Tabletop Throwdown

24 Hours of gaming with the Colorado Springs Board Game Club—Tabletop Throwdown S1E17 SEASON FINALE

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

Talia Rosen and Jason Matthews are bringing the Supreme Court to the table—Tabletop Throwdown S1E16

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

Jay Cormier makes awesome games out of awesome comics—Tabletop Throwdown S1E15

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

Ammon Anderson talks Gnome Hollow, Twinkle, Twinkle, and Space Potato?—Tabletop Throwdown S1E13

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

Sean Brown on Mr B, Mayfair, and making old games new again—Tabletop Throwdown S1E13

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