PODCAST · arts
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron
Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.
Episodes
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The Horizon of AI in Video Game Development: What Can Current Frontier Models Actually Do?
Hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron answer a Discord listener question from Langal about the realistic scale and capabilities of AI in modern video game development. They explore what solo developers and small teams can achieve right now using current frontier AI models—covering prototyping,...
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The Economics and Design of Sustainable Live Services
In this episode of Design Talks, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron engage in a deep-dive conversation about what actually makes live service games sustainable. Moving past moral arguments, the hosts examine the core economic realities and design mechanics behind live service models. They unpack...
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Hands-On with AI: From Tabletop Redesigns to the Compiler Paradigm
In this episode, host Dirk Knemeyer and co-host David Heron dive deep into their hands-on workflows with artificial intelligence in game design and software development. Moving past high-level theories, both hosts describe how they are actively getting their "hands filthy" with these tools. David...
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The Economics and Ethics of Live Service Game Design
In this episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron dive into a complex listener question regarding the incentives and ethics of Games as a Service (GaaS). They explore the fundamental difference between designing a "boxed" product intended to be finished and a service designed to retain players...
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The Great Contraction: Navigating the Video Game Job Market
In this episode, host Dirk Knemeyer is joined by co-host David Heron, a veteran game executive known for his six-year tenure at Warner Brothers, to discuss the "great contraction" currently hitting the industry. They explore why thousands of jobs are being lost at major publishers like Microsoft,...
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The No-Hit Wonder Strategy: Survival and Success with Jake Birkett
In this episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Jake Birkett, the veteran indie developer behind Grey Alien Games. Jake is perhaps most famously known in the industry for his "No-Hit Wonder" philosophy—a survival strategy that has allowed him to thrive as a full-time indie...
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Bizarro World: Indie Devs Feel the Fury Over AI in Games
The show is hosted by Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron. In this episode, they dive deep into the current cultural and technical landscape of AI in game development. The discussion explores the "bizarro world" where indie developers face intense backlash for AI use while major corporations continue…
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Revisiting Civ 7
In this episode, host Dirk Knemeyer, a long-time game designer and industry veteran, sits down with co-host David Heron, known for his deep technical and design experience in digital games. They dive into the "crisis" surrounding Civilization 7, exploring how a legendary franchise took a "big…
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Season: RPG - Exploring the Success Behind Neon Odyssey with Mikey Gilder
In this episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Mikey Gilder, the Chief Creative Officer of Avantress Entertainment, known for their hit actual play show Legends of Avantress and the massively successful $9 million+ Kickstarter campaign for Neon Odyssey. The discussion explores...
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Listener Questions, AI and the Future of Game Design
Host Dirk Knemeyer, a veteran in user experience (UX) design, is joined by co-host David Heron, a long-time game industry professional known for his work across major console evolutions and mobile free-to-play titles. In this episode, they dive deep into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in…
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Listener Questions May 2026
In this episode, host Dirk Knemeyer is joined by co-host David Heron to answer a series of deep dives from their community. The discussion explores the technical and philosophical underpinnings of game creation, ranging from the "Wild West" of QA processes to the evolving landscape of global...
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Design Talk - Exploring Claude with Dirk & David
Join host Dirk Knemeyer and Co-Host David Heron as they discuss Dirk's transformative first month using Claude. Dirk, who previously avoided technical tools like the terminal, shares how he was "pill-popped" into AI-assisted programming to build a massively multiplayer online turn-based game from...
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Design Talk - Buried Giant with Cole Werhle
Join hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron as they welcome back Cole Werhle, the designer of hits like Root and Oath. In this episode, Cole details his major career move from Leder Games to founding Buried Giant Studios. He explains his unique business philosophy of making "fewer games more slowly"...
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Design Talk - Exploring Nevaros with Raven Zachary
Hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Raven Zachary, a veteran tech executive and product leader known for his work in spatial computing, AI, and the internet industry. This episode explores the intersection of traditional game design and modern technology, focusing on Raven's new...
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Design Talk - NYT Games with Rohit Crasta
Join hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron as they welcome Rohit Crasta, a longtime game designer and former lead designer of Wordscapes who now serves as a lead designer for the New York Times. This episode dives into the design philosophy behind the New York Times' latest social word game,...
