Pelgrane Press
Pelgrane Press is a UK-based private tabletop roleplaying game publisher founded in 2000, selling physical and digital RPG books — most notably its proprietary GUMSHOE system, 13th Age, and Dying Earth RPG — direct-to-consumer to hobbyist players worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Pelgrane Press does
Pelgrane Press Ltd is a privately held British tabletop roleplaying game publisher headquartered in London, UK, founded in 2000 and operating with 11–50 employees. The company develops and publishes narrative-driven RPG systems and adventure content, anchored by three flagship franchises: the proprietary GUMSHOE system (a mechanics engine designed for investigative gameplay where players always find clues but must act on them under time pressure), the 13th Age fantasy RPG (co-published and now in its 2nd Edition), and the Dying Earth RPG (licensed from Jack Vance's novels). The product catalog spans multiple genres — investigative horror (Trail of Cthulhu, The Fall of Delta Green, The Yellow King), spy thriller (Night's Black Agents), science fiction (Ashen Stars, TimeWatch), urban fantasy (Swords of the Serpentine, Mutant City Blues), and solo/one-on-one play variants (GUMSHOE One-2-One line) — alongside broader-reach titles such as Page Turners and Merryshire Detective Club aimed at younger and family audiences.
The company sells physical books (softcover and hardcover) and digital downloads direct-to-consumer through its own e-commerce storefront at pelgranepress.com, with prices ranging from $14.95 for accessories to $59.95 for premium core rulebooks. New product launches are funded through BackerKit crowdfunding pre-order campaigns, providing demand validation and working capital. Pelgrane operates a multi-channel content-marketing engine including a regular podcast (Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff), an active blog with recurring features, and presence across seven social/community platforms (Discord, Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, Facebook/X). The company does not disclose revenue, has no external funding rounds, and appears to be independently operated with no parent company or M&A history.
Pelgrane Press firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pelgrane Press
- Legal name
- Pelgrane Press Ltd
- Website
- https://site.pelgranepress.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pelgrane Press is a UK-based private tabletop roleplaying game publisher founded in 2000, selling physical and digital RPG books — most notably its proprietary GUMSHOE system, 13th Age, and Dying Earth RPG — direct-to-consumer to hobbyist players worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pelgrane Press industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tabletop roleplaying game publishing
- NAICS
- Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (459120), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)
- SIC
- Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hobby Games & Miniatures Retail (Tabletop RPGs, Wargaming) (CRALAFAH)
Keywords
Where Pelgrane Press is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pelgrane Press business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- RPG Book Sales: Sale of physical and digital tabletop roleplaying game books, rulebooks, and supplements. Products include core rulebooks, scenario modules, and accessory items like GM screens.
- Crowdfunding Pre-orders: Pre-order campaigns through BackerKit for new products, such as the Merryshire Detective Club, allowing customers to back products before publication.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Physical Rulebooks and Core Books |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Scenario Modules and Supplements |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GM Accessories (Screens, Reference Cards) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Vouchers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Pelgrane Press product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pelgrane Press publishes and sells tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) systems and adventure content in both physical and digital formats. Its core product is the proprietary GUMSHOE investigative RPG engine and its many genre-specific titles (Trail of Cthulhu, Night's Black Agents, The Fall of Delta Green, Ashen Stars, TimeWatch, The Yellow King, Swords of the Serpentine, and others). The company additionally co-publishes the 13th Age d20 fantasy RPG (and its 2nd Edition) and the Dying Earth RPG, plus solo-play variants, scenario supplements, and GM accessories, sold directly via its own online shop and BackerKit crowdfunding.
Product overview
Pelgrane Press is a tabletop roleplaying game publisher offering multiple distinct product lines centered around its proprietary GUMSHOE system. The core GUMSHOE system emphasizes investigative gameplay where finding clues is guaranteed but acting on them requires skill. The product portfolio spans multiple genres including horror (Trail of Cthulhu, The Yellow King), science fiction (Ashen Stars, TimeWatch), modern thriller (Night's Black Agents, The Fall of Delta Green), fantasy (Swords of the Serpentine), and solo play variants (GUMSHOE One-2-One series). The company also co-publishes 13th Age and 13th Age 2nd Edition, fantasy RPGs notable for their narrative approach, and licenses Dying Earth RPG. Additional offerings include Hillfolk (Dramasystem) for character-driven emotional storytelling and Page Turners for young/new players. The company operates both physical and digital product distribution through platforms like BackerKit for crowdfunding campaigns.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GUMSHOE: Investigative roleplaying system and core game engine published by Pelgrane Press.
