Perspective Checks | Actual Play Theory with Ciera a.k.a. "RagePandaPajamas"

Welcome to another episode of Perspective Checks where I sit down with friends and folks from the TTRPG world and discuss what they love about this wonderful hobby!   This month I'm joined by Ciera, a.k.a. RagePandaPajamas around the internet! Ciera is a media theory enthusiast who loves to look at and review TTRPG actual plays through a critical academic lens, as well as an author on the blog The Fandomentals, a theater & live production designer, and designer of the GM-less game Leave A Message After the Tone!   We don't get anywhere as deep as we could have into this topic, but the idea of looking into the evolving landscape of actual play performances in all of their forms from audio to video to written, with various intentions and goals to achieve different experiences was such an interesting talk. We discuss a lot about what it means to put your game out there in the world for an audience and how you don't need to strive to be like the bigger productions or do something entirely new to find your niche, but you do need to commit to learning and improving your craft.   Some of the books Ciera mentions are: Radio Drama & other essays on audio dramas by Tim Crook The Fantasy Role-Playing Game: A New Performing Art by Daniel Mackay Watch Us Roll: Essays on Actual Play by Shelly Jones et al. (the upcoming): Playing Stories:  Reimagining Genres, Ownership, and Authenticity in the Performance of Actual Play by Emily C. Friedman ----more----   Join the DMs After Dark Discord channel!   I made a Ko-Fi if you feel absurdly generous and want to help cover podcast hosting costs & all the upkeep. I'm still working on whether I want to offer anything special over there or just give my extreme gratitude (maybe some stickers or something in the mail) to those who donate, but no pressure whatsoever :)   Where to Follow Rene Plays Games: LinkTree |  BlueSky | Threads | Instagram | Facebook | DMs After Dark Rene's Games: MECH | MECH Cities 2 | One Last Quest | I Know I Know You, But I Don't Know How... email: [email protected]   Music in the Episode (in order of appearance): Rene Plays Games Theme written & produced by Dan Pomfret | @danfrombothbands