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Shane Plays Geek Talk

A journey into the things we love: D&D / RPGs, tabletop games, wargames, video games, comics and comic books, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, fan films, movies, TV, books, sci-fi, fantasy, more! Hosted by a fellow geek that supports and encourages geeks and our fandoms in all of their various splendor! Come along and get your geek on (or maybe even discover you inner geek)!
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Now displaying: Page 1
Mar 1, 2024

Despite what you might think from its famous box art, Greyhawk (the first D&D setting published by TSR) isn’t just knights and chivalry… so what is it then? Major Greyhawk fan Allan T. Grohe Jr. aka “grodog” joins to fill us in on all the setting’s fantastic details! Also: Greyhawk is a setting with plenty of room to homebrew within the established details. Why the name Greyhawk? Some discussion of the Greyhawk novels (Gary Gygax’s and others). The Moathouse vs. the Temple… which is remembered more fondly? Is Greyhawk “real” to Allan? Militant neutrality. Alignment and worldbuilding. Does Lawful Good have to be Lawful Stupid? Discovering The Hobbit.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #274 - 2/29/2024

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Why Greyhawk in 2023? - grodog's Thoughts
https://grodog.blogspot.com/2023/01/why-greyhawk-in-2023.html 

“The Grey in the Hawk” by Nitescreed
https://shaneplays.com/putting-the-grey-in-the-hawk-by-nitescreed-greyhawk/ 

Greyhawk on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyhawk 

Circle of Eight Modding Community - The Temple of Elemental Evil Video Game
https://co8.org/community/ 

OSRIC & The OSR with Allan T. Grohe Jr. – Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 264- 11/30/2022
https://shaneplays.com/osric-osr-rpg-allan-grohe-podcast/


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

Feb 1, 2024

Strat-O-Matic Baseball might be one of the biggest games you’ve never heard of, and three-time champion William “Bill” Meinhardt joins to share his passion for playing it. How long has the game been around, and how many people play it? What’s the one mechanic Bill wishes was in this beloved game? Is there a link between Strat-O-Matic Baseball and Fantasy (Rotisserie) Baseball? Is there a link between Strat-O-Matic and tabletop roleplaying games? At its heart, what is the game of baseball? And for the really hard-hitting question, does Bill do the Chicken Dance??

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #273 - 1/31/2024

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Strat-O-Matic on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strat-O-Matic 

Strat-O-Matic Baseball Review
https://www.boardgamequest.com/strat-o-matic-baseball-review/ 

Strat-O-Matic: Dungeons & Dragons For The Rotisserie Set
https://longislandweekly.com/strat-o-matic-dungeons-dragons-rotisserie-set/ 

Bill Meinhardt: World’s Largest Fantasy RPG Collection! – Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 206 – 12/21/2019
https://shaneplays.com/bill-meinhardt-fantasy-rpg-collection-podcast/ 


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

Dec 29, 2023

Star Fleet Battles is the Star Trek-based wargame that’s been in constant publication since 1979, leading to an expanded range of games and lore known as the Star Fleet Universe. SFB fan, expert, and contributor Bill Barsh of Pacesetter Games and Simulations joins to talk all about it and take us into the final frontier of wargames! Is SFB for wargamers, Trekkies, or both? Which SFB weapons do Shane and Bill most hate to be on the receiving end of? Speed is life. SSDs, phasers, and hellbores, oh my!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #272 - 12/29/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Star Fleet Battles on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fleet_Battles 

Star Fleet Battles at Amarillo Design Bureau
https://www.starfleetgames.com/starfleetbattles.shtml 

Pacesetter Games & Simulations
https://pacesettergames.com/ 


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

Nov 20, 2023

Discover the real Stan Lee (not the public PR persona) and his story in Tom Scioli’s amazing I Am Stan biographical graphic novel. Plus: Simple comic book character design versus convoluted and complicated design. Working for the big comics companies versus being an independent creator. The one time Tom got a taste of the editorial dark side of comics. The indefinable magic of the monthly comic. A comic with a lot of issues doesn’t necessarily make money. The changing fiscal and distribution of the comics industry over time always keeps it the best of times and worst of times. Should the New Gods and the Eternals have been kept separate from the main continuity of their respective publishers? Shane doesn’t buy DC’s reason for Crisis on Infinite Earths (but loves the series). What is Shane’s dream project for Tom? (hint: it’s The Land of the Lost). Make sure to track down Tom’s newest superhero comic Witchman.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #271 - 11/20/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

I Am Stan Graphic Novel
https://www.amazon.com/Am-Stan-Graphic-Biography-Legendary/dp/1984862022  

