182.5K
Downloads
388
Episodes
The best panels and seminars about analog game design & publishing.
Episodes
Saturday Apr 29, 2017
Saturday Apr 29, 2017
Being a Great Player
Recorded at Breakout Con 2017
Presented by Emily Griggs, Jason Pitre, Moyra Turkington and Chris Chung, moderated by Corey Reid.
A great GM can only craft an amazing tabletop RPG experience with the help of great players. A discussion of how to be one of those players, improving the at-table experience for both yourself and everyone else. Includes discussions on roleplaying technique, communal storytelling, and how experienced players can help welcome new players into the hobby.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Saturday Apr 22, 2017
Saturday Apr 22, 2017
Game to Game: Converting Between Systems
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by John Adamus and Paul Stefko
If you play more than one RPG, you will eventually want to use material from one system in another. Or maybe your favorite game has been updated to a new awesome edition, but you want to keep using your old books too. What should you keep in mind when converting RPG rules and adventures from one game to another? How much (or how little) work do you need to do?
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Saturday Apr 01, 2017
Saturday Apr 01, 2017
Playing and Designing at the Intersections: Creating Good Allyship
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Kat Jones, Krista White, Elsa S. Henry & K.N. Granger.
This roundtable will focus on how to design and run games from an intersectional feminist standpoint. We will discuss different ways a game can be intersectional including: mechanics, characters, artwork, and more. Drawing on concrete examples from panelists about their own design process, as well as games that have influenced them, we will offer suggestions for designing intersectional games. We will also give some examples of how to make pre-existing games and systems more intersectional. Topics included in the discussion will be: how to fail forward, how to be a good ally, and how to respectfully write about marginalized groups when coming from a position of privilege
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Sunday Mar 19, 2017
Sunday Mar 19, 2017
Art for your Game without Breaking the Bank
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Jack Parra, John Carimando, Scott Bowmanchester and Brennan Reece.
Getting high-quality art is key to making a product look professional. How do publishers do it without breaking the bank? Our panel makes with the tips and tricks.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Monday Feb 06, 2017
Monday Feb 06, 2017
Working with Artists 101
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Brennan Taylor, Fred Hicks & John Carimando
How do you find and contact artists to work with you on a project? How much can you expect to spend? How can you avoid pissing your artist off? Find out from the veterans!
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Tuesday Jan 24, 2017
Tuesday Jan 24, 2017
Special Episode 1
In this special episode of the RPG Design Panelcast, we discuss a few administrative bits concerning the podcasts, including issues of sound quality. I also take a chance to shamelessly plug one of my games which is currently kickstarting (http://tinyurl.com/SigKS)
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Sunday Jan 22, 2017
Sunday Jan 22, 2017
Making your First Game
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Mark Richardson, John Adamus & Jason Walters.
So, you’ve decided to make your first game. How exciting! Discuss what pitfalls to avoid and what strategies can speed you toward success with designers also making their first game.
Note that Mark’s first game is Headspace, currently available at Indie Press Revolution!
John’s first game, Noir World, is coming to kickstarter soon!
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Saturday Jan 14, 2017
Saturday Jan 14, 2017
Cultural Mechanics
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Jason Pitre, Julia Ellingboe, and Mark Diaz Truman.
Games are part of our cultures, and the rules we create reflect our own backgrounds. In this roundtable, we explore how mechanics can reflect and/or interrogate culture. How can mechanics explore other people’s experiences? What assumptions do we bring to the game-design table?
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Sunday Jan 08, 2017
Sunday Jan 08, 2017
Cyber Infiltration Hotsheet: Prepping to GM a Cyberheist
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Shane Harsch, Tim Rodriguez & Mark Richardson.
What a cyberpunk GM should consider when prepping a cyberheist to keep the drama at least nominally grounded in reality (watch Mr. Robot before attending)
This is a follow up to Episode 50, the panel on Hacking in RPGs.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Thursday Dec 08, 2016
Thursday Dec 08, 2016
Superhero Games Across the Multiverse
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Dave Chalker, Cam Banks, Darren Watts & Christopher Badell
Superheroes are more popular than ever in the movies and on TV, and there are more games about superheroes than there’s ever been. What makes a superhero game a superhero game? How do you make your superhero game distinct? What are the most important aspects of a superhero game to make it feel heroic?
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Friday Dec 02, 2016
Friday Dec 02, 2016
A Designer’s Guide to Podcasts
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by James D’Amato, Alex Roberts & Kat Kuhl.
A Designer’s Guide to Podcasts” presented by . Getting your ideas in front of people can be one of the most difficult and unpleasant parts of game design. So people love design, but hate talking about what they are doing. Thankfully there is a community of people who are dedicated to talking about games in public spaces, they are called podcasters. Topics will include: Proper etiquette for self promotion, how to choose which shows to target, how to communicate effectively about your game, how to ask for what you want, how to purchase an ad, how to write an ad, whether you want to be a guest or a topic, how to make actual play easy and effective flattery.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Friday Nov 25, 2016
Friday Nov 25, 2016
Promoting Your Game Through Podcasting and Other Media
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Chris Perrin, Tara Clapper, Chris Bell & Mario Dongu.
