Handiwork Games has marked the physical retail debut of Cold City second edition and Hot War second edition at Tabletop Scotland 2026, alongside plans to release the underlying game system under an open gaming licence.
Speaking to Geek Native on the trade hall floor at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Jon Hodgson, founder of Handiwork Games, confirmed the publisher will release an open licence for the rules system that powers both titles, with selected third-party partners already working on early-release products.
The hardback releases represent the first opportunity for general retail buyers to secure physical copies of the two roleplaying games following the fulfilment of the original crowdfunding campaign. Digital PDF editions of both games have already established five-star ratings and bestseller status on DriveThruRPG.
Originally created by Malcolm Craig and published in 2007 and 2008, the indie RPGs explore subterranean horror, institutional mistrust, and cold war espionage. Craig, now a senior lecturer in history at Liverpool John Moores University, revised both titles in partnership with Handiwork Games as part of an academic impact study examining how historical research and tabletop roleplaying games intersect to shape the wider cultural understanding of 20th-century history.
The game rules rely on structured character interactions, hidden agendas, and conflicting national or factional loyalties. While traditional tabletop licences often focus on combat resolution or fantasy dungeon exploration, Handiwork Games intends to offer a framework tailored to social tension, clandestine operations, and ideological faction play.
Jon told us that the system used by Cold City and Hot War is particularly well suited to an open game licence. It flexes well together, and he is excited about the potential and what third parties can bring to the game.
Handiwork Games confirmed that formal documentation and licensing guidelines will follow, while early partner collaborations are underway to determine what independent creators can produce using the mechanics.
Attendees visiting the Handiwork Games stand at Tabletop Scotland before the show closes on Sunday 6 September can inspect and purchase both hardbacks directly from the team.
Tabletop Scotland 2026 Coverage
Our thanks to Thistle Tavern for sponsoring our coverage of Tabletop Scotland. Visit their spacious store at 79 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh for a huge selection of wargames, board games, and TCGs.
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- Dates: 4th to 6th September 2026
- Location: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
