05/05/2026
Last week the gaming industry lost one of our brightest lights. Jodi Black passed from this world on Saturday May 2, 2026. We send our deepest condolences to Clint, their family, and all who held this wonderful woman in their hearts.
Jodi was a profoundly loved figure in our industry. Her career spanned over twenty-two years, doing the often inconspicuous but pivotal work as an editor. Her most prolific work was during her time as editor, Lead and Managing Editor, and Chief Operations Officer at Pinnacle Entertainment Group, working on the beloved properties Savage Worlds, Deadlands and many others. Additionally, with her husband, Clint Black, they co-founded Carolina Game Tables, out of their love for games. She also served on the GAMA Board of Directors, where she worked behind the scenes to better our industry as a whole.
There is so much to say about Jodi that goes beyond her resume. She was a beloved figure in the convention scene, a dear friend, a colleague, and a person you could always rely on. She was a storyteller, a confidant, and a true friend. She was also the Crit Fail Queen.
Her self-styled moniker came about for her propensity to roll 1s, a lot of 1s, and how she would twist those rolls into a positive, or in her words, “better story telling.”
And that is so telling of Jodi’s life, especially as she confronted her illness headon. Jodi never shied away from sharing with her community the daily ups and struggles she faced, either at the gaming table, or in her daily life.
Through those stories, she entertained everyone around her. Through her kindness, she brought a smile to our faces. Through her service, she led a life so beautiful, so loved, and so deeply inspiring.
Jodi, you will be missed, but your legacy never forgotten.
– Meredith Placko, President
GAMA Board of Directors