Gaming has a rich, vibrant media that really enjoys advocating for new games and new game designers. However, it can be hard for game designers to find gamer media outlets and even harder to know what to say. This panel will look at ways game designers can find gaming media and promote themselves, presented by the This Just In… crew.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Friday Nov 11, 2016
Friday Nov 11, 2016
Structuring Game Texts
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Jason Pitre, Robert Bohl, Jay Treat and Cat Tobin.
You’ve designed your game, you’ve playtested it, and you’ve decided you want to publish it as a text (either for free download or sale). How do you structure that text so that it will draw readers in and make the game easy to understand the first time, and easy to use as a reference later?
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Thursday Nov 03, 2016
Thursday Nov 03, 2016
Why do you Hate your Readers and Players?
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by John Adamus
When writing a game or project, it’s important that the language be clear and enjoyable, not just showing off how smart the author is. Learn techniques to keep your project readable and enjoyable.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Friday Oct 21, 2016
Friday Oct 21, 2016
Ten (More) Ways To Make Your Rulebook Awesome
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Joshua Yearsley.
Your rulebook is the heart of your game, so why not give it the love it deserves? In this seminar, you’ll learn ten best practices for improving the structure, style, and clarity of your rulebook. Did you come last year? These tips and tricks will be all new! Got any burning questions about rules craft? Get answers from a professional rulebook editor.
Link to the full presentation here!
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Monday Oct 10, 2016
Monday Oct 10, 2016
What an Editor can do for you
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by John Adamus
Editors are here to help. It’s their job. They’re tasked with making your project better. So why not use one? Get answers to what they do and how they can benefit you. Trust us, everyone needs one. Really
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Thursday Sep 29, 2016
Thursday Sep 29, 2016
GenCon Playtesting Panel
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, Emily Care Boss, and Mark Richardson
Playtesting RPGs is a difficult process. In this panel, sponsored by the Indie Game Developer Network, we will teach you how to effectively test games as a designer and as a player. Learn about types of playtests, the best kind of playtesters, and how to offer constructive feedback.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Sunday Sep 18, 2016
Sunday Sep 18, 2016
Gearheads: Clever RPG Mechanics
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, and Emily Care Boss
Roleplaying game design is a hotbed of innovation, and this panel is a place to talk about some of the latest and greatest mechanics for games. We will talk about fronts, countdown clocks, gm-less play, advantage, and other mechanics to sink your teeth into.
Links and Games!
- Romance Trilogy, including Breaking the Ice, Shooting the Moon, and Under my Skin, by Emily Care Boss (http://www.blackgreengames.com/lcn/2016/7/24/romance-trilogy)
- Indie Groundbreaker Awards (http://www.igdnonline.com/indie-groundbreaker-awards-winners/ )
- 14 Days, by Hannah Shaffer (http://makebigthings.com/14-days-a-game-about-life-with-migraines/ )
- 183 Days, by James Stuart and Sara Williamson (http://www.drivethrucards.com/product/144510/183-Days)
- Fall of Magic, by Ross Cowman (http://heartofthedeernicorn.com/product/fall-of-magic-scroll-edition/ )
- 10 Candles, by Stephen Dewey (http://cavalrygames.com/)
- Dread, by Epidiah Ravachol (https://dreadthegame.wordpress.com/about-dread-the-game/)
- The The Dread Geas Of Duke Vulku by Epidiah Ravachol (http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/the-dread-geas-of-duke-vulku/ )
- Microscope and Kingdom by Ben Robbins (http://www.lamemage.com/)
- Downfall, by Caroline Hobbs (https://lessthanthreegames.com/downfall/)
- Usagi Yojimbo, by Sanguine Productions (http://drivethrurpg.com/product/50310/USAGI-YOJIMBO-ROLEPLAYING-GAME-Legacy)
- Blood Red Sands, by Ralph Mazza (http://www.galileogames.com/blood-red-sands/)
- Burning Wheel, by Luke Crane (https://www.burningwheel.com/)
- Apocalypse World, by Meguey and Vincent Baker (http://apocalypse-world.com/)
- Dungeon World, by Sage Latorra and Adam Koebel (http://www.dungeon-world.com/)
- Montseigeur 1244, by Frederik J. Jensen (http://thoughtfulgames.com/montsegur1244/ )
- Epyllion, by Marissa Kelly (http://www.magpiegames.com/epyllion/
- Posthuman Pathways, by Jason Pitre (http://www.genesisoflegend.com/product/posthuman-pathways/)
- Play with Intent, by Emily Care Boss and Matthijs Holter (https://playwithintent.wordpress.com/)
- Nightwitches by Jason Morningstar (http://bullypulpitgames.com/)
- The Warren by Marshall Miller (http://bullypulpitgames.com/)
- Monsterhearts, by Avery Alder (http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/monsterhearts/)
- Sagas of the Icelanders, by Gregor Vulga (http://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19311&page=1)
- Headspace, by Mark Richardson (http://www.greenhatdesigns.com/?project=head-space)
