Author Archives: Shane

shane plays podcast title Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025

Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford – Episode 287 – 11/24/2025

shane plays podcast title Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025


Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 – 11/24/2025

Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&M games is, in many ways, an “epic story” that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it’s Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet’s Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer “Farmer”). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The “box of rocks” approach to writing for games. Neal’s new Planet’s Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision / small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What’s the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG?

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book by Neal Hallford
https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Might-Magic-Anniversary-Retrospective/dp/150675130X

Neal Hallford on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Hallford

Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford – Episode 266 – 3/14/2023
https://shaneplays.com/betrayal-at-krondor-crpg-30th-anniversary-neal-hallford-fan-film-challenge-podcast/

Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh – Episode 272 – 12/29/2023
https://shaneplays.com/star-fleet-battles-with-bill-barsh-podcast/

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke - Episode 286 - 9/28/2025 shane plays podcast title

The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke – Episode 286 – 9/28/2025

The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke - Episode 286 - 9/28/2025 shane plays podcast title


Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #286 – 9/28/2025

The Quatermass Experiment, the highly influential series considered the “birth of TV Sci-Fi”, with Toby Hadoke (Quatermass Experiment megafan, Doctor Who megafan, special features do-er, author, and standup comedian… he just sits around and twiddles his thumbs, does Toby). Toby’s written the definitive book on the first Quatermass Experiment serial! Some Doctor Who discussion. “Behind the sofa.” The sneaky plan Toby used to name his dog. Nigel Neale (Quatermass writer) has influenced such directors as John Carpenter, Joe Dante, and Dan O’Bannon. Which Quatermass Experiment serial does Toby recommend starting with? Different motivations for British and American TV in decades past. Toby says Nigel Neale’s The Road has the best ending of anything, ever. What are the chances of more Quatermass in the future? A nice tangent into John Carpenter’s The Thing. A few last-minute Doctor Who tangents (including one about the Doctor going into his own brain). Pronunciation differences between the British and Americans (how the heck do you say Omega, anyway?). Toby actually likes one of the Bad Jokes of the Week.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Toby Hadoke on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/TobyHadoke

Toby Hadoke on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TobyHadoke

Toby’s Website
https://tobyhadoke.com/

Toby’s Book! The Quatermass Experiment: The Making of TV’s First Sci-Fi Classic
https://tenacrefilms.bigcartel.com/product/the-quatermass-experiment-the-making-of-tv-s-first-sci-fi-classic

The Quatermass Experiment on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Quatermass_Experiment

Nigel Neale on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Kneale

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

Vampire Movies - Episode 285 shane plays podcast title 8-29-2025

Vampire Movies – Episode 285 – 8/29/2025

Vampire Movies - Episode 285 - 8/29/2025 - Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode Image


Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #285 – 8/29/2025

Sink your teeth into a slew of vampire movies from 1922 through 2025 that may or may not suck with returning movie lovers Chris Holmes and Michael Stewart (Save for Half podcast, Found in the Ruins podcast), plus we chew a bit on Stoker’s Dracula novel. From England to Transylvania to Germany to Italy to Spain to Japan and beyond… those bloodsuckers are everywhere!! Which vampire flicks made us their thrall? One flick’s surprise armadillo never fails to amuse Shane. Chris objects to amazingly cool armor in Dracula movies. What astoundingly fantastic Funko Pop does Shane own?? A surprising clash of opinions on The Lost Boys and Near Dark. We have crossed oceans of time just to bring you this episode.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Holmes Basic D&D, John Eric Holmes & Edgar Rice Burroughs with Chris Holmes – Episode 267 – 5/12/2023
https://shaneplays.com/holmes-basic-dnd-john-eric-holmes-edgar-rice-burroughs-with-chris-holmes-podcast/

Zombie Movies with Chris Holmes and Mike Stewart – Episode 277 – 7/22/2024
https://shaneplays.com/zombie-movies-with-chris-holmes-mike-stewart-podcast/

Surreal Cinema with Clements & Holmes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcpVM55HQA

Vampire Movies Discussed in this Episode:
Nosferatu (1922)
Dracula (1931)
Dracula’s Daughter
El Vampiro
Horror of Dracula
Dracula, Prince of Darkness
The Vampire and the Ballerina
The Vampire Doll
Count Dracula (1970)
Count Yorga, Vampire
House of Dark Shadows
Blacula
The Night Stalker
Captain Kronos-Vampire Hunter
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1974)
Blood for Dracula
Night of the Walking Dead
Dracula (1979)
Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)
Salem’s Lot (1979)
The Hunger
Fright Night (1985)
The Lost Boys
Near Dark
Buffy the Vampire Slayer *Briefly mentioned
Buffy TV series * Briefly mentioned
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Interview with the Vampire
Blade
Blade 2
Shadow of the Vampire
Thirty Days of Night
Let the Right One In
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Boys From County Hell
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Nosferatu (2024)
Sinners

