The Megagame Assembly Podcast

Harrison talks with Zane from Diversionary Games and Very Large Huge Games

Harrison talks with Zane from Diversionary Games and Very Large Huge Games. Zane was started young on D&D by his DM father and when he discovered Megagames, the stars aligned. Zane runs through his experience running a game in a new area, recruiting players, designing his first game, refining his games, helping friends design their own games, running games at work and converting a game from 30 to 200 players. Zane is one of the most open and helpful people you could ever hope to meet and his insight in to design is really interesting, so if you're looking for help on your own game, he would love to talk to you about it.LinksVery Large Huge GamesVLHG Newsletter Sign upDiversionary GamesDiversionary Games - FacebookSouthampton Megagames - FacebookMegagame Organizer Mentor ProgramMegagame CoalitionContact Page for Megagame CoalitionGoogle form for GenCon Submissions

Harrison talks Tony from the Dukes of Highlands who runs us through his journey of Megagaming, from attending his first game, to running his first game to designing his first game.

Harrison talks Tony from the Dukes of Highlands who runs us through his journey of Megagaming, from attending his first game, to running his first game to designing his first game.Tony talks in details about some of the issues he faced, like setting up a Megagame group in an area where there have been no Megagames before, running a game at a con and how to run a game you haven't played, going only from the rule book. It's a really interesting chat that covers topics many people may be struggling with as they try and get Megagames established in their local area. Tony also talks about the Megagame Coalition's mentorship program, a network of experienced game runners who can help you with setting up and running games.LinksThe Dukes of HighlandMegagame Coalition

Harrison chats to Matt, Zane and Tom from Very Large Huge Games, the team that brought the world First Contact: 2035, the 200-player megagame.

In this Very Large episode, Harrison is joined by Matt, Tom and Zane who are three quarters of Very Large Huge Games, the group that ran the epic 200 player game First Contact in June 2022 in London. Together they run through some of the design challenges faced with such a massive game, as well as the issues they wrestled with in design and on the day. Very Large Huge Games websiteVery Large Huge Games on Facebook

The podcast is back, and this episode we look at Fae's Anatomy

We're back baby! Yes it would seem that as life returns to normal, Megagames are back on the menu, so we figured it was time to dust off our microphones and return to the Megagame Assembly Podcast.In this episode, Harrison is joined by Patrick Rose from Pennine Megagames and John Keyworth to discuss their game Fae's Anatomy. With a pun that strong, how could it be anything other than amazing! Useful LinksJohn Keyworth's sitePennine MegagamesReading MegagamesOmegaPaddy on TwitterGalactic Dawn - 3rd DecemberMegagame Assembly

Matty and Harrison chat to Becky about her process for casting in megagames.

This month, Matty and Harrison are joined by Becky from BeckyBecky Blogs to discuss the casting questionnaire that Becky sends out for the Megagames she designs. The gang go through Becky's questionnaire point by point and discuss the goals and aims that Becky sets herself for casting her games. As we've said many times on this podcast, Casting is an art, not a science, and we think Becky is absolutely to person to talk to for all of your casting tips and tricks!Useful LinksBeckyBecky BlogsHOW TO WRITE A MEGAGAME PART 7: CASTINGMegagame Assembly

On this month's episode, Matty is joined once again by LJ and Ed Silverstone to discuss Andrew Shiel Dods' game, Red Planet Rising.

On this month's episode, Matty is joined once again by LJ and Ed Silverstone to discuss Andrew Shiel Dods' game, Red Planet Rising. LJ and Ed both did control for the game so are able to provide some great insights. As well as going through the game, from preparation to the actual day, they also go off on a few little tangents discussing, among over things, some good tips for how to be a great control player yourself. Don't forget to check out the Mega Con WebsiteThanks for downloading and we will see you next time!

This month Matty is joined by Deborah Southwell and Peter Nixon to tackle the tricky but important subject of gender in historical games.

