Tabletop SportCast

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses beginner projects in tabletop gaming, offering insights on how to effectively plan and execute these projects. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, setting realistic goals, and choosing games that players love. The episode also includes a recap of current tabletop projects and provides various project ideas suitable for beginners, such as replaying championship series and holding small tournaments. James encourages listeners to track their progress and maintain motivation throughout their gaming endeavors.

In this episode, the Tabletop SportCast hosts S.T. Patrick for their annual preview of the upcoming Plaay-Dot-Con event. They discuss various topics including the latest issue of Sports Sim Magazine, the development of The Squared Circle game, and the importance of community events in tabletop gaming. The conversation also touches on the future of the hobby, the role of technology, and the significance of nostalgia in attracting new players. S.T. Patrick shares insights into the challenges of game development and the evolving landscape of tabletop sports games. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolution of wrestling shows, the rapid release of college football sets, and the challenges of creating NFL sets. They emphasize the importance of community feedback and thematic sets in college football. The discussion also covers game design challenges, the role of AI in game development, and the balance between creating games for passion versus marketability. The joy of collaborative conversations in game design is highlighted as a key aspect of the hobby.Sport Sim Magazine Facebook PageMatch-Up College Football Facebook PageThe Squared Circle Facebook Page

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the importance of sports-themed games in the tabletop gaming community. He explores how these games can attract new players who may not be interested in traditional simulation games. The conversation covers various popular sports-themed games, their mechanics, and how they can serve as a bridge to engage a wider audience in the sports gaming community.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Bob Hansen, a notable member of the tabletop sports community. They discuss Bob's latest game, Futti, a fictionalized five-on-five soccer game that emphasizes simplicity and quick gameplay. The conversation covers Bob's fictional league format for multiple sports, including unique elements like banner raisings for last-place teams. Bob shares insights into game mechanics, player strategy, and future projects, including a basketball game and an indoor cricket game. The episode highlights the importance of community in tabletop sports and the creative process behind game design.Futti Github Site (to download game)Link to previous episode with Bob Hansen

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast recaps his experiences at Digital to DiceCon, sharing his top moments from the event. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the joy of conversations with fellow gamers, and the excitement of discovering new games. The episode highlights the significance of swag bags, raffle prizes, and reconnecting with friends, while also discussing the future of the tabletop gaming hobby and the potential for growth within the community.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast explores the principles of Taoism as illustrated through the character of Ted Lasso. The discussion delves into themes such as potential, effortless action, authentic power, compassion, and the dangers of over-striving, all while connecting these ideas to the world of tabletop gaming. Listeners are encouraged to embrace these principles in their gaming experiences, fostering a more enjoyable and fulfilling hobby.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses various tabletop sports topics, including a recap of a recent dodgeball tournament and an ongoing English Premier League project. The main focus is on the game Bank Shot Basketball by Sideline Strategy Games, exploring its mechanics, components, and gameplay experience. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode's theme centered around the TV show Ted Lasso.HCW Dirtsheet

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Al Wilson, the creator of 3D6 Gaming, about the upcoming release of the Commissioner's Handbook for Fast-Inning Baseball. They discuss the evolution of the game, the importance of community feedback, and the innovative features that allow players to create their own baseball universes. Key topics include the prospect pipeline, financial systems, and the Hall of Fame path, which adds depth to player development and aging. Al also shares insights on the role of AI in game design and the potential for future expansions.https://www.3d6-gaming.com/

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast provides a detailed recap of his experiences at Indi-Con 2025 and discusses his recent project involving the 1970 Stars for Red, White and Blue Racin'. He shares insights on the event's organization, the gaming community's engagement, and the highlights of his tabletop gaming projects, including the 1956 World Series and the English Premiership League season.

With my travels to IndiCon 25 this past weekend, there was no time to record a new episode, so I'm bringing back one of my first interviews (technically third) with John McGuinness!

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the first quarter of 2025. He discusses his gaming achievements, including the number of sessions played and games completed, while also addressing challenges faced during the quarter. The episode highlights plans for the upcoming quarter, including participation in live events like IndiCon 25, and a preview of new projects. James shares insights on podcast analytics and the importance of maintaining momentum in tabletop gaming.