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025 shane plays podcast title

TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter – Episode 284 – 7/28/2025

TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025 shane plays podcast title

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #284 – 7/28/2025

TSR and Wizards of the Coast veteran Steve Winter (Steve achieved one of the longest tenures across both companies). Steve plays guitar. Steve likes Shadowdark RPG, and is also interested in Knave, Savage Worlds, and Cthulhu / horror games. Steve has a definite favorite version of D&D (he finds it elegant and intuitive). Deep character backstory doesn’t equal plot armor. Sometimes we get too used to magic in games and think of it as technology… magic should be a bit fearsome and untame. Noteworthy moments of going insane in a Cthulhu game. Skyrim and Baldur’s Gate 3 discussion. Steve co-wrote the scenario for the Gold Box Pool of Radiance game. Some words about Jim Ward. Early versus later days at TSR. The job that was Steve’s best year at TSR. How was the work divided at TSR? Steve offers some perspective on Lorraine Williams’s leadership, given that he was right there. What was it like to be at TSR and watch Magic: The Gathering explode onto the scene? Steve worked on Spellfire, TSR’s response to MtG. What was it like transitioning from TSR to WotC? Star Frontiers: how it went from hard sci-fi to “D&D in space” and how employees’ desire for royalties led to its creation (and ultimately to the departure of Lawrence Schick from TSR). Marvel Super Heroes RPG discussion (MSH is HUGE for Shane personally).

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Steve Winter’s Wikipedia Entry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Winter

Steve Winter’s Board Game Geek Entry
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/562/steve-winter

Howling Tower (Steve’s Blog)
https://koboldpress.com/category/howling-tower/

Shadowdark RPG
https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark?srsltid=AfmBOopWlsfgC-WPHShVkD1E9lDfbJKyN5umULKokrH6cbo8tdn-f2QL

Knave RPG
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/484910/knave-second-edition

 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

shane plays podcast title 5-15-2025 Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast - Episode 283 - 5/15/2025

Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast – Episode 283 – 5/15/2025

shane plays podcast title 5-15-2025 Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast - Episode 283 - 5/15/2025

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #283 – 5/15/2025

A RAD-SATURATED BONUS EPISODE! The Cold War gone hot! “Bam” Shane joins “Doc” Benny and “Boom” Mike on the Found in the Ruins podcast to execute maneuvers on the Twilight: 2000 RPG and reconnoiter other groovy post-apocalyptic stuff like PA books and movies. This is episode 9 of Found in the Ruins. Thanks to the FitR hosts for the invite! We had fun and soaked up some mad rads.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Found in the Ruins episode 9: Twilight 2000 with Shane
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-5iepq-2505c7ed

Found in the Ruins Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1430189954589689

Save For Half Podcast / Found in the Ruins Podcast
https://saveforhalf.com/

 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2023 shane plays podcast title 4-26-2025

Comic Books, “New” Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs – Episode 282 – 4/26/2025

Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2023 shane plays podcast title 4-26-2025

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #282 – 4/26/2025

Shane waxes eloquent (ok, he might rant mildly) on several aspects of the mainstream comic book industry including the direct market business model, variant covers, multiple characters with the same name, and constant status quo changes (plus the overuse of the word “iconic” these days, which isn’t comics-related but Shane kvetches about it anyway). A mini-review and comparison of DC’s Absolute Universe and Marvel’s Ultimate Universe (which one does Shane like best). Doctor Who has been back on the air for 20 years! A sincere shout-out to Toby Hadoke. An ailing Doctor Who super fan, lost episodes of Who, and the use of AI. D&D 2024: is it a new edition or not? (and no one seems to really be talking about D&D 2024 to be honest). The tariff war’s effect on game publishers and vague predictions and hopes for the future. A tribute to friend of the show Tony Dutra, now sadly gone.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

DC’s Absolute Universe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Universe

Marvel’s Ultimate Universe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Universe