- GUMSHOE One-2-One
- 13th Age
- Trail of Cthulhu
- Night's Black Agents
- Hillfolk
- The Dying Earth
Products and services
- GUMSHOE RPG System The core proprietary tabletop RPG system published by Pelgrane Press. GUMSHOE is an investigative RPG engine in which finding clues is structurally guaranteed so players maintain narrative momentum, while acting on clues within time pressure requires skill. Designed for tabletop RPG players and game masters who want mechanically rigorous yet story-focused investigative games across multiple genres.
- 13th Age RPG A narrative-driven d20 fantasy tabletop roleplaying game featuring an Icon relationship system in which each character has background connections to major NPCs and factions that drive story. Co-published for game masters and players seeking character-focused fantasy play.
- 13th Age 2nd Edition An updated edition of the 13th Age fantasy tabletop RPG with revised rules and expanded content, retaining the Icon relationship system and narrative approach. For TTRPG groups looking for the latest version of the 13th Age system.
- The Dying Earth RPG A tabletop roleplaying game set in Jack Vance's Dying Earth universe, published by Pelgrane Press under license from Locus Classics. For TTRPG players interested in literary sword-and-sorcery / far-future fantasy roleplaying.
- Trail of Cthulhu A GUMSHOE-system investigative horror RPG set in the 1930s Cthulhu Mythos. Designed for players and GMs who want a mechanically robust, story-driven Call of Cthulhu-style investigative horror experience.
- Night's Black Agents A GUMSHOE-system spy-thriller RPG in which players are vampire hunters uncovering a modern conspiracy, combining investigative mechanics with espionage tradecraft. For groups that want a high-octane, modern horror-thriller RPG.
- The Fall of Delta Green A GUMSHOE-system RPG set in the 1990s within the Delta Green conspiracy universe, focused on covert investigations into unnatural threats. For players and GMs looking for investigative modern-horror roleplay with a conspiracy focus.
- Ashen Stars A GUMSHOE-system science fiction RPG set in a future universe featuring teams of investigators and former military personnel solving interstellar cases. For sci-fi TTRPG groups wanting narrative-driven space investigation.
- TimeWatch A GUMSHOE-system RPG in which players take the role of time-traveling agents investigating temporal anomalies and threats across history. For groups interested in investigative science-fiction roleplay across eras.
- Mutant City Blues A GUMSHOE-system RPG set in an alternate history where genetic manipulation has produced superhumans, with players as investigators solving crimes linked to mutant powers. For players seeking a noir-style investigative superpowers game.
- The Esoterrorists The original GUMSHOE-system setting: players take the role of members of a secret organization fighting supernatural threats. For groups wanting modern-day investigative horror against an occult conspiracy.
- Fear Itself A GUMSHOE-system contemporary horror RPG with a stress mechanic that builds fear over the course of play. Targets players and GMs looking for everyday-life horror with gradual escalation.
- Swords of the Serpentine A GUMSHOE-system RPG set in the sword-and-sorcery city of Merabia (Matthew Dawkins's 'Epaulard' setting), combining fantasy investigation with high adventure. For groups that want to combine detective mechanics with fantasy roleplay.
- The Yellow King A GUMSHOE-system RPG based on Robert W. Chambers' 'The King in Yellow', blending cosmic horror, a decadent late-19th century setting, and reality-bending themes. For groups wanting surreal, literary investigative horror.
- GUMSHOE One-2-One A solo or one-on-one variant of the GUMSHOE engine for play between a single player and a Game Master. Designed for players who want to enjoy investigative RPGs without needing a full group.
- Alteregomania A GUMSHOE One-2-One solo mystery RPG featuring an amnesiac protagonist navigating a surreal, identity-shifting mystery. For solo players who enjoy single-character driven investigative adventures.
- Cthulhu Confidential A GUMSHOE One-2-One solo RPG set in the Call of Cthulhu universe, designed for one player and a GM to run an investigative horror scenario. For solo players who love Lovecraftian horror.
- Night's Black Agents: Solo Ops A GUMSHOE One-2-One solo adaptation of Night's Black Agents for lone-wolf vampire hunting. For solo RPG players wanting a vampire-hunter experience without a full group.
- The Paragon Blade A GUMSHOE One-2-One solo RPG featuring a superhuman protagonist who takes on world-saving missions as a freelance hero. For solo players interested in superhero-style investigative play.
- Hillfolk A DramaSystem fantasy RPG by Robin D. Laws focused on emotional storytelling, character relationships, and interpersonal drama in a mythic setting. For players and groups who want a character-driven, relationship-centric TTRPG experience.
