Neopets has launched a press release about an upcoming TTRPG adaptation after licensee Geekify launched a controversial playtest doc. Within the assertion, Neopets claims that the beta playtest doc launched by Geekify earlier this month was launched with out their approval and that they’ve requested that the doc be taken down. “Following an inner assessment, Neopets has decided that the content material and themes contained throughout the doc don’t align with our model requirements, values, or the expectations we maintain for experiences created below the Neopets license,” the assertion learn. The assertion goes on to say that the Neopets TTRPG can be restricted to present lore solely aside from when explicitly permitted by Neopets and that the TTRPG can be greater than fight centered. “We’re additionally insisting that the sport seize the total breadth of the Neopets expertise: not simply fight, however the exploration, magic, group, creativity, and the whimsical storytelling that makes Neopia so beloved,” the assertion reads. “And whereas Neopets has at all times included moments of upper stakes and darker themes, these components should be dealt with thoughtfully and appropriately with sensitivity and inclusivity on the forefront.”
Geekify raised over $425,000 by way of Kickstarter to supply a Neopets RPG again in 2024. Geekify’s preliminary playtest doc revealed a combat-focused 5E-derived sport with a playtest journey that concerned torturing a gaggle of drunk bandits. Followers additionally took umbrage in direction of sections involving participant discussions about sexual content material. On condition that the Neopets IP is predicated extra on family-friendly and eccentric actions, it appeared like a tonally discordant journey in comparison with the unique on-line sport. Much more regarding than the content material have been references that Geekify had not paid writers for the content material within the playtest, though Geekify disputed these feedback and claimed it was an inner misunderstanding.
Whereas Neopets appear to be closely essential of the Neopets TTRPG, they seem like assured that the sport will nonetheless be made. “We imagine there’s a implausible Neopets TTRPG ready to be made, one which captures the magic of exploring Neopia, that provides you the liberty to journey throughout all of the lands and love, whereas honoring the distinctive qualities of the Neopets world,” the assertion ends by saying. “We’re centered on taking the time wanted to make sure the challenge reaches that potential.”