This month Matty is joined by Deborah Southwell and Peter Nixon to tackle the tricky but important subject of gender in historical games. They discuss some of their own experiences from playing in games where this has been handled well, or handled badly. They also speak about potential ways to approach the design of historical games to try to tackle some of these issues and make things better for all.Some of the resources mentioned during the episode;Peter's appearance on The Great Game podcastThe Handbook for As Thou CommandsDeborah's Seminar at MegaconPlaytest of As Thou Commands at MegaconMegacon siteSome suggested further reading;Suarez, C. (2018). The power manual: How to master complex power dynamics. New Society Publishers.Shaw, A. (2014). Gaming at the edge: sexuality and gender at the margins of gamer culture. University of Minnesota Press.Thompson, J. (2010). Wargames: Inside the world of 20th century war reenactors. Smithsonian Books.

This month Harrison and Matty were joined by Leslie from West Coast Megagames and the Megagame Coalition where they discuss using logistics to promote inclusivity and improve players experience in a megagame.

This month Harrison and Matty were joined by Leslie from West Coast Megagames and the Megagame Coalition. They discussed what techniques and approaches Leslie has used and encourages others to use, to better promote inclusivity and improve a players experience in a megagame. This is often a common goal, but Leslie approaches this through logistics using her organisational skills. We thought this was a fairly unusual approach and felt it would be a great conversation, and it was!You can find West Coast Megagames on their Facebook Page and Megagame Coalition on their Facebook Page. Both groups also have very active Discord servers if you're looking for some help, advice or general Megagame conversation.You can also find Leslie's talks and panels on gender inclusivity hereThanks for downloading and we'll see you next month!

If you're looking to run a game with a more pop culture theme, this is the episode for you!

Alex runs Horizon Megagames, a group based in London who specialise in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror games. Alex joins Harrison and Matty to discuss the thought and design process of designing his three games, each of which has slowly strayed further from the "traditional" megagame genres. They discuss why he chose the themes he chose and lots more. Horizon on FacebookHorizon MegagamesThanks for listening, please subscribe to get new episodes every month and check out our Facebook Page and Website for lots of other Megagame resources.If you're looking to run a game with a more pop culture theme, this is the episode for you!

Want to know how to run someone else's game, or your first game? This is the episode for you!

This month Harrison and Matty are joined by Johan Olofsson from Gothenburg Megagames to discuss how to run a game you haven't written or designed, as well as the challenges of running your first game, online or in person. Johan dispenses his wisdom to us all in this meaty interview which drills down in to the nitty gritty details. Brew a cup of something, get comfy, and enjoy!If you have any questions for us or Johan drop us an email or check out our Facebook page. You'll find Gothenburg Megagames on Facebook as well.Check back next month for another interview and thank you for listening!

Matty talks with Steph and LJ, who both played the admiral role at the Friday and Saturday runs of Den of Wolves at Gen Con Online.

Matty talks with Steph and LJ, who played the admiral role at the Friday and Saturday runs of Den of Wolves at Gen Con online. You'll hear about trade embargoes and subterfuge, how they found the online format, and each player's favourite moment from the day.If you'd like to suggest any other topics you'd like to hear discussed in future episodes, drop us an email, or use the contact us option in the menu. We'd love to hear from you!Thanks for listening and we will see you for our next episode.

In this episode Matty and Harrison chat to Kurt LaRue from Splintered Realities about their run of Den of Wolves on Gen Con Online.

Matty and Harrison chat to Kurt LaRue from Splinted Realities about their run of the popular and enduring Den of Wolves at Gen Con Online. Kurt explains his experience of converting the game for online play and the challenges and opportunities presented by the formatIf you'd like to suggest any other topics you'd like to hear discussed in future episodes, drop us an email, or use the contact us option in the menu. We'd love to hear from you!You can find Kurt's group, Splintered Realities here.And if you're interested in buying Den of Wolves and running it yourself, check out John Mizon's website for details. Thanks for listening and we will see you for our next episode.

A special live episode recorded during OMG Con and an exciting announcement!

