XCOM and Gloomhaven’s creators say video game and tabletop collabs can save the industry
The gaming and tabletop industries are both experiencing significant financial distress, with widespread layoffs and project cancellations threatening their stability. Major video game publishers have announced substantial workforce reductions: Microsoft-owned Xbox has cut staff multiple times, Bungie downsized significantly following Destiny 2’s final update, and Epic Games eliminated 1,000 employees in March due to declining Fortnite engagement. The tabletop sector faces parallel challenges, with Pathfinder publisher Paizo forced to restructure after its distributor Diamond Comics declared bankruptcy, and miniatures manufacturer CMON implementing layoffs attributed to rising tariffs impacting crowdfunding fulfillment. The crisis extends to project cancellations, including Plaid Hat’s The Monolith and the Altered expansion Roots of Corruption, both cancelled despite achieving their crowdfunding targets—a troubling sign of post-production financial strain.
Despite this bleak landscape, industry figures including the creators behind XCOM and Gloomhaven suggest that collaboration between video game and tabletop developers could provide a path forward for both sectors. Cross-medium partnerships could expand audiences, create new revenue streams, and provide mutual support as both industries navigate current economic headwinds. These partnerships represent a potential lifeline for an industry facing unprecedented financial pressure.