

Dieku Podcast
Dieku Games
Join me in the exploration of why we love table top games through long form interviews with game designers and industry influencers.
Learn more at DiekuGames.com
Learn more at DiekuGames.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 23, 2021 • 1h 7min
The History of the TTRPG Industry - 006
In this episode of the Dieku Podcast, Shannon Appelcline, author of the "Designers & Dragons" series provides an incredible overview of the many companies that have contributed to the table top role playing game industry over 40+ years. Shannon also shared his insights on a variety of current topics including DnD5E, the OSR, Indie Games, Kickstarter, Swedish Game Design, Diversity & Inclusion, and the cycles of boom and busts that he has seen.
We also got a sneak peek of Shannon's upcoming projects, including a new edition of Designers & Dragons for the 2010s which he shares with his patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons
Audible:
https://www.amazon.com/Designers-Dragons-History-Roleplaying-Industry/dp/B0848YJ84B/
DriveThruRPG:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141206/Designers--Dragons-The-Complete-Hardcover-Set-BUNDLE
Learn more at:
https://diekugames.com
https://diekugames.itch.io
https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

Apr 16, 2021 • 21min
How to Solve Damage and Armor in Game Design - 005
In this episode of the Dieku Podcast we discuss the burning question that keeps every game designer up at night. That of course is damage and armor! We pose some questions about damage and armor, and do brain dump and deep dive on the subject.
We also share our own solution to damage and armor by identifying the problems we hoped to solve with the Dieku System, highlighting some samples and scenarios.
Learn more at:
www.diekugames.com
www.diekugames.itch.io
www.instagram.com/diekugames
www.twitter.com/diekugames

Mar 19, 2021 • 27min
Design Trends in the OSR - 004
In this episode of the Dieku Podcast we discuss design trends in the RPG industry, and in particular the OSR, where much of the innovation is taking place. Reviewing a recent episode of the Questing Beast, we dive into the idea of having unique voices within the industry that is a breath of fresh air compared to the corporate produced games of WOTC's Dungeons and Dragons.
We then cover where this time sits within the evolution of the RPG world, and question whether we are just in a repeat of the cycle where hand-waving OD&D gave way to more rules, and inevitably story games. Will history repeat itself, or are we on a new tangent?
Questing Beast Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYwePdbWSEwUa-Pk02u3Zw
Luka Rejek and Ultraviolet Grassland:
https://www.wizardthieffighter.com
Chris McDowall and Electric Bastionland
https://www.patreon.com/bastionland
Grant Howitt:
https://www.patreon.com/gshowitt
Learn more at:
www.diekugames.com
www.instagram.com/diekugames
www.twitter.com/diekugames

Mar 6, 2021 • 51min
Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze - 003
In this episode we have special guest, Chuck Welch, who has spent the last 25 years bringing together fans of the pulp fiction character Doc Savage through The Hidalgo Trading Company website and the Flearun Facebook group. When he isn't discussing Doc Savage online he edits the Bronze Gazette, a magazine devoted to Doc Savage. Pre-COVID, Chuck hosted an annual convention for Doc Savage fans called the Bronze CONversation.
In 2020, like many other activities, the CONversation was held virtually. He'll tell you he's not the world's foremost expert on Doc, but he is thrilled to host opportunities for those experts and fans to get together to discuss the fiction they fell in love with.
LINKS TO DOC SAVAGE
Hidalgo Trading Company: https://docsavage.org
The Flea Run Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/Flearun
The Bronze Gazette: https://www.bronzegazette.com
86th Floor - Chris Kalb: http://heropulp.com/the86floor
Bronze Icon - Tom Barnett: http://bronzeicon.com
Doc Fantasy Covers - Kez Wilson: https://docfantasycovers.com
LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES
diekugames.com
Twitter.com/diekugames
Instagram.com/diekugames

Feb 27, 2021 • 20min
Making Design Choices for a Game Setting - 002
Discussing the philosophy and design choices in making the Cities Grimm game setting, trying to balance the super hero genre with occult darkness, gangbusters, Cthulhu and temple run style games.
LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES
diekugames.com
Twitter.com/diekugames
Instagram.com/diekugames

Dec 17, 2020 • 17min
Introducing Dieku Games - 001
Garry Snow introduces himself and his background on RPGs and shares his plans for The Cities Grimm RPG, as well as a minimalist RPG system that retains an OSR feel. Topics include a call out to Basic Red Box D&D, Palladium Games, and the goal of striking the balance between minimalism and comprehensive systems.
LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES
diekugames.com
Twitter.com/diekugames
Instagram.com/diekugames