David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
@davidmasnato.com
🎲 Game Designer - #CampCharmwood
🎨 Art/Graphic Design - #Turncoats #PaxPenning
💛 I try my best - He/Him
🎨 Art/Graphic Design - #Turncoats #PaxPenning
💛 I try my best - He/Him
Pinned
Looks like pinned posts are live now so how about a re-intro?
I'm David! I make non-violent tabletop games with unconventional and thematic player dynamics. My main two projects are "Spell Week" and "Tiers of Joy". Sometimes I do graphic design for Matilda Simonsson.
I'm David! I make non-violent tabletop games with unconventional and thematic player dynamics. My main two projects are "Spell Week" and "Tiers of Joy". Sometimes I do graphic design for Matilda Simonsson.
First concert of 2026 in the books! Sudan Archives set the bar impossibly high. Absolutely unreal.
January 29, 2026 at 4:57 AM
First concert of 2026 in the books! Sudan Archives set the bar impossibly high. Absolutely unreal.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
We're delighted to announce that our Unpub Festival 2026 Guest of Honor is Connie Vogelmann!
Learn more about Connie and preview her keynote topic in our latest newsletter:
https://www.unpub.org/news/announcing-the-unpub-festival-2026-guest-of-honor
Learn more about Connie and preview her keynote topic in our latest newsletter:
https://www.unpub.org/news/announcing-the-unpub-festival-2026-guest-of-honor
January 28, 2026 at 6:04 PM
We're delighted to announce that our Unpub Festival 2026 Guest of Honor is Connie Vogelmann!
Learn more about Connie and preview her keynote topic in our latest newsletter:
https://www.unpub.org/news/announcing-the-unpub-festival-2026-guest-of-honor
Learn more about Connie and preview her keynote topic in our latest newsletter:
https://www.unpub.org/news/announcing-the-unpub-festival-2026-guest-of-honor
Given the history of transphobic takes and enthusiastic embrace of AI generated illustrations, it's enormously disappointing to see @boardgamegeek.com celebrate and reward the work of FryxGames in their Hall of Fame.
January 24, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Given the history of transphobic takes and enthusiastic embrace of AI generated illustrations, it's enormously disappointing to see @boardgamegeek.com celebrate and reward the work of FryxGames in their Hall of Fame.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
Upper Deck has announced that they have acquired the Harry Potter license for a series of trading cards. They have not yet said that they will be using this license for games, and we urge them to refrain from doing so, to help keep gaming a welcoming environment.
The leadership of the Tabletop Game Designers Association was disappointed to see the publisher CGE touting Codenames: Back to Hogwarts, a new Harry Potter-themed version of Codenames.
January 18, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Upper Deck has announced that they have acquired the Harry Potter license for a series of trading cards. They have not yet said that they will be using this license for games, and we urge them to refrain from doing so, to help keep gaming a welcoming environment.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
We are calling for an immediate stop to all purchases from Upper Deck.
Their total lack of communication is distressing—so we call upon everyone to help us escalate.
No purchases from Upper Deck. No media coverage or posts of their games.
Upper Deck will only respond when it hurts their wallets.
Their total lack of communication is distressing—so we call upon everyone to help us escalate.
No purchases from Upper Deck. No media coverage or posts of their games.
Upper Deck will only respond when it hurts their wallets.
YIKES.
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COVETED HARRY POTTER LICENSE, UPCOMING PRODUCT COLLECTION - Upper Deck
Carlsbad, CA (Jan. 7, 2026) – Upper Deck, the global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is adding another iconic license to its extensive portfolio – announcing a deal to create collecti...
upperdeck.com
January 17, 2026 at 3:14 PM
We are calling for an immediate stop to all purchases from Upper Deck.
Their total lack of communication is distressing—so we call upon everyone to help us escalate.
No purchases from Upper Deck. No media coverage or posts of their games.
Upper Deck will only respond when it hurts their wallets.
Their total lack of communication is distressing—so we call upon everyone to help us escalate.
