In the season finale of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn and his co-hosts discuss the Colorado Springs Board Game Club, its history, community impact, and fundraising efforts for Extra Life. They share personal experiences, the importance of community in gaming, and provide advice for starting a board game club. The episode concludes with reflections on the past season and plans for the future. Season Two coming in January!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
01:50 The Colorado Springs Board Game Club
04:45 Personal Experiences with the Club
10:07 The Impact of the Pandemic on Gaming
14:19 The Importance of Community in Gaming
21:47 History of the Colorado Springs Board Game Club
26:57 Fundraising for Extra Life
35:48 Unique Fundraising Events and Community Engagement
42:18 Advice for Starting a Board Game Club
48:33 Conclusion and Future Plans for TTT

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In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, host Mike Dunn is joined by co-host Mark Julian and special guests Talia Rosen and Jason Matthews. The conversation explores various aspects of board game design, including the importance of accurate game duration (a callback to S1E10!) , the collaborative process in creating games, and the evolution of themes in historical gaming. They discuss the challenges of game aesthetics, the impact of complexity on player experience, and the current trends in the board game market. The episode also highlights the upcoming game 'First Monday in October', which focuses on the Supreme Court, showcasing the innovative approaches to game design. In this conversation, Talia Rosen and Jason Matthews discuss their board game that explores the dynamics of the Supreme Court through area control mechanics. They delve into the balance between historical accuracy and player agency, the ethical implications of gaming historical events, and the challenges of designing a game that is both educational and engaging. The discussion also touches on the success of their Kickstarter campaign and the importance of public domain materials in game design.

You can back the Kickstarter for First Monday in October here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fortcircle/first-monday-in-october/description

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In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn and Dan Hinken welcome Jay Cormier, a game designer and founder of Off The Page Games. They discuss Jay's journey in game design, the development of the Mind Management game, and how comic books influence his work. Jay shares insights on the challenges faced during game development, the importance of honoring the source material, and his passion for creating games based on indie comics. The conversation also touches on personal stories about comic collecting and the impact of comics on their lives. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore their personal journeys with comics and graphic novels, discussing how specific titles reignited their passion for the medium. They delve into the creative process of game design, emphasizing the importance of constraints in fostering innovation. The discussion also touches on teaching game design to students, the inception of the Fail Faster journal, and the development of a unique educational book that combines storytelling with game mechanics. Finally, they consider the marketability of new game concepts and the evolving landscape of board games for younger audiences. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of game design, particularly focusing on creating family-friendly games and the challenges of adapting comic book narratives into games. They discuss the importance of art style in accessibility, the innovative mechanics that can enhance gameplay, and the future of their projects, including collaborations and upcoming conventions. The dialogue highlights the balance between maintaining the essence of the original comic while making it appealing to a broader audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jay Cormier and His Ventures
03:04 The Journey of Mind Management Game Development
05:49 The Evolution of Off The Page Games
09:04 Creating Games from Comics: A Unique Approach
12:03 The Impact of Comics on Game Design
14:49 Exploring New Game Ideas and Inspirations
17:49 Comic Collecting and Personal Stories
23:40 Rediscovering Comics: A Journey Back to the Page
24:32 Diving into Graphic Novels: Personal Experiences and Favorites
25:54 The Concept of Crossover: Blending Fictional Worlds
28:34 Constraints as Creativity: The Power of Limitations in Game Design
30:53 Teaching Game Design: Insights from the Classroom
33:34 The Birth of the Fail Faster Journal: A Solution to a Problem
36:41 Design Your Destiny: A Unique Approach to Game Design Education
39:13 Exploring Simplicity in Game Mechanics: A Shift in Perspective
43:36 Marketability of Game Concepts: Seeking Validation and Feedback
47:52 The Importance of Family-Friendly Gaming
49:02 Art and Accessibility in Game Design
51:41 Creating a Narrative for Game Development
52:20 Exploring Comic Book Adaptations
54:06 The Challenge of Adapting Iconic Comics
56:39 Innovative Game Mechanics and Concepts
01:00:20 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Collaborations

