In an industry often defined by volatility, Swindon-based Mongoose Publishing has signalled a move toward permanence. In his annual “State of the Mongoose” address, Managing Director Matthew Sprange revealed that the company has purchased its physical headquarters—dubbed “Fortress Mongoose”—and acquired the Dark Conspiracy intellectual property, adding another classic title to its stable of science fiction RPGs.
The address, a yearly tradition for the publisher, outlined a roadmap heavily focused on the upcoming 50th anniversary of Traveller in 2027, significant changes to the 2300AD line, and the company’s financial shift toward an employee-ownership model.
The Return of Dark Conspiracy
Perhaps the most significant reveal for collectors and horror fans is the acquisition of Dark Conspiracy. Originally published by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW) in 1991, the game blends near-future cyberpunk elements with supernatural horror. Mongoose intends to position this as the “missing component” in their lineup, aiming to unify their various “Traveller-adjacent” properties.
Sprange detailed a three-part release strategy for the line, beginning with Dark Conspiracy: The Unseen War in the summer of 2026. This initial release will be set in a modern timeframe, focusing on investigation and the “veil of ignorance” regarding the encroaching dark entities.
“We are embracing concepts of the Traveller rules in Dark Conspiracy,” Sprange noted. “For example, there are no ‘super’ characters in this game, and combat is deadly.”
The publisher plans to introduce a conspiracy board mechanic that allows players to connect evidence with “red string” to generate their own theories, which the Referee then validates or twists into new missions. Future eras, titled The Open War and The Final War, will advance the timeline, enabling a campaign spanning humanity’s potential collapse.
Traveller: 50th Anniversary and Digital Expansion
With 2027 marking five decades of Traveller, Mongoose is preparing a year-long celebration rather than a single commemorative day. The publisher aims to avoid a purely product-driven anniversary, though they confirmed that all books released in that year will bear a gold badge.
Of particular note to digital gamers is the confirmation of Traveller: Vanguard. Developed by Evil Twin Artworks, this is a multiplayer, turn-based strategy game set during the Fifth Frontier War. While previous attempts to bring Traveller to the video game market have historically struggled, Sprange confirmed that a playable prototype exists.
“We have played the prototype, taking a squad of noble Zhodani into battle against the vile, capitalist Imperials,” Sprange wrote.
On the tabletop front, the current Pioneer Kickstarter was highlighted as a “Traveller-adjacent” entry point, exploring the near-future colonisation of the Solar System.
2300AD Becomes Standalone
In a move likely to please critics of book-dependency, Mongoose announced that 2300AD will receive a standalone Core Rulebook in 2026 or 2027. Currently, the hard sci-fi setting serves as a supplement that requires the main Traveller rules.
The aim is to streamline the barrier to entry for new players and consolidate lore that has drifted over four editions. Sprange emphasised that this does not constitute a new edition that invalidates previous purchases, but rather a “quality-of-life” update. Furthermore, the “Traveller’s Aid Society” community content programme on [suspicious link removed] will be expanded to include 2300AD, allowing third-party creators to sell their own scenarios and sourcebooks.
Paranoia, Shield Maidens, and Marketing Misses
The report was candid regarding the company’s struggles with marketing. Sprange admitted that a recent marketing hire “did not really work out,” and the company intends to engage third-party agencies in 2026 rather than manage it in-house.
Regarding Paranoia, the satirical RPG, Traitorous Little Git, a player-facing guide on how to better weaponise the game’s mechanics against fellow Troubleshooters, will be released. Meanwhile, Shield Maidens, the Viking-cyberpunk setting, has suffered scheduling delays, with the Vanaheimr sourcebook now set for 2026.
Financial Stability and Employee Ownership
Underpinning the product announcements was a detailed summary of the company’s health. The purchase of their office building is part of a broader strategy to insulate the company from rent hikes and external market forces.
Sprange reiterated the goal of transitioning Mongoose into an employee-owned entity. He noted that staff bonuses currently total more than 60% of salaries, with a company objective to help staff pay off mortgages. This focus on retention and stability is rare in the RPG industry, which frequently relies on freelance labour.
For fans, the message is one of continuity. With the acquisition of the rights to Traveller, 2300AD, Twilight: 2000, and now Dark Conspiracy, Mongoose has effectively consolidated a significant portion of the classic GDW library under one roof, managed by a team with a vested financial interest in the company’s long-term survival.
