TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars
by Craig Shipman
Do you love tabletop gaming? This is your podcast.Who are the creatives behind your favorite games and content? How do they approach their work? I sit with designers, developers, artists, writers, and creators and learn how they approach their work. I try to understand their process, inspiration, and methods for crafting their creations.Craig digs deep into the work and uncovers the origins of your favorite tabletop games and the creative process that brought them to life.
Episodes
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Discussing Play Style (Questing Beast Survey) ep 287
Anthony Boyed (Runeslinger) and I sat down with our friend Ivan (Ivanmike68) to discuss Ben Milton's "Play Style Survey". Links (courtesy of Anthothy's video) The Survey Video from Ben Milton Stargazer's World The Silent Majority post on Casting Shadows Tequila Sunrise trailer High Fidelity…
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Paul Vermeren (Gridshock: Zero Edition) ep 286
A New Age of Heroes with Paul Vermeren Our guest today is Paul Vermeren. Paul is an avid player of all sorts of great RPGs and the creator of Gridshock, a unique approach to the superhero genre that prioritizes vigilante play and brings a fresh face to the superhero TTRPG Genre. Today's episode...
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Gene Koo (Color Jam) ep 285
At the end of the day, TTRPGs share one thing in common —they tell a story. The writers, the players, the DM: everyone is there to tell a story, feel something, and have fun. Gene Koo approaches game creation differently than most of the creators you'll hear about. His games all stem from deep...
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Matthew Nevers (Decay, Nope!) ep 284
Matthew Nevers is an avid game designer and illustrator who has been playing for 25 years and has run games for 6 of those years. He publishes under Coffee All Night Games, and has created unique games like Nope! and The Winter Door. He loves horror, and his games reflect that. His new game, The...
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Dr. Emily Friedman ep 283
Dr Emily Friedman is a scholar whose work centers on storytelling. For the past few years, one of those focuses has been on TTRPGs and the vibrant communities that have developed over the decades. Her work looks at both the long and understudied early history of the medium and its modern…
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Elliot Davis (The Time We Have) ep 282
Elliott Davis is making really interesting games. His focus isn't on following the usual standards — he's trying to make content that makes you feel and think. And he's absolutely killing it. We talk about how he got into game development, actual plays, and the community at large, and we dive…
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Dillin Apelyan & James D’Amato (One Shot Podcast, The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide) ep 281
I am joined by Dillin Apelyan and James D'Amato. If you listen to the One Shot Podcast, you've probably heard of both of them, and if you're a fan of the actual play scene, you've seen their work all over. And now, they've come on to the show to discuss their brand new book. Dillin's been…
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Why do we go into the basement? ep. 280
Anthony “Runeslinger” (Casting Shadows) and I discuss what makes “good players” buy into horror roleplaying and, specifically, why characters would investigate terrifying situations and keep returning after trauma. They explore common answers, such as belonging to an organization (e.g., Delta...
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Laurence Phillips (Il Fantasma del Giallo) ep. 279
Today we sit down with Laurence Philips of Hardy Roach Games, an independent designer who creates unique games that focus on themes that dive deeper than your average TTRPG. His one-page games are weird and exciting to play, and now he discusses his brand-new game, Il Fantasmo del Giallo. Step…
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Ray Chou (Mythworks) ep. 278
Ray Chou is a comic book and TTRPG creator--one of the talents behind the amazing Mythworks team, known for some of the last few years' most anticipated games--Wildsea, Slugblaster, Pico, and a whole lot more. Their studio defines the modern age of TTRPG development, and he walked us through his...
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Craig Hatler (Shadowlight & Personae) ep. 277
Craig talked with Craig Hatler, the creator of the RPG Shadowlight & Personae. They discussed his creative process and the origins of the game's ideas. Get all of Craig's work HERE! TSR’s Marvel Superheroes Werewolf: the Apocalypse Shadowrun Star Wars RPG Dungeons and Dragons Second Edition...
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Em Acosta (Crescent, Exile) ep. 276
Today, we check in with Em Acosta, a game designer known for games like Exile and Crescent. They’re heavily involved in the industry, with a lot of writing credits on all sorts of games, and they’ve just started a blog. Our focus is on the process of game-making. There are so many factors that go...