No purchases from Upper Deck. No media coverage or posts of their games.
Upper Deck will only respond when it hurts their wallets.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
YIKES.
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COVETED HARRY POTTER LICENSE, UPCOMING PRODUCT COLLECTION - Upper Deck
Carlsbad, CA (Jan. 7, 2026) – Upper Deck, the global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is adding another iconic license to its extensive portfolio – announcing a deal to create collecti...
upperdeck.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:35 PM
YIKES.
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
Upper Deck (Marvel Legendary) just announced a CCG using the Harry Potter license.
Fans of UD are rallying against this decision. Like the CGE situation last year, I’m asking for your help.
Join us. Share your disgust and frustration, and help us push UD to retract their awful decision. 🎲✂️
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
Do you have an idea for a Panel or Event at Unpub Festival in March?
We’re still looking for your suggestions.
Deadline is this coming Sunday.
Come share your knowledge.
I’ll give you a Tastykake.
unpub.fillout.com/2026events
We’re still looking for your suggestions.
Deadline is this coming Sunday.
Come share your knowledge.
I’ll give you a Tastykake.
unpub.fillout.com/2026events
Panel Submission Unpub Festival 2026
Made with Fillout, the best way to make forms, surveys and quizzes your audience will answer.
unpub.fillout.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Do you have an idea for a Panel or Event at Unpub Festival in March?
We’re still looking for your suggestions.
Deadline is this coming Sunday.
Come share your knowledge.
I’ll give you a Tastykake.
unpub.fillout.com/2026events
We’re still looking for your suggestions.
Deadline is this coming Sunday.
Come share your knowledge.
I’ll give you a Tastykake.
unpub.fillout.com/2026events
As I'm getting things ready for Unpub Festival, it's looking like I might be bringing 5 games! That's way more than I usually pack.
⛺ Camp Charmwood
🛶 Oar Deal
🌓 Saros
🎨 Secret Game #1
🐦⬛ Secret Game #2
⛺ Camp Charmwood
🛶 Oar Deal
🌓 Saros
🎨 Secret Game #1
🐦⬛ Secret Game #2
January 10, 2026 at 1:52 PM
As I'm getting things ready for Unpub Festival, it's looking like I might be bringing 5 games! That's way more than I usually pack.
⛺ Camp Charmwood
🛶 Oar Deal
🌓 Saros
🎨 Secret Game #1
🐦⬛ Secret Game #2
⛺ Camp Charmwood
🛶 Oar Deal
🌓 Saros
🎨 Secret Game #1
🐦⬛ Secret Game #2
Welp. It was fun while it was still fun.
Due to unexpected shakeups at work, it's extremely likely I'll be unemployed soon. I know it seems like everyone is putting out these messages these days, but any leads you may have for full time community or graphic design work would be much appreciated.
Due to unexpected shakeups at work, it's extremely likely I'll be unemployed soon. I know it seems like everyone is putting out these messages these days, but any leads you may have for full time community or graphic design work would be much appreciated.
January 5, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Welp. It was fun while it was still fun.
Due to unexpected shakeups at work, it's extremely likely I'll be unemployed soon. I know it seems like everyone is putting out these messages these days, but any leads you may have for full time community or graphic design work would be much appreciated.
Due to unexpected shakeups at work, it's extremely likely I'll be unemployed soon. I know it seems like everyone is putting out these messages these days, but any leads you may have for full time community or graphic design work would be much appreciated.
Genuinely thrilled that a new generation of music lovers is getting introduced to Wolf Parade from the gay hockey show!
People get weird and gatekeepy when pop culture moments like this happen. Why? "I'll Believe in Anything" is a phenomenal song and everyone deserves to hear it.
People get weird and gatekeepy when pop culture moments like this happen. Why? "I'll Believe in Anything" is a phenomenal song and everyone deserves to hear it.
December 30, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Genuinely thrilled that a new generation of music lovers is getting introduced to Wolf Parade from the gay hockey show!
