It’s the final episode of Brainwaves! For this year at least. The team are back in the studio to discuss racism in RPGs (again), AI art causing a stir, Wizards changing the Open Gaming Licence, and much more in Episode 113 of Brainwaves. Headlines Mythic Polynesia https://twitter.com/mr_orgue/status/1602122837623382019?s=20&t=71lQaIfq-32saosyN0JUSQ https://twitter.com/_Boganova_/status/1593114267519430658 https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/moriori-still-setting-the-record-straight/ Frank We...
Dec 26, 2022•40 min•Ep. 140
The newly forged trio return to the mics to bring you the latest and best tabletop gaming news. From AIs turning their minds to Stratego, Wizards fending off accusations, all the way to gaming related candles! All this, and more, on episode 112 of Brainwaves. Headlines AI masters Stratego https://twitter.com/DeepMind/status/1598392039992958982 https://www.deepmind.com/blog/mastering-stratego-the-classic-game-of-imperfect-information https://www.gravon.de/gravon/stratego/stratego.jsp Games Indust...
Dec 12, 2022•34 min•Ep. 139
It was my great pleasure to be joined On Stage by Flavien Loisier for our last interview of the year. Flavien is the General Manager of Hachette Boardgames UK and it was a fascinating chat covering setting up the company, the challenges of handling a hit, state of the industry, and future plans. Twitter Account https://twitter.com/HachetteBGUK Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hachetteboardgamesuk/ Main Website https://www.hachetteboardgames.co.uk/...
Dec 05, 2022•48 min•Ep. 138
Jamie and Iain discover that Oliver Kinne has been drifting around the spacetime continuum inside the HQ. Not sure what to do about this situation they invite him to become a permanent member of the team, he has to pay down his tea debt anyway. Together the newly expanded Brainwaves team cover trouble at Hasbro, Pandasaurus Games acting like dinosaurs, Embracer letting go, AI conquering diplomacy, Catan Cookbooks, and much more in episode 111 of Brainwaves. Headlines Hasbro loses the magic https...
Nov 28, 2022•45 min•Ep. 137
Iain and Jamie are back after a little break to bring you a bumper crop of tabletop gaming news. From unions in the states to law suits in the world of chess the news never stops, and neither do we. Headlines Union formed at US retailer https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/52534/union-formed-game-retailer?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter https://twitter.com/NkgUnited Welcome Asmodee https://welcome.asmodee.com/ For whom the bell tolls https://twitter.com/gabrielledrolet/status/1590065270...
Nov 14, 2022•24 min•Ep. 136
Autumn has truly arrived in Scotland but that hasn’t stopped the Brainwaves team from venturing out to find the best in Tabletop gaming news. This episode we cover moves at the top of Kickstarter and Hasbro, licenses expanding, chess imploding, and fellowships being awarded! Headlines Kickstarter new CEO https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/kickstarter/interview/kickstarter-ceo-everette-taylor-blockchain-tabletop-future https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exclusive-everette-taylor-named-kickstarters-ne...
Oct 17, 2022•24 min•Ep. 135
Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the choicest cuts of tabletop news. This episode of Brainwaves they cover the unfolding controversy in chess, companies expanding, people moving, witch trial inspired games and more! Headlines Chess world deals with cheating allegation fallouts Fide official statement https://www.chessdom.com/fide-publishes-the-official-statement-on-the-carlsen-niemann-case/ Magnus Carlsen Statement https://twitter.com/magnuscarlsen/status/1574482694406565888 ...
Oct 03, 2022•26 min•Ep. 134
In our latest On Stage interview Iain is joined by Jon Hodgson of Handiwork Games. Jon has had a long career in tableop RPGs. He started off as a freelance artist but has had creative director, art director, and Deputy CEO. He has worked on huge franchise titles like Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who but has left all that behind to establish his own company. Jon was kind enough to come over to the GB HQ to talk about his career, establishing Handiwork Games, the rise of AI art, and more besides i...
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 133
The team are back to bring you the latest in tabletop news. This episode they lay out the history of nuTSR and Wizards of the coast before bringing you the latest developments in the case. Alongside this they look at cheating controversy in the world of chess, Origins shaking up the Awards, Gamefound announcing new initiatives, and more on this episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Wizards files injunction against nuTSR https://twitter.com/NoHateInGaming/status/1568288911297847296?s=20&t=pfVPMt8_...
Sep 19, 2022•26 min•Ep. 132
Iain and Jamie are back from Tabletop Scotland their bags bursting with the latest in tabletop news. Join them in the studio as they cover card games raking in the bucks, Kickstarter making changes, Wizards faltering once more, and a new segment covering jobs, events, and opportunities in the community. Headlines Ebay puts its cards on the table https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-has-entered-into-an-agreement-to-acquire-tcgplayer-301609889.html Kickstarter employs new head of games ht...