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René-Pier Deshaies (Breathless: Frightmare Edition) ep. 275
I am joined by René-Pier, a TTRPG designer who’s committed to making the games and design accessible. He’s the author of Breathless (and the new Frightmare Edition), Boundless, and Stoneburner. One of the main things we focus on in the episode is the nature of open-source and free games, and why...
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Sam Sleney & Zach Cox (Orbital Blues) ep. 274
A lone harmonica rattling through a ship hull; a frontiersman whistles his sad song as he shoulders his laser rifle; an ad plays over the speakers of an empty outpost in a sandy desert, two suns glaring overhead. These are the scenes of Orbital Blues, a lo-fi, sci-fi romp through the furthest...
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Ross Bryant and Cupp (Push the Roll) ep. 273
Cupp and Ross Bryant join us for an informative episode about the nature and specifics of roleplaying and podcasts. The pair dives into their experiences with role-playing games. The two of them are seasoned role-players and understand more than most what the impact of throwing a microphone in...
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Tim Denee (Blades '68) ep. 272
One of the great beauties of art is how different creators build upon their influences and contemporaries, creating layers that work together. We see it a lot in the TTRPG space, from shared mechanics, an influx of hacks and shared IPs, and so much cross-creation between mediums, be it books…
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Kickin’ The Tires with Sean Nittner (Evil Hat Productions) ep. 271
Sean is the Director of Projects at Evil Hat Productions, a game developer and TTRPG enthusiast who has played more games than almost anyone we know. He’s been part of the design team for great titles like Agon, Apocalypse Galactica, Blades in the Dark, Dead World, and Stone Dragon Mountain. He...
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Marc Majcher (The Empire Never Ended, Grackle Teeth) ep. 270
Craig and Marc discuss Marc's process for developing two of his games. Dragon Magazine Top Secret Star Frontier Call of Cthulu Paranoia Apocalypse World Blades in the Dark Zombie World Rifts Shadowrun Delicious in Dungeon ************************************...
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Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan (Dracula Dossier, Fear Itself, Adventures in Middle-Earth) ep. 269
Craig spoke with Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan about his creative process, writing horror without being a big fan of the genre, and more. GURPS Gumshoe One Ring Trail of Cthulu Fear Itself House of Leaves The Ring (movie) Brindlewood Bay ************************************...
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Keith Ammann (Monsters Know What They’re Doing) ep. 268
Craig spoke with Keith, author of several books on making enemies, places, and combats in your games feel more real. Check out Keith's extensive library Shadowrun GURPS Cypher System League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Knave Court of Blades Blades in the Dark Balder’s Gate Dragon Age: Veilguard...
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Dean (Trenchcoat Raccoons, OneShotTPK) ep. 267
Craig sat down with Dean and discussed their newest game, Trenchcoat Raccoons! Trenchcoat Raccoons Preorder Trenchcoat Raccoons Free Quickstart Terry Pratchett Risus Lady Blackbird Dungeon Crawl Carl Penny Dreadful ************************************...
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Steven Alexander (Huckleberry: a Wyrd West RPG) ep. 266
Craig talked with Steven about the RPG he is crowdfunding in a week. A discussion about Westerns as a genre and how his game came to be. Huckelberry on Backerkit Huckleberry website Free League Publishing Alien Forbidden Lands Bladerunner Marvel Superheroes Adventures in Lollygagging Deadlands...
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Federico Sohns (Nibiru, Zephyr) ep. 265
Craig spoke with Federico about two of their provocative TTRPGs, where they originated, and the process of bringing them from idea to a game that can be played. ************************************ Nibiru Zephyr Warhammer World of Darkness Ten Candles Dread Dialect Azul Gloomhaven Dawn of...
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Takuma Okada (Stewpot) ep. 264
Craig talked with Takuma about their big indie hit Stewpot: Tales from a Fantasy Tavern. They discuss the origins of the idea and the process from concept to release. ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 a month:...
