Ancient Robot Games

Balancing the Unbalanced: Asymmetrical Game Design | Episode 28

Dougal and Gelb delve into the niche world of asymmetrical games. One game with different playstyles and mechanics for certain players - or in some cases for every player!  Talking about asymmetrical classics like Root, Nemesis, Terrorscape, and more - the guys discuss what makes a good game with asymmetry and how much you can truly balance an unbalanced game. If you have any burning game questions, or special events coming up and need some advice for what game to bring - email us at ancientrobotpod@gmail.com and we’ll endeavour to answer in an upcoming episode! Ancient Robot Games - https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk [https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk] Midnight Trading Co - https://midnighttradingco.com [https://midnighttradingco.com] Podcast Producer Ryan Scott - https://www.ryanscottmedia.com/ [https://www.ryanscottfilm.com/] Making or want to make tabletop games in Edinburgh? A new community and coworking space opens May 2025 in Edinburgh! https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk [https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk] Music: Coffee Break by Sensho

Tackling Personal Demons and Even Deeper Regrets with Judson Cowan | Episode 27

The Ancient Robot Games Podcast is now 1 year old! And what better way to celebrate than bringing back our first ever guest, Judson Cowan, to talk about what he's been up to in the last year.  Judson talks about the process of designing his first ever expansion and how funding/publishing can differ from that of a game, and also his upcoming release Personal Demons - a new game themed around mental health, demons, and overcoming obstacles.  See more of Judsons work and check out Personal Demons at https://tettixgames.com/ [https://tettixgames.com/] If you have any burning game questions, or special events coming up and need some advice for what game to bring - email us at ancientrobotpod@gmail.com and we’ll endeavour to answer in an upcoming episode! Ancient Robot Games - https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk [https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk] Midnight Trading Co - https://midnighttradingco.com [https://midnighttradingco.com] Podcast Producer Ryan Scott - https://www.ryanscottmedia.com/ [https://www.ryanscottfilm.com/] Making or want to make tabletop games in Edinburgh? A new community and coworking space opens May 2025 in Edinburgh! https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk [https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk] Music: Coffee Break by Sensho

Defining the Abstract: the History and Influence of Abstract Games | Episode 26

Dougal and Gelb talk about abstract games and their long history in influencing the industry and culture of tabletop gaming. Covering games from the Vikings’ ultimate strategy game, reimagining classics like chess, and contemporary designs like Aster from Midnight Trading Co. If you have any burning game questions, or special events coming up and need some advice for what game to bring - email us at ancientrobotpod@gmail.com and we’ll endeavour to answer in an upcoming episode! Ancient Robot Games - https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk [https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk] Midnight Trading Co - https://midnighttradingco.com [https://midnighttradingco.com] Podcast Producer Ryan Scott - https://www.ryanscottmedia.com/ [https://www.ryanscottfilm.com/] Making or want to make tabletop games in Edinburgh? A new community and coworking space opens May 2025 in Edinburgh! https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk [https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk] Music: Coffee Break by Sensho

I like Big Games and I cannot lie: Root, Ascending Empires, Pandemic, and more | Episode 25

Dougal and Gelb talk some of the best BIG games out now, and how they can offer some of the most fun and exciting experiences in board gaming. If you have any burning game questions, or special events coming up and need some advice for what game to bring - email us at ancientrobotpod@gmail.com and we’ll endeavour to answer in an upcoming episode! Ancient Robot Games - https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk [https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk] Midnight Trading Co - https://midnighttradingco.com [https://midnighttradingco.com] Podcast Producer Ryan Scott - https://www.ryanscottmedia.com/ [https://www.ryanscottfilm.com/] Making or want to make tabletop games in Edinburgh? A new community and coworking space opens May 2025 in Edinburgh! https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk [https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk] Music: Coffee Break by Sensho

Making Escape Rooms with a Focus on Story and Player Experience with Ronan Jennings | Episode 24

In this episode, we’re joined by Ronan Jennings of Secret Solstice Games - another board game cafe in Leith - and creator of escape rooms and immersive experiences through Case Closed Escape Rooms. Listen in for chats on creating immersive narrative experiences, and Ronans unique approach to escape room design. See more of Ronan at: https://www.secretsolsticegames.co.uk/ [https://www.secretsolsticegames.co.uk/] https://www.caseclosededinburgh.co.uk/ [https://www.caseclosededinburgh.co.uk/] If you have any burning game questions, or special events coming up and need some advice for what game to bring - email us at ancientrobotpod@gmail.com and we’ll endeavour to answer in an upcoming episode! Ancient Robot Games - https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk [https://ancientrobotgames.co.uk] Midnight Trading Co - https://midnighttradingco.com [https://midnighttradingco.com] Podcast Producer Ryan Scott - https://www.ryanscottmedia.com/ [https://www.ryanscottfilm.com/] Making or want to make tabletop games in Edinburgh? A new community and coworking space opens May 2025 in Edinburgh! https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk [https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk] Music: Coffee Break by Sensho