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In this issue, we’re taking a look at how Inkarnate responded to its community’s opposition to AI.

Mapmaking Software Inkarnate Faces Pressure Over AI Policy

A popular software for making TTRPG maps is facing pressure from fans over its policies on AI-generated images.

Inkarnate is an online map-making editor that enables users to create fantasy-themed maps, illustrating fantastical lands and designing dungeons for their TTRPG campaigns. It’s a tool that I myself have used for past campaigns. The company has come under pressure after screenshots alleging that Inkarnate CEO Ingmar Gagen was considering allowing AI-generated content onto its marketplace. (TTRPG Insider wasn’t able to verify the screenshots due to the convos occurring within restricted parts of the Inkarnate Discord.)

The company also reportedly used AI-generated ads on Reddit to advertise its products, although this is difficult to verify.

His post led to some backlash on Reddit and Bluesky, with customers deciding to cancel subscriptions in response.

Gagen decided to address the claims during a Q&A on Sept. 26, discussing the company’s stance as well as upcoming product releases and possible pricing increases.

“We have always had a strict policy within our team: no AI generated art or trace overs. Everything we make is hand rendered by a team of highly talented artists,” Gagen wrote in a summary. Now he’s considering either a “strict ban on monetized AI-generated art, modified or otherwise,” or “allowing AI-generated art with a clear labeling and filtering system, and an opt-in system where users can choose to see this art on the marketplace.” (Editor’s note: This proposed policy doesn’t ban AI-generated content from being on Inkarnate, just monetizing it.)

Gagen later affirmed in the Reddit thread that he was hearing a “pretty clear consensus” on the AI question after the vast majority of users voiced opposition to the use of AI in the marketplace. An official policy is expected to be announced next week and has not been released as of September 28, 2025.

Monte Cook Games’ Cypher Crosses $1 Million Crowdfunding Threshold

Cypher, Monte Cook Games’ big update to its game system powering The Magnus Archives, Numenara and Old Gods of Appalachia, crossed $1 million raised in crowdfunding on Saturday, making it the sixth game this year to cross the $1M milestone.

The crossing of the $1 million threshold occurred during the Backer Train, a unique feature offered by Backerkit, which continues to raise funds as long as people share or back the campaign every ten minutes.

Previous games that raised more than $1 million include Free League Publishing’s Alien: Evolved Edition, Arcane Library’s Shadowdark: The Western Reaches, The World’s Largest Dungeon, MCG’s The Magnus Archives: Tangled in the Web and Magpie Games’ Fallen London.

We wrote about Cypher earlier this year, discussing how the new update streamlines its rules and aims to make playing and DMing a lot easier.

Roll20Con and Power World Meal Raise Funds for Charitable Causes

Roll20 partnered with professional GM market StartPlaying.Games this weekend to host Roll20Con, its annual event celebrating all the popular VTT resources. There were paid games, a giveaway, fundraising for the Trevor Project and a lot more.

The one thing I think is worth your attention is the Roll20Con 2025 bundle, which will get you $200 of TTRPG supplements for only $25. This includes Magpie Games’ MASKS, Son of Oak’s Legends in the Mist, and a ton more. It will be available until Oct. 6.

A second notable event is YouTuber DnD Shorts’ partnership with Share the Meal, a United Nations program that raises funds for food distribution worldwide. Any donations will get a PDF of D&D and Pathfinder content in exchange for any donations they may.

Mollymauk and Jester from Critical Role got Spirit Halloween-ed?

Personally, I’m still processing the fact that two of the main characters from the Mighty Nein are now Spirit Halloween costumes. Oh, how far Critical Role fans have come.

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Other Stories from TTRPG Insider

This week, I wrote about two new indie TTRPGs: Absurdia and Enclave.

I also offered a quick update on where TTRPG Insider might go in the future as I (Chris) handle some new financial struggles. We’ll keep you in the loop.

That’s all for this week. Have thoughts on a recent story? Want to promote your latest product? Feel free to send us tips or emails at [email protected].

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