With the launch date for Paizo’s Starfinder Roleplaying Game approaching this summer, the company has revealed some additional detail regarding the products being released. Starfinder is a science-fantasy game based on the Pathfinder RPG, set in space, and compatible but stand-alone.

The initial slate of Starfinder releases scheduled for Gen Con will include a Core Rulebook ($60), GM Screen ($20), and Player Character Folio ($10). Also available at the same time will be the first part of a Starfinder Adventure Path, Incident at Absalom Station ($23), as well as the usual adventure path accessories, a pawn collection ($25) and flip mats ($15-20). The core rulebook runs 560 pages and includes several new races, seven classes (technomancer, mechanic, soldier, envoy, operative, mystic, and solarion), science-fantasy equipment, spells, and rules for starship construction and combat.

Following in September will be Starfinder Condition Cards ($13). In October will be Starfinder Alien Archive ($40) with rules for both creatures as adversaries and creatures as player-characters.

Paizo also has in the works a Starfinder organized play program. The Starfinder Society Roleplaying Guild will be separate from but similar to the Pathfinder Society—the major difference being that Starfinder characters will be able to be members of more than one faction at a time, sort of like multi-classing.

To accommodate third-party products, Paizo has already published a Starfinder Compatibility License. It’s also licensed Syrinscape to produce official Starfinder sound-effects and is working with Ninja Division on Starfinder prepainted miniatures.

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Indie Boards & Cards is merging with Action Phase Games to create “a single games publishing behemoth.” Most of the company’s products will carry the Indie Boards & Cards name, though the Heroes Wanted line and certain other products will continue under the Action Phase brand. Distribution will remain managed by PSI.

Funnybone Toys has signed on with Lion Rampant for distribution in Canada. Previously, the company was handling Canadian sales directly. Funnybone says the move is the first step of a global expansion.

Ninja Division Publishing (Super Dungeon Explore) and Seven Seas Entertainment have formed a joint venture, Shinobi 7, that “will focus on producing tabletop games that are based on hit anime, manga, and pop culture brands.” The new company’s first title will be Space Dandy Galactic Deck-Building Game.

Superstore chain, Hastings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while owing PSI, Ultra PRO, and ACD Distribution each hundred of thousands of dollars.

Spin Master is opening an office in Australia and will take over the distribution of its own products currently distributed by Funtastic. The company is also expanding its operations in Mexico and Central and Eastern Europe and recently purchased children’s app makers Toca Boca and Sago Mini.

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Excuse me while I roll my tongue back up and put it back into my mouth. Ninja Division has an Aliens vs Predator miniatures board game coming out.

Aliens Vs. Predator: The Hunt Begins is $119.95 worth of everything that makes me tick. Aliens, Predators, and Space Marines in 32mm glory, used in a 10 mission campaign that can even be played solo. Yes, it’s pricey, but you’re getting:

• 10 Infant Aliens
• 5 Stalker Aliens
• 3 Predators
• 5 Colonial Marines
• Three D20 Dice
• 2 Alien Stat cards
• 3 Predator Stat cards
• 5 Colonial Marine Stat card
• 20 Environmental cards
• 20 Mission cards
• 60 Strategy cards
• 32 Straight Corridors tiles
• 8 Crossroads tiles
• 8 T-Shape tiles
• 8 L-Shape tiles
• 10 Dead-end tiles
• 8 Air Vent tiles
• 7 Rooms
• 1 Flame/Acid Spit Template
• 151 Tokens
• 20 Door pieces

Of course all the miniatures are unpainted and need to be assembled, but that’s half the fun! The worst part? Waiting until September 30th for it to come out.

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