Your Table's on Fire!

How do you deliver an expansion to one of the bestselling word games of all time? By throwing it away and starting from scratch – that’s how! In episode 52, we speak with Tim Fowers and Jeff Beck (yes – he just might be our regular host), the designers of Hardback (the “pre-quill” to Paperback).Read more →

Our world runs on oil… dirty, dirty oil. But when the wells run dry, a new economy will emerge. Who will rise from the ashes to claim this new world order? In episode 51, we speak with Tobias Gohrbandt, the co-designer of Peak Oil. During our conversation, we discuss co-designing a game with someone whoRead more →

Why risk your neck going on adventures when you can make a fortune from the safety of your own home, selling adventuring equipment to the foolish heroes that visit your shop? In the bicentennial episode 50, we chat with Jonathan Ying, famed co-designer of Star Wars: Imperial Assault and DOOM The Board Game (among others),Read more →

Don’t get me wrong – sometimes a massive, 3-hour, heavy-euro game is the only way to fly. But sometimes you just need a light strategy game that you can wrap up in 30 minutes or less. In episode 49, we chat with Maggie Stewart and Jeff Fitzgerald, the founders of Hidden Creek Games, and theRead more →

If you found a gold nugget, how far would you go to keep it? Would you hide it from your friends? Would you lie about where you kept it? In episode 48, we chat with Andrew Stengele of Forced Perspective Entertainment and Jimmy Schnitzlein, the publisher and designer, respectfully, of Claim: The Search for theRead more →

Everyone needs a good hair stylist… even, and perhaps especially, the burly men (and bears) of the northern expanse. In today’s episode, we speak with David Fooden, the designer of the upcoming game, Yukon Salon. During our conversation, we discuss how to keep busy when no one shows up for your game demo, why indieRead more →

There’s something magical about pirates – but it might not be what you think. It’s not the peg leg, or the buried treasure, or even their fascination with the letter R. No, the most magical part of being a pirate is that you can call for mutiny and throw your previous leader overboard at aRead more →

There’s something about sleeping out of doors… being one with nature… and being threatened by an unseen monster just outside of the campfire light. In today’s episode, we speak with Josh Estill, Zach Abbott, and Arwen Boyer, the designers of the upcoming two-player game, Dark is the Night. During our discussion, we chat about whyRead more →

What happens when you get not only one, not two, but three game designers on the show at once? Mass hysteria! In today’s episode, we speak with Rob Cramer, John du Bois, and Mitchell Shipman, three game designers from ButtonShy games, and the designers of Turbo Drift, Avignon: Pilgrimage, and Find Your Seats, respectively. DuringRead more →

What do you get when you mix an RPG so memorable, it inspired the hit TV show Firefly, with the unique elements of a customizable card game? In today’s episode, we chat with Jeff Yin, one of the founders of Horizon Games, and the lead designer of the upcoming customizable card game, Traveller. During ourRead more →

Brand new game mechanics are few and far between. But, on the rare occasion they do appear, they have the potential to completely change the entire playing field. In this week’s episode, we speak with Ryan Iler, the founder of Wonderment Games, and the designer of the completely unique Quodd Heroes. During our discussion, weRead more →

The meteors are hurtling toward earth. Your rocket is nearly done, but it only has two seats. How will you decide who to take with you? Easy – political intrigue! In this week’s episode, we speak with Don Eskridge, the legendary designer of The Resistance and Avalon, back with his own company, Orange Machine Games,Read more →

Light, party games all have their place. But sometimes you just need a four-hour, open-world, deep-dive of a game… and we’re here to deliver. In this week’s episode, we speak with Mark Swanson, the founder of Odd Bird Games, and the creator of the upcoming euro-style board game, Feudum. During our discussion, we chat aboutRead more →

In this bonus episode, recorded live at BBG.con 2016 in Dallas, TX, we speak with Gil Hova, the founder of Formal Ferret Games, and the designer of Wordsy. We discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing, what it takes to scale a game to a larger player group, and why small animals do not enjoyRead more →

What do you do when the very first game you ever publish is a smash hit? Why, borrow the license to another popular game, apply, rinse and repeat, of course! If only it was all that easy… In today’s episode, we speak with Brian Henk and Clayton Skancke, the founders of Overworld Games, and theRead more →

Your village has a bit of a problem… it’s infested with snakes. And what does any red-blooded entrepreneur do about it? Why, breed more snakes so you can profit from the tragedy, of course! In episode 38, we speak with Chris and Suzanne Zinsli, the founders of Cardboard Edison, and the designers of the trick-takingRead more →

It’s common knowledge that every good roleplaying campaign starts at the tavern. But when was the last time you gave that tavern much thought? What kind of drinks do they serve? How do they attract their patrons? And most importantly, how profitable are they? In this episode, we speak with Dann Kriss, the founder ofRead more →

