E168. What words are in your dungeon? ft. @joe_plays_games

The conversation covers the introduction to the tabletop world, early board game memories, entry into the modern gaming hobby, transition to content creation, challenges and growth in the community, and the first live stream experience. Ruel Gaviola shares his journey from childhood board games to becoming a content creator, highlighting the challenges and growth along the way. The conversation covers a range of topics, including content creation on a budget, live streaming and community engagement, authenticity and consistency in content creation, building rewarding relationships in the industry, and immersive gaming experience and culinary passion. The speakers discuss the importance of starting with minimal equipment, avoiding overspending, and gradually upgrading equipment. They also explore the casual live streaming culture, mental health check-ins, and embracing imperfections in live streaming. Additionally, they delve into the significance of staying authentic, balancing authenticity and consistency, and the role of storytelling in content creation. The conversation also highlights the value of mentorship, collaboration, and personal and professional development in the industry, as well as the immersive gaming experience and culinary passion shared by the speakers. The conversation covers topics such as culinary heritage and gumbo tradition, board game journey and worker placement, Twilight Imperium and board game mechanics, openness to opportunities and advice, exploring different neighborhoods and food, favorite gaming conventions and foodie halls, minor league baseball and food at conventions, and seventh inning stretch and baseball tradition.TakeawaysTransition from childhood board games to modern gaming hobbyChallenges and growth in content creation Starting with minimal equipment is key to content creationEmbracing imperfections and storytelling are essential in live streamingBuilding rewarding relationships and mentorship are crucial in the industryAuthenticity and consistency are vital in content creationImmersive gaming experience and culinary passion are integral to personal interests Culinary heritage influences personal cooking traditionsOpenness to opportunities leads to new experiences and growthChapters00:00 Introduction to Tabletop World06:00 Entry into Modern Gaming Hobby11:47 Transition to Content Creation18:39 Challenges and Growth in the Community25:21 Content Creation on a Budget35:07 Authenticity and Consistency in Content Creation41:14 Building Rewarding Relationships in the Industry50:21 Culinary Heritage and Gumbo Tradition56:17 Openness to Opportunities and Advice01:01:49 Favorite Gaming Conventions and Foodie Halls01:08:22 Seventh Inning Stretch and Baseball Tradition

The conversation explores the impact of parenthood on board gaming habits, focusing on time constraints, set up time, and reevaluating game collection and preferences. It delves into the challenges of balancing parental duties with game set up and playtime, as well as the reevaluation of game collection and preferences in light of parenthood. The conversation covers the importance of attention to detail in rulebook design and the changing gaming habits of new parents. It also explores the challenges of solo gaming and the evolving family gaming goals, along with valuable advice for parents who are gamers.TakeawaysBoard gaming habits change with parenthoodSet up time and playtime constraints impact game choices Attention to detail in rulebook designAdapting gaming habits as a new parentChapters00:00 The Impact of Parenthood on Board Gaming Habits08:56 Balancing Parental Duties and Game Set Up15:03 Reevaluating Game Collection and Preferences28:06 Rulebook Design and Attention to Detail33:35 Changes in Solo Gaming and Family Gaming Goals39:44 Parenting and Gaming Advice

The conversation covers the development and inspiration behind the game Word Dungeon, the journey of the game's creator, and the challenges of playtesting and crowdfunding. It also explores the different types of dungeons and the experiences with Kickstarter and BackerKit. The conversation delves into the challenges of playtesting and game design, the importance of community support, and the decision to self-publish. It also explores the need for better onboarding for new designers and the impact of playtesting feedback on game development.TakeawaysWord Dungeon is a solo puzzle game that combines wordplay with dungeon crawling.The process of playtesting and crowdfunding a game involves vulnerability and the pursuit of a better game. Playtesting challengesCommunity supportSelf-publishing decisionsOnboarding for new designersImpact of playtesting feedbackChapters00:00 Introduction to Word Dungeon06:25 Replayability and Community Involvement14:11 Community Involvement and Crowdsourcing20:26 Experiences with Kickstarter and BackerKit26:37 Challenges of Playtesting and Vulnerability36:13 Community Support and Self-Publishing Decisions43:04 Onboarding for New Designers and Impact of Playtesting Feedback