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Civ Series 13 - Rogue Hex with Reed Erlandson
In this episode of the Civ Series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Reed Erlandson, designer of Rogue Hex. Reed shares the inspiration behind the game and how its hex-based system creates strategic depth and emergent gameplay. The discussion explores balancing complexity with...
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Design Talk - Designing large group games with Rikki Tahta
In this Design Talk episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Rikki Tahta, designer of the hit bluffing game Coup. Rikki shares the origins of Coup, how competition and hidden information shape its tension, and the technical challenges behind making the game work smoothly. The...
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Season: RPG - Interlude: The Final Round Table
Today, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down today to have a discussion about RPGs stemming from a comment left by a user from the Discord channel. They dive into the importance of cards in combat mechanics, as well as David's connection to DnD.
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Season: RPG - Exploring RPGs with Rob Daviau
Today, Rob Daviau joins us again after a year to contribute to a conversation about RPGs. Dirk, David, and Rob talk about some of the practicalities of RPG's and GMing, as well as some of the problems that have arisen through both the tariffs and the lack of face to face gaming. A meaningful...
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BtC with Ellie Dix and Dirk Knemeyer - Series Wrap-Up
Today, in an unusual turn of events, Ellie Dix, host of the series Behind the Cardboard, and Dirk Knemeyer, co-host of TGDRT, have a powerful conversation reflecting on the recent series that Ellie has worked so hard to produce. Touching on some of the key focal points and theming of series, as...
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Season: RPG - D&D with Mike Mearls
In this episode of the RPG series, host David Heron speaks with Mike Mearls , a key figure behind Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They dive into what makes both D&D and Magic: The Gathering compelling at their core, how designers can take their first steps into TTRPG creation, and the role online...
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BtC- Brett Gilbert on Abandonment and Rejection
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with designer Brett Gilbert for a candid conversation about one of the most challenging parts of game design: abandonment and rejection. They explore why certain game concepts are more prone to being set aside, what leads designers...
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Season: RPG - Constructing Eberron with Keith Baker
In this RPG episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron welcome legendary designer Keith Baker, writer and designer for Eberron, to explore the world-building and design philosophies behind one of D&D's most iconic settings. Keith discusses the origins of Eberron, how each edition carries its…
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BtC- Marcus Ross on conventions
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with designer Marcus Ross for a deep dive into the world of conventions and trade shows in the tabletop industry. They explore what makes different conventions unique, how to define a "successful" con experience, and practical...
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Round Table - The season RPG reflection
In this Round Table episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron reflect on the most recent season — revisiting major takeaways, surprises, and what realistic success actually looks like in the RPG space today. They dive into the logistics behind creating RPG content, David's experience exploring...
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BtC- Chris Backe on Digital Tools
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with Chris Backe , a designer and digital playtesting expert, to explore the world of digital tools for game designers. Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into mastering platforms like Tabletop...
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Season: RPG - Interlude: The Third Round Table
Today, Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down to discuss many of the previous episodes from the last two months, diving deeper into conceptual ideas about RPG design, as well as the powerful connection and community that TribeNet has created for Dirk.
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BtC- Chrissy Fagerholt on social media
Host Ellie Dix chats with Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games, designer of The Lunch Room and Go Big or Go Broke. They discuss Chrissy's approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online. The episode also highlights...
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Season: RPG - Play-by-email with Jeff Perkins
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Jeff Perkins, founder and still player of the long-running play-by-email game TribeNet. Jeff shares the fascinating history of the game, how it evolved from its early Tribe Vibes roots to Tribe Net 3, and what...
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BtC - Ross Connell on art and marketing for games
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix is joined by Ross Connell, curator and advocate for beautiful board games. Together, they dive into the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game's identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch....
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Season: RPG - Conversing with MJ Newman on the different RPG writing scenes, what are their experiences?
In this episode of RPG, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with writer and designer MJ Newman to dive into the many sides of RPG writing. Known for her work across different properties, MJ shares her experiences navigating the unique challenges of creating for both big corporations and...
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BtC - Bez Shahriari on Your Brand as a Designer
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix speaks with designer Bez Shahriari about the importance of building and embracing your brand as a game designer. Bez shares how their brand identity shapes not only their games but also the events, connections, and communities they create....
