The Covenant Cast

With Stonemaier's latest in-demand game, the same conversations and disappointments have erupted from every part of the publisher-distributor-retailer chain. Tapestry continues where Wingspan left off, and both reveal systemic problems - but shouldn't that be expected when the systems were never built to accommodate these kinds of titles? There is value in direct sales, distribution, and local retail, but a realignment must occur if the goal is to maximize each. Visit our website for more: https://teamcovenant.com

The tabletop game store environment continues to shift, with new and veteran retailers asking how best to capitalize on their space. Some say play space is the way forward. Others find success stocking a diversity of products and focusing on traditional retail. After a trip to New York City and witnessing a few stores with the latter model, Zach re-ignites the debate about the future of tabletop retail. Visit our website for more: https://teamcovenant.com

Zach is in New York City celebrating his wedding anniversary! We'll be back next week for an installation of our Marvel Mondays live stream at 2PM CST and a new episode of the Covenant Cast on Friday.

An oft-cited critique of tabletop games, particularly board games, is that tracking all of the necessary variables is an unneeded burden. As a response, various digital integrations and simplified rulesets are pitched as removing this element from the experience and liberating players from the clunky and fiddly moments that "get in the way" of the actual game. But what if these moments were understood to be not only incredible opportunities for engagement but also a necessary component of the "tabletop game" category? This one goes deep. Visit our website for more: https://teamcovenant.com

Marvel: Crisis Protocol embraces the fundamental divider of a hobby miniatures game - highly detailed models that must be fully assembled and painted. We discuss whether or not the game has a shot at breaking through the "industry" bubble and reaching a level of ubiquity previously unattained by the likes of Warhammer: 40k.

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Marvel Champions does a lot of things right, but its most important features may well be found in the nuts and bolts of packaging and distribution. We dive into that, using examples from past LCGs, and also spend a bit of time discussing the surprising number of design and deck building levers hidden in the system - because we can't help it.

Visit our website: https://teamcovenant.com

After an extremely busy weekend in Indianapolis, we're back with a full assessment of Gen Con 2019 - including Unmatched, Defiance, Marvel Champions, and Crisis Protocol - as well as Teburu and Stonemaier stealing thunder with Tapestry! Visit our website: https://teamcovenant.com

After two months, The Covenant Cast returns with greater clarity and an audio-focused approach. Join hosts Zach and Steven as they discuss the relaunch, their time with Power Rangers and Pokemon, the lead up to Gen Con, and a looming digital horizon at the doorstep of CMON.

There will not be a new episode of the Covenant Cast this week, and we've paused production for a bit while we focus fully on a number of other initiatives that need our attention. We hope to be back soon!

We are excited to be joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games on episode 102 of the Covenant Cast, and talking about transparency in tabletop game publishing and retail. Plus discussions about Wingspan and it's expansions, Scythe's impact, and a few upcoming games!