Archive for January, 2008
The Game Kennel 004: Chicago Poker
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Jeremiah gives us a look at Chicago Poker. We argued before the show how much this game was and wasn’t like poker. I am not sure we finished arguing before starting to record, but we were able to at least give you a good idea about the game. A lot of people in our play groups really enjoyed this one. It was quick to learn and fun to play. Gangster themes are always a hit with us. |
| Chicago Poker Publisher: Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Bruno Cathala and Bruno Fadutti Players: 3-6 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $30.00 |
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Wil Wheaton Reading at Phoenix Cactus Comicon 2008
We have a special treat for you from Wil Wheaton (geek, gamer, writer, Wesley Crusher). He performed a reading from some of his work at Phoenix Cactus Comicon last weekend and invited us to record it for you. You are going to have a great time with this one. It is about an hour long but easy to listen to in two half-hour drives, though by the time you listen to the first story I doubt you’ll want to stop. The first half is a story called Blue Light Special from his book, The Happiest Days of our Lives. Its a fun bit about buying Star Wars toys as a kid. The second is a humorous look at a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode entitled Justice.
GTS Seminars: Building an Adventure Model Business
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Joseph Goodman and Aldo Ghiozzi give some helpful tips to selling adventure modules in the store and some insight into the consumer’s mind. Their experience, care, and attention to detail has rewarded them with great knowledge you can use to your advantage to compliment your role-playing books with these valuable gems. |
This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are available to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
The Game Kennel 003: Weinhandler
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Jeremiah presents Weinhandler. Compete to become the ultimate wine handler by building up the most valuable wine cellar. The bidding mechanic will keep both families and avid gamers entertained. This is a popular choose for many occasions but really fits well at wine parties. Jeremiah has a wine stained rule book to prove it. |
| Weinhandler Publisher: Mayfair Games, Amigo Spiel Style: Card Game Designed by: Claudia Hely and Roman Pelek Players: 3-5 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $20.00 |
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Family Night 003: Touching Things
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It surprised me to start with such a topic, but it really is a part of the board game experience. People like to have something to touch and to hang on to. It is a value that you don’t have in electronic games, but one that is important to a lot of board game fans. There are actual physical pieces to pick up and place onto the board and shiny bits to dazzle your senses. We also touched on some educational values which led us to bring up Dr. Toy, a worthwhile resource for educators and involved parents. |
| The first game we touched on today is one that has had a huge impact in family games called Settlers of Catan. It is published by Mayfair Games and a great first step into a broad world of board games. The game board is different every time you play, there is something to do even when it is not your turn, and it is loaded with interactive mechanics. Anyone ages 10 and up will have a great time building their village on the island of Catan. |  |
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We then move on to an educational game from Gamewright called Zeus on the Loose. Its a simple math game. You do some quick addition and subtraction in your head to keep track of a tally that decides the fate of Zeus. Capture him on multiples of 10 and keep him to win the game. This game is suitable for ages 8 and up and a perfect fit for anyone wanting to stay sharp with simple math. |
Out of Character 040: The Dog House
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The feedback has been pouring in. Bo joins us in Derek’s place to go over it. We really had some insightful thoughts that has made us take a hard look at The Game Kennel. Thanks to everyone for talking back. It really keeps us going and helps us shape our shows. Among the feedback is also an announcement of the video podcast that Mike released in conjunction with Ghoulash. |
We have been showing up in a number of media sources lately. Steven Conway of The Spiel wrote a great comprehensive article on podcasting in Knucklebones. We have also been mentioned several times in Polymancer. Jeremiah even wrote an article for Polymancer an issue or two back. Don has begun writing a piece for Greater Games Industry Catalog. It was also brought up that Jeremiah had his picture on the front page of a local newspaper.
| We also have Phoenix Cactus Comicon Directors, Amy Black and Joe Boudrie on the line with us. They have a huge guest list to include some media favorites showing up for the convention. There will be a film festival, a zombie beauty pageant, and a ton of activities. Bo has organized the gaming and tells us all about that today. You will find Don in the dealers hall during the day and looking to join the fun after exhibition hours. |  |
On the topic of conventions, we also brought up The New York Toy Fair, The GAMA Trade Show, Orccon, and Con of the North.
Polymancer continues the 4th edition discussion of Dungeons & Dragons. Polymancer magazine is a multi-genre magazine about roleplaying games (RPGs), miniature wargames, LARPs, and more. Articles are written so that they can be useful to gamers of all kinds, no matter which rules they prefer to use. This is done by making the articles “system-independent.” There is a complete adventure scenario in every issue. This is not an e-zine, but the real thing: an honest to goodness, printed magazine for gamers. Find out more at www.polymancerstudios.com.