Toby Hadoke Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/TobyHadoke

Ailing ‘Doctor Who’ superfan spends fortune to recreate 97 lost episodes to see ‘complete’ series before he dies
https://nypost.com/2025/04/13/entertainment/ailing-doctor-who-superfan-spends-fortune-to-recreate-97-lost-episodes-to-see-complete-series-before-he-dies/

DnD 5e to 2024 DnD Transition Guide and Change Log: Everything That’s Different in the New 2024 Player’s Handbook
https://rpgbot.net/dnd-2024-5e-transition-guide-and-change-log-everything-thats-different-in-the-new-players-handbook/

Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to Leave Dungeons & Dragons’ Design Team
https://screenrant.com/jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins-leaving-dnd-interview/

Tariffs affecting games
https://www.catalystgamelabs.com/news/tariffs-rolling-against-american-game-publishers

What Game Publishers Are Saying About The Tariffs
https://www.enworld.org/threads/what-game-publishers-are-saying-about-the-tariffs.712717/

How Will The New Tariffs Affect TTRPG Prices?
https://www.enworld.org/threads/how-will-the-new-tariffs-affect-ttrpg-prices.712698/

Do Tariffs Apply To RPG Books? Maybe, Maybe Not!
https://www.enworld.org/threads/do-tariffs-apply-to-rpg-books-maybe-maybe-not.712908/

Wizards of the Coast Says That China Tariffs Will Have Minimal Impact on D&D
https://www.enworld.org/threads/wizards-of-the-coast-says-that-china-tariffs-will-have-minimal-impact-on-d-d.713072/

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 252: The Wit and Wisdom of Troll Lord Games
https://shaneplays.com/wit-and-wisdom-of-troll-lord-games-castles-and-crusades-rpg/

Tony Dutra: GURPS! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 40
https://shaneplays.com/gurps-radio-show-podcast-ep-40/

Tony Dutra: Game Master / Dungeon Master Tips & Panel Discussion! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 70
https://shaneplays.com/game-master-dungeon-master-tips-panel-discussion-radio-show-podcast-ep-70/

Tony Dutra: RPG News Blast! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 105
https://shaneplays.com/rpg-news-blast-radio-show-podcast-ep-105/

Tony Dutra: How To Create A GURPS Character
https://shaneplays.com/how-to-create-a-gurps-character/

Tony Dutra: How To Play GURPS
https://shaneplays.com/how-to-play-gurps-rpg-tutorial/

 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams - Episode 281 - 11/26/2024 shane plays podcast title 11-26-2024

Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams – Episode 281 – 11/26/2024

Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams - Episode 281 - 11/26/2024 shane plays podcast title 11-26-2024

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #281 – 11/26/2024

Game developers Hannah and Joseph Williams join to chat about their new “Dark Crystal”-like CRPG Banquet For Fools. Shane jokingly laments a missing element from the game, but Joseph promises they won’t duck out from putting it in. Now that ten years have passed, how do they feel Serpent in the Staglands performed? Thoughts on Mechajammer (previously Copper Dreams) and the hopes versus the reality. The pros, cons and pitfalls of Early Access. Shane gets recruited as a voice actor. A tangent into severe weather and the importance of escapism.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Banquet for Fools on Steam
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172700/Banquet_for_Fools/

Hannah and Joseph Games Website
https://banquetforfools.com/

The Dark Crystal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal

A Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula K. Le Guin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wizard_of_Earthsea

Chicago by Carl Sandburg
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/12840/chicago

 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

Star Trek Video Games With Mat Bradley-Tschirgi – Episode 280 – 10/23/2024

Star Trek Video Games With Mat Bradley-Tschirgi - Episode 280 - 10/23/2024 podcast title


Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #280 – 10/23/2024

Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier with author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi. There are a LOT of Star Trek video games and Mat had some hard decisions and set boundaries on what games to cover in his book (by the way, a “notable” game doesn’t necessarily mean a good game). What is Mat’s favorite and least favorite Star Trek game? Star Trek has one of the saddest stories of vaporware in PC gaming. Mat had an unusual entry into Star Trek fandom, but it still grabbed him. What are Shane and Mat’s thoughts on some of the more recent Star Trek TV shows? What is one redeeming aspect of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier? Podcasting takes a lot of work and time.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

SHOW NOTES

Mat Bradley-Tschirgi’s Books on Amazon
http://matwbt.com

Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier
https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Video-Games-Unofficial/dp/1399050729

Star Trek Games list on Trekcore
https://gaming.trekcore.com/plat_list.html

Star Trek Games list on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek_games

