Ben Myers, a user-centered frontend developer focused on web accessibility, and Alex Fimian, a web developer specializing in Vue.js, engage in a whimsical tabletop role-playing game set in a fictional corporate environment. They humorously dissect workplace dynamics and the balance of hard and soft skills. With hilarious scenarios involving a rogue investor, a cafeteria dilemma, and a cyber duck, the conversation weaves absurdity with insightful reflections on teamwork, decision-making, and the quirks of startup life.
The podcast creatively transforms into a tabletop RPG format, showcasing the importance of balancing technical and interpersonal skills in a startup.
As fictional characters navigate a corporate takeover and chaotic scenarios, humor emerges as a vital tool for collaborative problem-solving.
The confrontation with the antagonist investor highlights themes of adaptability and teamwork, underscoring the significance of creativity in high-stakes environments.
Deep dives
Introduction to Hard Code and Soft Skills
The podcast features a unique tabletop role-playing game called Hard Code and Soft Skills, developed by the host. This episode transforms the typical format of the show into an actual play, allowing the hosts and guests to engage directly in gameplay. Players take on characters within a startup environment, each with specific stats indicating their strengths in either technical skills (hard code) or interpersonal skills (soft skills). The dynamic between characters generates humor and creativity as they navigate the challenges of their fictional workplace.
The Setup and First Challenges
The story revolves around the fictional startup, Raptor, where the team grapples with the fallout of their CEO Chad being incapacitated after a festival. The characters learn that they need to fend for themselves while confronting a corporate takeover led by an investor during Chad's absence. As the players introduce their characters and develop their personalities, they also outline their character's skills and have discussions about balancing team strengths. They experience immediate dangers when AI clown robots invade the office, marking the beginning of chaotic situations they must address.
Navigating the Workplace Dangers
As the players attempt to deal with the initial threats, they engage in dice rolls to determine the outcome of their actions, assessing the risks based on their character stats. The gaming mechanics incorporate humor as players describe their attempts at problem-solving, such as using technical skills on the robot invaders. The absurdity peaks when characters interact with the sentient clowns, posing questions and trying to distract them while determining how to protect themselves and their colleagues. Their comical approaches reflect the imaginative nature of the gameplay, emphasizing both individual and team dynamics.
The Plot Thickens with Elno Moosk
The players eventually encounter Elno Moosk, the antagonist billionaire investor who reveals his plans involving a stargate and a scheme to control gravity and the moon. This confrontation adds a layer of tension and intrigue as the characters must devise a plan to foil Elno's ambitions while capitalizing on their quirky skills. The presence of a mysterious thumb drive containing valuable digital currency further raises the stakes. The blend of humor and intellect among the team showcases the game's underlying message about adaptability and collaborative problem-solving in chaotic environments.
Conclusion of the Adventure
As the adventure comes to a climax, the characters employ their skills to dismantle Elno's operation and recover the stolen data, all amidst a backdrop of laughter and unexpected plot twists. They celebrate their successes while keeping the stakes of the game high, including interactions with various characters and using props creatively. In the end, they not only overcome the immediate threats but also learn valuable lessons about teamwork and creativity. The podcast concludes with reflections on the gameplay and engagement with the audience, highlighting the fun and uniqueness of the tabletop experience.
The employees of the startup RAPPTR (Quinn Pine, Blaze Lightyear, Astra Q, and Eddit Kit) find themselves in quite a pickle as a rogue investor tries to take over the company while CEO Chad is recovering in his napping pod.
Join us on a workplace-themed role playing adventure created by Dave Rupert.