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In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn, Mark Julian, and guest Ammon Anderson discuss their recent gaming experiences, including a charity event for children's hospitals, the success of Ammon's game Gnome Hollow, and the upcoming release of Twinkle Twinkle. They delve into the intricacies of game design, collaboration with publishers, and the evolution of production quality in board games. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in game preferences and the humorous aspects of game design, culminating in the announcement of Ammon's new game, Space Potato. The discussion shifts to the challenges of running a Kickstarter campaign, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster it entails. They explore the current state of Kickstarter, particularly for small creators, and the impact of larger companies on funding opportunities. The conversation also touches on manufacturing challenges, especially in light of potential tariffs, and the importance of accessibility in board games, emphasizing community support for colorblind players.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Extra Life Event Recap
05:49 The Success of Gnome Hollow
11:58 Collaboration in Game Design
18:03 The Evolution of Game Production Quality
24:01 Announcing Space Potato
31:58 The Chaos of Board Games
41:32 The Essence of Fun in Game Design
46:55 Playing Games: The Joy of Experience
55:43 Upcoming Releases and Collaborations
01:03:00 The Current State of Kickstarter and Small Creators
01:09:52 Accessibility in Board Games and Community Support

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In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn and James Van Tonningen chat with Sean Brown, the head of Mayfair Games, discussing the relaunch of the brand and their latest Kickstarter project, Empire Builder: Europe. They explore the success of the Kickstarter campaign, the importance of reviving classic games, and the strategy behind targeting both mass market and dedicated gamers. Sean shares insights on the gaming industry, the legacy of popular games like Catan and Ticket to Ride, and the excitement surrounding their participation in Essen Spiel. In this engaging conversation, Sean discusses the revival of classic board games, the importance of community feedback, and the challenges of shipping in the gaming industry. He reflects on the nostalgia associated with game development and the evolution of the board game industry, emphasizing the role of crowdfunding in enabling creators to bring their visions to life. The discussion highlights the camaraderie within the gaming community and the excitement surrounding new projects.

Be sure to check out the Empire Builder: Europe Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrbgames/empire-builder-europe?ref=bj32by

Takeaways

• Empire Builder Europe has exceeded expectations on Kickstarter.
• The revival of Mayfair Games focuses on quality and nostalgia.
• Mr. B Games plays a crucial role in special projects.
• Classic games are being updated for modern audiences.
• The gaming community is eager for new iterations of beloved titles.
• Essen Spiel provided valuable networking opportunities for Mayfair. -
• The goal is to make games that are enjoyable for all generations.
• Kickstarter allows for more creative freedom in game design.
• The legacy of Catan and Ticket to Ride influences new game development.
• Bringing European games to the U.S. market is a priority for Mayfair.
• Reviving classic games can bring nostalgia and excitement.
• Community feedback is crucial for game development.
• Shipping challenges have increased in the gaming industry.
• Crowdfunding has democratized game creation.
• The board game industry is filled with passionate individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mayfair Games and Sean Brown
02:58 Kickstarter Success and Stretch Goals
06:00 The Role of Mr. B Games
08:58 Reviving Classic Games
11:50 Empire Builder Europe: A Modern Take
14:55 Targeting the Mass Market
17:56 The Legacy of Catan and Ticket to Ride
21:04 Bringing European Games to the U.S.
23:57 Essen Spiel Experience and Future Plans
33:28 Reviving Classic Games
36:34 Community Engagement and Feedback
39:10 Nostalgia and Game Development
42:59 Shipping Challenges in the Gaming Industry
47:53 The Evolution of the Board Game Industry
59:03 The Future of Gaming and Crowdfunding

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In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn and Steven Starkey speak with Christian Hoffer, a prominent voice in the Dungeons & Dragons community. They discuss Hoffer’s journey from writing about comics to becoming a key figure in tabletop RPG journalism, his experiences at Comic Book, and the impact of corporate changes on the industry. The conversation delves into the OGL controversy, the current state of D&D discourse, and the importance of community engagement in the gaming world. Hoffer shares insights on his new ventures, including his YouTube channel, Above the Table, and emphasizes the need for a supportive community around D&D.