A Comic Book Creator’s Journey: From 8-Opus to WITCHMAN with Tom Scioli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yrG9B6Gy5g 

Tom Scioli’s Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=44878299  

WITCHMAN: A New Superhero Comic Book
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tomscioli/witchman-a-new-superhero-comic-book  

Zot! Online: "Hearts and Minds"
https://www.scottmccloud.com/1-webcomics/zot/index.html  


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

Oct 23, 2023

All-around groovy geek and author Tracy Wilson (aka James T. Wilson) on his indie horror novel Zombie Bytes, also chatting about cool things like his involvement with the Star Wars costuming association the 501st Legion. The pain and timeline of writing a novel. What is “success”? What’s the real threat of a zombie apocalypse? Thoughts on when it was time to stop watching The Walking Dead. World War Z: the book versus the movie. Shane is currently into On Patrol Live. Shane confesses to a geek heresy as a child. Multiple bad zombie jokes.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #270 - 10/23/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Zombie Bytes Novel
https://www.amazon.com/Zombie-Bytes-Tracy-Wilson-ebook/dp/B01BZKPIH8/  

501st Legion
https://www.501st.com/

Rebel Legion
https://rebellegion.com/ 

Police Pursuits YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@PolicePursuits 

James T. Wilson on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jamestwilson_author_/ 

James T. Wilson on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/198677564898975 


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

Jul 16, 2023

Johnny Havoc (John McDonald) and Newt (Rebekah McDonald) of Simple Tricks & Nonsense join to discuss their incredible cosplay. What does cosplay mean to them? The economics of cosplay, including material and labor. Cosplay includes the challenge of taking something two-dimensional and making it work practically in three dimensions. For people who create cosplay as art, cons are like their art galleries. It’s very OK to ask cosplayers to take a pic with them, truly. What famous movie quote inspired ST&N’s moniker? How big is the Masters of the Universe fandom? Newt has literally lived up to her nickname. We’re hoping Johnny will Gorn it up someday. Cobra-La, yes or no? The Venture Bros. Kids locking themselves in the bathroom when their toys die. The startling connection between Robocop and a trash dumpster. Cartoon villain smack-talk contest.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #269 - 7/16/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Simple Tricks & Nonsense on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/simple.tricks.n.nonsense/

Simple Tricks & Nonsense on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/simple_tricks_n_nonsense/ 

Simple Tricks & Nonsense on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/simpletricksnonsense 


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

May 30, 2023

Author and D&D historian Mike Witwer shares the details on his newest book The Legend of Drizzt Visual Dictionary, which is not only chock full of goodness on everyone’s favorite drow but the Forgotten Realms in general (as Mike puts it, "the Drizzt books are the greatest tour of the Forgotten Realms that the setting has ever gotten"). Mike has several other projects going as well, including a sequel to Art & Arcana focusing on 5E, and a young adult novel featuring a historic game and a town that might seem familiar to D&D fans! Some D&D movie discussion. The importance of documenting D&D and RPG history. Shane poses a tough question to Mike on what magic items he would choose from the Drizzt books. What books would Mike recommend to introduce someone to Drizzt?

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #268 - 5/30/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Drizzt trivia:

  • First novel: The Crystal Shard in 1988
  • 38 books as of August 9, 2022
  • 39th book releasing in August 2023: Lolth's Warrior
  • Over 35 million copies of Drizzt books sold

Drizzt Do'Urden on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drizzt_Do%27Urden

The Legend of Drizzt series on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Drizzt 

Dungeons and Dragons The Legend of Drizzt Visual Dictionary
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Legend-Drizzt-Dictionary/dp/1465497846/ 

Lore & Legends: A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition of the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game
https://www.amazon.com/Lore-Legends-Celebration-Greatest-Roleplaying-ebook/dp/B09WD4HD82 

Vivian Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake
https://www.amazon.com/Vivian-Tassel-Secret-Midnight-Lake/dp/1665918195/

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

May 12, 2023

Chris Holmes has a unique historical perspective on fiction writer John Eric Holmes and Holmes Basic D&D, given that he’s JEH’s son. Chris is doing cool stuff in his own right, including his fantasy art and a day job where he gets to introduce kids to D&D. Chris’s posthumous RPG project with his father called Things Better Left Alone. How much did JEH make for creating the first D&D Basic edition? Chris and Shane have different approaches to playing with alignment. What is Chris’s favorite D&D edition (it’s a trick answer). Edgar Rice Burroughs. Send in the Pinkertons! Tarzan’s super power. Weresharks. Ask Cthulhu. Zombie movies, Rob Zombie, Dragula, and Sherlock Holmes.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #267 - 5/12/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

John Eric Holmes on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eric_Holmes 

Chris Holmes Website:
http://www.holmeswest.com/ 

Things Better Left Alone module from Pacesetter Games based on J. Eric Holmes map from Holmes Basic D&D
https://www.facebook.com/groups/310434204630/posts/10160416579069631/ 
-Chris Holmes contributes art, which Bill Barsh calls “Holmesian”

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

Mar 14, 2023

Hey there, friend! If you're into classic games and fascinating stories, you'll love our latest podcast episode featuring the multi-talented Neal Hallford. Join us as he shares insider details on the renowned Betrayal at Krondor CRPG, and get excited about the game's 30th-anniversary celebrations!