You’re two hours into the most epic campaign ever told. The story is incredible, your character is memorable, and your dice are cooking. Too bad you’re about to be ambushed by a horde of goblins. Oh sure – you’ll slaughter them easily. But it will take the rest of the night to just grind throughRead more →

We’ve all been there – game time with the family and you need something a younger audience can get their head around. Do you reach for the latest Hasbro roll-and-move? Please, NO! In episode 35, we speak with Peter C. Hayward, the founder of Jellybean Games and the designer of the family-friendly hidden-role game, Dracula’sRead more →

Pretty much anyone can create an app these days, or a puzzle game, or even an adventure game. But I can only think of one team that can combine all three! In episode 34, we speak with Jamie Johnson, one of the founders of Holy Grail Games and the co-publisher of the app-assisted, puzzle/adventure game,Read more →

In a world where reality is controlled by dreams, and dreams are controlled by dragons – the individual who controls the dragons reigns supreme. Will you unite with your friends to defeat the evil Mare alliance or compete head to head to become the one Dragon Master? In this episode, we speak with Anthony Christou,Read more →

Every US citizen has multiple people representing them in congress. But do you know who they are? Do you know what they are trying to accomplish? If this sounds like the makings of a great deduction game, you’re in good company. In this episode, we speak with James Taylor, the creator of the upcoming politicalRead more →

They took you. They beat you. They made you suffer. And now… it’s time for revenge. Grab your weapon of choice and join us! During episode 31, we chat with Gordon Calleja, one of the founders of Mighty Boards and the designer of the revenge-themed miniature game, Vengeance. During our conversation, we talk about theRead more →

Despite being one of the most celebrated authors of all times, there is one thing you need to know about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: he wasn’t all that great of an author. But that doesn’t keep us from falling in love with his lead character, Sherlock Holmes. In this episode, we speak with Lucy Keifer,Read more →

Word games… some people love ’em. Some people hate ’em. But no matter how deep you are into complex euro games, you probably know someone who won’t come to the table unless Scrabble is on the agenda. Thank goodness for gateway games! In this episode, we speak with Jeff Beck, who may or may notRead more →

Sit back, sip your iced tea, and enjoy a casual game of competitive, push-your-luck gardening. In this episode, we speak with Ed Baraf, the founder of Pencil First Games, and their upcoming game, Herbaceous. During our chat, we discuss the reason some games age better than others, why the best games come from a singleRead more →

The world is coming to an end, and will soon be reborn. But in whose image will the recreation occur? There is only one way to find out: this week’s episode. We speak with legendary game designer Sandy Petersen, the founder of Petersen Games, and the creator of the upcoming epic big-box war game, Glorantha:Read more →

A very brief interview with Gareth Johnson at Gen Con 2016 about his upcoming RPG, Pythos. Learn more about Pythos on his Kickstarter page at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1830160145/pythos-tabletop-rpg-roleplaying-game-of-myths-and

If there is one attribute that makes a good crook, it’s this: you have to be crooked. Lying, stealing, cheating – that’s all in a day’s work. In episode 26, we speak with Trevor Harron, the founder of Blue Heron Games, and the creator of the upcoming bluffing / deduction game, Collectors and Capers. DuringRead more →

How many times have you said to yourself “Look at these chumps running for president. Put me up on stage – I’m sure I could do better than them!” Well, now’s your chance. In episode 25, we speak with Jamie Twiss, the founder of Bipartisan Games, and the creator of the upcoming political strategy game,Read more →

Who hasn’t dreamt of slipping into the cockpit of a giant robot to engage in mortal combat with your mech opponents, laying waste to the city that makes up your arena? Dream no longer. In episode 24, we speak with Alex Cheng, the founder of Cardboard Dynamo, and the lead designer of the anime-themed combatRead more →

Summer is here. Time to dust off the ice cream truck and make some money. But like any business, if you don’t manage your time and resources effectively, you’ll find yourself in a sticky pile of melted dreams. In episode 23, we chat with Jason Kotarski, the founders of Green Couch Games, and the publisherRead more →

The old king is dead, but who will replace him? Only fate can decide! Will you make a play for the crown or focus instead on eliminating your opponents? In episode 22, we speak with Sean Epperson, one of the founders of Thing 12 Games, and Brander “Badger” Roullett, the designer of the quick-and-dirty diceRead more →

Nearly every time Hollywood tries to combine the big screen with the tabletop industry, it ends in disaster (I’m looking at you, Battleship). But there are some notable exceptions – like today’s guest! In episode 21, we speak with Gabriel Barboza, one of the founders of Cinelinx, and a designer of the film-focused party gameRead more →