In this milestone 200th episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the journey of the show. He answers audience questions, sharing insights on balancing life and projects, the evolution of tabletop games, AI, projects, etc. The episode concludes with a look ahead at the next 100 episodes.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the current state of the podcast as he prepares for the milestone 200th episode. He shares updates on various sports events, discusses his gaming projects, and outlines future plans for the podcast, including upcoming live events and game design insights.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the latest in tabletop sports gaming, including a recap of February's gaming sessions and an in-depth look at 49 Quick Decks Hockey. He highlights the game's features, such as team sheets, strategic play, and the use of fast action cards.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the top express games in tabletop sports, providing insights into their design and gameplay mechanics. The episode includes news updates from the tabletop sports community, a detailed definition of express games, and a countdown of the top eight express games, highlighting their unique features and benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of time-saving gameplay while maintaining the essence of the sports experience.

In this episode, host James Cast interviews Clay Dreslough, the creator of Season Ticket Baseball and Season Ticket Football. They discuss Clay's journey from computer game design to board game creation, the mechanics behind his games, and the philosophy of making games accessible and enjoyable for players. Clay shares insights into the evolution of his games, the importance of simplicity in design, and the challenges of transitioning from digital to tabletop formats. The conversation also touches on the future of board games and the need for innovative mechanics that enhance player experience.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast provides an in-depth look at the wrestling promoter card game 'Book It!' by Foam Hammer Games. The episode covers recent highlights in tabletop sports, news about new game releases, and a detailed exploration of the mechanics and expansions of 'Book It!'. James shares his experiences with the game, discussing its unique approach to wrestling promotion and the strategic elements involved. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming content and interviews.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast counts down the top 10 Super Bowls of all time, focusing on those that would be fun to replay on tabletop games. The discussion includes themes of redemption, representation of teams, and memorable moments from various Super Bowls. The episode also highlights some honorable mentions and provides insights into the significance of each game in the context of sports history.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast explores the intersection of AI and tabletop sports gaming. He discusses how virtual assistants can enhance the gaming experience by automating tasks, managing leagues, and even generating narratives. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI tools, including tracking stats, creating game summaries, and brainstorming ideas for game design. The episode emphasizes the potential of AI to streamline processes and enrich the overall gaming experience.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast provides an in-depth look at Season Ticket Football, a new game by Clay Dreslough. He shares his experiences with the game, comparing it to previous tabletop games and discussing its mechanics. The episode also reflects on the evolution of the tabletop gaming community, the joy of recreating historical wrestling events, and the importance of community engagement in gaming.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Marco Scola, a prominent figure in the tabletop sports community. They discuss Marco's journey into tabletop sports, the appeal of these games compared to video games, and the impact of live sports experiences. Marco shares his favorite sports books and movies, memorable live sports moments, and his current tabletop projects. The conversation also delves into the motivation behind Marco's YouTube channel and the influences that shaped his content creation. In this engaging conversation, Marco shares his journey into the world of rugby gaming, the structure and format of his YouTube channel, and his excitement for upcoming projects in 2025. He discusses the tools he uses for project planning, the balance between stats and storytelling in gaming, and offers recommendations for fellow gamers. The conversation wraps up with a fun rapid-fire segment where Marco answers quick questions about his gaming preferences. Check out Marco's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MarcoScola

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his top five hockey games, reflecting on his recent gameplay experiences and projects for 2025. He shares insights on the criteria for selecting hockey games, reviews each game in detail, and highlights major announcements in the tabletop sports community. The episode concludes with thoughts on future plans and the potential for exploring new games.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his annual plan for 2025, reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2024. He emphasizes the importance of project planning, variety in gaming, and the introduction of new strategies for the upcoming year, including a Game of the Week and diverse sports projects. In this episode, the host outlines an extensive plan for tabletop sports projects spanning various decades, including wrestling, boxing, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, golf, NHL, lacrosse, NFL, and soccer. Each project is designed to explore the history and key events of the respective sports, with a focus on manageable project sizes. The host also discusses plans for content creation, including game design, YouTube shows, and podcast episodes, aiming for a balanced and engaging year ahead.