People get weird and gatekeepy when pop culture moments like this happen. Why? "I'll Believe in Anything" is a phenomenal song and everyone deserves to hear it.
People get weird and gatekeepy when pop culture moments like this happen. Why? "I'll Believe in Anything" is a phenomenal song and everyone deserves to hear it.
Apparently there's a new security exploit with TTS that allows users to join non-private sessions, mess with your mod, and run scripts that cause your computer to crash.
Once again. Stop using the terrible board game software. The pile of reasons is a mountain at this point.
Once again. Stop using the terrible board game software. The pile of reasons is a mountain at this point.
December 28, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Apparently there's a new security exploit with TTS that allows users to join non-private sessions, mess with your mod, and run scripts that cause your computer to crash.
Once again. Stop using the terrible board game software. The pile of reasons is a mountain at this point.
Once again. Stop using the terrible board game software. The pile of reasons is a mountain at this point.
Everything about Obojima and Yanari has reeked of appropriation and borderline IP theft, but this extra dollop of zero media literacy and lack of compassion is shameful.
Imagine watching Princess Mononoke and your only takeaway was "Those monsters deserved to die."
Embarrassing.
Imagine watching Princess Mononoke and your only takeaway was "Those monsters deserved to die."
Embarrassing.
The team behind Obojima not only don’t care about Ghibli outside of the aesthetic, they also fully do not understand it. They’re either complete buffoons or actively bad people and the truth likely lies in the middle.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrt9XWWk/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrt9XWWk/
What can you lose by humanizing monsters? #obojima #studioghibli #ghibli #1985games #ttrpg #dnd #dnd5e #podcast
TikTok video by Obojima
www.tiktok.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Everything about Obojima and Yanari has reeked of appropriation and borderline IP theft, but this extra dollop of zero media literacy and lack of compassion is shameful.
Imagine watching Princess Mononoke and your only takeaway was "Those monsters deserved to die."
Embarrassing.
Imagine watching Princess Mononoke and your only takeaway was "Those monsters deserved to die."
Embarrassing.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
Howdy all you new peeps!
If you're curious about Conviction, you can find it here:
www.lunarpunk.games/conviction
You should also follow @lunarpunk.games , since that's my latest vessel for talking shop on games, breaking down their hierarchies, and publishing weird indie stuff.
If you're curious about Conviction, you can find it here:
www.lunarpunk.games/conviction
You should also follow @lunarpunk.games , since that's my latest vessel for talking shop on games, breaking down their hierarchies, and publishing weird indie stuff.
Conviction | Lunarpunk Games
the night is for mediation . . . Conviction is a two player tabletop game about resolving a grim quarrel with your partner.
www.lunarpunk.games
December 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Howdy all you new peeps!
If you're curious about Conviction, you can find it here:
www.lunarpunk.games/conviction
You should also follow @lunarpunk.games , since that's my latest vessel for talking shop on games, breaking down their hierarchies, and publishing weird indie stuff.
If you're curious about Conviction, you can find it here:
www.lunarpunk.games/conviction
You should also follow @lunarpunk.games , since that's my latest vessel for talking shop on games, breaking down their hierarchies, and publishing weird indie stuff.
I wish everyone who scooped up Taskmaster Live tickets just to flip them for 5x face value a very merry 0 points for not following the task as written on the card.
December 9, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I wish everyone who scooped up Taskmaster Live tickets just to flip them for 5x face value a very merry 0 points for not following the task as written on the card.
The deluxe edition of my favorite album of 2025 dropped on Friday!
"That's Showbiz Baby!: The Encore" is the rare deluxe version where every new track feels as essential as the core album. An absolute must listen. Endless treats for fans of pop excellence.
"That's Showbiz Baby!: The Encore" is the rare deluxe version where every new track feels as essential as the core album. An absolute must listen. Endless treats for fans of pop excellence.
December 7, 2025 at 9:41 PM
The deluxe edition of my favorite album of 2025 dropped on Friday!
