Brainwaves - Board Game and Tabletop News Show

All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. In this last special episode Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together all the hosts from the years of Brainwaves. Iain McAllister, Jamie Adams, Iain Chantler, Oliver Kinne, and Sam Maggs reminisce about the formation of the show, how it has changed over the years, why I brought it to an end and the future of games journalism.    Show Notes   Meeple People Podcast   No Pun Included   Dized Episode   Simon Lavender   Jason Perez on board game journalism   https://soundcloud.com/onestopcoopshop/397-board-game-media-a-critical-assessment-with-jason-luke-plunkett-and-keith-law   Indie Game Reading Club   Aftermath   Rascal   Boardgamewire   Mothership   Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newan game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]  

It is the very last episode of Brainwaves. Iain, Jamie, and Oliver venture once more into the news wilds to bring you only the latest and best news. For our last show Mythic finally admit they are no more, the Diamond case starts to actually look like there may be a conclusion in sight, Ryan Dancey puts his backing behind AI, and the usual news on movements, promotions, hirings and more.    Headlines   Mythic is gone https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/12/10/darkest-dungeon-board-game-maker-mythic-games-officially-liquidated-fails-to-deliver-on-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-crowdfunding-projects/   Ryan Dancey embraces AI https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7402402221167894529?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A(activity%3A7402402221167894529%2C7402427021819076608)&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A(7402427021819076608%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7402402221167894529)   https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk/post/3m7isbb6h6s2e   Diamond Bankruptcy Court Denies Motions to Dismiss + Advisors Bill Another $900k https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61085/bankruptcy-court-denies-motions-dismiss   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61108/diamond-advisors-bill-another-900k    https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61214/bank-pulls-plug-diamond   News   GAMA moves chairs https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/27/gama-names-veteran-leadership-consultant-past-lives-regression-hypnotist-zaria-davis-as-interim-executive-director/   Mongoose licenses Traveller https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61113/mongoose-licenses-traveller-5e-version   The Picts https://www.thenational.scot/news/25614713.scottish-archaeologists-gamer-designers-collaborate-picts-book/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=Iwb21leAOBc-RjbGNrA4Fz3WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlLsAPy1xBcyuIovYHbLe8vwyB3En18KMj2-nWXN-01Fp3-TZk5xaq6n9P0g_aem_ZHoILtQp6CTdnactQo8lyQ#Echobox=1762933955-3   https://www.rascal.news/carved-in-stone-is-both-a-history-book-and-an-eye-catching-rpg/ - paying subscribers only   https://www.stoutstoat.co.uk/products/carved-in-stone?ref=rascal.news   Obituaries   RIP Burt Meyer https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/arts/design/burton-meyer-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3k8.fC2y.y0ySzxk44dLP&smid=url-share   Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/ Our Links   Thanks very much for listening for all these years. The cast will still be around if you want to listen to our back catalogue and Iain will be covering the news in his newsletter that you can sign up for on our Patreon.    Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Iain and Oliver are in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop news from around the globe. From crowdfunding messes and AI promotion to Upper Deck getting counter-claimed by Ravensburger, we have all the important information you need. Also this episode we have a special announcement at the end of the cast.    Headlines   Altering the Deal https://gamefound.com/en/projects/altered/seeds-of-unity/updates/10   Steamforged Slash Terra Mystica Special Edition https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/05/high-price-complaints-sluggish-start-sees-steamforged-slash-terra-mystica-special-edition-all-in-price-by-over-100-within-hours-of-gamefound-launch/   Terra Mystica Gamefound campaign: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica    Campaign update announcing the price drop: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica/updates/7    UKGE promotes AI art  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aAkxyfbrB/   Gates of Krystalia Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatesofkrystalia-rpg/gates-of-krystalia-book-anime-tt-jrpg-in-style-isekai    Kickstarter United victory