogerpon wears different masks offering various versions and strategies for player to explore. Each card features Pokémon adorned in masquerade-themed costumes, adding a touch of fantasy and sophistication to the traditional designs. The designs bring a new layer of storytelling into the Pokémon universe - collectors and players won’t be disappointed. Among the standout cards are the new EX cards, which showcase Pokémon in dynamic poses that emphasize their unique abilities and traits. The set also includes exciting new Trainer cards that provide additional tactical advantages in gameplay. For those new to the Pokémon TCG, the Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade expansion provides an inviting entry point. The set includes beginner-friendly starter decks and guidebooks, ensuring that novices can quickly learn the ropes and join in the fun. For more information go to: www.unplugyourself.co.za @unplugyourselfza @unplugza CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Veruska D from Twiga Communications on behalf of solarpop. …

This Winter, bring happiness home with tabletop games that the whole family will love. Add the marshmallows to the hot chocolate, find your favourite blanket, pull your beanie snug over your head and get the table ready for the season’s top boardgames. With cooler days and longer nights, there is every reason to socialize over a board game or two. “Winter is a great time for boardgames, the weather permits us to cozy up indoors. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy time with family and friends and bond over a variety of tabletop games to suit every age group, every mood and every occasion,” says Philip Galliford of games distributor Solarpop. Top Winter Games This season it’s all about impulse games, social games and family games. For quick, high-energy exhilarating impulse gaming sessions get your hands on Spot It!, 5 Second Rule, Bananagrams and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. These games are all about speed, quick-thinking, crazy answers and lots of laughs. They are ideal for younger children or as a warm up to a longer gaming session. Social games include EXIT: the game – an adventurous, exhilarating, cooperative escape room game-in-a-box where players solve riddles and crack codes to escape an imaginary situation. Each box offers a different scenario and setting, and once you’ve grasped the rules, it’s easy to crack open a new box and solve the mystery. Family games offer a wonderful bonding experience for parents and children, aunties, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, bringing multiple generations together for fun and laughter. This category features Catan, Pandemic, King of Tokyo and Ticket to Ride. “Games have become intricately woven into popular culture. They feature in sitcoms, movies, books, you name it. People have picked up the hobby as they see the value in it. It’s money well spent for a great night of entertainment, there are new games and new editions on the shelf which keeps things relevant, and most games can be played again and again …

Gather your friends, siblings and parents because there’s a new game in town! Kluster is a quick, easy to transport, incredibly fun, really simple, accessible to everyone, full of strategy game. It can be played solo or with other players, up to four. It’s very entertaining and perfect for group play. “Kluster is a new, dexterity game that is ideal as a family game, social game, break-the-ice game and everything in between. It is easy to set up and the rules are simple. I take it with me to friends as an add-on to the evening’s entertainment,” says Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop. How to play Magnetic stones are equally shared between players, who must, in turn, place one stone inside the area delimited by the cord. The first player to get rid of their magnets wins. But beware, when stones kluster together during one player’s turn, that player collects them. Players need to be aware that the strong magnets need to be kept away from small children as they can cause internal injury if swallowed. Magnets should also be kept away from magnetically sensitive devices such as credit cards and pacemakers. For more info go to: www.unplugyourself.co.za or follow: @unplugyourselfza @unplugZA CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Veruska D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …

Much is made of the onscreen chemistry between characters in a movie, whether it is the relationship between romantic leads, family and friends or even between protagonist and antagonist. In many cases, that magical X-factor can make or break a production, adding the emotional authenticity that an audience craves when watching a show or movie. As important to the success of a show, however, is the behind-the-scenes chemistry between the principal creative team. It was this chemistry, according to creator and writer Rohan Dickson and director Cindy Lee, that was an integral part of the secret sauce behind M-Net’s recent 8-episode series, Desert Rose. Produced by Quizzical Pictures, Desert Rose tells a tale of family, crime, romance, humour and music through the eyes of the Greyling Family. It is an evocative and quirky drama about good vs evil, set on a Northern Cape farm called Desert Rose. Both Lee and Dickson are represented by MLA, the largest artists’ agency on the African continent. They have a long history in television, although Desert Rose is the first time they are working together. Desert Rose is the latest series from Dickson who is an award-winning screenwriter and showrunner of shows such as Reyka, Husk and Welcome to Hawaii. While Cindy Lee’s previous long-form directorial outing was The Girl from St Agnes. Fast friends even before production of the show began, Lee and Dickson’s connection and admiration for each other is evident as they talk passionately about their recent collaboration: “I have had the pleasure of knowing and admiring Cindy’s work for many years, as well as being able to refer to her as a colleague” states Dickson. “When I was discussing possible directors for Desert Rose with the production company, her name was already on my mind as my top choice. I am glad that Quizzical wholeheartedly agreed and I pitched it to her almost immediately.” “I, of course, have seen what Rohan has done on his other shows, including …