Bit of a different cast to our usual today. This is an actual play I did at Gothcon, Sweden. If you aren't familiar Actual Play is a type of RPG that is recorded for people to listen to how a game plays out. I hope you enjoy it. This one is for Blades in the Dark, a game I love to bits. Players Huge thanks to the folks who played and made my job really easy! Andreas Lundström - Sweden Rolls https://www.swedenrolls.com/ Hjlmar Norden - Red Moon Roleplaying https://www.redmoonroleplaying.com/ Kris...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 170
The team of 3 are back together to bring you the best, weirdest, and most controversial news stories from around the tabletop industry. This episode cover companies collapsing, “compelling” AI, and new factories. Headlines Ninja Division files for bankruptcy https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/03/11/thousands-of-kickstarter-backers-left-out-of-pocket-as-super-dungeon-explore-publisher-ninja-division-files-for-bankruptcy/ Hasbro presents “compelling” case for AI https://www.dicebreaker.com/g...
Mar 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 169
Oliver is back in the studio giving us a full complement of hosts this week! On Brainwaves Episode 138 we look at awards, shipping issues, a Tempest reising in the industry and look ahead to some conventions Iain is attending. Headlines As D’Or Winners announced https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/french-board-game-award-winners-announced/ Cardboard Edison Awards https://cardboardedison.com/award Prospero Hall folk start a new studio https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-rowlands-9b3209b2_openf...
Mar 04, 2024•30 min•Ep. 168
The Brainwaves team are back to bring you the best in tabletop gaming news. This cast covers callous corporations, soaring crowdfunding, fantastically diverse awards, and D&D on stage? Headlines Hasbro Financials https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/02/13/magic-dd-maker-hasbro-lost-over-1bn-in-q4-predicts-wotc-revenue-decline-in-2024/ https://investor.hasbro.com/financial-information/quarterly-results Embracer prioritises shareholders https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-says-...
Feb 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 167
It’s the team of Iain and Jamie this episode to bring you all the best, and worst, in tabletop gaming news. From Funko selling off their best asset, to Mojo award winners, we have all the latest breaking news. Headlines Funko sells game division https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/01/17/funko-just-sold-its-board-games-assets-and-prospero-hall-design-team-to-rummikub-maker-goliath/ https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/01/19/how-goliath-bought-prospero-halls-game-assets-but-left-its-heart...
Jan 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 166
The Brainwaves Team are back from our festive hiatus. Every two weeks we bring you the best in tabletop gaming news from the controversial to the down right strange. This episode we cover Hasbro’s unwanted Christmas present, Wizards in AI art trouble (again), Tabletop Mentorship programme expanding, and can you guess what Iain thought he would never type into the show notes? Headlines Hasbro cuts workforce in the run-up to Christmas https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/11/toymaker-hasbr...
Jan 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 165
The team are back after a longer break between episodes and the tabletop world has been busy. From more art theft, to awards, loads of updates, and unfortunate lawsuits Jamie and Iain bring you the best in tabletop news from across the world in the last Brainwaves of the year! Headlines Wizards steals more art https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/magic-the-gathering-game/news/magic-the-gathering-artst-apologises-for-stolen-art-lost-caverns-of-ixalan https://twitter.com/L_Lanfranconi/status/17258862...
Dec 11, 2023•33 min•Ep. 164
It’s just the two of us, by which I mean Oliver and Iain bringing you the tabletop news this week. This episode we cover the collapse of games companies, the formation of organisations, where you can watch the new D&D TV channel, and much more on episode 133 of Brainwaves. Headlines Devil pig down the drain https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3179322/here-statement-today?fbclid=IwAR31BF_-WUGVuEOJxoNUmuh3MvOPWQEEvX-aREXnvnixXMrNflsSChwqR6E https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3176686/devil-pig-team-...
Nov 13, 2023•27 min•Ep. 163
It’s a spooky news cast. No not really. Well maybe a bit. At the start. Blame Jamie. This episode of Brainwaves the team bring you a Hasbro heavy episode as that company releases its third quarter earnings, Magic changes its booster format, Wizards starts a TV channel. All this and more in Brainwaves Episode 132. Headlines Wizards starting TV channel https://www.polygon.com/23919779/dnd-dungeons-dragons-actual-play-tv-show-encounter-party https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/dungeons-dragons-fr...
Oct 30, 2023•23 min•Ep. 162
Oliver and Iain are back behind the mics after a little hiatus due to holidays and lurgy. We bring you a bumper crop of news from the last month from companies suing netflix to Essen using creep AI, companies closing down, others asking for money and all the news from across the tabletop gaming hobby! All this and more on episode 131 of Brainwaves. Headlines Evil Genius sues Netflix regarding Snyder project https://evilgeniusgames.com/press-release/evil-genius-games-sues-netflix-over-rebel-moon-...