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Cam Banks (Dragonlance, Cortex Prime) ep. 263
Craig sat down with Cam Banks, a prolific RPG creator who has worked on many of the games on your RPG shelf. ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 a month: Add this…
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Glenn Ford (Pukeapocalypse, Boarders and Black Flags) ep. 262
Craig talked with Glenn Ford about his creative journey and two of his miniature-game designs. Pukeapocalypse Boarders and Black Flags Malifaux Warlord 2000AD Reservoir Dogs Blackadder RoboCop Syd Meier's Pirates Viewfinder Superliminal Billion Suns Fantastic Four Dredd JoJo Rabbit...
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Maddie & Wheels (Dicebreaker, Just for Fun Inc) ep. 261
Craig sat down with Maddie and Wheels to discuss their newest venture and recently released game. Just for Fun, Inc, Outgunned, ROOT, Call of Cthulhu, Delta Green, Ten Candles, Alice is Missing, SETI, Band of Blades, Warhammer, FREAKZ!, Dead Rising 2, Raven's Watch, Numenera...
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Asher McClennahan (Kickstarter, Alchemy VTT) ep. 260
Craig sat down with Asher, the new Head of Games at Kickstarter, to discuss his work there and his previous experience with Alchemy RPG VTT. Azul, Mancala, Alchemy RPG, Dungeon Slimes, The Creative Act - Rick Rubin, The Avett Brothers, May it Last, Ain't Slayed Nobody, Cosmic Dark...
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Garry Snow (Bugbusters, Dieku Podcast) ep. 259
Craig talked with Garry Snow of Dieku Games about his RPG Bugbusters and podcast/YouTube channel. Bug Busters on Kickstarter Fang Dungeon Bestiary on BackerkitWhite Dwarf Magazine Ghostbusters D6 Game Car Wars Savage Worlds Brindlewood Bay Tales from the Territories Dark Winds No Country For Old...
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Mikey Hamm (Slugblaster: Slime, Warp, and Solder) ep. 258
Mikey Hamm talked with Craig about the new expansion zines for his award-winning RPG, Slugblaster. Get Slugblaster: Slime, Warp, and Solder HERE! Wildsea Vaesen Mothership Billion Suns Gaslands Mike Hutchinson Slugblaster Two-Hand Path Michael Elliott Punk Magic The Magpie's Cube Mechabellum...
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John Harper (Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts) ep. 257
John Harper talks with Craig about the Deep Cuts expansion book for Blades in the Dark. Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts Blades in the Dark Lady Blackbird Talislanta Delta Green Pagan Publishing How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way | Book by Stan Lee, John Buscema Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Watchmen...
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Graham Walmsley (Play Unsafe, Cosmic Dark, Cthulhu Dark) ep. 256
Graham Walmsley talks with Craig about the creative process behind Play Unsafe, Cthulhu Dark, and CosmicDark. Back Cosmic Dark Get Cthulhu Dark Get Play Unsafe Tunnels & Trolls Toon Golden Heroes Vampirethe Masquerade Trail of Cthulu The Quiet Year Ain't Slayed Nobody JG Ballard Trophy Dark...
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J Strautman & B Marsollier (Fool's Errand) ep. 255
I talk with J and B about their newest game, Fool's Errand. A Fool’s Errand is a tarot-fueled science fantasy game set in a vibrant post-calamity world of Androids, Humans, and those in between. Fools, go forth and explore realms both waking and subconscious. Beware: the Gods are watching, ready…
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Mike Hutchinson (Gaslands, Space Gits) ep. 254
Craig sits down with Mike Hutchinson of Planet Smasher Games and talks about the creative process behind his new miniatures game, Space Gits. We also discuss a new version of A Billion Suns and his RPG, The Crawling Chaos. Space Gits, Gaslands, Billion Suns, Hobgoblin, The Crawling Chaos, Daily...
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Paul Baldowski (Cthulhu Hack, Dee Sanction) ep. 253
Craig talked with Paul about his creative process and the game on KS, Dee Sanction. Dee Sanction Kickstarter Cthulhu Hack Maelstrom Mork Borg ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 a month:...
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Patrice & Leland (Changed Stars) ep. 252
Craig sat down with the creators of the sci-fi RPG Changed Stars! Get it here Changed Stars is a sci-fi RPG set in a bright-yet-perilous future. Inspired by utopian-feminist science fiction and contemporary, gritty, speculative futures, Changed Stars presents a modern take on a post-patriarchal...
