Know Direction Network

Listener ‪@jasonsumma1530‬ asked what Ryan would change about the Core Rulebooks if Renegade Game Studios released 2.0 versions. This is NOT an announcement that Essence20 2.0 is a thing, just speculation with the benefit of hindsight on the ideal layout of an Essence20 Core Rulebook.

This topic was suggested by @jasonsumma1530 on YouTube, who asked: 

“IF you could do a CRB 2.0 for any of the original three, what would you change? Would it be possible to condense it all into one slightly larger book since most of the rules are pretty much the same? Would it be better to do something similar in the line of DnD where you have a GMB (Game Manager Book) and CB (Character Book) with all of the updates in each”

The Essence 20 system has been learning, maturing, and bringing everything that it has learned into its new products. If Ryan was going to apply everything that he’s learned to developing a CRB 2.0, what changes would he make and how would that improve the GM and Player experience. 

What is a Core Rulebook and what importance does it hold to a gaming system? 

Redesigning the CRB

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

John, Jason, and Ron reflect on the past and discuss the future of Digital Divination as we achieve our 150th episode

Our heroes head to the Magenta Orbital Amusement Platform in search of an old friend.

Join our Intrepid Heroes as they solve the mystery of the Murder in Metal City!

Cast:

Starfinder 2nd Edition Actual Play Podcast

In this festive episode 129 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with sister duo Anya and Irina Kagan – game designers and the founders of Gifts Galore – about their Hanukkah-themed party game, Gelt Galore.

They talk about how magical childhood traditions inspired them as adults to bring new energy to holiday gatherings and how a simple homemade game — originally crafted from post-its, stickers, and family trivia — turned into a full-fledged board game.

We discuss several unique design challenges including how to compile authentic and accurate historical info for trivia questions and how to strike the right balance between questions that are easy/fun and questions that are deep or educational.

The sisters also share how they designed Gelt Galore to be accessible and inclusive by using pictures along with colors (considering colorblind accessibility), designing mechanics that work for players of all ages and mobility capabilities, the “bribes” that help them attract playtesters (like candy or pizza), the inviting game design community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, stories of little-known Hanukkah heroines, and the age-old debate of the superior latke topping. Is it sour cream or applesauce? You decide!

Anya and Irina Kagan – Guests

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Ryan doesn’t know Power Rangers. Neither does Charles. But here they are, trying to talk about the Power Rangers RPG.

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

John, Jason , and Ron talk about some of the gaming related things they are thankful for.

We love a good monster book here at Know Direction. So much so, we declared November to be Monster Month in honour of the release of Monster Core 2 for Pathfinder 2e.

In our first segment this month, Ryan picks and random monster and brainstorms an encounter in real time.

In segment 2, he interviews Joshua Birdsong, one of Monster Core 2’s lead designers.

And finally, Joshua sticks around for the fireside chat to talk about his path to Pathfinder.

With so many clues, our heroes decide to split the party!

Join our Intrepid Heroes as they solve the mystery of the Murder in Metal City!

Cast:

Starfinder 2nd Edition Actual Play Podcast

In episode 128 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with game designer (publisher, art director, illustrator, and more!) Ammon Anderson about Twinkle, Twinkle, a game born from his lifelong fascination with space.

We discuss the origin of the game’s gorgeous translucent acrylic tiles, its “out of this world” space themes and expansions, and the new scoring app Allplay is developing. Ammon shares how Twinkle, Twinkle being featured at PAX Unplugged streamlined it through the pitching process, and what it’s like navigating publisher timelines and offers.

Other episode highlights include: celebrating completed projects, illustration costs, paying your kids tax-free to help your business, why he loves crafting high-quality prototypes, the importance of a well-written rulebook, and important lessons learned (like always bringing a friend to help you table at conventions).

Ammon Anderson – Guest

Danielle Reynolds – Host

As requested by fan and friend (frand?) David, Ryan and Charles look at the Ranger. They discuss the military and G.I. JOE origins of rangers, how they were brought into Essence20, and how Ryan solved the Ranger’s Aquaman Problem.

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