- Dream Askew, by Avery Alder (http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/dream-askew/ )
- The Quiet Year, by Avery Alder (http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year/ )
- Steal Away Jordan, by Julia Ellingboe (http://www.lulu.com/shop/julia-bond-ellingboe/steal-away-jordan/ebook/product-17470217.html )
- Blades in the Dark, by John Harper (http://www.onesevendesign.com/ and http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/170689/Blades-in-the-Dark-Digital-Edition-Early-Access )
- Swords without Master, by Epidiah Ravachol (http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com )
- Mars Colony, by Tim Koppang http://www.tckroleplaying.com/marscolony/
- Misericorde, by Emily Care Boss (http://www.blackgreengames.com/shop/misericorde-pdf)
- Fools Journey, by Stentor Danielson (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/154421/The-Fools-Journey)
- Spark Roleplaying Game, Jason Pitre (http://www.genesisoflegend.com/product/spark/)
- Bubblegumshoe, Evil Hat Productions (http://www.evilhat.com/home/)
- Seven Wonders, by Pelgrane Press (http://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/seven-wonders-a-story-games-anthology-2/)
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Friday Sep 09, 2016
Friday Sep 09, 2016
Different Voices: Diverse RPGs
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, and Shoshanna Kessock
Roleplaying games offer a fantastic window into the lives of others, and let us see the world through different eyes. This panel, sponsored by the Indie Game Developer Network, will discuss some of these games that bring diverse voices and creators to the forefront.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Thursday Sep 01, 2016
Thursday Sep 01, 2016
Heartwrenchers: Emotional RPGs
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, Shoshanna Kessock and Emily Care Boss
The very best roleplaying games will tug on the heart strings during play. Whether the games make you feel love, grief or rage, they make for a memorable play experience. We will discuss these emotion-rich games, and what makes them tick like a broken heart.
Apologies for poor sound quality on this recording.
Before you go, we would like to ask you to fill in the RPG Design Panelcast Listener Survey! This will help us learn more about what you like, and solicit suggestions for future panels.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Saturday Aug 20, 2016
Saturday Aug 20, 2016
Introduction to RPG Publishing
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, Shoshanna Kessock and Caleb Stokes
Want to publish a roleplaying game? This panel, sponsored by the Indie Game Developer Network, is here to get started, avoiding the hidden pitfalls. Learn about Kickstarter, budgeting, distribution, printing, and the other black arts of publishing.
Before you go, we would like to ask you to fill in the RPG Design Panelcast Listener Survey! This will help us learn more about what you like, and solicit suggestions for future panels.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Monday Aug 15, 2016
Monday Aug 15, 2016
Introduction to RPG Design
Recorded at Gencon 2016
Presented by Jason Pitre, Dustin Depenning, Emily Care Boss, Shoshanna Kessock
You can design games, and we want to help. This panel, sponsored by the Indie Game Developer Network, is here to get you started by sharing resources and best practices. Want to find out the basic of game design? We are here to help show you the way.
Before you go, we would like to ask you to fill in the RPG Design Panelcast Listener Survey! This will help us learn more about what you like, and solicit suggestions for future panels.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Thursday Aug 11, 2016
Thursday Aug 11, 2016
Fictional Cartography
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Mark Richardson & Kenneth Hite
Presented by Mark Richardson & Kenneth Hite. A discussion of map making for use in games. From tools to methodology and creative process. Learn what goes in to bringing life to the maps at the center of our gaming tables!
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Saturday Jul 30, 2016
Saturday Jul 30, 2016
Game Mechanics as Social Engineering & Social Engineering as Game Design
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Jason Morningstar & John Stavropoulos.
Can a game’s mechanics influence player behavior? Evidence – from XP-grubbing to sophisticated and subtle systems for using player agency to adjust real-world habits – suggests it can. Join Jason Morningstar and John Stavropoulos for a stimulating and perhaps surprising discussion on this topic. Bring your own examples to share!
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes
Sunday Jul 24, 2016
Sunday Jul 24, 2016
Gaming the Future: Putting the Science Fiction in SF RPGs
Recorded at Metatopia 2015
Presented by Joshua A.C. Newman, Dev Purkayastha, Laura Simpson & Rachel Walton.
Science Fiction, as a genre, has always been about social change and the pressures that change exerts on those caught in that change. That vertiginous change in perspective is designed to give us insight into the human condition as we experience it now. Our panel will talk about the techniques we use to focus RPG play on the interplay of ideas that makes Science Fiction such a compelling genre.
You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes