In 2022, artist and writer Jon Hodgson wrote and published a game called Maskwitches of Forgotten Doggerland. It was, in part, an experiment exploring the capabilities of an early version of so-called “AI” image generation.
Later that same year, he decided to stop using AI entirely, having grown increasingly uncomfortable with the way machine learning systems revealed their nature and application.
In 2024, Jon decided to make an ambitious new edition with entirely new, handmade artwork involving props, models, sets, and a smoke machine. The “Redux” edition is out now in PDF, with print copies currently shipping from Handiwork Games.
Today sees the release of the book Making Maskwitches, which presents a collection of the artist’s essays and accounts around the making of this new edition, lavishly illustrated with behind the scenes photographs.
“A game that feels like a conjuring – a curious and compelling artefact. It is strange in the best possible way, a genuine work of art from the prose to the mechanics to art.” – Gareth Hanrahan, author of The Black Iron Legacy Series, The Lands Of The Firstborn Trilogy, The Eyes Of The Stone Thief, The Darkening Of Mirkwood
“Maskwitches was one of the most immersive, emotional and dramatic games I ever ran.” – Royston Harwood, Maskwitches playtester
Making Maskwitches is available now in PDF, and a print version is available to pre-order on the Handiwork Games web store. The print edition is at print now.
Handiwork Games: www.handiwork.games
Learn more about Maskwitches: https://handiwork.games/home/the-silver-road/maskwitches-of-forgotten-doggerland
Making Maskwitches in PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/490109/Making-Maskwitches
Pre-order the Making Maskwitches print book and the get PDF free: https://handiwork.games/product/pre-order-making-of-maskwitches-free-pdf
About Handiwork Games
The games developer and publisher behind BEOWULF Age of Heroes, a|state second edition and Maskwitches of Forgotten Doggerland, Handiwork Games is based in Scotland, UK, and is owned by industry veteran Jon Hodgson.
Handiwork Games are currently working on FiveEvil – a horror adaptation of 5th edition, and new editions of Cold City and Hot War.
Their website can be found at www.handiwork.games
