Zev Shlasinger, Stephen Buonocore, and various industry all-stars launched Play to Z, a new hobby board game publisher.

After leaving WizKids in June 2023 (see "Parts Ways with WizKids"), Shlasinger has resurfaced as the President and COO on this new venture. He is joined by Buonocore, former President of Stronghold Games (see "Retires as President of Stronghold Games"), who will serve as the company's Chairman of the Board.  Also joining Play to Z are a number of games industry all-stars, including Geoff Engelstein, Timm Metivier, Marcus Ross, Nicole Brady (see "GAMA Board"), Scott Brady, Ruel Gaviola, Jeff Anderson, Isaac Shalev, David Gordon, and Ryan Neumeyer.

Play to Z's first game will be a new edition of Ascending Empires, which was first published by Z-Man in 2011 and later announced to be released as a Zenith Edition by WizKids in 2023 (see "'Ascending Empires'").  This game will be launched via a crowdfunding campaign coming in Q1 2024.