Cartography of Fictional Worlds Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Kenneth Hite, Hal Mangold & Mark Richardson Learn from a panel of veteran cartographers and game designers the techniques they use to make maps of fictional worlds. A map from Mark Richardson about renaissance superheroes from The Enlightened Man. Episode 53: Cartography of Fictional Worlds Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (231) You can subscribe to us here! RSS Feed iTunes...
May 04, 2015•50 min•Ep. 193
Work Together AND Keep Your Friends: Healthy Publishing Collaboration Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Joshua A. C. Newman , Epidiah Ravachol & Hannah Shaffer . Collaborating on a creative project is great! You get double the creativity, double the productivity, and the benefit of mutual support. Nothing could go wrong, right? Whether you’re collaborating with friends or strangers, there are some important strategies to keep your collaboration healthy and productive. What happens when...
Apr 15, 2015•59 min•Ep. 194
Episode 51 – RPG Podcasting and Design This special episode is a crossover with The Jankcast and the Tabletop Superhighway podcasts. In this episode, I am speaking with Todd (Jankcast), Alex (Tabletop Superhighway) and Larry (Tabletop Superhighway) about how RPG Podcasting interacts with design, and what we see from our particular vantage points. Welcome to the RPG Design Jankcast Superhighway. Episode 51: RPG Podcasting and Design Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (181)...
Mar 30, 2015•58 min•Ep. 195
Computer Hacking in Games Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Shane Harsch, Clark Valentine & Tim Rodriguez Our panel discusses the actual process/stages of intrusion (what we call the “Kill Chain”) and then facilitates a discussion about the challenges of turning that real-world process into an actionable and fun gaming experience. Episode 50: Computer Hacking in Games [ 56:31 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (267)...
Mar 21, 2015•57 min•Ep. 196
Gmless RPGs and Other Variations Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Stavropoulos and Brennan Taylor Role playing games have game masters, right? Well, not necessarily – plenty of interesting games have chosen not to assign that role, or share it between some or all of the players at the table. What goes into the decision whether to have one, many or no game masters? Episode 49: GMless RPGs and Other Variations Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (221)...
Mar 07, 2015•48 min•Ep. 197
The Writer’s Workshop Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Adamus . Here’s a chance for authors and creators to get answers to their writing questions as they work on developing their first, or tenth project. Questions often include issues of layout, editing costs, the best way to write to the reader, and the best way to take an idea from the abstract idea phase to the down-on-paper phase Episode 48: The Writer's Workshop [ 1:26:30 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (286)...
Feb 28, 2015•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 198
Playtesting Brutally Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by John Stavropoulos and Dave Chalker . Your best friend, your spouse, and your grandma all say they like your game, so it must be ready to be published, right? WRONG. The most refined games come from an extended playtesting process, where your decisions are challenged and every mechanic is put through the burning forge of brutal playtesting. Learn how to examine games of your own design and others for ways to streamline, balance, and oth...
Feb 14, 2015•53 min•Ep. 199
Least System Necessary Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Cam Banks, Rob Donoghue, Clark Valentine & Stephen Hood. How much system does your game *need*? We’ll be examining very minimal systems like Risus, CORE, Amber DRPG and so on as a starting point for design, always coming back to the question of whether you are adding things to your system because it need it, or because you’re “Supposed To”. Minimal Game system references to: Risus Fate Accelerated WARP System Episode 46: The Leas...
Feb 07, 2015•56 min•Ep. 200
Icons and Anchors Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Rob Donoghue & Jason Pitre. Icons and anchors are fascinating pieces of RPG design technology, establishing people and organizations within settings that are strongly tied to player characters and to each other. Let’s talk about how these can be effectively used in your own game designs. References include: 1) My own summary of the mechanic: Examining Icons in Design 2) Rob’s ample blog discussion: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . 3) Chris C...
Jan 31, 2015•50 min•Ep. 201
Succeeding at Conventions and Trade Show Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Avonelle Wing Conventions are overwhelming, and setting yourself up for success involves many components: Branding yourself for visibility, interacting appropriately with the convention, maximizing the impact of your contact with your public, and other ideas. Double Exposure Senior Vice President, Avonelle Wing, will share her experiences, both as a convention organizer and as an attendee representing her own brands...
