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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John M. Ford with Victor Raymond - Episode 289 - 3/30/2026
03/30/2026
John M. Ford with Victor Raymond - Episode 289 - 3/30/2026
The one and only, amazing, science fiction and fantasy writer, game designer, and poet, John M. Ford (aka “Mike”) with Dr. Victor Raymond. A very quick Tékumel update. John M. Ford won a prestigious award for a Christmas card. In addition to his novel writing, he also wrote for RPGs, including Traveller, GURPS, Star Trek, Paranoia, and Ghostbusters. Paranoia is a joyful HOOT. John M. Ford’s take on Klingons (including linguistics) is excellent and sublime, and it’s a shame it’s not Star Trek canon. “Realistic” space combat in science fiction. Reading a John M. Ford novel is a very rewarding exercise in inference. Recommendations on where to start in his bibliography. A brief digression into Harlan Ellison. Sweet memories of Mike (and Darklands, too). Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #289 - 3/30/2026 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES John M. Ford on Wikipedia The Disappearance of John M. Ford by Isaac Butler Bibliography: John M. Ford on the Internet Speculative Fiction Database Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Ken St. Andre Part 1 - Episode 288 - 3/8/2026
03/08/2026
Ken St. Andre Part 1 - Episode 288 - 3/8/2026
Historic RPG designer Ken St. Andre (Tunnels & Trolls, Starfaring, Monsters! Monsters!, Stormbringer, more) joins for this episode. The game that shall not be named. Is it wise to go into dungeons as an adventurer, or do you just need luck? The practicality of six-siders versus Platonic solids. The most powerful buttons in the universe. Who’s tougher, the Romulans or the Klingons? Marbles were the collectible card game of their day. Diplomacy variants. Gary Gygax’s first introduction to Tunnels & Trolls. Dave Arneson’s contribution to Flying Buffalo Games. Ken’s impressions of Dave. Ken’s opinion on whether OD&D was an actual RPG. Ken told TSR’s lawyers, and I quote, “go piss up a rope.” Ken’s advice to game designers. Clever solutions in dealing with a Balrog. What is “stunting” in an RPG? Tunnels & Trolls on the MetaArcade app. Ken and Shane’s predictions about AI’s effect on the RPG industry. Mata Hari. Ken was a pioneer in solo RPG adventures (which Shane feels is important). What game of Ken’s does he think is better than Tunnels & Trolls? Some Elric discussion. The secret brotherhood of librarians (or lack thereof). A brief diversion into chicken psychology. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #288 - 3/8/2026 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Ken St. Andre on Wikipedia Trollgodfather Press (Ken’s Publishing Company) Tunnels & Trolls Starfaring Monsters! Monsters! ! Stormbringer RPG Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025
Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&M games is, in many ways, an “epic story” that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it’s Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet’s Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer “Farmer”). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The “box of rocks” approach to writing for games. Neal’s new Planet’s Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision / small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What’s the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG? Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11/24/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book by Neal Hallford Neal Hallford on Wikipedia Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford – Episode 266 – 3/14/2023 Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh – Episode 272 – 12/29/2023 Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke - Episode 286 - 9/28/2025
09/28/2025
The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke - Episode 286 - 9/28/2025
The Quatermass Experiment, the highly influential series considered the “birth of TV Sci-Fi”, with Toby Hadoke (Quatermass Experiment megafan, Doctor Who megafan, special features do-er, author, and standup comedian… he just sits around and twiddles his thumbs, does Toby). Toby’s written the definitive book on the first Quatermass Experiment serial! Some Doctor Who discussion. “Behind the sofa.” The sneaky plan Toby used to name his dog. Nigel Neale (Quatermass writer) has influenced such directors as John Carpenter, Joe Dante, and Dan O’Bannon. Which Quatermass Experiment serial does Toby recommend starting with? Different motivations for British and American TV in decades past. Toby says Nigel Neale’s The Road has the best ending of anything, ever. What are the chances of more Quatermass in the future? A nice tangent into John Carpenter’s The Thing. A few last-minute Doctor Who tangents (including one about the Doctor going into his own brain). Pronunciation differences between the British and Americans (how the heck do you say Omega, anyway?). Toby actually likes one of the Bad Jokes of the Week. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #286 - 9/28/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Toby Hadoke on Patreon Toby Hadoke on YouTube: Toby’s Website https://tobyhadoke.com/ Toby’s Book! The Quatermass Experiment: The Making of TV's First Sci-Fi Classic The Quatermass Experiment on Wikipedia Nigel Neale on Wikipedia Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Vampire Movies - Episode 285 - 8/29/2025
08/29/2025
Vampire Movies - Episode 285 - 8/29/2025
