PAX Unplugged offered no shortage of things to see, hear and do over the three over the Dec. 6-8 weekend in Philadelphia. Far and away the best part of any game convention is spending time with friends gathered from far and wide. When they have a booth showcasing their really terrific game along with juicy news about the future direction of it then it becomes a takeaway moment from the whole event. Monocle Society CEO Kyle Kincade, creator of Weave, checked all those boxes. I made a beeline for the Monocle Society booth when I hit the convention floor to say hello and see what was happening with this wonderful game. The booth was abuzz with visitors learning more about Weave and playing demos, and it was fun watching Kyle and the team captivate convention goers. And me! I’m just as enchanted by Weave as the next nerd.

Weave mobile app gets even more mobile?!

I’m no stranger to Weave, the app-based storytelling platform combining mobile technology, tarot-inspired cards and dice to create a narrative tabletop experience. The game hooked me right away with the slick cards, easy to use mobile app and most importantly really accessible game. Weave feels like the essentials of a tabletop roleplaying game woven into a tabletop board game without a turgid rulebook. At it’s core Weave is a storytelling game system, and the playset layered on top becomes the genre and mechanics for a season of play. It’s very easy to pick up and learn as you go, with little or no RPG experience necessary.

In 2020 look for Weave’s evolution when the game gets even more accessible and expands on the game’s versatility by orders of magnitude.

For starters, Weave will become free to play. The physical cards and dice are joined by digital versions for everyone through the Weave app. Literally everything you’ll need to play comes wrapped up in the app like tutorials and walkthroughs, videos and links to Weave’s vibrant Discord — along with the tools to find other players and experience the game.

“We really want that many new roleplayers in the world. The physical set will still be perfect for those that like to have more control over the story as well as something nice to hold, but ultimately Weave is free with the first 4 core playsets.” — Kyle Kincade

Those playsets are the fantasy-themed Goblins ‘R Jerks, 1980’s mashup Gloomies, dystopian technoire Xorte/IO and sci-fi space opera Solar Age, giving players a diverse range of genres for storytelling. But another new feature I’m super excited about is Weave+, a digital subscription service. According to Kincade, Weave+ is “kind of like the Netflix for RPGs that gives you additional functionality for customization, content, and community.

“We’re putting our focus on Interactive Storytelling here at Monocle Society. The upcoming Weave+ subscription service allows us to branch out in new and innovative ways, and. we can’t wait to show you more throughout 2020.”

Weave+ launches on iOS and Android during Q1 2020. Through the service, which will cost $4.99 a month or $49.99 for a year, players can access new monthly content like original new playsets and other services.

New playsets really intrigue me and I can’t wait to see this develop. Weave already features an astounding variety of narrative game options in the current four playsets and I can only imagine how creative the RPG community will get given the ability to create their own. This kind of flexibility can only help the game grow and accomplish Monocle Society’s goal of inspiring more new roleplayers.

The mobile app veterans at Monocle Society certainly pour their hearts and minds into Weave. The app and upcoming Weave+ digital service promise some really cool new content and functionality for the game itself, but it also makes connecting with others and playing the game easier too. Technology in the app will help players find each other and create games together, as well as manage everything about the group’s season. While I am a fan of physical game materials (especially cards!) at this point we’re in new territory.

Think of all the mobile app games and the engrossing game play they offer. Now imagine you could just as easily tap a few buttons and create a unique storytelling experience with a group of friends. That’s awesome!

According to Monocle Society, Weave+ will launch in English with new languages planned in the future. You can download the Weave — Storytelling Redefined app through the App Store or Play Store, and access Weave+ when it becomes available. For more information on Weave and Monocle Society you can find them on social media and visit their official website.

You can also keep an eye here on our website too because you know we’ll keep you in the loop! Kyle hinted at some more really amazing things on the horizon for Weave and if anyone at PAX Unplugged spotted me walking the floor with a takeaway from the Weave booth you might have spotted a piece of the puzzle. But I’m not telling!