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Jon Cohen (Tale of the Maniticore) ep. 251
Jon talks to me about his popular Tale of the Manticore podcast and One Shot in the Dark RPG. ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your link on DriveThruRPG…
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Pick the right RPG with Clint (Claim to Game) ep. 250
Craig and Clint talk about how you can pick the right game for your next RPG session. Free RPG Quiz - Find a Good Fit RPG for your Gaming Group Other Helpful Episodes or Podcasts Mentioned: CTG Episode 16 - Keep Your Eye on the Ball - How to Play to Your Strengths During a Tabletop Roleplaying...
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Chris Casciano (Escaping Tynebris: The Dungeons) Interview: ep. 249
Craig talks to artist and game maker, Chris Casciano! Check out Escaping Tynebris here! ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your link on DriveThruRPG to support...
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An Apology: ep. 249
An overdue apology and talk about what is next. ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your link on DriveThruRPG to support the show: ?affiliate_id=1044145 For...
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Navi & Shawn Drake (Hedge) Interview: ep. 248
I sat down with Shawn and Navi Drake and discussed the origins of their game, Hedge. We also answer the big question - can you win an RPG? Back Hedge HERE Neoclassical Geek Revival Basic 2nd Edition Valiant Horizon Wildsea Love Between Fairy and Devil Blindsight The Magazine of Fantasy & Science...
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Matt John (Conan: The Hyborian Age) Interview: ep. 247
Craig talks with Matt John, one of the designers on Monolith's new Conan RPG! Back the game HERE! ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your link on DriveThruRPG to...
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GM Advice - Get Organized!: ep. 246
Craig shares how he writes and organizes scenarios before and during play. Watch the video HERE See Sean's tutorial HERE ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your...
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Jason Cordova and Alex Rybitski (The Between) Interview: ep. 245
This is a special episode where Alex is interviewing Jason about The Between! Back The Between Watch Public Access ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to the end of your link on...
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Neal Litherland (Sundara: Dawn of a New Age, Army Men) Interview: ep. 244
Craig talks with Neal Litherland, an author and the RPG creator behind Sundara: Dawn of a New Age and Army Men. Everything Neal Exalted RPG ************************************ Support the show for as little as $1 month: Add this to…
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Sam Dunnewold (Dice Exploder) Interview: ep. 243
Craig sat down with Sam Dunnewold and learned where the inspiration for Dice Exploder emerged from, Sam's creative process works, and what it was like working with Jason Morningstar on a new game about time, reenactors, and the horrible human that was Jesse James. Check out Dice Exploder Back...
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Ben Alexander (ION Heart, Illustrator for Shiver) Interview: ep. 242
Craig sat down with Ben Alexander of Parable Games to discuss his art and new solo RPG, ION Heart. Get ION Heart HERE Check out Shiver and other games he’s illustrated Watch Ben MAKE Turnip 28 Billion Suns ************************************ Support the show for as little…
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Emily Weiss (Picket Line Tango for Mothership) Interview: ep. 241
Enjoy this conversation with Emily Weiss, public defender, gamer, and creator of Picket Line Tango and Breach of Contract for Mothership. Get Emily’s work here. Cure by Kiyoshi Kurosawa Red Strings Club Pulse Mad God Gaslight ************************************ Support the...
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Jake (Terraino) Interview: ep. 240
Is there a way to make your game terrain affordable? Enjoy Craig's conversation with Jake Karlsmark of Game Gear Master. They discuss Jake's Terraino system, the idea's origin, and his creative choices to bring it to life. Check out the goods on their website Terraino YouTube channel Satisfactory...
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Jonathan Mordech (King’s Poisoner) Interview: ep. 239
Jonathan talks about the origins and the mechanics behind his GM-Less RPG, The King's Poisoner. He walks us through the process and decisions that took the basics of Blackjack and transformed it into an RPG with court intrigue and murder! Support The King's Poisoner BackerKit Campaign Find more...
About this show
Do you love tabletop gaming? This is your podcast.Who are the creatives behind your favorite games and content? How do they approach their work? I sit with designers, developers, artists, writers, and creators and learn how they approach their work. I try to understand their process, inspiration, and methods for crafting their creations.Craig digs deep into the work and uncovers the origins of your favorite tabletop games and the creative process that brought them to life.
Hosted by
Craig Shipman