Company Directory - Steve Jackson Games
Company Details - Steve Jackson Games

Steve Jackson Games
WebsiteSteve Jackson Games is a publisher of tabletop games, renowned for its diverse range of board games and role-playing games. The company is particularly known for its innovation in game design and for creating iconic titles such as Munchkin and GURPS.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Steve Jackson Games
23.17
-0.02%
Latest Event
Steve Jackson Games Warns of Economic Devastation from US Tariffs
Steve Jackson Games issued a public warning that the new 54% US tariff on Chinese imports could force game prices to rise and threaten the survival of many tabletop game publishers, highlighting how aggressive trade policies may harm creative, independent enterprises.
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SABOTEUR
Steve Jackson Games is currently rated as a Saboteur.
Latest Events
- APR042025
Steve Jackson Games issued a public warning that the new 54% US tariff on Chinese imports could force game prices to rise and threaten the survival of many tabletop game publishers, highlighting how aggressive trade policies may harm creative, independent enterprises.
+50
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The company used its public platform to decry the detrimental impact of a 54% tariff on Chinese imports, warning that such aggressive, top–down economic measures could force price hikes, product simplification, and even closures. This public stance serves as a critique of policies that can centralize economic control and undermine independent, creative industries, aligning with anti-authoritarian and pro-worker sentiments.
- APR042025
Steve Jackson Games warned that Trump’s newly imposed tariffs could trigger a 'seismic shift' in the board game industry, reflecting concerns about authoritarian economic policies and their broader impact on the market.
- APR042025
Amidst a challenging environment created by the newly announced 54% tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods, Steve Jackson Games' CEO Meredith Placko highlighted the difficulties of shifting production to the US. The company lamented the lack of domestic manufacturing infrastructure, implicitly critiquing the abrupt policy changes of the Trump administration that have destabilized the board game industry.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The statement by CEO Meredith Placko reflects a critical stance towards the abrupt imposition of high tariffs—which are emblematic of heavy-handed, authoritarian economic policies. By openly discussing the adverse impact of these policies on domestic manufacturing capabilities, the company signals a resistance to measures that harm workers and local industry, thereby aligning with progressive, anti-fascist economic values.
Existential crisis: The tariff scythe takes a swing at board games
- APR032025
On April 3, 2025, Steve Jackson Games CEO Meredith Placko issued a statement noting that the imminent 54% tariff on imports from China represents a 'seismic shift' for the board game industry. Emphasizing that the policy forces the company to raise prices, Placko urged consumers to write to their elected officials to demand policy support for American creators and small businesses.
+60
Executive Political Engagement
April 4
The CEO’s public call to action to engage with elected officials is a clear instance of executive political engagement that challenges authoritarian trade policies. By mobilizing consumers against tariffs seen as economically punitive and lacking strategic domestic support, the company positions itself in support of democratic accountability and anti-authoritarian values.
Steve Jackson Games says tariffs are a 'seismic shift' for board games
- APR032025
On April 3, 2025, Steve Jackson Games detailed how an impending 54% tariff on Chinese imports is forcing the company to raise game prices. The company explained the impact on production costs and urged its community to contact elected officials to push back against policies that threaten American creators and small businesses.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
Steve Jackson Games used its platform to objectively communicate the impact of the new tariff policy, transparently explaining cost increases and mobilizing its community to engage politically. This proactive political engagement and encouragement of civic participation reflects a commitment to opposing policies that harm small businesses and creative industries.
+20
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
By openly addressing the price increases and explaining the inevitable adjustments due to cost pressures, the company demonstrates ethical business practices and transparency in its operations. This communication builds trust with the community and highlights the challenges faced by small publishers in an increasingly protectionist economic environment.
- APR132019
On April 13, 2019, Steve Jackson Games announced it would offer partial refunds on The Fantasy Trip Adventures to backers who were ethically opposed to its continued partnership with Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, following community concerns over past allegations of misconduct involving Webb.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
By offering partial refunds in response to ethical concerns raised by its community regarding the association with Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, Steve Jackson Games demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices and corporate accountability. This proactive step toward addressing community grievance by mitigating potential harm aligns with anti-authoritarian values and responsible business conduct.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
- APR132019
Steve Jackson Games announced that it would offer partial refunds on The Fantasy Trip Adventures following community outcry over its partnership with Frog God Games, which is linked to Bill Webb—a figure surrounded by past allegations and controversy. The company’s decision, made on April 13, 2019, reflects an attempt to address ethical concerns raised by gamers while continuing its collaboration.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