Oct 16, 2023•39 min•Ep. 161
In this edition of Brainwaves the team cover Berserk Games not paying their dues, troubles at Haba, and the continued rise of AI in the hobby. All this, and more, on this episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Berserk Games https://twitter.com/digisprite/status/1700078934769987626 https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2757485/seeking-help-regarding-berserk-games-resolved-reop Dicebreaker Article we refer to in the Jamey Stegmaier quote https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/tabletop-simulator/news/tabletop-sim...
Sep 18, 2023•34 min•Ep. 160
Iain Chantler, Jamie Adams, and Iain McAllister from the Brainwaves team recount their trip to Tabletop Scotland, games played, people seen, and events run! We also discuss the announcement of the 2024 move to Edinburgh . Games Mentioned (in running order) Turncoats Rallyman GT War of Whispers Kings Breakfast Long Shot: The Dice Game Featherweight Fiesta Old Kings Crown Stomp The Plank Men At Work Flickfleet Crokinole Warhammer Underworlds Walk The Plank Chaos in the Old World Cockroach Poker Co...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 159
Jamie and Iain are fresh off their trip to Tabletop Scotland and back in the studio with Oliver for a bumper week for news. This episode we cover thefts, accusations of predatory behaviour, and we have an exclusive on Tabletop News regarding their stance on unions. All this, and more, on episode 129 of Brainwaves Headlines No Rolls Barred host accused of predatory behaviour (again) https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/15wj09c/adam_blampied_is_on_disciplinary_leave_from_no/ https://www.yo...
Sep 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 158
In Brainwaves Episode 128 the team are reporting on a lighter week for news. Gencon is in the spotlight for attendance and theft, Wizards of the Coast are in trouble (again), and the Zenobia awards make a pleasant return. All this, and more, on this episode of Brainwaves. Headlines Gencon Breaks attendance record https://gamingtrend.com/news/gen-con-2023-breaks-attendance-record/ Gencon Theft https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/impd-seeking-publics-help-in-identifying-2-people-of-interest...
Aug 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 157
The team of three are back together to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. From AI declarations, to new materials, and games becoming tv series becoming games, no news escapes our watchful eye. Headlines Kickstarter walks the line on AI https://updates.kickstarter.com/introducing-our-new-ai-policy/?ref=ksr_email_mktg_AIPOLICY_2023-08-01&lid=ntvmpknk03hh Drivethru lays out policy on AI https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2023/07/drivethrurpg-brings-down-the-ban-hammer-on-ai-written-content...
Aug 07, 2023•41 min•Ep. 156
Oliver has been on special assignment in Germany attending the Spiel des Jahres ceremony! To celebrate the award, and to learn more about it, we bring you interviews with the winners and with a member of the jury, Martina Fuchs. Never fret though, the cast is still full of the good, bad, and ugly news of the industry. Headlines Spiel des Jahres Special https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/ Martina Fuchs https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/en/the-jury/martina-fuchs/ https://twitter.com/MissBayBee_de Fox &...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 155
The team of Iain and Jamie are in the studio this week to bring you the latest in Kickstarter woes, AI writers, and blockchain backtracking. We bring you the best in tabletop gaming industry news so you don’t have to go looking. Headlines Petersen games in Pallet wars https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petersengames/cthulhu-wars-the-daemon-sultan/posts/3846716?fbclid=IwAR2WeExpT79HKXZ6ZWoC7IVl8JX-jIqUK560YoYAJWVB8gw8Y6uN8pQprrk https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3108824/data-breach-us-os4-backer...
Jul 10, 2023•30 min•Ep. 154
Iain is off dealing with problems in the basement of the HQ so it is up to Jamie and Oliver to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we cover Embracer reversing course, nuTSR’s story coming to an end, Quackalope under more fire, studios forming and closing and much more! Headlines Embracer layoffs https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2023/06/13/asmodee-owner-embracer-group-to-make-layoffs-to-help-tackle-1-5bn-debt-pile/ https://embracer.com/releases/open-letter-by-embracer-group-ceo-on...
Jun 26, 2023•40 min•Ep. 153
Tim Clare has had a varied career. Poet, writer, podcaster, writing course designer and teacher, tabletop critic and podcaster. His podcast "Death of 1000 cuts" is a fascinating insight into writers and writing. I first came across Tim through his writing boot camps and he is a guest I've been looking forward to getting on the show. Having previously worked in fiction with "The Honours" and "The Ice House", Tim has recently turned his attention to the world of non-fiction and subject of Anxiety....
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 152
Iain and Oliver bring you the latest tabletop news from around the world. Upper Deck sues Ravensburger, we speak to the winner of the Cardboard Edison award, UK Games Expo report, and stamps for the Emperor! Headlines Upper Deck sues Ravenburger http://upperdeck.com/Corporate/News-And-Events/2023-06-07.aspx?fbclid=IwAR23uaH-lm-nn0wq8fdfjSiF3iic2ckQdBgIkS8e9WLkWdCLH5WPsL0Y2vY Paul Lesko analysis https://twitter.com/paul_lesko/status/1666487311943495681?s=46&t=v9SXGFVIWqrzDczbh8j44Q Cardboad E...
