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?
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11/24/2025
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #286 - 9/28/2025
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #285 - 8/29/2025
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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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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).
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #284 - 7/28/2025
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #283 - 5/15/2025
Like what you hear?
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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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #282 - 4/26/2025
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #281 - 11/26/2024
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #280 - 10/23/2024
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #279 - 9/27/2024
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
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.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #278 - 8/14/2024
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/
Shane, Chris Holmes, and Mike Stewart aka DM Mike (Save for Half podcast, Found in the Ruins podcast) shamble relentlessly through over 40 zombie and zombie-ish flicks in their inhuman hunger for horror. Plus a brief detour into the best on-screen Joker and multiple bad zombie jokes. True or false: Marcel Marceau starred in a zombie flick. What is Shane’s most annoying zombie movie? What would you do if you were the last person on Earth and could do whatever you want? Shane offers a rare trigger warning.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #277 - 7/22/2024
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
Found in the Ruins podcast
https://saveforhalf.com/
(FITR releases on the SFH podcast feed)
Found in the Ruins Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1430189954589689
Return of the Ripper for DCC RPG with a cover by Jeff Dee and illustrations by Chris Holmes
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/michaeldavisphd/return-of-the-ripper-a-l1-horror-adventure-for-dcc-rpg
Chris Holmes’s Zombie Movie List
(if an entry is numbered, Chris recommends it. If it’s not numbered, he feels it’s worth discussing but doesn’t “rank” for his top 15)
Shane’s Additional Worth Mentioning List
(for better or for worse)
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/
Preston Poulter of Pocket Jacks Comics joins to talk comic books, the current status of his Comicsgate trademark lawsuit, and his reasons for pursuing it. Plus the economics and challenges of self-publishing comics, some tabletop RPG chat and we learn what a pocket jack is. Shane gets upstaged during the bad joke of the week.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #276 - 4/29/2024
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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
Pocket Jacks Comics
https://www.pocketjackscomics.com/
Preston Poulter Trademarks Comicsgate
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/preston-poulter-trademarks-comicsgate/
Timeline of Comicsgate Trademark Lawsuit: Common Sense Press Inc DBA Pocket Jacks Comics (Poulter) vs Sciver / Malpica
https://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92075375&pty=CAN&eno=42
The Standoff at Sparrow Creek
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5304996/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
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/
Wide-ranging geekout with David Finn of Signal of Doom!! Lots of comic book and MCU chat (like, a lot). Pi Day. Doctor Who, old and new. Google Gemini vs. ChatGPT. Judge Dredd satirizes fascism but can tell multi-layered stories. Godzilla finally wins an Oscar. Godzilla as a metaphor. The essence of the Punisher. It’s been a while, but Shane rants a bit (and David loves it). The Krakoan X-Men scare Shane and David’s ready for the era to move on. Current Beast makes David pine for Dark Beast. Three Jokers?? The 80s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG and real-life urban ninja action. Shane’s defining Han Solo moments. David recommends Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre. A key to being an adult is being able to separate the creator from the creation in terms of enjoying entertainment. What D&D-related incident made a young Shane cry? Shane and David love the old-school CRPGs. The Asanti Series is a continuing series of fantasy books by David.
Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #275 - 3/29/2024
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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
Signal of Doom Podcast
https://signalofdoom.com/
Signal of Doom: Ed Greenwood Interview
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-y7sfp-172b09fa
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness RPG
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_%26_Other_Strangeness
‘Godzilla Minus One’ Makes Franchise History With First Oscars Win
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-minus-one-2024-oscars-win-1235848606/
Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre
https://www.amazon.com/Dreamsnake-Vonda-N-McIntyre/dp/1504067460
Circle of Eight Modding Community - The Temple of Elemental Evil
https://co8.org/community/
The Asanti Series (David’s Books on Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CCVHS1?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_rwt_anx_b_lnk
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/
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
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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
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/
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
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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
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/
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?
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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
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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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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:
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/
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/
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
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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
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/
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
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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
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/
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
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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/
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!
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
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
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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/