Grimwild is a fantasy indie tabletop role-playing game, created by J.D. Maxwell and illustrated by Per Janke, originally published by Oddity Press in 2024. The game aims to emulate the aesthetics and tropes of Dungeons & Dragons, but uses a narrative and cinematic ruleset (called Moxie). Grimwild looked like a rare crowdfunding success: $87,000 raised, a free edition released, a full PDF delivered, and even a Gold ENNIE Award in 2025. Yet its designer, J.D. Maxwell, has disappeared, leaving the hardcover release stalled despite the game being finished. · In an update delivered to backers on the game's community Discord server last month, a moderator explained why, revealing that nobody involved with the book's production had been able to get in touch with Grimwild's designer, J.D. Maxwell, for weeks. · In most cases, a designer’s disappearance after funding can spike concerns about project completion, but the situation with Grimwild differs. The game itself is reportedly complete, with manufacturing costs already covered. · The situation is unusual for a stalled crowdfunding campaign. Typically, delays are due to production issues or inexperience. Here, the game is complete, and the digital version is both released and critically acclaimed. For now, the hardcover is officially “on hold indefinitely.” This is not the usual crowdfunding collapse. The game is finished, it exists, and it has been recognized by the industry. · As for Grimwild’s current status, a free digital version of the game has already been released. The printing costs of their physical books have also been paid. Grimwild is a fantasy indie tabletop role-playing game, created by J.D. Maxwell and illustrated by Per Janke, originally published by Oddity Press in 2024. The game aims to emulate the aesthetics and tropes of Dungeons & Dragons, but uses a narrative and cinematic ruleset (called Moxie). · As for Grimwild’s current status, a free digital version of the game has already been released. The printing costs of their physical books have also been paid.