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Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the…
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Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the…
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BtC - Matthew Dunstan on Making and Nurturing Connections with Publishers
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with prolific designer Matthew Dunstan, co-designer of Battle for Boulders, to talk about the art of building and maintaining relationships with publishers. They explore why nurturing these connections is so valuable, strategies…
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Season: RPG - Interlude: The Second Round Table
In this RPG interlude, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron return to the table to revisit some of the big conversations from recent episodes. From the debate over whether RPGs are best enjoyed for combat or storytelling, to how "serious games" balance education and fun, they unpack listener...
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BtC with April Mitchell on Sizzle Reels
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix chats with game designer April Mitchell about the power of sizzle reels in pitching and promoting games. April breaks down what makes a great sizzle reel, from highlighting the right features to keeping things visually engaging. They discuss...
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Season: RPG - GM as Designer with Justin Alexander
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Justin Alexander , a renowned game designer and thought leader in tabletop RPGs. Known for his influential essays and innovative GM techniques, Justin shares insights into the role of the Game Master as designer....
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BtC with Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix talks with game designer Fertessa Allyse, known for Wicked & Wise and Cascadia Junior. They dive into the world of sell sheets—why they matter, what to include, and how to craft one that grabs attention. Fertessa shares tips on outlining…
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Season: RPG - Interlude: Welcome to Willowbank
David and Dirk go over David's newest project, Willow Bank. Revolving around DnD, (for all of you DnD enthusiasts), they have a captivating conversation on the flaws of DnD and create a vein of discussion for these topics.
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Season: RPG - Listener Question
Today, Dirk and David come together to answer some listener questions from the Discord. Most of these questions surround RPG's, although the discussions branch out into deeper waters, as the two of them dissect some of the themes brought up by various listeners.
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BtC - Special Edition: Dominic Crapuchettes
In this special edition of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with legendary game designer and publisher Dominic Crapuchettes, the creative mind behind Say Anything, Wits and Wagers, and Evolution. They explore how Dominic captures a game's intended experience, the role of playtesting...
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Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.2
Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game...
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Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.1
Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game...
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BtC - Sydney Engelstein on Delivering a Winning Pitch
Ellie Dix sits down with Sydney Engelstein to unpack what makes a game pitch succeed — and fail. Sydney shares some of the worst pitches she's witnessed, what separates a great pitch from a weak one (regardless of the game itself), and how designers can present themselves with confidence. They…
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BtC with Danielle Reynolds on Preparing for Pitches
Host Ellie Dix sits down with Danielle Reynolds to dive deep into the art of pitching tabletop games. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitch decks (and their alternatives). They also discuss common prep mistakes and get to…
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Season: RPG - Randy Lubin - RPGs in Organizational Settings
In this episode, we are joined by Randy Lubin, a well known game designer who has had experience in RPGs, Tabletop gaming, and Mega games. We will dive into the complexities of Mega games as well as what it means to develop games with big world thinking, such as political themes - bringing real...
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BtC- Dave Neale on Identifying Potential Publishers
Today, Ellie Dix and Dave Neale dive into the complexity of forming publisher relationships, as well as choosing the correct publisher. Taking a perspective from both experienced designers and beginner designers, creating a roadmap for finding and establishing these relationships based on many of...
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Season: RPG - Interlude: The First Round Table
Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron look back on TGRT's most recent topics, along with taking time to dive into many of the conversations brought up by Ellie Dix in BtC. Sharing thoughts about co-design and comparing the communities in tabletop and digital design, which Ellie has brought up with past...
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BtC - Isaac Vega on Self Publishing
Today, Ellie Dix and Isaac Vega take a deep dive into what it means to self publish, both the struggles and the benefits. Touching on collaborating with others on projects, along with devoting your time and energy into being a publisher.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Game Design Round Table have?
The Game Design Round Table currently has 399 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Game Design Round Table about?
Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.
How often does The Game Design Round Table release new episodes?
The Game Design Round Table publishes regularly with 399 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Game Design Round Table?
You can listen to The Game Design Round Table on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Game Design Round Table?
The Game Design Round Table is created and hosted by Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron.
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