RPG Design Panelcast

Episode 51 – RPG Podcasting and Design This special episode is a crossover with The Jankcast and the Tabletop Superhighway podcasts. In this episode, I am speaking with Todd (Jankcast), Alex (Tabletop Superhighway) and Larry (Tabletop Superhighway) about how RPG Podcasting interacts with design, and what we see from our particular vantage points. Welcome to the RPG Design Jankcast Superhighway.   Episode 51: RPG Podcasting and Design Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (181)

Computer Hacking in Games Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Shane Harsch, Clark Valentine & Tim Rodriguez Our panel discusses the actual process/stages of intrusion (what we call the “Kill Chain”) and then facilitates a discussion about the challenges of turning that real-world process into an actionable and fun gaming experience.   Episode 50: Computer Hacking in Games [ 56:31 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (267)  

Gmless RPGs and Other Variations Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Stavropoulos and Brennan Taylor Role playing games have game masters, right? Well, not necessarily – plenty of interesting games have chosen not to assign that role, or share it between some or all of the players at the table. What goes into the decision whether to have one, many or no game masters?   Episode 49: GMless RPGs and Other Variations Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (221)

The Writer’s Workshop Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Adamus. Here’s a chance for authors and creators to get answers to their writing questions as they work on developing their first, or tenth project. Questions often include issues of layout, editing costs, the best way to write to the reader, and the best way to take an idea from the abstract idea phase to the down-on-paper phase   Episode 48: The Writer's Workshop [ 1:26:30 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (286)

Playtesting Brutally Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Stavropoulos and Dave Chalker. Your best friend, your spouse, and your grandma all say they like your game, so it must be ready to be published, right? WRONG. The most refined games come from an extended playtesting process, where your decisions are challenged and every mechanic is put through the burning forge of brutal playtesting. Learn how to examine games of your own design and others for ways to streamline, balance, and otherwise turn into a better game by “killing your darlings” and learning what red flags to watch out for in the playtesting process that could sink you after publication.     Episode 47: Playtesting Brutally Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (187)

Least System Necessary Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Cam Banks, Rob Donoghue, Clark Valentine & Stephen Hood. How much system does your game *need*? We’ll be examining very minimal systems like Risus, CORE, Amber DRPG and so on as a starting point for design, always coming back to the question of whether you are adding things to your system because it need it, or because you’re “Supposed To”. Minimal Game system references to: Risus Fate Accelerated WARP System   Episode 46: The Least System Necessary Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (272)

Icons and Anchors Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Rob Donoghue & Jason Pitre. Icons and anchors are fascinating pieces of RPG design technology, establishing people and organizations within settings that are strongly tied to player characters and to each other. Let’s talk about how these can be effectively used in your own game designs. References include: 1) My own summary of the mechanic: Examining Icons in Design 2) Rob’s ample blog discussion: [1][2][3] [4] [5] [6]. 3) Chris Chin’s discussion of Keys, in the other excellent article. 4) And the economic devastation of the Identify skill over at Project Multiplexer     Episode 45: Icons and Anchors Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (198)

Succeeding at Conventions and Trade Show Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Avonelle Wing Conventions are overwhelming, and setting yourself up for success involves many components: Branding yourself for visibility, interacting appropriately with the convention, maximizing the impact of your contact with your public, and other ideas. Double Exposure Senior Vice President, Avonelle Wing, will share her experiences, both as a convention organizer and as an attendee representing her own brands.   Episode 44: Succeeding at Conventions and Trade Shows Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (153)

Book Design 101 – First Principles Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Fred Hicks and Hal Mangold The panelists look at the book as an object of design. Whether it’s conveying rules or setting, the look and feel of the book itself is crucial to the experience of play. Our experts will draw on their own experiences to explain why books look the way they do.   Episode 43: Book Design 101 - First Principles Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (192)

Explore the fascinating intersection of adventure design and technology as Cam and Rob delve into codifying GM practices. They discuss the enduring appeal of the dungeon/map-with-key model and the balance between railroading and player freedom. Learn practical tips for writing engaging adventures, including crafting dynamic set pieces and utilizing villain motives. Discover how to enhance pacing with random tables and make adventures more manageable and replayable. This insightful conversation is packed with tools to elevate your game design.