https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-workers-will-strike-beginning-october-2/ https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-ends-six-week-strike-with-a-resounding-victory/ https://kickstarterunited.org/?ref=rascal.news   Updates   Ravensburger wants money back from Upper Deck https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/08/ravensburger-pushes-for-upper-deck-to-pay-3-8m-legal-fees-it-racked-up-defeating-groundless-but-unrelenting-disney-lorcana-lawsuit/   News   Braincrack Games shutters instagram.com/p/DQfH0H3jH8t/?igsh=MXFjejF3aHhoZGc1OA==   Wise Wizard Games https://www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-games-business-update/   Asmodee interim report April-September 2025 https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodees-interim-report-april-september-2025-sustained-growth-and-ebitda-improvement    Bezier Games’ Socials Hacked https://bsky.app/profile/beziergames.bsky.social/post/3m5umtfrre22v   Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs   Tabletop Games Blog Raffle in aid of Trussell / UK Food Banks http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle    Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/ Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

The whole team is back in the studio to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming globe. From acquisitions, financial reports, record breaking conventions, and card game companies taking on Musk.  Headlines Spiel Essen 25 Breaks Attendance Record https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/press?view=article&id=304&catid=12   Deutscher Spiele Preis 2025 Winners https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/program/dsp    Asmodee wants the precious  https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-becomes-the-exclusive-tabletop-games-category-manager-to-middle-earth-enterprises-home-to-iconic-the-lord-of-the-rings-and-the-hobbit-ips   Asmodee announces new studio https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-announces-the-creation-of-moodbox-games-a-new-studio-dedicated-to-developing-party-games-for-the-us-mass-market    https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60787/asmodee-launches-new-party-game-studio   Hasbro 3rd Quarter Results https://investor.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbro-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results   https://www.rascal.news/sigil-suffered-a-slow-ignoble-death/   Updates   Upper Deck goes back to the well https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/10/upper-deck-brings-new-claim-against-ravensburger-in-disney-lorcana-lawsuit-after-losing-all-its-existing-claims-against-publisher-trial-of-designer-ryan-miller-to-start-next-month/   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60786/judge-rules-against-upper-deck-ravensburger-suit   Asmodee acquires Cthulhu Death May Die from CMON https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/cthulhu-death-may-die-ip-and-games-now-part-of-asmodee    News   Amigo games US shutters https://bsky.app/profile/amigogames.bsky.social/post/3m3ajgvmohc26   Cards Against Humanity and against SpaceX https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/160848/cards-against-humanity-we-forced-spacex-to-get-off-our-land   D&D Club goes to court https://archive.ph/NvJwh   D&D Head brings back key talent https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60896/new-d-d-head-brings-back-key-talent   Obituaries   Rob Wieland https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60796/r-i-p-robert-wieland   https://www.enworld.org/threads/gaming-journalist-rob-wieland-passes-at-age-48.715723/   https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-of-robert-wieland   Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Outro   Ca-Ton https://www.ign.com/articles/netflix-goes-all-in-on-catan-with-live-action-and-animated-films-and-tv-series-planned?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68f7dbba1f00ed0001016c78&fbclid=IwY2xjawNk3J1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHiAAGCEB1IgEdWOK3TXcWCPxOVkow0HuoZTGAStyGBdf0ACjWyPRRwj_OBq__aem_crgubThNaWNbem7KUfD8vQ   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Jamie and Iain bring you the choicest cuts from the worldwide tabletop news beast. Seasoned with the usual amount of controversy, nonsense, and awards. Dig in on episode 169 of Brainwaves.  