In this episode, James Cast reflects on the year 2024, discussing his goals, achievements, and challenges faced throughout the year. He reviews his progress on various projects, including hosting events, completing gaming projects, and engaging with the tabletop sports community. The conversation highlights the importance of setting goals, adapting to challenges, and the joy of gaming experiences. James also shares insights on his plans for 2025, emphasizing the need for balance and continued engagement in the tabletop sports world.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the top moments of 2024, including a tribute to the late Ricky Henderson, a retrospective on his Richmond Golden Gloves boxing project, and a countdown of the top 10 moments in tabletop sports for the year. In this episode, the host reflects on the top moments of 2024 in tabletop sports gaming, discussing the evolution of basketball games, memorable interviews, innovative game mechanics, tournament experiences, and significant projects. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and personal achievements within the tabletop gaming space.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the top tabletop sports games of 2024, sharing insights on his gameplay experiences, project highlights, and the methodology behind his rankings. The conversation covers various games, including honorable mentions, and delves into the Continental Cup project, showcasing the excitement of random matchups in tournaments. James emphasizes the importance of playtime in determining his top games and reflects on the diverse range of sports represented in his collection. In this episode, the host reviews the top tabletop sports games of 2024, discussing various express and quick play games, historical replays, and personal favorites. The conversation highlights the impact of specific projects on gameplay and the dominance of certain game companies in the host's gaming experience. The episode concludes with insights into gaming trends and a look ahead to future projects.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast explores the latest holiday offering from Plaay Games, Reel-Time Pro Fishin', and reflects on his recent project, the Rec League Golf Championship. The episode delves into the mechanics of the fishing game, discussing its unique features and gameplay strategies, while also providing insights from the golf championship project, including lessons learned and player performance. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to future episodes and upcoming content.

n this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast recaps the highlights of the 2024 holiday sale, discussing various tabletop projects, games purchased, and future plans for 2025. He shares insights on the games he played in November, the new titles he acquired during the holiday sale, and the importance of supporting smaller game companies. The episode concludes with a look ahead to upcoming episodes and projects.

In today's episode, we sit down with the creator of the GreenFox Spreadsheet, Mike Ignatoski. In the first of a two part series, we get a chance to learn about Mike and talk through a high-level overview of the GreenFox Spreadsheet. Also, catch up on some more Holiday Sale information at the beginning of the episode. Part 2 of this interview will be posted to YouTube, and it includes a demo of version 3.5 of the GreenFox Spreadsheet. Key Links Part 2 of the Episode (YouTube) https://youtu.be/SioiMqfugJo GreenFox Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenfoxspreadsheet GreenFox YouTube Page (Mike Ignatoski) https://www.youtube.com/@mikeignatoski7890

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast shares his top 10 items on his holiday wish list, providing insights into various tabletop sports games and their upcoming sales. He discusses the holiday sales from different gaming companies, highlighting discounts and special offers. The episode culminates in a detailed countdown of his wish list items, covering a range of sports and game types, while also reflecting on the significance of these games in his collection.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the importance of storytelling in tabletop sports projects, inspired by an article from Eric Simon in Sports Sim Magazine. He emphasizes how adding historical context and personal reflections can enhance the gaming experience. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding the audience for these projects and how tools like ChatGPT can aid in creative storytelling. James shares insights from his recent tabletop projects and looks forward to future endeavors.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses two main projects: a retrospective on his 2005-2006 NHL tournament using Stone Cold Hockey and the introduction of a new dual federation project with Face to the Mat. He shares insights on game mechanics, project planning, and the creative process behind building storylines in tabletop sports.

When my schedule gets crazy, as it often did this year, this theme keeps me in check. Hopefully for the last time this year, we going back to a classic episode to hear why Failure is Inevitable! I'll be back on Sunday with a brand new episode.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the top game mechanics and innovations of 2024, highlighting various tabletop sports games and their unique features. The conversation includes insights into YouTube content creators in the tabletop gaming community and concludes with reflections on the thriving nature of the tabletop sports gaming community.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the current state of tabletop gaming, discusses the impact of recent events on gaming culture, and pays tribute to sports legends. He highlights his recent gaming experiences, particularly focusing on the Barry Sanders 1994 project, and shares news about upcoming gaming events. The main topic centers around the new game Draft Duel from Play Games and Studio Sp1cy, exploring its mechanics, player interactions, and overall experience. Cast emphasizes the game's appeal and provides insights into its unique features, while also addressing its distinction from traditional sports simulation games.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his top 10 tabletop football board games based on personal preferences and experiences. He provides insights into his gaming sessions over the past quarter, highlights key projects, and shares his thoughts on various football games, including their playability and project potential. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for tabletop sports enthusiasts looking to explore football-themed games.