Jan 24, 2015•51 min•Ep. 202
Book Design 101 – First Principles Recorded at Metatopia 2013 Presented by Fred Hicks and Hal Mangold The panelists look at the book as an object of design. Whether it’s conveying rules or setting, the look and feel of the book itself is crucial to the experience of play. Our experts will draw on their own experiences to explain why books look the way they do. Episode 43: Book Design 101 - First Principles Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (192)...
Jan 17, 2015•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 203
Adventure Design as Technology Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Cam Banks & Rob Donoghue . We started with a map and a key. There have been structural improvements since then: boxed text, wandering monsters, plot point adventures, hard and soft points, personality-driven dungeons, mad libs plots and many more. This process has not been rigors, so the spread of these ideas has been haphazard and without the thought that’s gone into rules improvements. That is a shame. Take some time to...
Jan 10, 2015•1 hr•Ep. 204
Episode 41 – Designing RPGs for Kids Presented by Amanda Valentine, Tim Rodriguez & Krista White. Designing games intended for younger audiences doesn’t mean dumbing down. What are the additional challenges involved in making products to appeal to the younger set? Episode 41: Designing RPGs for Kids Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (216)...
Dec 27, 2014•52 min•Ep. 205
Hacking Apocalypse World Recorded at Metatopia 2014 Presented by Vincent Baker , Misha Bushyager, Marissa Kelly , Mark Richardson & Mark Diaz Truman . Learn about the Apocalypse World engine and why it has become popular amongst indie designers. This will be a panel of veteran *World players and *World game designers, including the designer of Apocalypse World! Episode 40: Hacking Apocalypse World Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (343)...
Dec 14, 2014•56 min•Ep. 206
Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition Analysis Presented by Rob Donoghue & Jason Pitre. So, the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons is out. Now it’s time to dig into the design and talk about the rules, procedures and advice that the game brings to the RPG design field. Let’s look at the crunchy bits! The companion reference to this discussion can be found on Rob Donoghue’s blog, where he discusses the Starter Set , the Player’s Handbook and the Monster Manual in detail. Episode 39: Dunge...
Dec 07, 2014•55 min•Ep. 207
D036 – Accessibility Issues For Game Designers Presented by Russell Collins & Jason Pitre. Games are about imagination and creativity so the print medium shouldn’t be a barrier to entry. Understanding the needs of persons with learning differences and the options that designers have will keep you from excluding people who are eager to enjoy our hobby. This seminar will focus on blindness, low vision, and dyslexia and strategies to present your game content for those with print disabilities i...
Nov 29, 2014•47 min•Ep. 208
D015 – Roleplaying Scenario Design Recorded at Metatopia 2013. Presented by Kenneth Hite , Darren Watts , Rob Donoghue , John Stavropoulos & Bill White. Our panel of experts drills down into the specifics of scenario-building for publication, whether it’s showing off the game’s basics with an introductory scenario, or stringing several together for a mini-campaign book. Episode 37: Roleplaying Scenario Design Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (213)...
Nov 22, 2014•50 min•Ep. 209
My Game Will Cost What? Presented by Curt Covert & Stephen Buonocore . This panel will seek to explain why games cost what they do. What are the expenses, and what decisions must you as a designer make in order to hit your target price point? Presented at Metatopia 2013. Episode 36: My Game Will Cost What? [ 1:02:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (189)...
Nov 17, 2014•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 210
“Dangerous Mechanics” Presented by Jason Pitre, Kenneth Hite , Rob Donoghue & Will Hindmarch . The panelists will deal with mechanics that look good on the surface but can have unforeseen negative consequences in play. Spending XP, no-effect rules, dice-generated currency – all have hidden dangers. Explore these and other light bulbs that didn’t quite work out.. Episode 35: Dangerous Mechanics [ 54:25 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (275)...
Aug 31, 2014•54 min•Ep. 211
“Gaming As The Other: Race in Our Industry” Presented by John Stavropoulos, Terry Romero , Ajit George & Mark Diaz Truman . As many “geek” activities have expanded over the last ten years, role-playing has often struggled to include the voices of racial and ethnic minorities. Join Ajit George, Mark Diaz Truman, and Terry Romero to discuss what challenges the industry faces including “Others”, why increased diversity is valuable and important to the future of gaming, and what path both design...