- Page Turners A young-adult mystery tabletop RPG designed for new and younger players, featuring a missing-person investigation that serves as an accessible entry into the hobby. For families, educators, and new TTRPG players.
- Merryshire Detective Club A family-friendly mystery adventure set in England, designed to be accessible and family-friendly. Launched via BackerKit crowdfunding. For families and new TTRPG players wanting an approachable mystery scenario.
- Gift Vouchers Gift vouchers available for purchase from the Pelgrane Press online shop, allowing the recipient to redeem credit toward any products in the RPG catalog.
Companies that use Pelgrane Press
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Pelgrane Press technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Pelgrane Press partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- BackerKitcoreBackerKit is used for crowdfunding and pre-order campaigns for new products, such as the Merryshire Detective Club launch party. Provides fulfillment services for backers.
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pelgrane Press competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Green Ronin Publishing: Independent RPG publisher (Fantasy AGE, Mutants & Masterminds, Dragon Age) with a comparable catalog breadth and hobbyist RPG customer base.
- Chaosium: Publisher of Call of Cthulhu and other investigative RPGs; Pelgrane's Trail of Cthulhu and Cthulhu Confidential sit within the same Cthulhu Mythos product ecosystem, making Chaosium the closest thematic competitor.
- Cubicle 7: UK-based tabletop RPG publisher with a multi-line catalog (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Doctor Who, Age of Sigmar) serving the same hobbyist RPG customer as Pelgrane, with overlapping retail and crowdfunding distribution models.
- Magpie Games: Indie RPG publisher of narrative-focused titles (Avatar Legends, Urban Shadows, Masks) targeting overlapping narrative-RPG hobbyists via similar direct-to-consumer channels.
- Pinnacle Entertainment Group: Publisher of the Savage Worlds system and Deadlands, with a comparable multi-genre catalog and direct sales plus licensing model aimed at the same hobbyist customer.
- Modiphius Entertainment: London-based tabletop RPG publisher (Achtung! Cthulhu, Conan, Star Trek Adventures) competing for the same UK and international RPG audience, with comparable direct-to-consumer and crowdfunding strategies.
- Onyx Path Publishing: Independent RPG publisher (Chronicles of Darkness, Trinity Continuum, Scion) with comparable scale, multi-genre portfolio, and direct-to-consumer plus crowdfunding model.
- Free League Publishing: Swedish tabletop RPG publisher (Vaesen, Alien, Blade Runner, The One Ring 2e) with a similarly multi-genre, narrative-focused catalog and direct-to-consumer plus crowdfunding distribution.
- Evil Hat Productions: Independent US publisher of the Fate system and narrative-leaning RPGs (Thirsty Sword Lesbians, Crowntales), competing for the same narrative-first hobbyist segment.
Broad incumbents
- Paizo: Larger established RPG publisher behind Pathfinder and Starfinder; not a direct format match (d20 fantasy) but a dominant incumbent that competes for the same GM and player spend, and for retail and crowdfunding attention.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pelgrane Press social profiles
Digital presencePelgrane Press financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pelgrane Press leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Pelgrane Press funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pelgrane Press M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pelgrane Press
What does Pelgrane Press do?
Pelgrane Press publishes and sells tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) systems and adventure content in both physical and digital formats. Its core product is the proprietary GUMSHOE investigative RPG engine and its many genre-specific titles (Trail of Cthulhu, Night's Black Agents, The Fall of Delta Green, Ashen Stars, TimeWatch, The Yellow King, Swords of the Serpentine, and others). The company additionally co-publishes the 13th Age d20 fantasy RPG (and its 2nd Edition) and the Dying Earth RPG, plus solo-play variants, scenario supplements, and GM accessories, sold directly via its own online shop and BackerKit crowdfunding.
Is Pelgrane Press a public or private company?
Pelgrane Press is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pelgrane Press founded?
Pelgrane Press was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pelgrane Press based?
Pelgrane Press is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Pelgrane Press make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. RPG Book Sales are the primary driver. The others are crowdfunding Pre-orders.
Who are Pelgrane Press's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Green Ronin Publishing, Chaosium, Cubicle 7, Magpie Games, Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Modiphius Entertainment, Onyx Path Publishing, Free League Publishing and Evil Hat Productions. Paizo is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Pelgrane Press have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pelgrane Press.
What industry is Pelgrane Press in?
Pelgrane Press's product category is Tabletop roleplaying game publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALAFAH, Hobby Games & Miniatures Retail (Tabletop RPGs, Wargaming). Its NAICS code is 459120 and its SIC code is 5945.