January flew by and we have been busy with getting closer to completion. Things are really taking shape, and I am incredibly proud of how the project is turning out. I am excited for the next steps, so let me share some progress and what we have been working on since the end of the year:
Early Access V0.1 PDF feedback and quotes : I have started receiving feedback from early access readers, and here is a high-level summary. I was genuinely touched by the kind words, especially around the following themes:
(re)usability and flexibility
strong thematic identity
depth and escalation
terrirfic art
great character design
I also took the feedback to heart. Based on a question from Schmaron, I realized we could improve clarity early in the book, particularly around the PRESS Badge mechanic and how parts of the book can be reused in other adventures. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and help make BREAKING NEWS better for everyone.
Blasto:
“First impressions for me are great. I love the style, art and layout.” “I’m really excited about being able to use it to create more of these types of mysteries.”
Schmaron:
“I’m very excited to run this.” “The premise reminds me of ARKYVR, but it’s doing enough different that they’re in different niches.” “The idea that your group’s note-taker can be mechanically rewarded for taking notes is a very fun idea.”
Cross-Collab : I finally wrote a description I am very happy with for the two extra NPCs drawn by Mathieu Baguet, borrowed from the Red Nation universe. I also added an escalating side quest for each of them that reflects their conflicting agendas. I would strongly advise your players to choose carefully who they ask for help. :)
Artwork : Haven has been very busy. The stretch goal stickers are finished, so go check them out! He is also ramping up the final illustrations needed to complete the book, including NPC portraits and blueprints of the Oracle Tower. These will also be included as handouts for convenience at the table.
Below is one of the latest portraits he sent me, and I absolutely love how it turned out.
Rook Vann - Cleaning Crew Lead and Field commander for “incident containment”
Timeline : Schedule-wise, everything is looking very good as we move toward final copy editing.
That's all we have for today, feel free to share your thoughts and questions.
What do you think about Rook? What are you most excited for?
Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to read this!
I hope you are all well and looking forward to the holidays.
We wanted to share some good news and a bit of festive spirit with an early V1 PDF version of the book. We will send private links to the backers who left a comment and would like to give it a try before everyone else. All we ask in return is that you share your feedback and play experience with us.
With most of the stretch goals reached, we were also able to create several in-universe props and documents. These are designed to be printed and brought to the table, or used as fillable PDFs for those playing remotely.
So far, Golden Achiever has mastercrafted:
The Journalist Engagement Notice: the in-universe contract sent by The Oracle to new recruits, outlining their mission, perks, and journalism skills
A Fallout Tracker: to help Wardens track how player investigations impact the world around them
For WHERE IT SHOULDN’T: a player-facing map with space for notes, intended to be used during the one-shot
Stretch goals Players handouts
Another exciting stretch goal update: we commissioned Roque Romero to illustrate a crucial piece of story lore. The idea is that you can hand this two-page mini-comic to a player when a specific trigger occurs and let them act or roleplay based on it, with very little guidance.
I was genuinely happy, and honestly quite emotional, when I read the comic Roque produced. I cannot wait for you to experience that moment at your table as well.
First strip of the mini comic Roque Romero drew for BREAKING NEWS lore
We wish you a great end of 2025 and are very much looking forward to your stories in 2026.
It has been a couple of weeks since the end of the crowdfunding campaign and what a ride it has been. This project has been energizing, humbling, and honestly a little draining in the best possible way. We are extremely grateful for the number of people who supported BREAKING NEWS and we cannot wait to share the work with you.
PDF V1 Progress
We are working toward releasing a playable V1 PDF before the end of the year. This will let the most eager among you dive in early, try the module, and share your thoughts with us.
This V1 will be a Work In Progress version. Some text blocks still need a final pass, a few illustrations are being drawn, and the full layout will come once the manuscript is completely locked. The goal of this early PDF is simple: show how far we are, let you start playing, and open the door for community feedback.
Your comments, ideas, and session reports will help us polish the book and make it as strong and fun as possible.
Art Update
Haven has finalized the map of our infamous restaurant, Au Clair de Lune. You will find a preview below. This is part of what will become a complete digital pack and will also be included in the book. The map is an exploded isometric view that you will be able to use to investigate, sneak around, or fight your way through the restaurant.
View of the restaurant Au Clair De Lune from outside.
Want Early Access?
If you would like early access to the V1 draft PDF, please answer the poll and leave a comment below !! We would love to share this phase of the project with you.
