Lay It On The Table

Joe and James welcome Stephen Conway of The Spiel and the Spiel Foundation for a conversation about how games bring people together—and how a love of play can become a way to give back.

Stephen traces his journey from family card games in rural Indiana to launching The Spiel with Dave Coleson in 2006. He explains how visits to relatives in hospitals inspired the foundation’s game donations, and why every donated game is unpacked, organized, and ready to play. The discussion explores a potential volunteer network to teach those games and help them become part of everyday life in recipient organizations.

The conversation then broadens to the foundation’s United Nations of Play initiative, showcasing games from Brazil, Nigeria, and South Africa at Essen; Bernie De Koven’s influence; and plans for the De Koven Center for Play in Indianapolis. Stephen also explains the Major Fun and Spiel of Approval awards before turning the questions on Joe and James, who share how games rekindled their friendship and inspired this podcast.

The central theme is the group’s belief that play lowers barriers, eases anxiety, and helps people see one another as people.

summary

In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss the latest trends in the board game industry, including crowdfunding challenges, new game releases, and innovative ways to incorporate technology into gaming and education.

In this episode, Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games shares insights on game design, expanding game brands, and the importance of quality in publishing. He discusses the evolution of Wingspan, the strategy behind new game releases, and tips for creating engaging rule books.

James Engelhardt shares his firsthand experience at Gen Con, exploring the event's scale, community vibe, industry insights, and the unique aspects that make it a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

keywords

Gen Con, board games, gaming industry, conventions, game design, community, open gaming, industry insights, tabletop games, gaming culture

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of Gen Con experience

352:45:45 Gen Con's growth and recovery post-COVID

1138:52:25 First impressions: atmosphere and community vibe

1552:45:50 The scale of attendance and event spaces

2180:32:30 Booth highlights and industry presence

34833:19:20 Open gaming and gameplay experiences

46833:19:21 Meeting industry insiders and notable personalities

63055:32:56 Reflections on the experience and future visits

In this episode, we welcome Frank West, founder of City of Games, for a fascinating conversation about the path from lifelong gamer to innovative board game designer. Frank reflects on the video games that shaped his imagination, why he made the leap into tabletop design, and how his background continues to influence the mechanics and experiences he creates today.

We also dive into the evolution of the City of Games universe, exploring the challenges of building an original world that spans multiple titles while keeping players engaged and invested. Frank shares his perspective on the changing role of crowdfunding, the value of cultivating a passionate community, and the lessons he’s learned from years of listening to and supporting his customers.

From creative inspiration and solo game development to world-building, customer service, and the realities of running an independent publishing company, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring ambitious games to life. Whether you’re a dedicated tabletop gamer, an aspiring designer, or simply curious about the creative process, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the craft—and the passion—that fuels great games.

Takeaways

• World Building
• Crowdfunding Evolution Inspiration from Video Games
• Solo Game Design
• Customer Service and Dedication

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 01:34 Early Gaming Experience
• 03:15 Transition to Board Games
• 04:23 Influence of Video Games on Board Games
• 05:49 Innovative Game Design
• 06:47 Community Engagement and Game Experience
• 18:36 Evolution of Crowdfunding
• 27:30 World Building and Game Continuity
• 32:19 Inspiration from Video Games
• 34:18 Solo Game Design
• 58:40 Customer Service and Dedication

Join us as we explore the latest in board games, game design, and gaming culture, including new releases like Wingspan Pocket and Duel of Melak, and insights into game design and industry trends.

Join us as we explore the latest in board games, local game stores, and community events, with insights into game design, industry trends, and personal stories from the gaming world.

Join us as we explore the latest trends in the tabletop gaming industry, including distribution strategies, virtual tabletop platforms, and game design insights. Perfect for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt return with a warm, funny, and wide-ranging conversation that moves from board games and hobby collecting to house construction, permit headaches, and the joys of finding the right game for the right table.

Join Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt as they discuss recent trends in Dungeons & Dragons, the evolution of board game rule books, and their latest gaming experiences, including new game releases and gameplay insights.