Sep 05, 2022•26 min•Ep. 131
Iain and Jamie are back in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we cover all the Dungeons, all the Dragons, all the awards, and all the rock music? Headlines Wizards announces the future of DnD https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1313-wizards-presents-recap-catch-up-on-all-the-d-d https://giantbrain.co.uk/2022/04/18/episode-96-pyramid-scheme/ Bits and Mortar https://www.bits-and-mortar.com/ Tabletop Gaming Awards finalists announced https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/News/tab...
Aug 22, 2022•24 min•Ep. 130
Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the hottest tabletop gaming news. This episode they cover finances of the industry, new conventions, current conventions running into porblems, and when chess robots attack! All this, and more, on episode 104 of Brainwaves. Headlines Record Sales for Wizards of the Coast and the hobby at large https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/51714/record-sales-quarter-wizards-coast WOTC New Studio https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-07-25-wizards-o...
Aug 08, 2022•31 min•Ep. 129
Iain is trying to fit the entire studio in a fridge to escape the cool weather, while Jamie goes for a more practical solution. Resolving their differences they won’t let the hot weather stop them bringing you the latest tabletop news. This episode they cover firings, delays, and game kidnapping (sort of). Headlines Petersen Games lays off staff and looks in trouble https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02cacbYSJYE2SL9bDBvPRozqhKJq78HkSBuA2ri1Ni2ynNhG4CdUExNrK2popjVywnl&id=100001129...
Jul 25, 2022•28 min•Ep. 128
In our most recent On Stage Iain is joined by David Wright and John Harper, two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland. Tabletop Scotland is a convention held in Perth, Scotland and is back after a couple of years due to one thing and another. They chat about the inception of the convention, attracting a diverse audience, the state of the hobby in Scotland, and a wide variety of other topics before taking questions from the audience. Tabletop Scotland David Wright Twitter John Harper Twitter It’s ...
Jul 18, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 127
Jamie’s been away in the nation's capital and comes back to find Iain covered in popcorn and watching the latest developments in UK politics. Dusting Iain off and getting him behind the mic, the team cover the latest in tabletop news: Wizards employees form justice group, and awards doubler, Keyforge resurrected, Jamison Stone updates, DMs Guild partnerships, and more on the latest episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Wizards for Justice https://twitter.com/WizardsJustice/status/1541600178616016896 ...
Jul 11, 2022•37 min•Ep. 126
After the highs of the big 100, Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. This time out we cover a new player in the field of crowdfunding, Kickstarter’s community board, the Diana Jones Award, a whole slew of updates, and Monopoly Summer Camp. Roe Vs Wade We are providing links here to help those needing assistance in the states and looking to donate to causes that can help. Thanks to our Discord community and Tiffany Leigh on Twitter for providing so...
Jun 27, 2022•34 min•Ep. 125
It’s the 100th Episode! In a very special live show Iain and Jamie welcome back Sam who has been hiding in the walls/ another dimension. They are joined by the interview legend that is Richard Simpson from We’re Not Wizards. Together they dive into the murky waters of the latest tabletop news including the Jamison Stone controversy, Cake IP issues, dodgy funding, worth causes, and much more. When the news is all dealt with Richard takes over to interview the original Brainwaves team and ask ques...
Jun 13, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 124
It’s the penultimate episode before the big 100. As Jamie and Iain contemplate what they have brought to the world of tabletop podcasts they dig into the latest news from the hobby. Spiel des Jahres nominations, rent a DM, Drivthru blackouts and push outs, and much more on this episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Spiel des Jahres nominees https://twitter.com/SpieldesJahres Rent a DM https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/13/startplaying-raises-6-5m-so-tabletop-players-can-rent-dungeon-masters/ Drivethru s...
May 30, 2022•28 min•Ep. 123
In our latest On Stage Interview Iain is joined by Frank West. Frank is the man behind City of Games, publishers of the cultural juggernaut that is Isle of Cats. Iain chats to Frank about publishing, the state of the industry, and his recent induction onto the GAMA board. City of Games https://thecityofkings.com/ GAMA https://www.gama.org/ GAMA controversy https://giantbrain.co.uk/2022/05/16/brainwaves-episode-98-contagious-conventions/...
May 23, 2022•54 min•Ep. 122
Iain’s been stocking up on infinite mugs to get ready for the big 100th and the builders are in to rearrange the non-euclidean geometry to accept beings of a celestial nature. Seeking refuge in the Studio Jamie and Iain cover the latest in tabletop news: GAMA membership problems, UK Games Expo Covid Policy (or lack thereof), Accessibility, Unions, Awards, and much more from across the tabletop industry. Headlines Gama Membership controversy Rodney’s original Tweet https://twitter.com/watchitplay...