In this episode of the Tabletop Sportcast, host James Cast discusses the top five new games in his collection, providing insights into each game's mechanics and appeal. He also recaps the latest news in tabletop sports, including updates from Sport Sim Magazine and new game releases. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future episodes and themes.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the challenges of September, focusing on prioritization and goal setting within tabletop gaming. He reflects on his recent gaming experiences, including participation in a Breakaway Football tournament and various tabletop projects. As he navigates a busy schedule, James emphasizes the importance of evaluating project value versus effort, making tough decisions about which projects to prioritize, and establishing routines to achieve his goals. The episode concludes with key takeaways on effective prioritization and goal setting in the context of tabletop gaming.

Today we are sitting down with Brien Aronov to talk baseball. We discuss Brien's fascination with Japanese baseball and what we both look for in baseball sims.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James Cast discusses various projects that can be done during the football season. He draws inspiration from the Gridiron Games 2024 and his visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. James shares updates on his tabletop projects, including completing the Stratomatic Baseball showcase and the 1984 USFL season replay. He also mentions ongoing projects using Fury Hardball and Stone Cold Hockey.

Summary It's the third anniversary of the Tabletop SportCast and what better way to celebrate than to spend a weekend at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH with many friends old and new. In today's episode I'll recap the past few years of the podcast, and then sit down with a number of guests from Gridiron Games 2024 to give you their impressions of the weekend first-hand.

Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James Cast interviews S.T. Patrick, the creator of The Squared Circle, Match-Up Football, and Sport Sim Magazine. They discuss recent gaming experiences, the latest releases from TSC and Match-Up, and delve into the concept of accuracy in sports simulation games. They explore the challenges of capturing the complexity of real-life performance in a tabletop game and the role of randomness in recreating sports outcomes. They also talk about the 2024 Gridiron Games event and the plans for Matchup Football at the event. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the availability of game design tools and the importance of finding balance and enjoyment in life.

Summary In this episode, the host provides an update on his tabletop gaming projects and the podcast. He discusses the challenges he has faced in maintaining a schedule and staying on track with his projects. He shares details about his ongoing projects, including History Maker Baseball, LaCrosse Blast Express, and various tournaments. The host also talks about his plans for future projects and the importance of establishing a routine. He concludes by mentioning upcoming interviews and the fourth anniversary show of the podcast. Takeaways Maintaining a schedule and routine is crucial for staying on track with tabletop gaming projects The host is working on various projects, including History Maker Baseball and LaCrosse Blast Express Future projects will include boxing, soccer, basketball, and wrestling The podcast will continue to feature interviews and special episodes The host is planning to establish a new recording schedule and prioritize regular podcast episodes Looking Ahead: Future Projects and the Fourth Anniversary Show Challenges and Adjustments: Finding a Routine for Tabletop Gaming "Maintaining a schedule and routine is crucial for staying on track" "Future projects will include boxing, soccer, basketball, and wrestling" "The podcast will continue to feature interviews and special episodes"

Arthur Franz, creator of Breakaway Football, discusses his love for football and how it inspired him to create a tabletop football game. He shares his experience as a football coach and how it influenced his game design. The game aims to provide a realistic and enjoyable football experience in a shorter playtime. Each team in the game is based on a real football team, with their own unique playbooks and special abilities. The game allows players to simulate matchups between different teams from different eras, creating intriguing 'what if' scenarios. In this part of the conversation, Arthur Franz IV discusses the teams he has created for Breakaway Football, a tabletop football game. He mentions that he has created representative teams for most of the 32 franchises, with a few exceptions. He talks about the unique abilities and characteristics of some of the teams, such as the Dome Patrol defense of the Saints and the offensive struggles of the 2008 Cardinals. He also discusses the concept of breakaways in the game, where the relationship between the play type and the defense determines the outcome of a play. He explains how offensive and defensive breakaways work and how they add excitement to the game. Additionally, he mentions the development of a solo mode for the game, which allows players to play against an AI opponent. Breakaway Football is a tabletop game that captures the experience of being a head coach. It features a unique play-calling system and a solo mode with a spy mechanic. The spy mechanic allows the AI to cheat in plain sight, balancing the decision quality and preventing players from relying on their best plays. The game also includes a team creator that allows players to recreate their favorite teams. The creator reverse-engineered the decisions made to create the franchises and standardized the playbook valuations. The game has a small footprint and quick setup time. The creators are also working on a dynasty mode expansion that will allow for persistent change season over season. Links Uplink Underground Games: https://uplinkunderground.com/board-games/ Uplink Underground on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uplinkundergroundgames9259

