The Shocking Disappearance of J.D. Maxwell

In the ever-volatile world of crowdfunding, stories of projects gone awry are not new. Yet, the unfolding tale of Grimwild—a thrilling tabletop RPG—takes a darker turn with the mysterious disappearance of its designer, J.D. Maxwell. Originally funded in 2024 on BackerKit, this project raised over $87,000 from eager supporters, only to leave them in the lurch.

An Ambitious Project and Award-Winning Desires

Grimwild promised players a revolutionary gameplay experience with its "cinematic narrative rules system," focusing on dramatic storytelling over intricate mechanics. Despite some rule updates and production delays, backers anticipated receiving their physical books by July. Instead, they were met with silence.

Concerns Mount as Communication Breaks Down

A recent Discord update from a community moderator exposed the unsettling reality: Maxwell had vanished for nearly two months, leaving colleagues Per Janke and Luke Saunders scrambling for answers. What began as a casual concern—hoping Maxwell was simply enjoying a much-needed break—has now shifted into a full-blown crisis.

Janke and Saunders have been doing everything in their power to locate Maxwell, expressing their understanding of the growing anxiety within the backer community. They worry the project may stall indefinitely due to Maxwell's absence.

Awards Won, Yet Deliveries Stalled

Despite the turmoil, there’s a twist: the game itself is reportedly complete! Players have enjoyed a downloadable version for months, and recently, both Grimwild and Maxwell clinched an award at the Ennies. However, the physical copies remain in limbo as the manufacturing accounts are solely under Maxwell’s name.

The Clock is Ticking: What's Next?

With Maxwell's website now down, questions spiral about the future of Grimwild. Janke revealed that, despite the printing order having been placed, no progress can be made without Maxwell’s approval as the legal figure behind Oddity Press. As the uncertainty looms, the community remains on high alert.

Community Rallying for Answers

In a desperate bid for resolution, the Grimwild team has reached out to BackerKit’s Trust & Safety Team in hopes of moving the situation forward, given their superior resources. Meanwhile, the community is encouraged to assist by connecting with anyone who might have information on Maxwell’s whereabouts.

As backers wait and wonder, the Grimwild saga continues to unfold. Will J.D. Maxwell reappear to steer the ship back on course? Or has this story taken a darker turn? Stay tuned for updates!