This innovative game was truly ahead of its time, and Neal takes us on a journey to explore the bold choices that made it such a hit. Discover the game element that needed a makeover but ultimately turned out even better!

Did you know that Neal's incredible work on the game led Raymond E. Feist to include it in his iconic Riftwar Saga novel series? Hear about their collaboration and get an insider's perspective on Feist's impressive business acumen.

But wait, there's more! Brace yourself for some juicy behind-the-scenes stories of the BAK sequel drama, complete with corporate antics and a dash of Machiavellian mischief. You won't want to miss it!

Neal also shares his thoughts on his Krondor Remastered project and reveals what he'd do differently if he had the chance to remake the game today. Plus, find out which lessons from his Swords & Circuitry game development textbook still hold true and what he'd update for the modern age.

And if you're a budding filmmaker, get inspired by the Betrayal at Krondor Fan Film Challenge, where even your trusty smartphone can be your ticket to success!

Lastly, uncover a surprising connection between Betrayal at Krondor and the legendary BioWare. Tune in now for an enthralling and engaging conversation that's sure to spark your curiosity!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #266 - 3/14/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Krondor Fan Film Challenge - Opening Day Announcement Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI2YONb2wB8 

Betrayal at Krondor Fan Film Challenge
http://KrondorFFC.com 

Promo Video for Betrayal at Krondor Meetup in Eugene, OR on June 23, 2023
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rb6knnw46a2cc1a/BAK30_Promo.mp4?dl=0 

Facebook Event page for Betrayal at Krondor Meetup in Eugene, OR on June 23, 2023
https://fb.me/e/2x1AXguTD 

Bak Bits
Every Tuesday and Thursday until the meetup in Eugene on June 23rd, Neal is releasing new Bak Bits about the history of Krondor. Follows can find them by the hashtags #BAK30, #KRONDOR30, and #KRONDORFFC

Neal’s Blog
https://www.nealhallford.com/  

Betrayal at Krondor Pack on GOG
https://www.gog.com/en/game/betrayal_at_krondor 

Swords & Circuitry: A Designer's Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games
https://www.amazon.com/Swords-Circuitry-Designers-Role-Playing-Development/dp/0761532994/ 

Betrayal at Krondor Remastered & Lumberyard! – Shane Plays  Ep. 45
https://shaneplays.com/betrayal-at-krondor-remastered-lumberyard-radio-show-podcast-ep-45/
(April 2016)

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

Feb 9, 2023

Zach Glazar (Frog God Games), Bill Barsh (Pacesetter Games) and Levi Combs (Planet X Games) share the personal impact (here’s a hint: "existential threat") and professional impact that Wizards of the Coast’s recent OGL announcements had on them, and where they’re going from here. "Unprofessional" and "ham-fisted" is mentioned a lot by our guests. Third-party publishers have been publishing the strong stuff for 5E in recent years. Was WotC's final decision enough to get things back to what they were with 3rd party TTRPG publishers and creators or is the relationship over? What options are on the table if someone wants to leave WotC and their OGL behind? OGLs versus SRDs. ORCs and Black Flags. Finer points of TTRPG legal warfare. What the heck does irrevocable mean, anyway? Our guests have firm theories on what level in WotC this all came from (and the theories might surprise you). Shane Plays gets a HOT SCOOP from Pacesetter Games.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #265 - 2/9/2023

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition
https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634 

An Update on the Open Game License (OGL) 
Cached version
Frantic backpedaling (and attempted spin) on OGL 1.1
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:_ilAqfJ3Cj8J:https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1423-an-update-on-the-open-game-license-ogl&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us 

Summary of creator and fan response to WotC's OGL 1.1 official statement
"It has become clear that it is no longer possible to achieve all goals" - Wizards of the Coast address Dungeons & Dragons OGL 1.1 backlash
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/it-become-clear-longer-possible-achieve-goals-wizards-coast-address-dungeons-dragons-ogl-1-1-backlash?fbclid=IwAR3SzmtSYacMb-vT6b-aLGgWhATGMUVjfrliszX0ZH6Tn_JbITXgHWL_3bU 

