A new tabletop company is mired in an NFT controversy. Some are marketing stunts like Exploding Kittens’ physical NFTs. Others are dubious grifts like Wonders of the First. Then there are conflicts of policy and stance like Evil Genius Games owner Dave Scott promoting NFTs and Web3 technology despite the company’s code of ethics being against their use.
Evil Genius Games owner and NFTs
According to a report by ENworld, Scott had participated in a pitch competition at Consensus 2024. Consensus 2024 is held in Texas and is run by Coindesk, one of the largest media and data companies dedicated to global crypto markets, blockchain and Web3 technology.
In his pitch, Scott pitched a future of TTRPG offerings that would use the blockchain and NFTs. This pitch involved making turn-based RPGs on chain, minting items, character sheets, adventures, and NPCs as tokens that could be, bought, sold, and traded on chain.
Scott’s pitch included a video presentation and an extended Q&A. The video contained illustrations of a possible NFT future for Evil Genius Games’ tabletop offerings, showing characters and ideas from their D20 Modern-inspired project Everyday Heroes. In the Q&A Scott stated the technology wasn’t in place but they were starting to set up the infrastructure.
Ultimately, Scott’s pitch for an NFT-based TTRPG future won the pitch competition.
Scott’s advocacy and promotion of NFTs and Web3 technology opposes Evil Genius Games’ code of ethics. On their official website, item number 2 of their code of ethics states the company will not use blockchain or Web3 tech as part of their technology platform.
Notably, Evil Genius Games’ code of ethics on NFTs and Web3 does come with a disclosure note. It states that one of the company’s investors is the Blockchain Founders Fund, which heavily invests in Web3 startups. The note explains that an understanding is in place and that Evil Genius Games will not use blockchain technology.
It is a stance that becomes increasingly dubious in light of recent events. After the lawsuit regarding their cancelled Rebel Moon TTRPG, employees had begun resigning from the company citing ethical concerns. Those concerns included wage issues, concerns with certain technology being used, as well as interpersonal pressures.
Overall, Scott’s presence at Consensus 2024 and the work environment of Evil Genius Games bring many things into question. The policy says one thing while the owner does the opposite. Employees leaving over ethical conflicts exacerbated by the involvement of certain investors.
All around a highly controversial technology being potentially incorporated into the distinctly analog hobby of TTRPGs.