Headlines   Kickstarter workers go on strike  https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/01/kickstarter-workers-set-to-strike-tomorrow-over-minimum-salary-proposals-four-day-work-week-protection/   GAMA rebrands https://www.rascal.news/gama-has-been-rebranded-as-er-gama/   https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/02/gama-unveils-10-year-plan-to-become-epicenter-of-global-tabletop-gaming-industry-renames-itself-after-almost-50-years/   CMON sells HQ https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/08/cmon-sells-global-headquarters-after-suffering-12m-h1-revenue-slump-charges-some-pre-order-customers-extra-to-cover-tariffs/   https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/dc-heroes-united/updates/116   News   Games workshop sues miniature designer https://www.facebook.com/reel/1128194319521158   French Games competition https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/29/french-competition-which-has-celebrated-unpublished-board-game-designs-for-almost-50-years-unveils-2025-winners/ Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs   Hasbro woman innovators in play https://spark.hasbro.com/womeninnovators Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Outro   Kaiju cluedo https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/clue-gets-a-monstrous-makeover-with-clue-godzilla/   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

The team are back in full force to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming world. From CMON escaping Hel, to the gender split in designers, and an interview with two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland, we work hard to bring you the news that really matters.  Headlines Cmon escapes Hel https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/10/cmon-continues-battle-against-heavy-losses-by-selling-on-recently-acquired-hel-anastyr-ips-to-dont-panic-games/   Ludonatue stops making new games https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/08/passion-in-board-game-profession-has-given-way-to-economic-reality-ludonaute-to-stop-publishing-new-games-in-wake-of-selling-off-colt-express-living-forest-ips/   Tabletop Scotland grows https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopscot.bsky.social/post/3lyl5umadk32l   Updates Diamond https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60388/order-clarifies-next-steps-diamond-consignment-inventory https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60503/diamond-files-adversary-proceedings-against-31-vendors https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60518/diamond-fees-top-1-million-july   News Dutch boardgame prize https://denederlandsespellenprijs.nl/nieuws/nominaties-2025-bekend/   Gender split in designers https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3ly25x3cez227 https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/297088/games-by-women-and-people-of-marginalized-genders   Nominees for Bobby Nunes Memorial award https://sdhist.com/2025-bobby-nunes-memorial-award-finalists/ Jobs, Opportunities, and Events https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs Tabletop Games Blog Raffle http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle    Patreon Shoutouts Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/ James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/ Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/ Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Outro Monopoly Coin https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/15/ninety-years-monopoly-special-50p-coin-royal-mint   Our Links Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Iain and Oliver bring you a bumper packed episode of Brainwaves with all the latest news, controversies, and occurrences from across the tabletop gaming world in episode 167 of Brainwaves.    Headlines   Devir… damn guys that’s racist as hell https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/just-some-ole-racist-history-crap/page/1  https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/article/46440167#46440167  https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community  https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/08/devir-to-recall-all-copies-of-new-release-ace-of-spades-after-backlash-over-slavery-depictions-in-artwork-apologises-for-causing-harm/ https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60259/devir-recalling-ace-spades https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community    More CMON Executive Leavers and profit warning  https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/07/cmons-long-serving-chief-financial-officer-company-secretary-latest-to-resign-from-financially-troubled-business/   https://www.marketscreener.com/news/cmon-limited-announces-resignation-of-koh-zheng-kai-as-chief-financial-officer-with-effect-from-14-ce7c5ed2dd8bf026   https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_a4de1fe9-336e-4f30-98af-42f7d08fc4ce   https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/21/new-cmon-profit-warning-says-losses-could-reach-8m-for-first-half-of-2025-almost-three-times-its-overall-profit-from-the-last-ten-years/   US Import Tariff Troubles https://www.ctpa.org.uk/news/usa-de-minimis-exemption-suspended-8542   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p17xypgko?fbclid=IwY2xjawMWgf5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjtV7mqx6qv6P4-CSGWofvqYpk1vI-O59FV4q2U0N-UOduSuyZ8kGm8ruuFX_aem_rHTP6ygrvyZB_JDrDY_mYg   