A Working Conversation About the Open Game License (OGL)
Cahed version
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:5dPV6amx320J:https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1428-a-working-conversation-about-the-open-game-license&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us 

D&D maker still wants to revoke earlier versions of "open" gaming license
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/01/dd-maker-still-wants-to-revoke-earlier-versions-of-open-gaming-license/ 

D&D Beyond: OGL 1.0a & Creative Commons
https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1439-ogl-1-0a-creative-commons 
88% do not want to publish TTRPG content under OGL 1.2.
90% would have to change some aspect of their business to accommodate OGL 1.2.
89% are dissatisfied with deauthorizing OGL 1.0a.
86% are dissatisfied with the draft VTT policy.
62% are satisfied with including Systems Reference Document (SRD) content in Creative Commons, and the majority of those who were dissatisfied asked for more SRD content in Creative Commons.

Ryan Dancey -- Hasbro Cannot Deauthorize OGL
https://www.enworld.org/threads/ryan-dancey-hasbro-cannot-deauthorize-ogl.694196/ 

Goodman Games Announces January Is Best Sales Month In Its History
https://goodman-games.com/blog/2023/02/01/goodman-games-announces-january-is-best-sales-month-in-its-history/ 

Paizo Announces System-Neutral Open RPG License - Open RPG Creative License (ORC)
https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6si7v 

Kobold Press's Black Flag Blog Posts (new SRD / open fantasy RPG system project)
https://koboldpress.com/category/black-flag/ 

Kobold Press releases new details for Project Black Flag
https://nichegamer.com/kobold-press-details-project-black-flag/

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

Nov 30, 2022

RPG developer and publisher Allan T. Grohe Jr. (aka "grodog") joins to talk AD&D retroclone OSRIC, the OSR, Black Blade Publishing, John Eric Holmes, and RPG goodness in general. Allan LOVES him some Greyhawk. The skills he learned tracking down early information on Greyhawk helped lead to his main non-RPG career. How active is the current AD&D 1E and/or OSRIC scene? What is Allan’s definition of OSR, and does he feel it’s important? The legal importance of OSRIC to the OSR community. ‘zines are often lauded, but at one time Dragon magazine was a sort of “D&D website” in its day as well. Watching an RPG project happen behind the scenes. Shane offers a mild defense of rules lawyers. “Vanilla” fantasy is not a derogatory term. Cthulhu and Delta Green. Look, just hit Cthulhu with a boat. Shane has figured out Lovecraft’s indescribable color. Thunderdome match: Strongheart versus Warduke.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #264 - 11/30/2022

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

OSRIC: First Edition Fantasy Roleplaying Game
https://osricrpg.com/ 

Black Blade Publishing
https://www.facebook.com/BlackBladePublishing/

THE 1001 TREASURES OF BLACK BLADE PUBLISHING AND GOODMAN GAMES: GARY CON 2018 REPORT, PART II
https://www.blackgate.com/2018/03/13/the-1001-treasures-of-black-blade-publishing-and-goodman-games-gary-con-2018-report-part-ii/ 

Allan at Greyhawk Online
https://greyhawkonline.com/greyhawkwiki/Allan_Grohe

D&D Retroclones List
http://taxidermicowlbear.weebly.com/dd-retroclones.html 

Single Volume Edition of OD&D by Greyharp
https://friendorfoe.com/d/ODD%20Single%20Volume.pdf 

Fight On! Magazine
https://fightonmagazine.com/

Knockspell Magazine
https://grodog.blogspot.com/2017/05/knockspell-magazine-master-index.html

---

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

Oct 18, 2022

Skeeter Green joins to talk RPGs, Skeeter Green Productions, the Independent Publishers Union of small RPG publishers, and his new Kickstarter. The Valley Out of Time is a series of 'zine-sized RPG adventures borrowing heavily from classic dinosaur art, books, and movies (think Frazetta and Harryhausen). Tips and advice for small RPG publishers from Skeeter’s seminar series with Zach Glazar. The chances of making a living working in the RPG industry full-time. Defining success. RPG authors versus developers versus editors versus designers. The correct way to pronounce “bulette” according to Tim Kask. The secret origin of the name Skeeter. Favorite sitcoms of the past. Rob Zombie’s movies. NASA probing asteroids.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #263 - 10/19/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories).

