BattleMaps and Resources for RPGs by Artist Benjamin
Game masters and dedicated RPG enthusiasts know how a well-designed map can transform a role-playing session. W Fantasy and RPG, led by talented Manchester, UK-based artist Benjamin, offers a vast selection of BattleMaps, tools, and even printable games (PNP). With over 16 successful projects on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/benjaminweisz), Benjamin has become a recognized name in creating visual universes for RPGs.
W Fantasy and RPG
The W Fantasy and RPG website (https://wrpgmaps.com/) offers an extensive collection of ready-to-use BattleMaps, ideal for both tabletop and online RPG sessions. Game masters can easily download and incorporate these into their campaigns, fully immersing players in the story. In addition to BattleMaps, the site offers various tools and print-and-play (PNP) games, perfect for those looking for a quick and convenient gaming experience.
BattleMaps designed by Benjamin are compatible with many RPGs. Whether classic games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) or Pathfinder, or specific universes like Fallout or Star Wars, these maps fit any system perfectly. Their versatility allows game masters to customize scenarios while delivering a visually captivating experience for players, regardless of the campaign’s mood or world setting.
Benjamin: Acclaimed Artist with 16 Successful Kickstarter Projects
With 16 successfully funded Kickstarter projects, Benjamin is well-regarded in the RPG world for the quality and originality of his creations. His maps and tools are used by game masters worldwide. With a passion for art and RPGs, Benjamin offers incredibly detailed and immersive visual resources for role-players.
We thought we’d ask Benjamin a few questions to get a better understanding of his work.
When did you start working in this field, and how did the idea come about?
“I published my first campaign on Kickstarter in 2022. It was a small solo card game, Dungeon of Wanderers. It saw modest success, followed by a Christmas party game and then two larger print-and-play games, Shadow of Shogun and Magic to Ride. However, I started to encounter difficulties, and there were some challenges with the board game industry. Developing board games is tough. The rules for my fourth game were actually developed by a colleague of mine, Loránd Becskei from Hungary. It was around this time that I realized, while I was interested in tabletop games, writing rules and rulebooks was very time-consuming. That’s when I began to think about how I could skip that part of the process.
This led me to create RPG maps, assets, and other content. With rules already established, I could begin producing limitless content within well-defined frameworks. By September 2023, I was working full-time on RPG maps, and one of my Kickstarter campaigns became the fourth most successful RPG map campaign of all time. In terms of quality, I believe I’m among the top five, and in diversity, firmly in the top three.”
These are impressive achievements, but I imagine this market isn’t so easy.
“It’s not easy at all. Quality standards are very high. Even though I use modern tools like many others in the field, creating a map package can be a lot of work, especially if you aim for quality. Many competitors don’t bother. Some flood the market with AI-generated images without much thought. While I also use AI tools, I put a great deal of manual effort into my work, with several external contractors involved to ensure my backers receive high-quality maps quickly. Quality is paramount, although there’s always room for improvement, and today’s map packages are far superior to those I made a year ago.”
Speaking of AI, it was seen as a major drawback for some time. What’s your view on it now?
“Well, many are still against AI. I understand some quality and legal concerns. Honestly, my work is also in AI’s hands. I started publishing 3D models and drawings at 14, and anyone can find them with a quick search. AI has absorbed those works, and I’m fine with that. AI helps me, and I help it and others. I don’t see an issue, but I understand the legal aspects. AI’s quality, particularly in image generation, is currently limited. However, it helps me with basic map structures, corrections, and other tasks. Despite how it may sound, I still hand-draw some parts of the maps without any AI help. So, in my case, it’s not black and white. I always say that anyone against AI shouldn’t support me because I won’t reject a helping hand from technology.”
AI is a fascinating topic. Thanks for sharing your insights. With your broad skill set, we could explore this further in another article.
“Thank you, but I wouldn’t go as far as calling myself an expert. I’ve experimented with almost every AI tool out there, and yes, I also use AI in video production. I know how to edit, apply effects, animate, and do some 3D modeling—but I’m far from an expert in any of these areas. I truly appreciate the compliment, though!”
I believe you also do some programming?
“That’s an exaggeration. I’m working on a game, but it’s hard to say when it’ll be finished because RPG-related work takes up so much time and energy. We’ll see in the future.”
Could you share what motivates you to create this content?
“Well, first and foremost, I like eating. I eat regularly and need something to drink from time to time, which, of course, requires some cash. Jokes aside, I simply love doing this. I think I’m good at it, and I know I can offer quality content to my supporters. They seem to agree, too—over 60% of them are returning customers.”
That’s an impressive percentage, considering the typical rate is around 25-30%.
“Yes, it is. I’d like to thank my supporters for the incredible attention and backing they’ve shown me. I want them to know that it’s an honor to have their support and to have them launch me into a career path. Without them, this would be impossible. Hard work alone isn’t enough for this. So I’m truly grateful. The best way I can express this gratitude is by always striving to deliver my best for them.”
That’s a perfect note to end on. Thank you so much for the interview and for being so accommodating in helping with this article. Would you like to share any advice for younger readers?
“I’m not that experienced, but I’d still say this: It may sound cliché, but really, be persistent. If something doesn’t work, don’t give up—try again or try something different, but keep moving forward. If you don’t go anywhere, you won’t reach anywhere. But if you go somewhere, you can reach anywhere.”
Media ContactCompany Name: W. FANTASY STUDIO LTDContact Person: Benjamin WeiszEmail: Send EmailCity: ManchesterCountry: United KingdomWebsite: https://wrpgmaps.com/
