GamingPerspectives

          Saul and Jolene discuss the buying of new RPGs.  Why do people continue to buy new RPGs?  If players and GMs like a particular RPG why would you buy new ones.  What makes gamers continue to guy games even as their collection grows to the point they won't be able to play all of them?  It is an interesting question which Saul and Jolene dive into.  As Jolene marvels at the number of different RPGs on her shelves she knows that Saul will continue to look at and buy new RPGs.   Saul says because he likes certain mechanics that some newer games offer.  Or maybe they look at RPGs in a different way.  Finally Saul reveals the real reason most gamers continue buying RPGs even as their collection grow to unplayable sizes.  Either way gamers continue to chase that perfect RPG and for writers and publishers they are okay with that. 

      Music by Frau Holle, song Chasing Rainbows off the album Ascending Souls.

     Available from FreeMusicArchive.com

           Today Saul and Jolene talk about Cathartic Gaming.   In previous episodes this subject has been mentioned from time to time , but we thought it deserved its own episode.  Saul gives the definition of the word cathartic and catharsis and then Saul and Jolene relate it to RPGs.  The idea that all games are cathartic in one form or another the main difference is in scale.  From simple diversion as one can have in reading a book or watching a movie or tv show, to a full cathartic moment where you release stress through feeling strong emotions.  

          Though we mostly play for diversion at times there have been moments when our games have gotten emotional or have had a strong emotional reaction to a situation.  Saul and Jolene believe that GMs especially ones that run games with high emotional content be prepared to deal with the ramifications of running those games and be aware that those games may "trigger" players.

       As always thank you all for listening and please share with family and friends on your social networks.

    Music by,  U Can Unlearn Guitar, song U Needed Me (Cathartic Karaoke)

                      From the album: 2 Digitizdat: The Circumvention of Populace Censure

       In this episode Saul and Jolene tackle the sensitive subject of feedback in your RPG game.  Most GM's want to get information on how their games went and what they can do to improve on their game.  The problem is, getting good feedback or constructive criticism.  Saul and Jolene discuss ways of getting good feedback and lower the chances of feedback that just upsets you as a GM.  Jolene reminds Saul of when criticism wasn't asked for and it upset him quite a bit and affected his gaming.  

       Saul and Jolene would like to thank Michael S-J, for his idea for this episode's topic of feedback in gaming.

      As always thanks for listening and all we ask is that you share our podcast with family and friends.

     The music is back!!

     Music by Punk Rock Opera, the song Study in FEEDBACK, off the album Nerve Damage

    Available from FreeMusicArchive.com

          In this episode we interview Brandon Raasch of Bard Games.  Saul first met Brandon a few years ago when he played in his Monterey Dresden game at DunDracon, a local N. Cal, gaming convention.  Brandon was such a great player that after that Saul always said hi and talked to him at all the local cons we attend.  Saul realized Bradon is a game publisher and has a game on Kickstarter.  The game is called Fickle and the Kickstarter ends in a few days.  So we wanted to get him on the microphone and talk to him about his gaming roots, his company, his game and Kickstarter.

        Even on short notice Brandon agreed to join us on the mics and talk to us.  

    As always, thank you all for listening and please share with your family and friends.

    Here is the link to the Fickle Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/skelletor/fickle-a-fairy-board-game-featuring-the-art-of-amy-brown?utm_source=drunk-on-games&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=ficklekick

   Here is the link to Bard Games:    https://www.bardgames.fun/

     Today we have Sean Nittner the person that puts on BigBadCon in the Bay Area.  We wanted to get Sean to talk to us because BigBadCon is not a typical game con.   It has a different heart that other cons.  They all have their own character and BigBadCon is known for the great RPGs and LARPs.   In the last few years they have added  Boardgames, and Panels to BigBadCon.  Though most of the people that attend are from the San Francisco Bay Area there are quite a few that come from all over the U.S. to attend BigBadCon.

     We really appreciate Sean taking time from his busy schedule to talk to us about BigBadCon from it roots to its future.  

    Though the Kickstarter is over you can still buy tickets starting in early July.  

    Here is the link the conventions website: https://www.bigbadcon.com/

    BigBadCon takes place from October 10th-13th at the Marriot in Walnut Creek, California.

   Here is the link to the Hotel block:  https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1555698790823&key=GRP&app=resvlink

   If you want to go to a great RPG con that runs many small press and independent rpg games BigBadCon should be on your list of cons to attend every year.

   As always thanks for listening and all we ask is that you share our podcast with your family and friends.