Speaking directly to Geek Native from stand 3-743 at the UK Games Expo 2026, Three Sails Studios planted a flag to signal their evolution from a small indie outfit into an ambitious, full-time publisher of roleplaying games. The studio, known for Mappa Mundi and the brutal peasants’ revolt RPG Gallows Corner, showcased their upcoming release, City of Espers, while exclusively revealing that a second, currently unannounced project is already in the works.
Both City of Espers and the unannounced title represent a significant operational shift for Three Sails Studios. Rather than designing everything in-house as lifestyle projects, the studio is now leveraging its established expertise in art, production, and distribution to throw its full weight behind external creators whose passion and vision align with their own.
City of Espers is an anime-inspired urban fantasy RPG written by Nathan Blades. The game first caught the publisher’s attention years ago, but the team deliberately waited until Blades was ready and Mappa Mundi was entirely out of the way before fully committing to the new system. The result is a highly anticipated street-level game about found families of psychics, officially set to launch on BackerKit in September 2026.
Ditching traditional dice, City of Espers resolves action and combat using a standard 52-card poker deck, allowing players to feel a bit psychic themselves as they attempt to predict their opponents’ hands. The setting, Zener City, acts as a character in its own right. The game is heavily queer-coded, leaning into themes of community identity, turf control, and standing up to those who would do harm. Through the shared energy and beliefs of the psychic “Houses”, the city itself responds with sentient radio stations, living neon lights, and protective alleyways.
The studio’s presence at the Expo is a clear statement of intent. They are prepared to invest the time and resources required to produce high-value roleplaying games that remain accessible and affordable. If their current trajectory and upcoming slate are any indication, Three Sails Studios is poised to be one of the most interesting independent publishers in the tabletop space for years to come.
Fans do not have to wait until September to explore Zener City. A comprehensive 84-page prerelease guide containing core rules, character creation, and a starting scenario is now available for download.
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