Yours ears are not deceiving you, after a bit of a hiatus we're back with a one off special edition of the podcast, featuring Harrison, Matt & Chris recorded live at the OMG Con organised by The Megagame Coalition from September 2020. The boys discuss the results of a survey we put out, discussing the price of Megagame tickets. A spicy subject indeed!The guys then open up the floor to some Q&A's from the audience.If you would rather watch the video of this episode, complete with our completely rubbish attempts at running a PowerPoint presentation through Discord, check out the video on the Megagame Coalition's YouTube channel in the links below. And don't forget to check back on October 1st for the release of the Megagame Assembly podcast, season 2!

Harrison is joined by Chrissy and Alex to discuss the benefits of play testing for megagame designers, organisers and players alike.

On today's episode Harrison is joined by Chrissy and Alex to discuss the benefits of Play Testing for Megagame Designers, Organisers and Players alike. Megagame MakersHorizon MegagamesThe Megagame AssemblyThanks for downloading!

With the end of 2019 fast approaching, a number of megagamers around the world relate their most memorable moments of the year.

A collection of stories from Megagamers from around the world

Alex Beck from Horizon Megagames speaks to Harrison and Matt about Monsterville Mansion. Do the guys get out alive? Check it out now!

Matt and Harrison are joined by Alex Beck to discuss Alex's game Monsterville Mansion.Thanks for downloading and we will see you next time!

Jack McNamee chats to Harrison and Matt about his megagame God Emperor. Will the guys escape with their lives?

If you would like to find out more about God Emperor, including how to purchase it to run it yourself, check out this link.If you enjoyed this episode please check out our other interviews and Megagame Reports, all available on this feed or on the Podcast page of our website.Thanks for downloading and we will see you next time!

On our spookiest episode yet, Harrison speaks to Becky Ladley from BeckyBecky Blogs and John Mizon who runs South West Megagames about their experiences playing Monsterville Mansion.

In this month's Megagame Report, Harrison is joined by Becky from BeckyBecky Blogs and John from South West Megagames to discuss Monsterville Mansion which was run by Horizon Megagames in October, 2019.BeckyBecky BlogsSouth West MegagamesYou can find other games being run by Horizon Megagames hereAnd don't forget to head along to our Facebook Group to continue the discussions.Thank you for listening and we will see you next time!

This time Matt chats to Kneace and Seumas Bates from True North Megagames about Kingdom of Seasons

In this month's episode, Matt is joined by Kneace and Seumas Bates from True North Megagames, to discuss his game Kingdom of Seasons which was held in Glasgow in August 2019.Apologies for the dip in audio quality about half way through, Seumas was kicked out of the room he was recording in, we can only guess why…You can find more information on True North Megagames and their upcoming games at their website:https://www.facebook.com/groups/truenorthmegagames/events/You will, of course, also find all of their upcoming games in our calendar:https://www.megagameassembly.com/uk-europe-megagamesThanks for listening and we will see you next time!

Harrison chats to Edward McDaniel and Matty Robinson about their experiences at Event Horizon, the sci-fi themed megagame in London.

This month Harrison is joined by Edward McDaniel and returning guest Matty to discuss Johan Olofsson's Event Horizon which was run in London by Horizon Megagames on September 14th, 2019.

This month Matt and Harrison are joined by Patrick Doyle from Sydney Megagames who discusses how he first got in to Megagames, first set up Sydney Megagames and talks about his past and future games.

Harrison is joined by Matt, Kneace and Rory to run through the many games they played in American during GenCon 2019.

This month Matt interviews Witt and Seth, from Seattle Megagames, they discuss the game of By Coin and Dagger that they ran at GenCon 2019.They run Matt through their design goals, the different roles and how they felt the game went. Listeners with good ears might just also be able to hear the contributions of both Seth and Witt's corgis in the background!Discuss this episode on our Facebook GroupCheck out Mr Megagame's Other Interviews hereGet in touch with Seattle Megagames Here

Harrison and Matt are joined by Kneace and Matty to discuss WTS Second Sight which was run in Reading, UK on July 13th, 2019.We also talk about our new interview podcast which will be coming soon!Discuss this episode on our facebook groupCheck out our website

In this, our first ever episode, Harrison is joined by Chris and Matt as we discuss our new website, walk you through its features and our hopes and dreams for it. Then we get in to our regular monthly After Action Reports.