We're climbing back into the time machine and winding back to October 2021 to Episode 20. In this one I discussed home brew ideas for the tabletop.

Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, the host does a retrospective on his recently completed PGA mini season project. He discusses the highlights and challenges of the project, including the scheduling of events and the use of tournament mode in History Maker Golf. He also reflects on what went well and what could have been done differently, such as using actual courses for the majors and tracking results more effectively. The host concludes by sharing his plans for future projects and upcoming episodes of the podcast. Keywords retrospective, PGA mini season, project management, scheduling, tournament mode, History Maker Golf, challenges, highlights, actual courses, tracking results, future projects Takeaways Retrospectives can provide valuable insights into completed projects and help improve future ones. Scheduling events and using tournament mode in History Maker Golf can be challenging but rewarding. Using actual courses for major events can enhance the authenticity of a historical replay. Tracking results effectively is important for keeping records and analyzing performance. Planning and reflecting on projects can lead to better project management and decision-making. Titles The Importance of Tracking Results Reflecting on the PGA Mini Season Project Sound Bites "Deciding to do a mini season" "Using tournament mode for History Maker Golf" "Setting it up for a historical replay" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 17:26 Reflecting on the PGA Mini Season Project 24:59 Challenges and Highlights of the Retrospective 28:19 Improving Future Projects with Lessons Learned 37:52 Using Actual Courses for Historical Replays 41:45 The Importance of Tracking Results

In the first installment of replaying greatest hits, we're taking it all the way back to October 2021 and Episode 10. In this episode I focused on a new approach to cooperative projects focused around the 2000 Football America season.

Summary Play.com 2024 was a memorable gaming event with a record-breaking crowd. The top five memories include the presence of game designers, the attendance of newbies, the extension of the convention to include more activities, the Rumble in the Jungle game showcase, and the introduction of Soccer Blast Express. The convention provided opportunities to play and interact with game designers, gaining inspiration and appreciation for their craft. The host also plans to feature classic episodes and focus on football in upcoming episodes. Keywords Play.com 2024, gaming event, game designers, newbies, convention extension, Rumble in the Jungle, Soccer Blast Express, tabletop games, inspiration, football Takeaways Play.com 2024 had a record-breaking crowd and was a memorable gaming event. The presence of game designers at the convention allowed for interaction and appreciation of their craft. The attendance of newbies added fresh faces and excitement to the event. The convention extended beyond the traditional two days, allowing for more activities and exploration of the Denver area. The showcase of Rumble in the Jungle and Soccer Blast Express introduced new and exciting games to the attendees. Playing and interacting with game designers provided inspiration for future game creation. The host plans to feature classic episodes and focus on football in upcoming episodes. Titles Inspiration from Game Designers Game Designers: The Stars of Play.com Sound Bites "The game designers that were in-house... really bring to this community." "The attendance of newbies... always great to see new faces in the crowd." "The convention continues to grow... embracing the idea of extending the con." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Information 03:01 Game Designers: The Stars of Play.com 07:34 Newbies Bring Fresh Energy to Play.com 10:50 Extending the Convention: More Than Just Two Days 14:36 Rumble in the Jungle: A Highlight of Play.com 29:44 Inspiration from Game Designers

In today's episode I preview Plaay-Dot-Con 2024 going through the schedule and talking about what I am looking forward to for the next few days.

In today's episode I take an Inside Look at Payoff Pitch Baseball by Sideline Strategy Games. I also give a tabletop recap including a highlight of a major milestone!

In today's episode we will discuss how to use the Rapid Planning Method to unlock your project plans and make you more effective at prioritizing and executing on your projects. Also, we'll recap some news and get an update from the Tabletop.