Star Trek: Secret of Vulcan Fury trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDAFVYKyJVI

Matt Chat (Matt Barton’s interview channel)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE98xefVUXmbvQfe-wNS8oA

Sequelcast 2 Podcast
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sequelcast2

 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

shane plays podcast title 9-27-2024 RPG & Gaming Scholar Jon Peterson - Episode 279 - 9/27/2024

RPG & Gaming Scholar Jon Peterson – Episode 279 – 9/27/2024

shane plays podcast title 9-27-2024 RPG & Gaming Scholar Jon Peterson - Episode 279 - 9/27/2024
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #279 – 9/27/2024

RPG and tabletop gaming historian Jon Peterson returns for a fantastic conversation on D&D and RPG history, and his related current books and projects. A new edition of Playing at the World and Dungeons & Dragons – the Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977 are on the shelves. D&D 4E has its hardcore fans. Jon has a seriously impressive collection of documents related to RPG history. Jon’s first on-screen RPG game, ever. Does the role of the Caller in D&D get an unfair reputation (and what exactly does the Caller do)? DNA from non-RPGs like Outdoor Survival made it into early D&D. Be careful of the question “what is a role-playing game”, the debate can sideswipe an entire conversation. Plus much more.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

Direct MP3 Download Link:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/shaneplays/shane_plays_9-27-2024_episode_279_rpg_and_gaming_historian_jon_peterson_playing_at_the_world_second_edition.mp3

Listen Here via Embed:

SHOW NOTES

Previous Shane Plays Geek Talk episode with Jon: D&D History – Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons with Jon Peterson – Episode 250 – 11-9-2021
https://shaneplays.com/dnd-history-game-wizards-the-epic-battle-for-dungeons-and-dragons-jon-peterson/

Playing at the World, 2E, Volume 1: The Invention of Dungeons & Dragons (Game Histories)
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-World-2E-Invention-Histories/dp/0262548771/

Playing at the World, 2E, Volume 2: Three Pillars of Role-Playing Games (Game Histories)
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-World-2E-Invention-Histories/dp/0262548771/

Dungeons & Dragons – the Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Making-Original-1970-1977/dp/0786969857

Celebrating 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons – Week #1 – OD&D with Jon Peterson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIzisBYQkyw

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

 

RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024 shane plays podcast title 8-14-2024

RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen – Episode 278 – 8/14/2024

RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024 shane plays podcast title 8-14-2024
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #278 – 8/22/2024

Merle M. Rasmussen, the man in the tux himself, joins to talk about the Top Secret RPG and his game design career. What was his first (mistaken) understanding of what D&D was? Memories of working at TSR. A no-nonsense discussion about the financials of his agreement with TSR for Top Secret. Financial lessons he has learned in his career. The perils of lead poisoning in making miniatures (and accidental improvised bombs). Jon Peterson’s Quagmire! D&D module article and Merle’s involvement in making it happen. Top Secret set multiple RPG precedents. What existing RPG was used for Top Secret’s firearms rules? The FBI visited TSR because of Top Secret’s playtest. You’re not just paranoid, the HackNoia RPG is coming. I Choose To RISE, Merle’s card game that helps teach about Black heroes. Merle’s wife Jackie has often been his writing partner and sounding board. Moments of fan feedback Merle has had that will get you right in the feels (including, I kid you not, being asked to bless a gamer’s ashes). Bad James Bond jokes.

Listen to the Shane Plays podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean and Stitcher (plus other fine podcast directories).

Direct MP3 Download Link:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/shaneplays/shane_plays_8-14-2024_episode_278_rpg_designer_merle_rasmussen_top_secret.mp3

Listen Here via Embed:

SHOW NOTES

Merle M. Rasmussen on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merle_M._Rasmussen

Merle M. Rasmussen on RPG Geek
https://rpggeek.com/rpgdesigner/3875/merle-m-rasmussen

Top Secret RPG on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Secret_(role-playing_game)

Quagmire! The Making of a 1980s D&D Module by Jon Peterson
https://medium.com/@increment/quagmire-the-making-of-a-1980s-d-d-module-c30e788ea5f2

Sqwurm Card Game
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12328/sqwurm

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
https://www.ppgjli.org/

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane’s book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
Order on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


patreon logo in fieldLike what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Hey, YOU! Yeah, YOU! 😀😀 You can buy cool stuff and support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!

Humble Bundle Affiliate Partner Logo
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays

 
drivethrurpg affiliate small logo in boxDriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512