GTS Seminars: Getting Your Game Published
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Matt Forbeck and Aldo Ghiozzi give you the head start you need to know to get your game published. Topics range from prototype development to getting paid. Self publishing is also an option if your interested in the challenges of having your own business. Some links referred to in the presentation include the GPA, ToyDirectory, Indie RPGs, and GameParts. |
This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Inside Track 038: Joseph Goodman of Goodman Games
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We are joined today by Joseph Goodman. We dove into some new business with 4th edition Dungeons & Dragons and quite a bit about coming releases such as GM Gems, Eldritch, and Haiiii Ya! Post show discussion continues on an “explain it to your mom” discussion where Jeremiah credits Fear the Boot for some great explanations of role-playing games. |
| Joseph Goodman founded Goodman Games in 2001. He is the creator of the Dungeon Crawl Classics adventure modules, author of DragonMech, and publisher of too many products to keep track of. He lives in Chicago, IL with his wife and dog, where he spends his spare time reading, writing, and fighting. His amateur boxing record is 2-0. |  |
The Game Kennel 002: The Market of Alturien
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Derek gives us a look at The Market of Alturien. Everyone is competing for the attention and the pocketbook of several customers wandering the market. If they are buying from you, your making the money you need to invest in your success. With every roll of the die, you weigh your options, grab the customers you can, and distract them from your neighbors. |
| The Market of Alturien Publisher: Mayfair Games Designed by: Wolfgang Kramer Players: 2-6 Play Time: 60 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $50.00 |
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GTS Seminars: Unconventional Wisdom
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Ryan Dancey and Luke Peterschmidt start by introducing several circumstances under which games have been published and let us guess their titles. Some were wildly successful, others were not. They then go on to give us some great thoughts on what problems we can steer away from and elements that can contribute to the success of a game. |
This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are available to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Out of Character 039: The Gnome is Dead
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We bring in the new year with some notes on our new beginnings. You are already aware of our Family Podcast. We have now launched The Game Kennel. We hope you enjoy the new spotlight show as much as we do. We are always very proud to have Mayfair Games listed as our newest sponsor. Their support makes it possible for us to do what we love to do. |
| Jeremiah has picked himself up a copy of Races and Classes to get a sneak peak into fourth edition. He has had a great time reading it and uncovered a few surprises on what we can expect to see. We are all eager to see more. |  |
There were a couple of links in our feedback. One was to a holiday spirited roleplaying game called The Secret Lives of Gingerbread Men. The other new a new gaming podcast in Hebrew called Hamishakia. I can’t tell you much about it because I don’t speak hebrew, but the host is certainly interested in making the best show they can.
Polymancer gives us some ideas for new years resolutions for roleplayers. Polymancer magazine is a multi-genre magazine about roleplaying games (RPGs), miniature wargames, LARPs, and more. Articles are written so that they can be useful to gamers of all kinds, no matter which rules they prefer to use. This is done by making the articles “system-independent.” There is a complete adventure scenario in every issue. This is not an e-zine, but the real thing: an honest to goodness, printed magazine for gamers. Find out more at www.polymancerstudios.com.
The Game Kennel 001: Gangster
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In Gangster, your a mob boss competing for control of Chicago. You need to have all the right influence in all the right places, and by influence, I mean muscle. Drive your boys where they need to be, and offer rides to your rivals. Of course, your rivals will ride in the trunk. |
| Ganster Style: Board Game Publisher: Mayfair Games Designed by: Thorsten Gimmler Players: 2-5 Play Time: 90 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $45.00 |
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GTS Seminars: Hiring Staff You’ll Want to Keep
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A good staff is important to running a quality shop. Jeff Abramson touches on a few HR topics but mostly on finding the right people to do the job. Some tips and tricks covered include setting expectations and asking the right questions in the interview. You’ll be sure to take something away from this hour that will help you find the right people to represent your store. |
This presentation was recorded at the 2007 GAMA Trade Show. Hand-outs and show notes are avilable to members from the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
The Game Kennel 2008, Promo 1
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Hosting a successful board game or card game means selecting the right game for the players at the table. On every episode you will hear a solid overview and discussion on a new game, where it fits best in your arsenal of entertainment, and who is most likely to enjoy it. |
Family Night 2008, Promo 1
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Families are often torn in several directions regardless of their efforts to keep everything together. Within every episode of Family Night, we will explore some hidden gems of entertainment that will bring everyone around the table together, exercise your mind, and generate laughter. You will be amazed at the variety of board games and card games that you, your friends, and your kids will enjoy together. Games presented in this series are suitable for ages 8 and up. |
Inside Track 2008, Promo 1
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Listen to the table-top gaming industry’s leading professionals share themselves and talk about the business behind the scenes. We also encourage our guests to share stories on their latest developments and sometimes get some sneak peaks at what is yet to come. Topics include board games, card games, and roleplaying games. |
Out of Character, 2008 Promo 1
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Listen to table-top gaming and community news in a morning show format. Topics are largely driven by feedback but always center around the game table. This show will keep you up to date with the Pulp Gamer network and give you a fix of board games, card games, and roleplaying games. |