Episode 17: A Franchise By Any Other Name

Chase and Lin Codega co-host an episode that is all about licensed games and this week's dirty word: franchise. The pair discuss the cancelled Tomb Raider RPG and what IP-scrubbed game might rise from its ashes, along with the continually disastrous Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy leaving some tabletop publishers bereft of consigned books. The big story of the week is D&D's apparent "full franchise" turn, which Chase argues is a meaningless distinction and Lin believes fits with Wizards of the Coast's past behavior. Both agree the word franchise is dumb.

They also discuss collaborative storytelling games and how different titles balance freedom against handrails for the inexperienced. Lin has been enjoying Daggerheart for what it is. Chase played a Cyberpunk LCG with a very enticing cooperative hook. Both tackle some questions about whether licensed RPGs are healthy for the industry, as well as their favorite ENNIE nominations from the recent shortlist.

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Games we discuss:

Canceled Tomb Raider RPG

Dungeons & Dragons

Spindlewheel

Eat the Reich

Daggerheart

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Hosted by Chase Carter (@chasecarter.bsky.social).

Featuring Lin Codega (@lincodega.com)‬.

Theme song by People Need Goals.

Cover art logo by Johan Nohr (@johannohr.bsky.social).