"That's Showbiz Baby!: The Encore" is the rare deluxe version where every new track feels as essential as the core album. An absolute must listen. Endless treats for fans of pop excellence.
"That's Showbiz Baby!: The Encore" is the rare deluxe version where every new track feels as essential as the core album. An absolute must listen. Endless treats for fans of pop excellence.
Saving this because Dan once again communicates our shared disgust of AI generated creative work with eloquence and care.
When folks ask why I feel the way I do about this mess, I'll be grateful to have this thread in the ol' dossier.
When folks ask why I feel the way I do about this mess, I'll be grateful to have this thread in the ol' dossier.
This exchange on r/boardgames, in reference to the review I wrote yesterday, raises a whooooooole lot of emotions for me. Bear with me as I work through them.
December 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Saving this because Dan once again communicates our shared disgust of AI generated creative work with eloquence and care.
When folks ask why I feel the way I do about this mess, I'll be grateful to have this thread in the ol' dossier.
When folks ask why I feel the way I do about this mess, I'll be grateful to have this thread in the ol' dossier.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
Over the last month, I've been working on this essay about the use of AI art in board games, "Is This Really What We Want?" Though it is contextually specific, it is also a reflection of my wider thoughts on the use of AI art and writing in creative contexts.
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
Is This Really What We Want? – AI Art in Board Games – Meeple...
AI generated imagery and text are a threat to what makes board games worthwhile. In this piece, Andrew explains Meeple Mountain’s policy.
www.meeplemountain.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Over the last month, I've been working on this essay about the use of AI art in board games, "Is This Really What We Want?" Though it is contextually specific, it is also a reflection of my wider thoughts on the use of AI art and writing in creative contexts.
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
www.meeplemountain.com/articles/is-...
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
Finally sharing my sizzle reel! If you're in need of video production work (or pretty much anything creative), hit me up, esp. at #PAXU!
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
November 19, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Finally sharing my sizzle reel! If you're in need of video production work (or pretty much anything creative), hit me up, esp. at #PAXU!
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
I don't ask for this much, but if you're in the #boardgames industry and like what I do, consider sharing this! I'm looking to book up 2026!
linktr.ee/jcw.gay
Once again sharing my objectively correct opinion about the National Dog Show.
I have a controversial take. Some people are going to disagree. l'll probably lose followers over this, but I'm going to say it because I can't sit in silence anymore.
I deserve to pet the dogs at the National Dog Show. Let me pet the dogs.
I deserve to pet the dogs at the National Dog Show. Let me pet the dogs.
November 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Once again sharing my objectively correct opinion about the National Dog Show.
Reposted by David Masnato 🔜 Unpub Festival
"How do I find my art style?"
I've been a creative pro for 10 years, this is the number 1 question I get.
They want creative work to be recognizably theirs in an instant-- like Miyazaki or Wes Anderson movies.
This is the formula for art style, it's much simpler than you think.
I've been a creative pro for 10 years, this is the number 1 question I get.
They want creative work to be recognizably theirs in an instant-- like Miyazaki or Wes Anderson movies.
This is the formula for art style, it's much simpler than you think.
November 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"How do I find my art style?"
I've been a creative pro for 10 years, this is the number 1 question I get.
They want creative work to be recognizably theirs in an instant-- like Miyazaki or Wes Anderson movies.
This is the formula for art style, it's much simpler than you think.
I've been a creative pro for 10 years, this is the number 1 question I get.
They want creative work to be recognizably theirs in an instant-- like Miyazaki or Wes Anderson movies.
This is the formula for art style, it's much simpler than you think.
It's the Monday after #PAXU and I'm feeling grateful for all the incredible people I've met.
Some of you know I've been holding quite a lot of grief over the last month. Being with you was the boost of joy I desperately needed. Thank you for all the kindness, love, and experiences you shared!
Some of you know I've been holding quite a lot of grief over the last month. Being with you was the boost of joy I desperately needed. Thank you for all the kindness, love, and experiences you shared!
