Alex and James crack open the first Starfinder 2e hardcover, and the first Starfinder hardcover since Mechageddon, the Starfinder Galaxy Guide.

In episode 117 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Simon Weinberg about his journey from reviewing terrible games to realizing just how tough it is to make good ones. He shares lessons from navigating the publishing world like understanding a company’s catalog before pitching, being patient during the long evaluation process, and the importance of building friendly, professional relationships with publishers.

They also discuss waking up from dreams of complete game ideas, defining your goal as a designer, how card and dice games are easiest to iterate (and recruit playtesters for), writing wacky designer diaries, bribing dragons, and that yes – game design is in fact, a real job!

Simon Weinberg – Guest

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Ryan and Charles talk about the Essence20 panels and announcements at RenegadeCon 2025.

Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com.

Although the host works for Renegade Game Studios, this podcast and the network that hosts it are not affiliated with Renegade Game Studios.

With just 8 weeks left until the release of Starfinder 2, RPG freelance author John Godek, Paizo Senior Game Designer Jason Keeley, and Dungeon & Dragons Designer Ron Lundeen discuss what Starfinder 1 adventures to play now!

Ron Lundeen is an employee of Wizards of the Coast and his opinions are his own.

Our heroes head down to Charity Substation to prevent a reactor meltdown and come face-to-face with an transdimensional maw!

Cameron Ring – Guest 

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Ryan already convinced Charles that the My Little Pony Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook is a great buy for any Essence20 players. Now he explains why MLP CRB Chapter 10: Conflicts is required reading for every Essence20 Game Master.

Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com.

Although the host works for Renegade Game Studios, this podcast and the network that hosts it are not affiliated with Renegade Game Studios.

John, Ron, and Jason talk about all the cool Starfinder 2nd Edition news that was announced at PaizoCon this past weekend!

Ron Lundeen is an employee of Wizards of the Coast and his opinions are his own.

Our heroes crash a “Cultist PTA” meeting and run afoul of a vampiric academic!

In episode 115 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer and co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment, Cameron Ring, covering everything from the value of short form video and social media marketing in the tabletop industry, to the importance of making games you find fun.

Danielle and Cameron talk about Lost Boy Entertainment’s roots as a family business, leaning into the inspiration of classic game mechanics to develop something new, having fun with wacky game themes (Piles! makes laundry fun!), teaching playtesters gaming vocabulary, and bribing your friends and family with food and drinks to test your games.

Cameron Ring – Guest 

Danielle Reynolds – Host