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Kickstarter: The Valley Out of Time for S&W DCC MCC Part 5&6 FINAL! from Skeeter Green Productions
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/science-wizard/the-valley-out-of-time-for-sandw-dcc-mcc-5e-part-5and6-final 

Skeeter Green Productions
https://www.skeetergreenproductions.com/ 

Skeeter Green Productions on DriveThruRPG
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/12902/Skeeter-Green-Productions 

Independent Publishers Union
https://www.hyperborea.tv/ipu.html 

A NASA Spacecraft Is About to Collide With an Asteroid. Watch Live Here | Science Alert
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-nasa-spacecraft-will-collide-with-an-asteroid-on-monday-watch-live-here 

---

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

 

Sep 25, 2022

Joseph Wolf of Reaper Miniatures talks Dungeon Dwellers, Reaper’s old-school style RPG using modern design. Also: some ReaperCon chat. Joseph has some interesting RPG design highlights, including Forgotten Realms, Deadlands, and Blood of Heroes. Love it or hate it, 5E is very successful at what it does. Which Dungeon Dwellers came first, the minis or the RPG? “Tolkien Orcs” versus “Warhammer Orcs.” Super quick hot takes on Rings of Power. Shane freely admits to and doesn’t apologize for being RPG system promiscuous. Innovation in RPG design is groovy, but you don’t have to innovate just to be cool. 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #262 - 9/24/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories).

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Dungeon Dwellers RPG
https://www.reapermini.com/rpg

ReaperCon
https://reapercon.com/ 

Reaper Miniatures
https://www.reapermini.com/ 

Joseph C. Wolf | RPG Designer | RPGGeek
https://rpggeek.com/rpgdesigner/15228/joseph-c-wolf

---

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

 

Sep 9, 2022

Champions superhero RPG co-creator (and HERO Games co-founder) George MacDonald with guest co-host Michael Stewart (Victorious RPG creator; Save For Half and The Crusader podcasts co-host). The origins of Champions from the why, to the playtesting to the launch and beyond. Was the initial reception to Champions disappointing or encouraging? George came out of wargaming and his RPG mechanics reflects that. Did early players prefer to play licensed characters or their own superheroes? Crunchy versus streamlined game mechanics. Estimating the damage between wet and dry avalanches. Why did George decide to do superheroes for his first RPG game genre? The difference in adventure structure between RPG genres (fantasy, cyberpunk, superheroes). Some of the business thinking behind printing a game and creating a company (two different things!). Game distributors dangled the carrot a lot back in the day. The great Hero Games Box Shuffle of the Early Eighties. A speed round of Champions questions for George from Facebook. The pros and cons of wearing a cape. Foxbat’s secret identity REVEALED! What term in sci-fi RPGs has always bugged Shane? A little bit of chat about George’s time in computer games including Pool of Radiance.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #261 - 9/9/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories).

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

George MacDonald (game designer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_MacDonald_(game_designer) 

Save For Half Podcast Episode 17: Champions 1st Edition
https://saveforhalf.com/2019/04/23/episode-17-champions-1st-edition/ 

Matt Chat 490: George MacDonald
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyaIyNDaOZw 

World of Supers RPGs Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605211436420082 

I tried to recreate a comic book using DALL-E and Alan Moore’s script
https://rubikscode.net/2022/08/22/i-tried-to-recreate-a-comic-book-using-dall-e-and-alan-moores-script/ 

---

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

 

Aug 15, 2022

Dafydd Roche of Terrain-Tronics doesn’t just want to make cool terrain, he's helping DMs and GMs bring delight to their players with easy DIY gaming terrain electronics for D&D and other RPGs. Game terrain as part of the storytelling. Theatrical D&D. The no-solder wire wrapping technique is good enough for NASA! Pretty soldering jobs versus ugly soldering jobs. Smart ways to compete with big business as a small business. Shane does his usual thing of getting into the business reality behind the creativity. Terrain-Tronics products are open source. Do horses really go to the glue factory? What chain of events had to happen for many of the inventions and innovations in human history? A minor tangent into casinos, pit bosses, and getting comped.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #260 - 8/15/2022

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Terrain-Tronics website
https://terraintronics.com/ 

Terrain-Tronics on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/TerrainTronics 

Terrain-Tronics on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/terraintronics/ 

“Endor Tree Platform” Lighted Forest Camp Diorama Tutorial - bringing electronics to your build!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOlUe7gGVZM 

Recommended Starter Project - Conwy Castle - Simple 4ch LED Driver
https://www.tindie.com/products/terraintronics/conwy-castle-simple-4ch-led-driver/ 

Tabletop Witchcraft Youtube Channel
*Uses Terrain-Tronics electronics 
https://www.youtube.com/c/TabletopWitchCRAFT 

Nat1 Videos: How to build a BALINS TOMB - BOOK NOOK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cremnK6is4g 

Adobe Medium - VR 3D Modeling Software
https://www.adobe.com/products/medium.html

---

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

 