Updates   CGE Responds to HP Codenames Backlash CGE’s response on various social media platforms: Instagram: https://discord.com/channels/653652846167851008/1397834273645396100/1403479858251825285 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/czechgames.com/post/3lvw44i6tk32r Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1328670495928290&id=100063560561493&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=c6aJLUWZCsvY5SJG#  Block Collective’s response: https://bsky.app/profile/blockcollectives.bsky.social/post/3lvyas4jezs2q    Read this https://www.rascal.news/zatu-denies-toxic-workplace-allegations-from-former-employees/   News   Ultimate Guard jump into Harry Potter controversy https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60061/new-harry-potter-ultimate-guard-deck-boxes-unveiled   GenCon 2025 Sets New Attendance Record https://www.gencon.com/press/record-breaking-gencon-2025 https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60227/gen-con-2025-sets-new-attendance-record https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/05/gen-con-exhibitor-numbers-rebound-to-record-levels-despite-tariffs-uncertainty-biggest-ever-attendance-reaches-almost-72000/ Suzanne Sheldon post on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/425suzanne.bsky.social/post/3lvqiqhyche2g    Funforge has been liquidated https://ludovox.fr/funforge-en-liquidation-judiciaire-le-dernier-mot-de-son-fondateur/   Mobeus makes Big Potato a Hot Potato https://www.mobeus.co.uk/news/mobeus-backs-big-potato-games/ https://www.mobeus.co.uk/investments/big-potato-games/ https://www.dcadvisory.com/news-deals-insights/deal-announcements/dc-advisory-advises-mobeus-equity-partners-on-its-investment-in-big-potato-games/#gref   Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs   Pegasus Designer Days 2025   https://pegasus.de/UEber-uns/Karriere/Designer-Days/ Application form: https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/KS5KF9F    Playfest London https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Outro   Pictionary Potato https://shopping.mattel.com/en-gb/products/pictionary-pic-tato-hot-potato-game-jdx95-en-gb   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Jamie and Oliver bring you the latest news from around the tabletop gaming world. From CGE failing to conjure a decent response, to Gamefound acquiring a rival they cover the stories that really matter in episode 166 of Brainwaves.    Headlines Czech Games Edition announces new Harry Potter Codenames https://bsky.app/profile/codenamesgame.bsky.social/post/3lul7oqmuws25 https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/29/reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric/ Gamefound Acquires Indiegogo https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogo https://go.indiegogo.com/blog/2025/07/gamefound-x-indiegogo-the-future-of-creativity.html    Itch blocks nsfw content itch.io https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content   Updates Diamond https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60125/diamond-moves-sell-diamond-uk-employee-group https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60161/new-filings-diamond-consignment-dispute-sparkle-pop-amends-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment   News Zatu denies exploitative environment claims https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/21/board-game-retailer-zatu-games-denies-exploiting-low-paid-apprentices-toxic-work-culture-claims-after-wave-of-online-criticism/ Reddit post that was deleted - link to Web Archive / Way Back Machine saved version: https://web.archive.org/web/20250427174157/https://www.reddit.com/r/Norwich/comments/1k5xipq/experiences_with_employment_at_zatu_games/ Games Workshop rides high  https://investor.games-workshop.com/news-posts/annualreport2025 Diana Jones Award 2025 Winners Announced https://www.dianajonesaward.org/   Obituaries Ace of Aces designer Al Leonardi passed away https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3542362/passing-of-al-leonardi https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/alfred-leonardi/#!/Obituary    Jobs, Opportunities, and Events https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs Playfest London https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest   Patreon Shoutouts Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/ Our Links Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Jamie’s off boating around, no really, so it’s just Oliver and Iain in the studio this week. On episode 165 of Brainwaves they cover Diamond Heists, Spiel Des Jahres, more trouble for CMON and D&D moving to a franchise model, whatever that means.    Headlines   Diamond Distribution go on a heist https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-green-ronin-in-critical-legal-defense?attribution_id=sl:0591297a-c303-4ba5-a93c-3b7bd62227df&lang=en_US&ts=1752187231&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_t2   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60060/numerous-objections-diamonds-hostage-inventory-plan?