In this episode, Ryan Fawcett discusses the design philosophy and journey behind Storyteller: March of the Damned, a tabletop project that blends classic pixelated dungeon crawling with a guided narrative experience. The conversation explores the game's cooperative nature, replayability, and its role as a gateway to Dungeons and Dragons. Ryan also shares insights into the game's mechanics and its potential to make players comfortable with D&D. The conversation covers the development and promotion of a tabletop role-playing game, the challenges faced, and the feedback received. It also delves into the concept of jacket potatoes and the significance of maintaining creative control over a project.TakeawaysCooperative GameplayReplayabilityIntroduction to D&DGame Mechanics Tabletop role-playing games can be a gateway for new players and a refreshing change for seasoned gamers.Receiving and processing feedback is a crucial aspect of game development, requiring a balance between opinion and useful critique.Chapters00:00 The Journey Behind Storyteller: March of the Damned08:48 Introduction to Storyteller: March of the Damned18:49 Replayability and Game Mechanics28:36 Gateway to Dungeons and Dragons40:13 Overcoming Challenges in Game Development50:08 Community Support and Self-Publishing56:03 The Storyteller Game and Kickstarter Success

The conversation explores the intersection of board gaming and mental health, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of board gaming and the impact of gatekeeping in the board gaming community. It delves into the role of comfort games in providing relaxation and comfort, emphasizing their therapeutic value. The conversation explores the therapeutic nature of board games, the integration of mental health themes in board games, and the importance of vulnerability and connection in the gaming community. It also delves into the significance of feedback, reconciliation, and the role of board games in fostering connection and community.TakeawaysBoard games as therapyGatekeeping in the board gaming community Board games as therapyEmbracing vulnerability and connectionChapters00:00 Introduction to Board Gaming and Mental Health11:33 Gatekeeping in the Board Gaming Community25:12 Comfort Games and Therapy42:22 The Game of Cooperation and Communication51:16 Embracing Vulnerability and Connection59:59 The Importance of Feedback and Reconciliation01:10:33 Board Games as Therapy and Connection

The conversation with Zoe, the creator of Unicorns and Board Games, covers her journey into the world of board games, her discovery of modern board games, and her experience with social media engagement and content creation. It also delves into her experiences at UKGE and other gaming conventions, as well as the family-friendly aspect of these events. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and the evolution of Zoe's board game journey. The conversation covers the challenges of convention timing, the process of photographing board games, the qualities of a unicorn game, gateway games and classroom integration, and advice for new content creators. It also highlights the importance of engaging with the board game community and the passion of participants in the hobby.TakeawaysCommunity EngagementBoard Game Journey Engaging with the board game community is essential for content creatorsThe board game hobby is filled with passionate and active participantsChapters00:00 Family-Friendly Conventions46:44 Advice for New Content Creators

The recording features a lively conversation between P J and Get Into Games On Air, discussing various topics related to board games and conventions. They humorously touch on themes like time travel, wardrobe changes, and the excitement of attending gaming conventions like Aircon. The discussion highlights games such as Dungeon Academy and Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small, emphasizing their appeal to new gamers and the unique aspects of two-player games. They also delve into environmental concerns in board gaming, like reducing plastic use. The episode wraps up with a playful acknowledgment of Craig's "Time Lord" status and a call to action for listeners to share their favorite gateway games.

Edgar and Alex from Pigeon Plays Games discuss their new game Kaiju KO, which features mechanized kaiju invading a chess board. They share their journey into modern board game design, the inspiration behind the game's design, and the incorporation of cards into the battle grid game. They also highlight the importance of community support and vulnerability in the game design process.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kaiju KO09:53 Incorporating Cards into the Battle Grid Game16:18 Importance of Community Support and Vulnerability

In this episode, PJ and Julie Bierwirth discuss the pressing issue of sustainability in the tabletop gaming industry. They explore the environmental impact of game production, the transition from gamer to publisher, and the various ways that both creators and consumers can contribute to a greener gaming future. Julie shares her personal journey and the initiatives she is involved in, including the Green Games Guide and the importance of making informed choices in game design and manufacturing. The conversation emphasizes the collective responsibility of the gaming community to advocate for sustainable practices and make conscious decisions that benefit the environment.

In this episode, PJ and Henry Greenberg from ApisGamingCorp discuss the upcoming board game Apis Mellifera, a worker placement game inspired by the world of bees. They explore Henry's journey into gaming, the inspiration behind the game, the development process, and the decision to launch on Kickstarter. The conversation highlights the unique mechanics of the game, its potential as a gateway game for new players, and the supportive community within the board game design world. They also touch on the importance of thematic integration and provide advice for aspiring game designers.❤️FOLLOW US ON ALL THE SOCIALSInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/meeple2meepleSpotify - @Meeple2Meeple @Meeple2Meeple  Board Game Podcast#boardgames #tabletopgaming #gamingcommunity