Jul 17, 2022

Grindhouse cinema with RPG publisher and cinephile Levi Combs. What is Grindhouse, and why is it called that? The market forces that led to the rise of Grindhouse theaters. Gritty movies, violent movies, Foreign movies, exploitation movies, Kung fu movies, BRUCEsploitation movies, more! New York City as a character in movies. Sho'nuff, The Shogun of Harlem can chew scenery on a level with Darth Vader. What’s Levi’s favorite fight scene in any movie, period? Is the first Friday the 13th movie a Grindhouse movie? Plus: The RPG adventures and ‘zines of Planet X Games… hear the call of the Skeleton of the Black Lake and behold the Big Eye Chungus!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #259 - 7/18/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Grindhouse definition from Merriam-Webster:
an often shabby movie theater having continuous showings especially of pornographic or violent films.

Grindhouse on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grindhouse 
According to historian David Church, this theater type was named after the "grind policy", a film-programming strategy dating back to the early 1920s which continuously showed films at cut-rate ticket prices that typically rose over the course of each day.

Grindhouse on Wiktionary:
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/grindhouse 
Perhaps from the grinding or cranking motion employed by early projectionists.
Perhaps from bump and grind (dubious). The term may originally have been used for burlesque houses in the 1940s.

Planet X Games
& The Phylactery ‘zine
https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/collections/planet-x-games 

The 20 Best Grindhouse Movies Ranked | SlashFilm
https://www.slashfilm.com/762166/the-20-best-grindhouse-movies-ranked/ 

Grindhouse Data Base Top 20
https://www.grindhousedatabase.com/index.php/GCDb_Top_20 

Book recommendation
These Fists Break Bricks: How Kung Fu Movies Swept America and Changed the World
https://www.amazon.com/These-Fists-Break-Bricks-America/dp/173689160X 

Troll 2 on Tubi
https://tubitv.com/movies/302737/troll-2 

Best Worst Movie (Documentary about Troll 2) on Tubi
https://tubitv.com/movies/475569/best-worst-movie 

Shane's list of Grindhouse favorites:
Night of the Living Dead
Dawn of the Dead
Death Race 2000
Gator Bait
Honorable Mention:
Zombie (for the zombie vs shark fight!)

Levi’s Favorite Grindhouse Movies:
Evil Dead 2
Troll 2
Samurai Cop
Killer Klowns from Outer Space

---

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

 

Jun 17, 2022

Thrilling fantasy stories of the swashbuckling duo Mongoose and Meerkat with author Jim Breyfogle. Adventure fiction as opposed to “pulp” fiction (and what exactly does “pulp” mean, anyway). Who is Jim’s number one favorite writer from the past? Shane’s dirty little secret when it comes to Robert E. Howard’s fiction. Robert A. Heinlein was both amazing AND sketchy. Fair Witnesses are cool. The Odyssey Writing Workshop. Some love for CIRSOVA magazine and its publisher P. Alexander.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #258 - 6/17/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories).

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Kickstarter for Tales of the Mongoose and Meerkat Vol 2: The Heat of the Chase
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cirsova/tales-of-the-mongoose-and-meerkat-the-heat-of-the-chase 

Tales of the Mongoose and Meerkat, Vol 1: Pursuit Without Asking
https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Mongoose-Meerkat-Vol-Pursuit/dp/194931328X 

Jim Breyfogle’s Website
https://jimbreyfogle.wordpress.com/ 

CIRSOVA Magazine
https://cirsova.wordpress.com/cirsova-magazine/ 

Odyssey Writing Workshops
https://www.odysseyworkshop.org/ 

Appendix N Book Club Podcast
https://appendixnbookclub.com/ 

---

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

 

May 27, 2022
JAQ: Journey Adventure Quest is the new drafting board game with resource management, cool mechanics, challenging monsters, fun lore, and multiple paths to victory. Jesse Stacy, Tommy Noel and Brandon Beam from Triceratops Games join Shane to talk all about it (and demonstrate some actual play)! Also: Why the name Triceratops, wait until you hear about the artist, shout-outs to favorite board games, reminiscing on the early days of Magic: The Gathering, and of course more.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #257 - 5/27/2022

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

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Journey Adventure Quest Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/triceratopsgames/journey-adventure-quest

Triceratops Games
https://triceratopsgames.com/

JAQ at Board Game Geek
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/357778/journey-adventure-quest 

Board game shout-outs:
Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War
Mystic Vale
Wingspan
Ankh
Fantastic Factories
Libertalia 
Lords of Waterdeep
Star Trek Expeditions
Ticket to Ride
Small World
Tokaido 
Lost Cities (2 player)
Jaipur (2 player) 