As congress fights over the dangers of gateway drugs, we focus on something even more exciting! A gateway game for the next generation of role players. In episode 20, we have a delightful chat with James Stowe, the designer and illustrator of the kid-friendly RPG (and comic), Sidekick Quests. During our conversation, we talk aboutRead more →

What do you get when you mix one part Clue, two parts Cards Against Humanity, and a truckload of storytelling antics? A game so zany, we can’t even type out it’s name. In episode 19, we chat with Rae Votta and Corey Lubowich, the founders of Tasty Penguin, and the creators of the upcoming cardRead more →

Out in deep space, surrounded by a hostile alien force, and already the ship’s power is fully extended just keeping life support online. How will you possibly survive? Why – with episode 18, of course! In this episode, we speak with Glenn Given, one of the founders of Games by Play Date, and a creatorRead more →

I looked down at the board. “The point isn’t to win?” I asked. “The point,” Bredon said grandly, “is to play a beautiful game.” He lifted his hands and shrugged, his face breaking into a beatific smile. “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” In episode 17, we speak withRead more →

Inventors in the 19th century were a dime-a-dozen. If you really wanted to stand out from the crowd, you needed to create something using completely random cards drafted from a deck. In episode 16, we speak with Dave Clarke, the founder of Sinister Fish Games, and the creators of the upcoming party game, Great Scott!Read more →

Who says you can’t successfully design an abstract game? Definitely not our latest guest. In episode 15, we speak with Danny Zondervan, the designer of the upcoming game, Rushi. During our discussion, we chat about why the next game you design should be purely abstract (if you’re strong enough), the importance of double and tripleRead more →

What is it about Elves and Orcs? Can’t they just get along for once? Not in episode 14 – that’s for sure. We speak with Brian Hermansen, the founder of Ultra Evil Studios, and one of the creators of the upcoming card game, Legends of Erathmor: War of the Races. We have a frolicking discussion,Read more →

If there is one thing in D&D that is more terrifying than a tarrasque, it’s how long it takes to get through a game. By the time you’ve killed a handful of goblins, four hours have flown by, and it’s time to call it a game. But thankfully, there’s now an app for that. InRead more →

It’s 70 degrees below zero, half your crew are dead, and a severe storm is headed your way. But will you give up? Of course not – you’re out to prove God and country. In episode 12, we speak with Robert van Zyl & Simon McGregor of Pleasant Company Games and the designers behind theRead more →

The king is dead and lesser nobles are scrambling to fill the void. In episode 11, we speak with Michael Kanarek, the founder of Aviary Games, and the designers behind the game Crown of Exile. We discuss how Twilight Struggle is a great, but not terribly fun game, how to encourage euro-gamers to flip theRead more →

Who hasn’t dreamt of flying through the skies in a post-apocalyptic world? In episode 10, we speak with Aaron Kluck and Jon Mietling, the founders of Portal Dragon, and the designers behind the game, Zephyr: Winds of Change. We chat about what board games can learn from their video game cousins, how to design aRead more →

Houdini, a master of deception, intrigue, and Canadian Cusine? In episode 9, we speak with Andrew Stengele, the founder of Forced Perspective Entertainment, and one of the designers behind the game, Houdini’s Poutini. During our conversation, we discuss why Cthulhu has jumped the shark, why optimizing Facebook ads is worth your time, and why testingRead more →

Hungry? Nothing quite fills a stomach like Japanese street food… and lasers? In episode 8, we speak with Christopher Urinko, the founder of Daft Concepts, and the manufacturer of the game, Yakitori. We discuss lasers, why Settlers of Catan is such a popular gateway game, why game designers should always start with the theme, andRead more →

Itching to slice your friends in half? Well, now you can. In episode 7, we speak with Thomas Song, one of the founders of Table Forged LLC, and the designer of the upcoming samurai reflex game, Kettou. We discuss the dramatic (and sometimes unfortunate) changes to Kickstarter in the past few years, keeping games sufficientlyRead more →

Running short on friends? Looking for a single player game? In episode 6, we speak with Geoffrey Greer, one of the founders of Past Go Gaming and Geeking, and the designer of the upcoming solitaire war game, Sans Allies. We discuss the importance of a game’s theme sticking working with the mechanic, engaging with theRead more →

Another week, another episode. In episode 5, we speak with Billy Sheng and Jarrett Thorsted, two of the founders of Liminal Games, about their upcoming game, Emergence. We discuss the importance of looking professional on Kickstarter, getting played by your playtesters, and why you shouldn’t bring a copy of Risk to a Black Friday campout.Read more →

Another episode is upon us. It’s episode 4, with Ryan McDowell, the founder of Woodtop Worlds and the creator of Last Stand. It’s an 80’s action-hero throwback! Check out Ryan’s Kickstarter page at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/544285089/last-stand-a-cooperative-action-board-game-0 You can also connect with Ryan on his website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The man is everywhere!