Author Brandon Sanderson has effectively ruled out a tabletop adaptation of his Skyward series and the broader Cytoverse in the near future, though he left the door open for what lies ahead. Speaking with IGN’s Jacob Kienlen, Sanderson confirmed that while the idea has been discussed internally, any such project remains firmly off the immediate horizon as he carefully weighs fan demand against creative ambition.
The exchange came during a recent interview in which Kienlen asked whether Sanderson had considered bringing Skyward and other Cytoverse properties to tabletop gaming. “I would love to! We’ve talked about it,” Sanderson said, before explaining his reasoning for holding back on the concept rather than committing to one outright.
A Deliberate Approach to Collaborations
Sanderson’s hesitation stems from a desire not to overextend his brand or overwhelm the audience that has followed him across decades of fantasy and science fiction writing. He emphasized that he wants to preserve variety in both his own output and what fans consume, rather than saturating every corner of pop culture with his name.
“I would love to! We’ve talked about it. However, I also want to be aware of asking my fans for too much,” Sanderson told IGN. “There are a lot of great books out there, and a lot of great games. I don’t want or need it to be all Brandon Sanderson all the time. We try to be very deliberate and careful about these kinds of collaborations, to only be doing what will feel the most exciting to my fans.”
Brandon Sanderson
The author’s answer does not entirely rule out a Cytoverse tabletop adaptation forever, but it strongly signals that such a project is unlikely to materialize soon. The comments arrive at an active moment for the franchise: Blightfall recently marked the first official book expansion into the Cytoverse, and earlier this year a Skyward TV series was confirmed to be in development.
The Long Road to Adaptation
Skyward has never reached the cultural footprint of Sanderson’s flagship Cosmere universe, but it carries genuine potential for growth. Should the upcoming streaming adaptation find its audience and achieve commercial success, a tabletop collaboration could plausibly follow in time. Fans should temper expectations regarding timing, however.
The Skyward series sits on an uncertain production timeline, with Sanderson’s Mistborn movie currently targeting a release date of 2031 or later—a project that is actually further along than the television adaptation. That extended window underscores how distant any potential tabletop tie-in would remain if it ever comes to pass.
A Busy Year for Cosmere Tabletop Games
Even without plans for Cytoverse spinoffs, Sanderson and his studio Brotherwise are far from idle on the tabletop front. The Cosmere RPG is set to receive its Mistborn expansion in November, adding new content to an already popular system built around Sanderson’s interconnected universe.
Ahead of that release, fans have gotten a first look at the upcoming content through official photos showcasing the expansion’s components and artwork. Meanwhile, a larger War for Roshar strategy game continues development, promising another ambitious entry into the studio’s catalog of tabletop titles.
For readers who also enjoy board games and miniatures, 2025 is shaping up to be a substantial year. The combination of the Mistborn expansion and the looming War for Roshar project ensures that Sanderson remains deeply engaged with the tabletop medium even as he declines to expand into every possible franchise.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus lands on November, when the Cosmere RPG’s Mistborn expansion arrives. Beyond that, the War for Roshar strategy game continues development without a confirmed launch window, and any Skyward tabletop project remains firmly speculative pending the success of its television adaptation.
Sanderson has made clear that he will pursue Cytoverse tabletop work only when it aligns with what fans would genuinely find exciting. Until then, his attention—and his studio’s—remains fixed on expanding the Cosmere rather than revisiting Skyward.
Join the conversation