The End of Crowdfunding
The Covenant Cast
In the early days of crowdfunding, we were very hesitant to consider games that used the platform. Crowdfunding was seen as a negative. Somewhere along the way we entered an era where crowdfunding every game, or even every set, is seen as the standard. We wonder aloud how we got here and what the future holds. 00:07:12 Preview Pack 2026 Update 00:08:30 Sorcery TCG News 00:10:18 "What is Fulfilled?" 00:15:50 Covenant News 00:22:10 Earthborne Games News 00:26:37 Main Topic: The End of Crowdfunding
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How the LCG Succeeds
The Covenant Cast
In this episode, we revisit the topic of LCG viability. Are there ways, tested or untested, that an LCG can prosper as a long-running game and also on the balance sheet of the local game store? After a week of reflection and so many good comments across the internet, there may indeed be some light at the end of the tunnel. We'll try to find it with you. 00:03:39 Announcing the Preview Pack 2026 00:11:25 Gudnak News 00:16:39 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News 00:17:01 Flesh and Blood TCG News 00:19:18 Covenant News 00:22:00 "Are you interested in Onward by Skytear Games?" 00:23:10 Main Topic:...
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There is No "LCG Model"
The Covenant Cast
Gudnak has pulled off the pipe dream of LCG fans everywhere by creating a functional limited experience. Hubworld announced that every set will be also be a draftable cube. Arkham Horror continues to tweak how it's products are delivered. None of these games are taking a similar path, but we have to wonder, will any of these paths finally create an offering that is as appealing to the game store as it is to the players? 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:46 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News 00:10:45 Alpha Clash TCG News 00:15:16 Sorcery TCG News 00:17:27 "I Can't Stand It!" Steven Opens Up About Tutors...
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The Perfect Organized Play
The Covenant Cast
Sorcery TCG has announced its Cornerstone events emphasizing Creativity, Mastery, and Wonder. Alpha Clash has gone international, announcing an even more open tournament scene in locations from Vegas to Dubai to the Philippines. FAB continues to deliver ever more on it's promise of high-level face-to-face competition. With all of this swirling in the wind, we ask ourselves, what does the perfect organized play experience look like? 00:03:09 Covenant News 00:12:56 Earthborne Games, Hubworld: Aidalon News 00:24:35 Arkham Horror: The Card Game News 00:26:48 Sorcery TCG News 00:35:01 Alpha Clash...
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The Mirage of the Crowdfunded TCG
The Covenant Cast
First Sorcery TCG, then Altered TCG, and now Cyberpunk 2027 TCG. These games continue to break crowdfunding records, but what does that mean for the actual health of the game? Zach and Steven sit down for an all new podcast format where we talk about all things indie card games.
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Erik Olofsson - Sorcery TCG | Gothic Reflections and Future
The Covenant Cast
At the end of our 12-hour Gothic release stream, we got to chat with Erik Olofsson—founder of Erik's Curiosa and co-founder of Grinding Gear Games—about Sorery's new Gothic set and the future of the game. That content was over the archive limit for YouTube live, so we're releasing it here in its totality. Enjoy!
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227: Andrew Navaro - From Fantasy Flight Games to Earthborne Games
The Covenant Cast
"I think as long as you're following your heart, your life will take you wherever you're intended to go." Andrew Navaro, Former Head of Studio at FFG and current Head of Studio at Earthborne Games, sits down with us to talk about his journey so far. Join us as we discuss Netrunner, Asmodee, Earthborne Rangers, Hubworld: Aidalon and the many, many things in between. It's an inspirational interview with a truly inspirational person.
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226: When Comic Books are the Answer - Alpha Clash
The Covenant Cast
Ridge Kiley, co-founder of Rising Empire Studios, sits down with Zach to discuss their recently announced Alpha Clash comic book series and how the comics allow for a top-down design approach that will completely reshape the Alpha Clash trading card game. Find out more: Get the comics here:
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225: Alpha Clash Blazes New Path For Indie Card Games
The Covenant Cast
Garett Kiley, co-founder of Rising Empire Studios, sits down with Zach to discuss their recent move away from traditional distribution and into direct LGS relationships via their Champion Store program. This is the most honest accounting of what it's actually like working with traditional distributors as an indie publisher, and a must-listen for publishers and players of these games.
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224: Gudnak - In Pursuit of the Third Way
The Covenant Cast
Tim O'Brien, co-designer of Gudnak, sits down with Zach for a far-reaching discussion that offers a behind-the-scenes look into Chaotic Great's journey as a new indie card game publisher. At the heart of the discussion is the inevitable question for this new round of "LCGs" - what has to change for this format to truly succeed? Check out the second Gudnak Kickstarter campaign to see potential answers to that question:
info_outlineZach has been taken in by the upcoming Lord of the Rings "Universes Beyond" set of Magic: The Gathering. So much so that he's now learning everything about what to buy, where to buy it, and where to play it.
Join us for a conversation about how it has been going, and what things are like for a brand new player - even one quite experienced with TCGs.