---

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

May 12, 2022

Comics artist (and self-described art hobo) Brian Shearer has worked on such high-profile properties as Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Doctor Who as well as his own creations Gunship Thunderpunch and William the Last. How did Brian become a professional artist? Tips for creators to build an audience online. What’s the line you have to cross on a late crowdfunding project fulfillment before Shane gets annoyed? Working on G.I. Joe pages while with your wife in the delivery room. SDCC and many other big cons aren’t for comics creators and fans anymore. Transformers toy history, and Bob Budiansky and Jim Shooter’s vital contributions to Transformers lore. Some Classic Who and New Who discussion. Favorite entertainment properties from the 80s. Shane was NOT down with the Ghostbusters cartoon that had an ape. 80s anime and those sweet, sweet Star Blazers twisty laser cannons. Catching episodes of Dragon Ball and Ranma 1/2 in Japanese and trying to make sense of it. What’s that certain unique something that Cowboy Bebop has? Favorite breakfast cereals, cereal toys of yore, and Saturday morning cartoons.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #256 - 5/12/2022

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Brian Shearer’s website
https://brian-shearer.com/

Gunship Thunderpunch Indiegogo On Demand Link
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gunship-thunderpunch-book-2-synthwave-album/x/19012395#/ 

Brian’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianShearer 

William the Last 
https://williamthelast.com  

Bob Budiansky at the Transformers Wiki
https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bob_Budiansky 

50 Greatest Cereal Box Prizes
https://www.mrbreakfast.com/list.asp?id=6

---

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

Apr 15, 2022

RPG designer Bruce Nesmith discusses his career as a TSR veteran (Ravenloft 2E, Gamma World 4E, Dragonlance), Elder Scrolls Skyrim lead designer, and now novelist. Bruce’s first day at TSR was an experience, to say the least. What does he consider his biggest achievement while at TSR? Bruce’s opinion of TSR under Gary Gygax versus Lorraine Williams and what he considers TSR’s “glory days”. What was his job description as lead designer on The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim? Why did Oblivion have a big celebrity but Skyrim didn’t? Bruce was years ahead of the game when it came to his revamp of the Armor Class system for Gamma World 4E. What do you do when you want to play D&D but you don’t have the rules? You invent it, including simulating the d20 with d6s. Writing for games versus writing prose. Bruce’s Loki in his novel Mischief Maker is not the MCU Loki. Shane laments the lack of a werecow in TSR publications.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #255 - 4/15/2022

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Bruce Nesmith on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Nesmith 

Bruce's novel "Mischief Maker"  
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092CJPX2Q/ 

Me And Steve Talk RPGs Episode 75: Bruce Nesmith
https://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/e/75-bruce-nesmith/ 

I’m A Werecow 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqmtQR6MA-0

---

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

Mar 25, 2022

RPG designers John Kennedy (Star Trek Adventures, Stargate 5E) and Sharene "Madfishmonger" Gilchrist (Capers, Vast Kaviya) join to talk their new Staged Heroism RPG: A Comedic RPG of Super-Heroics, Super-Villainy, and Failure at its Best inspired by shows like The Venture Bros. Plus: Designing not to fail forward, but to embrace the fail. The Roger Rabbit style of gameplay. Flashback scenes as a game mechanic. Venomous monarch butterflies. Where did Sharene get her nickname? Cops raiding a Vampire LARP session. The design philosophy behind Star Trek Adventures. John gets a no-prize. Everyone is entirely too amused by the Burger King Kids Club.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #254 - 3/25/2022

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Staged Heroism on Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1582756696/staged-heroism/ 

Nerdburger Games
https://www.nerdburgergames.com/

The Venture Bros.
https://venturebrothers.fandom.com/wiki/The_Venture_Bros.

Changeling: The Dreaming
https://whitewolf.fandom.com/wiki/Changeling:_The_Dreaming 

NFL SuperPro
https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/NFL_Superpro_Vol_1_1 

Burger King Kids Club
https://kidsmeal.fandom.com/wiki/Burger_King_Kids_Club 

---

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

Mar 11, 2022
Comics writer Paul Kupperberg is the very definition of prolific! He has written 1,400 comics over 4 decades, wrote for and was the editor of the Weekly World News, wrote Mad Libs, and is still staying busy writing books and novels. Paul’s credits include the Doom Patrol, Peacemaker, Vigilante, and the first comic book miniseries (1979’s World of Krypton), as well as being the writer who killed Archie (after simultaneously marrying him off to both Betty AND Veronica).
Also: In the real world, superheroes would be NUTS. The willing suspension of disbelief versus the art style. What Archie means to Paul. Target audiences for comic books over different eras. Does Paul prefer the JSA or JLA? Armchair quarterbacking by comics fans.The challenges of continuity in serialized fiction over time (with some insight behind Wonder Woman, Wonder Girl and Wonder Tot). Which classic silver age DC comics issues didn’t have a number on the cover, and why? One positive early benefit of the direct market in the comics industry. What was the first comics miniseries (and why was it a last-minute thing)? What did James Gunn think of Paul’s version of Peacemaker? Which comics character has Paul had the strongest fan feedback to? What does he consider his strongest sustained comics work? What’s the one comics character he would love to return to? More!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #253 - 3/11/2022