Aug 10, 2014•45 min•Ep. 212
How to Work with Editors This seminar was originally presented at Metatopia 2013 in Morristown NJ. This panel was led by Ryan Macklin , Amanda Valentine , Cam Banks and John Adamus . Everyone needs an editor. How do you hire one? Once you have one, how can you work with her most efficiently? How does somebody become a great game editor themselves? Episode 32: How to Work with Editors [ 54:53 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (140)...
Apr 19, 2014•55 min•Ep. 213
How to be a Good Playtester for Others This seminar was originally presented at Metatopia 2013 in Morristown NJ. This panel was led by Will Hindmarch , Tim Rodriguez and John Adamus . Everyone agrees playtesting is crucial. But what kind of feedback is best for publishers? This panel looks at the necessary skills and mindset for being a good playtester from *this* side of the table. Episode 32: How to be a Good Playtester for Others [ 56:59 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (226)...
Apr 06, 2014•57 min•Ep. 214
The Care and Feeding of Freelancers This seminar was originally presented at Metatopia 2013 in Morristown NJ. This panel was led by John Stavropoulos , Ryan Macklin & Amanda Valentine You’ve reached the point where you’re ready to hire some professional freelancers to help you complete your game, whether as writers, editors, or artists. How do you find freelancers, how do you work with them, and how do you keep them happy to work for you? Episode 31: The Care and Feeding of Freelancers [ 57:...
Mar 25, 2014•57 min•Ep. 215
Reaching Retailers: How To Get Stores Behind You This seminar was originally presented at Metatopia 2013 in Morristown NJ. Presented by Will Hindmarch , Jim Crocker & Brian Dalrymple (+1). Your game is ready for market. Now you’ve got to get it in the hands of players, and the best way to do that is to convince stores to carry and promote it. How do you do that? Our panel of experts fills you in! Episode 30: Reaching Retailers [ 56:02 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (140)...
Feb 16, 2014•56 min•Ep. 216
Legalese: Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents This seminar was originally presented at Metatopia 2013 in Morristown NJ. Presented by Justin Jacobson & Jason Pitre. It’s all about protecting yourself. Where and when do these legal concepts apply, and what do you need to do to make sure you’re covered without spending a fortune unnecessarily? Episode 29: Legalese and Intellectual Property [ 56:09 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (146)...
Feb 08, 2014•56 min•Ep. 217
Episode 28 of the RPG Design PanelCast is brought to you thanks to the Metatopia Game Design Festival by Double Exposure . D050: “Electronic Book Publishing 101” presented by Jason Pitre & Joseph Bloch . What are the differences between publishing hard copy books and electronic publishing? This panel will fill you in on everything you need to know, from standards and tools to markets for reaching your audience. Episode 28: Ebooks 101 [ 52:25 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (146)...
Feb 02, 2014•52 min•Ep. 218
This was originally broadcast by Indie+ online convention, led by Mark Diaz Truman , presented by Kyle Simmons , Julia Ellingboe and James Raggi . This is discussion the various ways that games can feel magical, from the everyday kitchen magic to the perilous high magic that could end the world. Episode 27: Making Games Feel Magical [ 57:53 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (228)...
Oct 28, 2013•58 min•Ep. 219
This was originally broadcast by Indie+ online convention, led by Mark Diaz Truman in conversation with Rob Donoghue . It’s a fascinating discussion on how game mechanics can create a feeling of magic during play. Episode 26: Magic Mechanics Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (355)...
Oct 19, 2013•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 220
Is there still room for more Fantasy RPGs? What is fantasy really, anyways? How can you design interesting games within this genre? This was originally broadcast by Indie+ online convention, led by Rich Rogers. The presenters are John Wick , James Raggi , Gilian Fraser , David A. Hill Jr ., Brennan Taylor Episode 25: Is Fantasy Dead? [ 53:41 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (248)...
Oct 12, 2013•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 221
Everyone can design games, and we are here to help show you the way. We will teach you the basics and give you the resources to learning rpg design on your own. We provided attendants with a DVD full of podcast content and panel recordings. You can find much of that information at the link below: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eibuw567kj9px3q/ScnQmP5A58 This was presented by Jason Pitre and Mark Diaz Truman . Episode 24: How to Learn RPG Design [ 53:41 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (409)...
Sep 29, 2013•54 min•Ep. 222