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky Draughts union plans Rascal report: https://www.rascal.news/draughts-workers-celebrated-a-unanimous-strike-vote-with-a-rally-and-a-police-visit/ UVW statement: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/disputes/were-not-playing-anymore/ Strike fund: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/donate/   Spiel des Jahres Award Winners https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/aktuelle-preistraeger-2025/ https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/das-spiel-des-jahres-2025-heisst-bomb-busters/ https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/preisverleihung-2025-ich-dachte-das-koennte-etwas-werden   News   CMON announces cancellation of Degenesis: Clan Wars Gamefound campaign after breakdown in relationship https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/04/cmon-announces-cancellation-of-degenesis-clan-wars-gamefound-campaign-after-breakdown-in-relationship-legal-dispute-with-ip-holder/   https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/degenesis-clan-wars/updates/43   https://www.goonhammer.com/games-industry-news-roundup-july-8th-2025/   Asmodee partners with Maestro https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/asmodee-launches-a-new-partnership-with-maestro-media/   https://maestromedia.com/blogs/news/asmodee-usa-announces-exclusive-distribution-partnership-with-maestro-media?srsltid=AfmBOoqJAC0wnG3lfCmhalOgqifajKstu7Jzb2AkDTcYinp-Fg2ZM_jj   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59936/maestro-media-strikes-exclusive-distro-deal-asmodee   D&D moves to a franchise model https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-ayoub-0479491_dungeonsanddragons-dnd-gamedevelopment-activity-7348517655173054464-a2W3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAzo-SsBsPeDaLi3-DsTkFrdOApKJU-qNAc   Tycoon Games acquires Gamelyn Games https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/175835/tycoon-games-acquires-gamelyn-games   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59970/tycoon-acquires-gamelyn-brand   Women in Toys - Wonder Women Awards - 2025 Nominees https://www.womenintoys.com/nominees   Cubicle 7 misses the credits https://bsky.app/profile/oldoakgames.bsky.social/post/3lslf7c2zsc2h   Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs   Tag der Brettspielkritik 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuxxkAzN7LI   Tabletop Scotland  https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/   Tabletop Games Blog Raffle http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle    Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Outro   Uno Casino edition   https://www.palms.com/press-room/mattel-debuts-uno-experience-at-palms-casino-resort   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]

It’s the latest episode of Brainwaves! Join Iain and Jamie as they dive into the world of tabletop industry news to bring you the glistening pearls and dank seaweed from across the globe.    Headlines   Hasbro cuts 3% of workforce  https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/hasbro-cuts-3-its-total-workforce-wsj-reports-2025-06-17/   Dungeons and Dragons designers end up at critical role https://darringtonpress.com/welcoming-chris-perkins-and-jeremy-crawford-to-our-team/   DrivethruRPG hates rebels https://www.rascal.news/drivethrurpg-delisted-a-tabletop-game-about-revolutions-over-hateful-politics/   Updates   Tabletop Workers United win a Union contract https://www.rascal.news/new-york-based-tabletop-workers-united-win-a-union-contract-after-prolonged-battle/   Zombicide finds a new home  https://www.cmon.com/press/zombicide-finds-a-new-home-with-asmodee/   News   Diana Jones Award finalists announced https://bsky.app/profile/dianajonesaward.org/post/3lrsurculak25   Elizabeth Hargrave, Kristin Looney and others meet Capitol Hill to talk about Tariffs https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3lrcd6cvll22l   Link to S 1593: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1593/BILLS-119s1593is.pdf   Related post on GAMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGAMAOnline/photos/gama-members-and-staff-are-on-capitol-hill-advocating-for-zero-tariffs-on-toys-a/1128806115959973/    Reaper moves out of the UK https://bsky.app/profile/leedseurope.bsky.social/post/3lrzrtm47ac25 Jobs, Opportunities, and Events   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs   Tabletop Games Blog Raffle http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle    Patreon Shoutouts   Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/   Our Links   Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on   Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: [email protected]