My Favorite Games

Gelb is joined by Victor Shiu, director of games at LaunchBoom, veteran crowdfunding consultant, and board game designer, to explore his journey from filmmaking and digital marketing to launching successful board game campaigns.

Together, they discuss Victor’s inspiration for creating “Hover,” a fast-paced and strategic board game about the surprisingly fierce world of hummingbirds, and dig deep into the realities of crowdfunding, independent publishing, and creative collaboration with his wife.

You can find out more about Victor and LaunchBoom here:

* LaunchBoom.com

* Instagram, Linkedin & TikTok: @launchboom

* Youtube: @launchboom_official

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world.

Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is out now.

Find out more at:

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

Connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnighttradingco

Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Ryan Simpkins joins Gelb to discuss his journey from designing competitions for shows like Big Brother and American Ninja Warrior to creating tabletop games.

Together, they explore the inspiration and development behind Ryan’s new word game "Death by Letters," the challenges of independent publishing, and how Ryan’s experience in television influences his approach to crafting engaging, re-playable games.

You can find out more about Ryan and Death By Letters here:

* app.staffmeup.com/profile/rrsimpkins

* https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deathbyletters/death-by-letters

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is out now.

Find out more at:

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

Connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnighttradingco

Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Bonsart Bokel is passionate about building imaginative worlds and fostering creative collaboration.

In this episode, he and Gelb discuss the origins and vision of the Association of Ishtar series, the development of the Night Watch TTRPG, the art of worldbuilding in steampunk, the challenges of independent publishing, and the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Night Watch.

Bonsart shares insights into his creative process, the importance of narrative-driven games, and how his unique approach to worldbuilding shapes both his fiction and game design.

You can find out more about Bonsart here:

* Reservation/Newsletter Page: https://associationofishtar.com/ks

* Kickstarter Page: https://kickstarter.com/projects/bonsartbokel/the-association-of-ishtar-rising-tide

* Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bonsartbokel

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is out now.

Find out more at:

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

Connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnighttradingco

Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Matt Pini from Dimm City RPG is passionate about building imaginative worlds and fostering creative collaboration.

In this episode, he and Gelb discuss the origins and vision of Dimm City RPG, the importance of community-driven storytelling, the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in tabletop games, their commitment to open source tools, and their upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

You can find out more about Matt here:

* Website: https://dimm.city/

* Kickstarter: https://presale.dimm.city/

* Dimm City RPG Facebook: bit.ly/45WVn0G

* Dimm City Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DimmCity

* Matt Pini’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/matt.pini

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is out now. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Alexander Goldman from Inventures just loves Wingspan. In this episode, he and Gelb discuss game design lessons, stretching play beyond the rules, and creating his own improv-storytelling game. You can find out more about Alexander here:

* Instagram: @inventures_game

* Website: www.birtlegames.com

* Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexandergoldman/inventures

* Facebook: www.facebook.com/InventureQuest

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is out now. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Chris Backe really loves Star Realms. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Chris's journey as a digital nomad game designer, the balance between theme and mechanics, and the importance of choosing your ambition in game design. They talk about self-publishing versus pitching to publishers, the dynamics of working with publishers, and the creative process behind developing a game. Plus, they dig into crafting effective pitches, building a business in game design, and Chris's upcoming area control game, Stake Your Claim.

You can find out more about Chris Backe here:

Websites:

* entrogames.com

* noboxgames.com

* tabletoppublishers.com

* virtualplaytesting.com

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is available soon. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.comIf you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Nicole Amato really loves Crokinole. In this episode, Gelb learns all about their journey into game design, their experiences with grief, and how Kickstarter plays a pivotal role in game development. They talk about their favorite games like Avocado Smash, their transition from board games to RPGs, and dive into the importance of community, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of game publishing.

You can find out more about Nicole Amato here.

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is available soon. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.com

.If you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Mathue Ryann from EnvyBorn Games just loves Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this episode, Gelb learns all about game design vs. development, accessibility in games, and the intricacies of pitching to publishers. They talk about Kickstarter as a tool for indie publishers, the challenges of building retailer relationships, and the evolving strategies for successful game launches. Plus, they dig into Mathue’s journey from self-publishing to collaborating with other designers, his upcoming game Kalahari, and his plans for the tiny game series.

You can find out more about Mathue Ryann here:

* Instagram: @envyborngames

* Website: envyborngames.com

* Tiktok: @envyborngames

* Kalahari Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/854354559/kalahari?ref=9lj34h

* Tiny Game Series 2: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/854354559/dragon-roost-prowl-and-space-potato-a-tiny-game-series-vol2?ref=b5ntgv

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is available soon. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.com

.If you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

John Carimando really loves Carcassonne, and in this episode, Gelb learns all about how this classic game shaped John’s design philosophy. They dive into the transition from being a player to a designer, the art of balancing theme and mechanics, and the crucial role of constructive feedback in game development. The conversation also covers the challenges of knowing when a game is complete, inspiration from classic arcade games, and the creative decisions behind John’s upcoming cooperative game, Galaxy Fighters, which he plans to launch on Kickstarter.

You can find out more about John Carimando here:

* Instagram: @gameytogether

* Website: gamey.fun

* Galaxy Fighters Site: galaxyfighters.gamey.fun

Current products:

* Mean Robo (https://www.gamey.fun/mean-robo)Tactical robot fighting card game

* RayRacers (https://www.gamey.fun/rayracers)Everyone at the same time, area control and survival game.

* The Tree Trimming Game (https://www.gamey.fun/tree-trimming)Family and friends garland a xmas tree together!

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is available soon. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.com

.If you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com

Tim O'Brien from Chaotic Great truly loves the Star Wars Living Card Game. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Tim’s journey into game design, the appeal and challenges of living card games, and the creative process behind Gudnack. They talk about building passionate communities, the role of art in enhancing tabletop games, and the use of Kickstarter as a marketing tool. Plus, they dig into the balance between collectability and gameplay, the importance of teaching players how to engage with games, and the long-term dedication needed for self-publishing in niche markets.

You can find out more about Tim OBrien here:

* Instagram: @gudnakgame

* Website: gudnak.com

* YouTube: @ChaoticGreat

My Favorite Games is a weekly podcast where your host Gelb sits down with RPG, card game, and board game designers to geek out about the games they like to play, learn from their game design journeys, and chat about the business of how to get your game from idea to published.About the host: Gelb is a game designer and director of the Midnight Trading Co., an Edinburgh-based board game studio that works with creatives around the world. Their first title, HotShot Pickleball is available soon. Find out more at

https://www.hotshot-pickleball.com

and connect and follow @midnighttradingco on Instagram: https://instagram.com/midnighttradingco Want to be on the show? Check out

https://mfg.midnighttradingco.com

.If you’re interested in board games, board game design, the business of board games, table-top games, ttrpg, ccgs, collectible card games, party games, and other games, we hope you’ll enjoy this podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midnighttradingco.substack.com