Sink your teeth into a slew of vampire movies from 1922 through 2025 that may or may not suck with returning movie lovers Chris Holmes and Michael Stewart (Save for Half podcast, Found in the Ruins podcast), plus we chew a bit on Stoker’s Dracula novel. From England to Transylvania to Germany to Italy to Spain to Japan and beyond… those bloodsuckers are everywhere!! Which vampire flicks made us their thrall? One flick’s surprise armadillo never fails to amuse Shane. Chris objects to amazingly cool armor in Dracula movies. What astoundingly fantastic Funko Pop does Shane own?? A surprising clash of opinions on The Lost Boys and Near Dark. We have crossed oceans of time just to bring you this episode. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #285 - 8/29/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Holmes Basic D&D, John Eric Holmes & Edgar Rice Burroughs with Chris Holmes – Episode 267 – 5/12/2023 Zombie Movies with Chris Holmes and Mike Stewart – Episode 277 – 7/22/2024 Surreal Cinema with Clements & Holmes 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
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TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025
07/28/2025
TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025
TSR and Wizards of the Coast veteran Steve Winter (Steve achieved one of the longest tenures across both companies). Steve plays guitar. Steve likes Shadowdark RPG, and is also interested in Knave, Savage Worlds, and Cthulhu / horror games. Steve has a definite favorite version of D&D (he finds it elegant and intuitive). Deep character backstory doesn’t equal plot armor. Sometimes we get too used to magic in games and think of it as technology… magic should be a bit fearsome and untame. Noteworthy moments of going insane in a Cthulhu game. Skyrim and Baldur’s Gate 3 discussion. Steve co-wrote the scenario for the Gold Box Pool of Radiance game. Some words about Jim Ward. Early versus later days at TSR. The job that was Steve’s best year at TSR. How was the work divided at TSR? Steve offers some perspective on Lorraine Williams’s leadership, given that he was right there. What was it like to be at TSR and watch Magic: The Gathering explode onto the scene? Steve worked on Spellfire, TSR’s response to MtG. What was it like transitioning from TSR to WotC? Star Frontiers: how it went from hard sci-fi to “D&D in space” and how employees’ desire for royalties led to its creation (and ultimately to the departure of Lawrence Schick from TSR). Marvel Super Heroes RPG discussion (MSH is HUGE for Shane personally). Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #284 - 7/28/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Steve Winter’s Wikipedia Entry Steve Winter’s Board Game Geek Entry Howling Tower (Steve’s Blog) Shadowdark RPG Knave RPG Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast - Episode 283 - 5/15/2025
05/15/2025
Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast - Episode 283 - 5/15/2025
A RAD-SATURATED BONUS EPISODE! The Cold War gone hot! “Bam” Shane joins “Doc” Benny and “Boom” Mike on the Found in the Ruins podcast to execute maneuvers on the Twilight: 2000 RPG and reconnoiter other groovy post-apocalyptic stuff like PA books and movies. This is episode 9 of Found in the Ruins. Thanks to the FitR hosts for the invite! We had fun and soaked up some mad rads. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #283 - 5/15/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Found in the Ruins episode 9: Twilight 2000 with Shane Found in the Ruins Facebook Group Save For Half Podcast / Found in the Ruins Podcast Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2025
04/26/2025
Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2025
Shane waxes eloquent (ok, he might rant mildly) on several aspects of the mainstream comic book industry including the direct market business model, variant covers, multiple characters with the same name, and constant status quo changes (plus the overuse of the word “iconic” these days, which isn’t comics-related but Shane kvetches about it anyway). A mini-review and comparison of DC’s Absolute Universe and Marvel’s Ultimate Universe (which one does Shane like best). Doctor Who has been back on the air for 20 years! A sincere shout-out to Toby Hadoke. An ailing Doctor Who super fan, lost episodes of Who, and the use of AI. D&D 2024: is it a new edition or not? (and no one seems to really be talking about D&D 2024 to be honest). The tariff war’s effect on game publishers and vague predictions and hopes for the future. A tribute to friend of the show Tony Dutra, now sadly gone. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #282 - 4/26/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES DC’s Absolute Universe Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Toby Hadoke Patreon 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 Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to Leave Dungeons & Dragons' Design Team Tariffs affecting games What Game Publishers Are Saying About The Tariffs How Will The New Tariffs Affect TTRPG Prices? Do Tariffs Apply To RPG Books? Maybe, Maybe Not! Wizards of the Coast Says That China Tariffs Will Have Minimal Impact on D&D Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 252: The Wit and Wisdom of Troll Lord Games Tony Dutra: GURPS! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 40 Tony Dutra: Game Master / Dungeon Master Tips & Panel Discussion! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 70 Tony Dutra: RPG News Blast! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 105 Tony Dutra: How To Create A GURPS Character Tony Dutra: How To Play GURPS Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams - Episode 281 - 11/26/2024
11/26/2024
Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams - Episode 281 - 11/26/2024
Game developers Hannah and Joseph Williams join to chat about their new “Dark Crystal”-like CRPG Banquet For Fools. Shane jokingly laments a missing element from the game, but Joseph promises they won’t duck out from putting it in. Now that ten years have passed, how do they feel Serpent in the Staglands performed? Thoughts on Mechajammer (previously Copper Dreams) and the hopes versus the reality. The pros, cons and pitfalls of Early Access. Shane gets recruited as a voice actor. A tangent into severe weather and the importance of escapism. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #281 - 11/26/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Banquet for Fools on Steam Hannah and Joseph Games Website The Dark Crystal A Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula K. Le Guin Chicago by Carl Sandburg Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Star Trek Video Games With Mat Bradley-Tschirgi - Episode 280 - 10/23/2024
