Neopets pulls TTRPG playtest after backlash over controversial content

Neopets has responded to growing backlash over its upcoming tabletop roleplaying game, confirming that a recently released beta playtest document was not approved by its team and did not meet its brand standards.

The Neopets Tabletop Roleplaying Game is being developed by licensee Geekify Inc., which launched a Kickstarter campaign that was funded within six hours and backed by nearly 7,000 supporters. The project was pitched as a new way to explore Neopia beyond the long running virtual pet site.

However, controversy began after the beta playtest document became publicly available. Fans across Bluesky and tabletop communities raised concerns about the tone and content of the material, arguing it did not reflect Neopets’ family friendly identity.

Criticism focused on the system appearing heavily combat oriented and allegedly derived from Dungeons and Dragons 5e under the Open Game License, despite the Kickstarter promoting a classless, point based system.

Social media posts also highlighted sections referencing intoxicated bandits, coercing information from enemies, and dialogue perceived as containing misogynistic or homophobic undertones. Screenshots circulating online further pointed to a section discussing player comfort levels with in game sexual themes.

The document was subsequently pulled following the backlash.

In a February 20 statement, the Neopets team confirmed the beta was released without its review or approval.

“We want to be transparent with the community: the beta playtest document that was recently made public was not approved or reviewed by our team prior to its release,” the company said. It added that the content and themes “do not align with our brand standards, values, or the expectations we hold for experiences created under the Neopets license.”

Neopets emphasized that the franchise is “not a generic fantasy dungeon crawler” and said any tabletop adaptation must reflect the established lore and tone built over 26 years. The company stated it immediately requested the document’s removal and is in direct communication with Geekify.

Despite the controversy, Neopets said it believes “there is a fantastic Neopets TTRPG waiting to be made” and committed to taking the time needed to ensure the project aligns with its standards.