Table Talk

In the early days of crowdfunding, we were very hesitant to consider games that used the platform. Crowdfunding was seen as a negative. Somewhere along the way we entered an era where crowdfunding every game, or even every set, is seen as the standard. We wonder aloud how we got here and what the future holds.

• 00:07:15 Preview Pack 2026 Update
• 00:08:53 Sorcery TCG News
• 00:09:55 "What is Fulfilled?"
• 00:15:46 Covenant News
• 00:21:59 Earthborne Games News
• 00:26:18 Main Topic: The End of Crowdfunding

In this episode, we revisit the topic of LCG viability. Are there ways, tested or untested, that an LCG can prosper as a long-running game and also on the balance sheet of the local game store? After a week of reflection and so many good comments across the internet, there may indeed be some light at the end of the tunnel. We'll try to find it with you.

• 00:03:39 Announcing the Preview Pack 2026
• 00:11:25 Gudnak News
• 00:16:39 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News
• 00:17:01 Flesh and Blood TCG News
• 00:19:18 Covenant News
• 00:22:00 "Are you interested in Onward by Skytear Games?"
• 00:23:10 Main Topic: How the LCG Succeeds

Gudnak has pulled off the pipe dream of LCG fans everywhere by creating a functional limited experience. Hubworld announced that every set will be also be a draftable cube. Arkham Horror continues to tweak how it's products are delivered. None of these games are taking a similar path, but we have to wonder, will any of these paths finally create an offering that is as appealing to the game store as it is to the players?

• 00:00:00 Intro
• 00:03:46 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News
• 00:10:45 Alpha Clash TCG News
• 00:15:16 Sorcery TCG News
• 00:17:27 "I Can't Stand It!" Steven Opens Up About Tutors
• 00:29:54 Question: "How Does Sorcery Not Get Stale With a Yearly Release?"
• 00:34:16 Back to Sorcery TCG News
• 00:36:57 Covenant News
• 00:45:44 Main Topic: There is No "LCG Model"

Sorcery TCG has announced its Cornerstone events emphasizing Creativity, Mastery, and Wonder. Alpha Clash has gone international, announcing an even more open tournament scene in locations from Vegas to Dubai to the Philippines. FAB continues to deliver ever more on it's promise of high-level face-to-face competition. With all of this swirling in the wind, we ask ourselves, what does the perfect organized play experience look like?

• 00:03:09 Covenant News
• 00:12:56 Earthborne Games, Hubworld: Aidalon News
• 00:24:35 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News
• 00:26:48 Sorcery TCG News
• 00:35:01 Alpha Clash TCG
• 00:45:52 Main Topic: What Makes the Perfect Organized Play Experience?

First Sorcery TCG, then Altered TCG, and now Cyberpunk 2027 TCG. These games continue to break crowdfunding records, but what does that mean for the actual health of the game? Zach and Steven sit down for an all new podcast format where we talk about all things indie card games.

At the end of our 12-hour Gothic release stream, we got to chat with Erik Olofsson—founder of Erik's Curiosa and co-founder of Grinding Gear Games—about Sorery's new Gothic set and the future of the game. That content was over the archive limit for YouTube live, so we're releasing it here in its totality. Enjoy!

Ridge Kiley, co-founder of Rising Empire Studios, sits down with Zach to discuss their recently announced Alpha Clash comic book series and how the comics allow for a top-down design approach that will completely reshape the Alpha Clash trading card game. Find out more: https://alphaclashtcg.com/news/alpha-clash-comic-book-series-launcheswhere-lore-cards-and-fun-competition-collide Get the comics here: https://cov.link/alpha-clash

Garett Kiley, co-founder of Rising Empire Studios, sits down with Zach to discuss their recent move away from traditional distribution and into direct LGS relationships via their Champion Store program. This is the most honest accounting of what it's actually like working with traditional distributors as an indie publisher, and a must-listen for publishers and players of these games.