TL;DR: Hexingtide is entering its final development phase. The core rules in Playtest 4 (version 0.4.6) are stable. I am shifting away from Discord to a dedicated mailing list to work closely with a core group of testers and get the game finished by autumn 2026.
Join the playtest Circle here: hxti.de/signup
Choosing Focus to Reach the Finish Line
I have been developing Hexingtide for a few years now, and the project has reached a significant milestone. The core gameplay of the current playtest (v0.4.6), is rock solid.
As a solo designer, I have realized that the best way to get this game completed is to change how I approach playtesting. The “always-on” nature of a Discord server is great for some things, but it is not the right environment for the focused work I need to do right now.
To be honest, my start-and-stop development process over the last couple of years, combined with the burnout I have felt around the marketing and community building “hustle,” has seen the Discord server languish. It has become a quiet place, and the energy required to maintain it often feels like it is being taken away from the game itself. It is best to temporarily sunset the server and focus on moving forward with a smaller, active group of playtesters.
The Discord server may return in the future once the game is complete and a live, digital version is available for purchase. But for now?
To ensure Hexingtide crosses the finish line, I am closing the Discord server on March 1st to move toward a more intentional, direct approach with engaged, interested playtesters.
Why Shift to Email?
My goal is to have Hexingtide fully completed by this autumn. To hit that target, I need to spend my limited hobby time finishing the specific resources that will make the game playable for everyone:
- Polish Core Gameplay Flows & Documents: This ranges from copyediting, art (my own and commissioned), high-level gameplay, and additional mechanics
- Demo Adventure: A three to four scene “demo” designed to show exactly how the game flows
- A Micro-Sized Bestiary: A collection of example threats, monsters, and mysteries
- Finalizing Pregen Protagonists: Polishing the five Iconic Protagonists with more narrative depth and high-level variations
A mailing list allows me to engage with a smaller, more committed cohort of playtesters. It lets me send specific updates and test requests directly to the people who want to see them, without the distractions of a 24/7 chat cycle. This shift allows me to focus entirely on refining the rules and completing the minimum viable amount of extra resources and content to support the game.
What You Get by Joining
- Direct Playtesting: Get first access to sign up for online one-shots and “blind playtests” where you run the game while I observe.
- Early Content: Receive drafts of the upcoming Micro Bestiary, the Demo Adventure, and high-level play rules as they are finished.
- A No-Hustle Update: I only send mail once or twice a month with project updates, feedback request, new resources & content, and rules refinements.
- Playtester Credit in the Final Rules: My little way of saying thanks!
Stay Connected
I am not disappearing; I am just moving the conversation primarily to the email list – a space that is more sustainable for a solo project.
Outside of the list, I will be posting progress and dev logs on BlueSky and occasionally on Instagram. It is the best place to connect with me if you want to chat about the game or see what I am currently working on.
- BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/willphillips.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/tabletop.will.phillips
If you have stuck with me through the starts and stops of development, I invite you to join the list. Let’s get this game finished.