May 16, 2022•31 min•Ep. 121
With Episode 100 on the horizon, Iain and Jamie start to get things sorted out at the HQ for the big day. Of course the news has to come first and the studio beckons as they cover controversy in wine country, Hasbro announcements, GAMA elections, and much more on this episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Viticulture World Controversy https://stonemaiergames.com/south-america-cultural-consulting-and-fixing-a-big-mistake/ Thinker Themer Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIxYdLEW__w&ab_channel=...
May 02, 2022•32 min•Ep. 120
Iain has come up with a brilliant new way to fund the cast but Jamie is not so sure. While they contemplate the future they settle down in the studio to bring you news about NFts invading Dungeons and Dragons, Asmodee Unboxing a new line, Wizards new acquisition, some updates on previous stories, loads of awards and more on this brand new episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Dungeons and Scammers https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-nft-gripnr-blockchain-dnd-ttrpg-1848686984 https://neuemarkets.com/...
Apr 18, 2022•35 min•Ep. 119
In our most recent On Stage interview Iain is joined by Mark Cooke, organiser of Airecon, for a chat about all things conventions. They cover Airecon 2022, the future of the show, con organisation, getting celebrities along, the rise of digital conventions and a whole host of other topics before taking questions from the audience. Airecon https://www.airecon.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/aireconuk Stabcon https://www.facebook.com/groups/21195645768/ Bez’s Interview https://youtu.be/5WAGNeI0frs...
Apr 11, 2022•45 min•Ep. 118
It’s been 4 years of the Brainwaves cast and the news shows no sign of slowing down. WE have once more sifted through the world of tabletop news to bring you only the best. This episode we cover Kickstarter losing its CEO, Gamefound opening its platform, Asmodee looking at tech, retailers going out of business, Chess banning players and more! Headlines Kickstarter CEO steps down https://www.kickstarter.com/blog/moving-forward-with-gratitude Gamefound open to all https://gamefound.com/blog/post/g...
Apr 04, 2022•29 min•Ep. 117
Jamie’s had some bad OJ and they are recording later than usual. How will this affect your favourite tabletop news show? The only way to know is to find out as they cover Nebula awards, sales completing, more updates than you can shake a stick at and rock bands getting into RPGs. Headlines Four tabletop RPGs up for nebula award https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/03/four-tabletop-rpgs-are-up-for-a-nebula-award.html Embracer Group completes acquisition of Asmodee and Dark Horse https://icv2.com/...
Mar 21, 2022•26 min•Ep. 116
In these turbulent times the tabletop community is showing their generosity and Iain and Jamie are highlighting as much of those efforts as they can. From the conflict in Ukraine to the battle over trans rights in Texas many in the community are raising money for organisations supporting people in their hour of need. Statement on Ukraine We will list here organisations you can donate to that we are aware of. There will be many others. https://crisisrelief.un.org/ukraine https://bank.gov.ua/en/ne...
Mar 07, 2022•26 min•Ep. 115
It’s back to a more news focused cast this time round as Jamie and Iain put together the highlights of the last two weeks in Tabletop industry news. NFTs cause a stir once more, Kickstarter slows their blockchain plans, and Ravensburger buddies up with a surprising partner. Alongside our headlines we look at the finances of Wizards of the Coast, remember Teburu, dig for Dice, and sing a song with the Dungeons and Dragons musical. Headlines NFTs Drivethru declares against https://twitter.com/driv...
Feb 21, 2022•28 min•Ep. 114
It’s been a light couple of weeks for news so the team has decided to bring you a 2 for 1 deal. Part Brainwaves, part Idle thoughts, all sparkling conversation. News wise we cover a couple of important hirings, odd goings on in the world of competitive chess, and Iello picking a new home for their US distribution. Iain and Jamie chat about Tapestry, Marrakech, and nu-Dune (or whatever you want to call it). Headlines New Ceo for Wizards Digital Gaming https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50343/new...
Feb 07, 2022•27 min•Ep. 113
It was my great pleasure to be joined by two friends of the show and RPG veterans recently. Gaz Bowerbank and Baz Stevens are a firm fixture on the UK RPG scene and their podcast ‘What would the Smart Party do?” frequently features high up the lists of the best the format has to offer. Well this time it is their turn to be interviewed as they sit down with me in RPG corner to discuss the last couple of years in tabletop RPGs, their own output, controversies, and future predictions. Things mentio...
Jan 31, 2022•55 min•Ep. 112
Iain and Jamie are in the studio to bring you the best in tabletop news. This episode covers all that is going on with Tabletop Simulator, TSR returns with yet more controversy, Pokemon fraud (again), very old games, world record attempts and more! Get the Extended Edition from our Patreon! Headlines Tabletop Simulator Transphobia https://twitter.com/mx_danger/status/1479732364830023682?s=20 1st response https://twitter.com/TabletopSim/status/1479909440065257474?s=20 2nd response https://twitter...
Jan 24, 2022•31 min•Ep. 111