By responding to public ethical concerns and offering refunds, Steve Jackson Games demonstrated attentiveness to community feedback and ethical responsibility. This action aligns with progressive values by acknowledging gamers’ concerns, though the ongoing relationship with the controversial partner slightly mitigates the positive impact.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
+15
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The offer of partial refunds is a calculated business response aimed at mitigating ethical concerns raised by its consumer base. While it represents a responsible business practice by directly addressing issues raised by the community, the decision to maintain the partnership indicates a compromise rather than a complete disavowal of unethical affiliations.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
- APR132019
Steve Jackson Games announced partial refunds for The Fantasy Trip Adventures following community concerns over the ethical implications of its continued partnership with Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, despite allegations of harassment linked to Webb. The company’s decision reflects a commitment to addressing consumer ethical concerns while maintaining its business collaboration.
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
Steve Jackson Games responded to community ethical concerns by offering partial refunds, demonstrating an ethical approach in its business practices. This decision, taken despite pressures from a controversial partner, aligns with progressive values of accountability and integrity, providing a consumer-focused remedy rather than ignoring the issues.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
- APR132019
Steve Jackson Games announced partial refunds for The Fantasy Trip Adventures on Kickstarter after community members raised ethical concerns regarding the involvement of Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, highlighting accountability in response to past allegations against Bill Webb.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
By offering partial refunds following community outcry over ethical concerns related to its partnership with Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, Steve Jackson Games demonstrated responsiveness and accountability to backers. This action, while positive, also reveals the company’s compromise in maintaining its business relationship despite serious allegations against its partner, reflecting a mixed but overall progressive response.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
- APR132019
Steve Jackson Games provided partial refunds on The Fantasy Trip Adventures following community concerns over the involvement of Bill Webb’s Frog God Games, a partner implicated in past ethical controversies. This move was aimed at addressing backers' ethical complaints while maintaining the collaboration.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The company’s decision to offer partial refunds in response to ethical concerns raised by the community demonstrates a proactive approach to ethical responsibility. While continuing its collaboration with a partner under scrutiny, SJ Games acknowledged community grievances and provided a remedial refund option, reflecting a moderate positive stance in business practices and ethical responsibility.
Steve Jackson Games offer partial refunds after gamers raise ethical concerns
- MAR011990
On March 1, 1990, Steve Jackson Games was raided by the US Secret Service, resulting in the confiscation of computers and other assets, significant layoffs, and sparking a legal battle that eventually contributed to the founding of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. This event is recognized as a response to authoritarian state overreach.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
Steve Jackson Games, after being subject to an overreaching raid by the US Secret Service, mobilized legal resistance that not only challenged state suppression but also helped catalyze a broader movement for digital rights. This stand against authoritarian practices is viewed positively from an anti-fascist perspective.
- MAR011990
In March 1990, U.S. Secret Service agents raided Steve Jackson Games’ offices in Austin, Texas, seizing computers and files under accusations of facilitating computer crimes through materials related to GURPS Cyberpunk. The company responded by launching a legal battle asserting its First Amendment rights. This confrontation not only challenged governmental overreach but also helped catalyze the formation of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, marking a pivotal moment in the defense of digital rights and free expression.
+85
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
Steve Jackson Games’ vigorous legal challenge against the U.S. Secret Service raid represented a principled stand against authoritarian overreach and the misuse of governmental power. By defending free speech and digital rights, the company not only protected its own creative assets but also contributed to a broader movement for civil liberties in the digital era.
1990 Steve Jackson Games Raid: A Catalyst for Digital Rights
- JAN011990
In 1990, Steve Jackson Games' offices were raided by the United States Secret Service over allegations linked to a hacker employee's work on GURPS Cyberpunk. The subsequent court case (culminating in a 1993 trial) resulted in a landmark victory for the company, highlighting governmental overreach and setting a precedent that helped spur the formation of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The legal battle following the 1990 raid exemplifies corporate resistance to authoritarian practices, defending civil liberties and challenging governmental overreach. This event is a strong demonstration of public and political behavior in opposing oppressive state actions.
The Day the Secret Service Raided a Role-Playing Game Company
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New York, United States
60.89

Australia
34.29

Ravensburg, Germany
-55.11

Corporation
-37.41
Tokyo, Japan
36.61

Toronto, Canada
29.22
Bristol, United Kingdom
11.52
India
0.00

New York, United States
-0.82

San Francisco, United States
-7.16
Industries
- 339930
- Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing
- 711510
- Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
- 511210
- Software Publishers