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
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Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Paul Kupperberg on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Kupperberg 

Paul Kupperberg: My 13 Favorite Comic Book Stories I’ve Written | 13th Dimension, Comics, Creators, Culture
https://13thdimension.com/paul-kupperberg-my-13-favorite-comic-book-stories-ive-written/ 

Paul’s books on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Kupperberg/e/B004FRSDCG 

Paul Kupperberg’s Website
https://www.paulkupperberg.com/ 

---

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

Feb 4, 2022

Stephen Chenault aka the Troll Lord of Castle & Crusades publisher Troll Lord Game joins to talk about what’s new with C&C and some wise principles he uses to run TLG that have helped them tremendously while other companies have encountered severe disruption during COVID. Plus: Steve has to do daily battle with Skynet for sales. The perfect timing of the emergence of crowdfunding for TTRPG companies. Steve’s honesty when asked if he’s ever considered giving up. Dissecting the current massive popularity of RPGs. What is Steve’s favorite monster, and why is it the Gibbering Mouther? How did Troll Lord Games get its name? Some comic book industry discussion. Tribute to David Middleton aka The Digital Dungeon Master. 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #252 - 2/4/2022

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Troll Lord Games: The Current State of Affairs
https://trolldens.blogspot.com/2021/11/troll-lord-games-current-state-of.html 

Castles & Crusades Players Handbook 7th Printing - Free (Digital Version)
https://www.trolllord.com/tlgstore/#!/Players-Handbook-7th-Pr-FREE-Digital/p/89198209/category=24093125 

Troll Lord Games Continues to Leave a Mark | The Parallax Blog
https://theparallaxview.blog/2022/01/31/troll-lord-games-continues-to-leave-a-mark-ttrpg/ 

DAVID MIDDLETON, The DIGITAL Dungeon Master 1973 - 2021 - "THANK YOU, DAVE!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZqmxrfcUmc

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

Nov 19, 2021

A cool project to make 3D-printable RPG miniatures from Jeshield’s art. Plus! How did he build his RPG stock art business as the main part of his income? What was the RPG that influenced him to become an artist, and what piece of its art impacted him the most? Straight talk on the financials of the RPG art business. Comparing an artist website versus Patreon vs DriveThruRPG. The importance of a rate sheet. Beware the mighty werefrog!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #251 - 11/19/2021

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Uncommon Monstrosities: 3D Printable Miniatures for your Tabletop Gaming Experience
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jeshields/uncommon-monstrosities

Jeshields | Stock Art for the RPG Industry
https://jeshields.com/

Jeshields - RPG Stock Art Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/jeshields

Jeshields on DriveThruRPG
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/7868/Jeshields

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

Nov 9, 2021

Gaming historian Jon Peterson works through the unhappy but fascinating drama of Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, and TSR to bring us the facts of it all regarding the two most important personalities and the most important company in RPG history. The legal battles over royalties and ownership of Dungeons & Dragons and TSR itself. What is a game, legally? The Eggbert Incident and its effect on TSR’s financials. Inflated number reporting and lavish expenditures. Gary Gygax walks into the ambush at Sheridan Springs thinking he has all the bullets. Lorraine Williams’s impact on financials by the numbers. Arneson’s last day at TSR. What discovery surprised Jon during his research? Some Sam Witwer love. More!

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #250 - 11/9/2021

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

Shane Plays Geek Talk is carried on Krypton Radio!
Krypton Radio is SciFi for your Wifi
http://kryptonradio.com/

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

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Wizards-Dungeons-Dragons-Histories/dp/0262542951/

The Ambush at Sheridan Springs: How Gary Gygax Lost Control of Dungeons & Dragons
https://medium.com/@increment/the-ambush-at-sheridan-springs-3a29d07f6836

Game Wizards: TSR Financials
http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2021/09/game-wizards-tsr-financials.html

Game Wizards: TSR Staffing
https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2021/09/game-wizards-tsr-staffing.html

Game Wizards: D&D Development Timeline
https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2021/10/game-wizards-d-development-timeline.html

Trying to Be Kind Podcast (they are working through The Elusive Shift by Jon)
https://tryingtobekind.podbean.com/

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

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