Jun 12, 2023•43 min•Ep. 151
All 3 of the team are back in the studio to cover the latest tabletop controversies! This episode we cover things that go Quack in the night, Spiel des Jahres, important people putting their foot in it, financials, and much more! Headlines Quacaklope and Aeon Trespass Odyssey The original call out on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/13mm6tw/creators_of_aeon_trespass_odyssey_call_out/ The Horrible Truth about Aeon Trespass Odyssey review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNcXpNoT...
May 29, 2023•47 min•Ep. 150
In the latest episode of Brainwaves we dive into the troubles of Mythic Games, the sad demise of another company, Awards news from both sides of the pond, and Pokemon as an antique! Headlines Mythic games issues https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2023/05/04/exclusive-mythic-games-rejects-bankrupcty-fears-in-wake-of-6-siege-kickstarter-turmoil/ https://info.mythicgames.net/6siege-boardgame-faq Grimlord Games goes into Administration Village Attacks: Grim Dynasty by Grimlord Games - A Statement f...
May 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 149
Jamie is back on the road so it’s Oliver and Iain behind the mics this week. They bring you news from across the industry on failed kickstarter companies, Hasbro’s finances, Pokemon running out of cards, and Wizards hiring the Pinkertons! All this and more on episode 120 of Brainwaves. Headlines Wizards saddles up with the Pinkertons https://twitter.com/GateGeek/status/1650025390050537473?s=20 https://www.polygon.com/23695923/mtg-aftermath-pinkerton-raid-leaked-cards https://gizmodo.com/magic-th...
May 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 148
The team are all back together once more to bring you the best in Tabletop Gaming News. This cast they cover the passing of a legend, UK companies buying up others, ongoing issues at Mythic, and more! Headlines Klaus Teuber Dies https://twitter.com/settlersofcatan/status/1643252209033904128?s=20 Dan Thurot’s Piece https://spacebiff.com/2023/04/04/klaus-teuber/#more-23970 Naylor Games buy ITB assets https://naylorgames.com/blogs/blog/naylor-games-buys-all-assets-of-itb-games-and-a-plan-for-saving...
Apr 17, 2023•52 min•Ep. 147
Iain isn’t around this week, but never fear! The dynamic duo of Oliver and Jamie are here to the rescue with the latest in Tabletop News. They revisit Wyrmwood, visit Nebulas, and give Warhammer the stamp of approval in episode 118 of Brainwaves. Headlines Gizmodo investigates Wyrmwood https://gizmodo.com/wyrmwood-gaming-doug-costello-bobby-downey-1850237181 Episode 116 https://giantbrain.co.uk/2023/02/27/brainwaves-episode-116-bank-wyrm/ Nebula Games Award https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/dung...
Apr 03, 2023•20 min•Ep. 146
It’s Episode 117 of Brainwaves, bringing you the best in Tabletop Gaming News. This episode we cover companies going green, liquidations, closures, AI art, boardgame films and much more! Headlines Games Workshop Goes Green https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/03/07/recycling-trial-announced-new-life-for-old-sprues/ Green Games Guide https://www.greengamesguide.com/ Forest of Pangaia ITB liquidates https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itbboardgames/sub-terra-ii-infernos-edge/posts/3744854 New...
Mar 20, 2023•27 min•Ep. 145
It’s Jamie’s last cast for a little while and it is full of news. From Wyrmwood handling of sexual assault allegations to Hasbro bank troubles and companies not delivering on time. There are even two pieces of Monopoly news, just for Jamie. Headlines Wyrmwood Gaming Sexual Assault The Wyrmwood video mentioned in this piece has since been taken down. Their statement is below https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQCyOyruqCWFRq1yGcufTLZjxo3Msz0S/view https://www.thefandomentals.com/wyrmwood-gaming-alle...
Feb 27, 2023•33 min•Ep. 144
I've been invited to my first international convention. In April I'll be over in Sweden at Gothcon. To get me ready I invited Pontus Wolke and Hampus Nordin from the convention committee to tell me what the gaming scene is like in Sweden and what I can expect at the convention. Gothcon Website Pontus' Twitter Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website...
Feb 22, 2023•42 min•Ep. 143
Iain and Oliver are back in the studio while Jamie takes a break from the cast. The team of two bring you updates on the Open Gaming License, Hasbro layoffs, UK companies in trouble, a downturn in the fortunes of the German games market, and much more in episode 115 of Brainwaves. Headlines Wizards reverses course https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1439-ogl-1-0a-creative-commons Smart Party Episode https://smartparty.wordpress.com/2023/01/23/ogl-omg/#more-1838 Hasbro lays off staff https://www.game...
Feb 06, 2023•30 min•Ep. 142
The team are back after a bit of a break! In this first episode of the new year we cover all the latest with Wizards of the Coast OGL announcements and have two interviews: one with Linda Codega who broke the story and one with Jon Hodgson who runs Handiwork Games. It’s our biggest piece yet on the show and we hope you enjoy it. Not only that but we report on a new RPG union in Europe, Gil Hova shutting up shop, GW share prices and the largest monopoly collection in the world! Headline WIzards o...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 141