November 24, 2025 at 2:18 PM
It's the Monday after #PAXU and I'm feeling grateful for all the incredible people I've met.
Some of you know I've been holding quite a lot of grief over the last month. Being with you was the boost of joy I desperately needed. Thank you for all the kindness, love, and experiences you shared!
Some of you know I've been holding quite a lot of grief over the last month. Being with you was the boost of joy I desperately needed. Thank you for all the kindness, love, and experiences you shared!
A few folks have asked me when I'm playtesting the game that used to be called Roux Mates and Spell Week at #PAXU. Here's your answer!
Matthew, Xoe, and I are running #CampCharmwood at the times here!
Matthew, Xoe, and I are running #CampCharmwood at the times here!
We're running our upcoming multivictor and victorless game line-up all weekend at PAX Unplugged, including Bread by @xoe.gay, Camp Charmwood by @davidmasnato.com, Color Jam by @stickydoodler.bsky.social and Joe Kell, Cursed VHS by Maia Valdez.
The night is for playtesting. 🌙
Hope to see you there!
The night is for playtesting. 🌙
Hope to see you there!
Looking for us at PAX Unplugged?
Find us in the Unpub area!
# Friday
1:30pm - 4:20pm at table A7
# Saturday
1:30pm - 4:20pm at table A8
# Sunday
10:00am - 12:50pm at table D8
And also generally at Open Playtesting! Looking forward to seeing y'all there!
Find us in the Unpub area!
# Friday
1:30pm - 4:20pm at table A7
# Saturday
1:30pm - 4:20pm at table A8
# Sunday
10:00am - 12:50pm at table D8
And also generally at Open Playtesting! Looking forward to seeing y'all there!
November 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM
A few folks have asked me when I'm playtesting the game that used to be called Roux Mates and Spell Week at #PAXU. Here's your answer!
Matthew, Xoe, and I are running #CampCharmwood at the times here!
Matthew, Xoe, and I are running #CampCharmwood at the times here!
Pro tip from your fav community manager:
When the platform the community runs on goes down due to some kind of mass outage, you can assume I already know about it. This is my job. You don't need to send me an email "just giving me a heads up".
When the platform the community runs on goes down due to some kind of mass outage, you can assume I already know about it. This is my job. You don't need to send me an email "just giving me a heads up".
November 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Pro tip from your fav community manager:
When the platform the community runs on goes down due to some kind of mass outage, you can assume I already know about it. This is my job. You don't need to send me an email "just giving me a heads up".
When the platform the community runs on goes down due to some kind of mass outage, you can assume I already know about it. This is my job. You don't need to send me an email "just giving me a heads up".
Printing, cutting, and assembly is complete on all three prototypes for #PAXU! Ready to go!
I'll be bringing...
- The first physical iteration of the brand new board layout for #CampCharmwood
- #OarDeal, a trick taker/shedder about a canoe trip
- #Saros, an 18 card game about the sun and moon
I'll be bringing...
- The first physical iteration of the brand new board layout for #CampCharmwood
- #OarDeal, a trick taker/shedder about a canoe trip
- #Saros, an 18 card game about the sun and moon
November 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Printing, cutting, and assembly is complete on all three prototypes for #PAXU! Ready to go!
I'll be bringing...
- The first physical iteration of the brand new board layout for #CampCharmwood
- #OarDeal, a trick taker/shedder about a canoe trip
- #Saros, an 18 card game about the sun and moon
I'll be bringing...
- The first physical iteration of the brand new board layout for #CampCharmwood
- #OarDeal, a trick taker/shedder about a canoe trip
- #Saros, an 18 card game about the sun and moon
"LUX" by Rosalía has been on nonstop rotation for me over the last few days. Its ambition, scope, and execution is stunning. Pretty handedly the most beautiful album of 2025 and a must listen.
November 9, 2025 at 3:10 PM
"LUX" by Rosalía has been on nonstop rotation for me over the last few days. Its ambition, scope, and execution is stunning. Pretty handedly the most beautiful album of 2025 and a must listen.