Takeaways

• Christian Hoffer transitioned from writing about comics to D&D journalism.
• The OGL controversy highlighted the disconnect between corporate decisions and community needs.
• D&D’s design team largely opposed changes to the OGL due to potential backlash.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of tabletop RPGs.
• Hoffer’s YouTube channel, Above the Table, aims to foster community and discussion.
• The pandemic shifted D&D’s focus away from community-driven content.
• Corporate interests often overshadow the voices of those who understand the game.
• Hoffer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between AI and traditional art.
• The D&D team is working to rebuild trust with the community post-OGL. -Hoffer believes that the right people are being placed in key positions at Wizards of the Coast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:58 Christian Hoffer’s Journey into Writing
05:51 Transition from Comics to D&D
08:49 Pathfinder vs. D&D: A Player’s Perspective
11:44 The Evolution of Comic Book Media
14:57 Current Work and Freelancing Ventures
17:39 The State of Tabletop Media
20:41 Launching a New YouTube Channel
23:33 Discussion on D&D Discourse and OGL
34:13 The Evolution of the Open Gaming License
36:01 Backlash and Community Response
41:00 Corporate Decisions and Community Disconnect
47:10 Rebuilding Community Trust 50:35 Navigating Corporate Challenges
54:34 The Future of Dungeons & Dragons

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We're back and about to go to Gen Con! Join us as we talk about games we are excited about seeing at Gen Con this year, and tease a bit about what else we are doing! 

Games we are looking forward to:

• Gnome Hollow
• Luthier
• Undaunted 2200 Calisto
• Boop the Halls
• Comic Hunters
• Seers Catalog
• Creepshow
• The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era
• Button Kingdoms
• Dead Reckoning: Port of Call
• Happy Home
• Terminus
• Gone to Gaia
• ...and more!

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Game durations on the side of the box- who comes up with those? Why do they always seem wildly inaccurate? What is the point? We talk with five luminary game designers and ask them those questions and more on this week's episode. There are definitely some spicy takes out there, but we get into the nitty gritty of what goes into coming up that number and why, as well as what it doesn't measure and why it is actually pretty important! Ammon Anderson (Gnome Hollow, Twinkle, Twinkle), Jason Matthews (Twilight Struggle, Fort Circle Games), Kevin Wilson (Kinfire Chronicles, Arkham Horror), and brothers Cole and Drew Werhle (John Company, Pax Pamir) share their perspectives on this divisive metric.

Thanks for watching, and see you in a month-ish!

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Incredible Dream has been publishing hit game after hit game since their co-operative adventure Kinfire Chronicles, with long-time game designer and Fantasy Flight Games vet Kevin Wilson at the helm. James and Mike got to chat recently with Kevin about their latest title which just hit Kickstarter: Kinfire Council, a lovingly crafted worker placement game with a few twists! Kevin tells us a bit about his career and we dive deep into the new game. Be sure to check out James' preview: https://gamingtrend.com/feature/previews/kinfire-council-hands-on-preview-hidden-cultists-and-starless-nights/

This podcast is a paid promotion by Incredible Dream for their new crowdfunding campaign: Kinfire Council is a competitive game of strategy and politics for 2-6 players. As a member of the Council, you've been charged with rebuilding the great city of Din'Lux and defending it from the dangers of the Starless Nights. You can back the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ahj00ma/kinfire2024

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Mike finally recounts his magical trip to Lake Geneva, WI, where he attended Gary Con XVI, kicking off the fiftieth year of Dungeons & Dragons with current and past designers, artists, and luminaries of the game. Luke Gygax explains how Gary Con came to be, and Mike (sloppily) recounts a historical D&D tour of the tiny resort town where Gary Gygax started it all.

Find out more about Gary Con here: https://garycon.com/

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Check out the Gaming Trend website for news, reviews, and more: https://gamingtrend.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GamingTrend/
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Check out our streams on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gamingtrend
Also, chat with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/HXTeWMF