The Game Design Round Table

Today, Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down to discuss many of the previous episodes from the last two months, diving deeper into conceptual ideas about RPG design, as well as the powerful connection and community that TribeNet has created for Dirk. 

Host Ellie Dix chats with Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games, designer of The Lunch Room and Go Big or Go Broke. They discuss Chrissy's approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online. The episode also highlights the community of women in game design and how creators can maximize the potential of various platforms.

In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Jeff Perkins, founder and still player of the long-running play-by-email game TribeNet. Jeff shares the fascinating history of the game, how it evolved from its early Tribe Vibes roots to Tribe Net 3, and what makes this collaborative, strategy-driven experience so enduring. The conversation explores the logistics of hand-moderation, the challenges of adapting to players' divergent paths, and the creative process behind keeping such a unique community thriving. A deep dive into one of the most intriguing corners of the RPG world.

In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix is joined by Ross Connell, curator and advocate for beautiful board games. Together, they dive into the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game's identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Ross also shares insights on what makes a game marketable, along with creative tactics for boosting engagement. A must-listen for designers looking to understand how art and marketing can make their games stand out.

In this episode of RPG, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with writer and designer MJ Newman to dive into the many sides of RPG writing. Known for her work across different properties, MJ shares her experiences navigating the unique challenges of creating for both big corporations and small publishers. The conversation covers everything from the business of selling RPGs in a niche market, to adapting mechanics that capture the right atmosphere, to what makes horror RPGs stand out. Whether you're curious about writing for games or just love learning how stories and systems come together, this episode offers insights, behind-the-scenes details, and advice for aspiring creators.

In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix speaks with designer Bez Shahriari about the importance of building and embracing your brand as a game designer. Bez shares how their brand identity shapes not only their games but also the events, connections, and communities they create. They discuss tailoring games to resonate with a specific audience, defining a clear creative purpose, and leaning into that vision to strengthen your work. A thoughtful conversation for designers looking to understand and express their unique identity in the gaming world.

In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the challenges of evolving a beloved game without losing its essence. Mike also shares his approach to feedback, organizing playtest groups, and designing editions that keep players engaged. A must-listen for fans of horror roleplay and anyone curious about the craft of sustaining an iconic RPG.

In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the challenges of evolving a beloved game without losing its essence. Mike also shares his approach to feedback, organizing playtest groups, and designing editions that keep players engaged. A must-listen for fans of horror roleplay and anyone curious about the craft of sustaining an iconic RPG.

In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with prolific designer Matthew Dunstan, co-designer of Battle for Boulders, to talk about the art of building and maintaining relationships with publishers. They explore why nurturing these connections is so valuable, strategies for starting relationships without prior contacts, and how to strike the right balance between persistence and pressure. Ellie and Matthew also share their own positive experiences with publishers and discuss how these relationships play a role even in self-publishing. A practical and insightful conversation for anyone navigating the world of game design.

In this RPG interlude, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron return to the table to revisit some of the big conversations from recent episodes. From the debate over whether RPGs are best enjoyed for combat or storytelling, to how "serious games" balance education and fun, they unpack listener feedback and expand on earlier ideas. The discussion also touches on the evolving structure of RPG categories and the dynamic relationship between designers and GMs. A reflective, thought-provoking round table that keeps the conversation going.