10/23/2024
Star Trek Video Games With Mat Bradley-Tschirgi - Episode 280 - 10/23/2024
Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier with author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi. There are a LOT of Star Trek video games and Mat had some hard decisions and set boundaries on what games to cover in his book (by the way, a “notable” game doesn’t necessarily mean a good game). What is Mat’s favorite and least favorite Star Trek game? Star Trek has one of the saddest stories of vaporware in PC gaming. Mat had an unusual entry into Star Trek fandom, but it still grabbed him. What are Shane and Mat’s thoughts on some of the more recent Star Trek TV shows? What is one redeeming aspect of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier? Podcasting takes a lot of work and time. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #280 - 10/23/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Mat Bradley-Tschirgi’s Books on Amazon Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier Star Trek Games list on Trekcore Star Trek Games list on Wikipedia Star Trek: Secret of Vulcan Fury trailer Matt Chat (Matt Barton’s interview channel) Sequelcast 2 Podcast Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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RPG & Gaming Scholar Jon Peterson - Episode 279 - 9/27/2024
09/27/2024
RPG & Gaming Scholar Jon Peterson - Episode 279 - 9/27/2024
RPG and tabletop gaming historian Jon Peterson returns for a fantastic conversation on D&D and RPG history, and his related current books and projects. A new edition of Playing at the World and Dungeons & Dragons - the Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977 are on the shelves. D&D 4E has its hardcore fans. Jon has a seriously impressive collection of documents related to RPG history. Jon’s first on-screen RPG game, ever. Does the role of the Caller in D&D get an unfair reputation (and what exactly does the Caller do)? DNA from non-RPGs like Outdoor Survival made it into early D&D. Be careful of the question “what is a role-playing game”, the debate can sideswipe an entire conversation. Plus much more. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #279 - 9/27/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com 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 Playing at the World, 2E, Volume 1: The Invention of Dungeons & Dragons (Game Histories) Playing at the World, 2E, Volume 2: Three Pillars of Role-Playing Games (Game Histories) Dungeons & Dragons - the Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977 Celebrating 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons - Week #1 - OD&D with Jon Peterson Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024
08/15/2024
RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024
Merle M. Rasmussen, the man in the tux himself, joins to talk about the Top Secret RPG and his game design career. What was his first (mistaken) understanding of what D&D was? Memories of working at TSR. A no-nonsense discussion about the financials of his agreement with TSR for Top Secret. Financial lessons he has learned in his career. The perils of lead poisoning in making miniatures (and accidental improvised bombs). Jon Peterson’s Quagmire! D&D module article and Merle’s involvement in making it happen. Top Secret set multiple RPG precedents. What existing RPG was used for Top Secret’s firearms rules? The FBI visited TSR because of Top Secret’s playtest. You’re not just paranoid, the HackNoia RPG is coming. I Choose To RISE, Merle’s card game that helps teach about Black heroes. Merle’s wife Jackie has often been his writing partner and sounding board. Moments of fan feedback Merle has had that will get you right in the feels (including, I kid you not, being asked to bless a gamer’s ashes). Bad James Bond jokes. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #278 - 8/14/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Merle M. Rasmussen on Wikipedia Merle M. Rasmussen on RPG Geek Top Secret RPG on Wikipedia Quagmire! The Making of a 1980s D&D Module by Jon Peterson Sqwurm Card Game Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Zombie Movies with Chris Holmes and Mike Stewart - Episode 277 - 7/22/2024
07/22/2024
Zombie Movies with Chris Holmes and Mike Stewart - Episode 277 - 7/22/2024
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Found in the Ruins podcast (FITR releases on the SFH podcast feed) Found in the Ruins Facebook Group Return of the Ripper for DCC RPG with a cover by Jeff Dee and illustrations by Chris Holmes 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) Last Man on Earth USA 1964 Dir. Sidney Salkow Based on I Am Legend Richard Matheson Stars Vincent Price Plague of the Zombies UK 1966 Dir. John Gilling Stars Andre Morell Hammer Film 1. Night of the Living Dead USA 1968 Dir. George Romero Writ. John Russo Stars Duane Jones Tombs of the Blind Dead Spain-Portugal 1972 Dir. And written Amado de Ossorio Stars are unimportant 2. Omega Man USA 1971 Dir. Boris Sagal Based on I Am Legend Stars Charlton Heston, Rosalind Cash Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things USA 1972 Dir. Bob Clark written and starring Bob Clark! Shanks USA 1974 Dir. William Castle probably written by him too Stars Marcel Marceau! 3. Dawn of the Dead USA 1978 Dir. And Writer George Romero Stars Ken Foree Stunts and makeup by Tom Savinni Zombi 2 Italy 1979 Dir. Lucio Fulci Writ. Dardeo Sacchetti Released in U.S. as Zombie Nightmare City Italy 1980 Dir.Umberto Lenzi Stars Hugo Stieglitz and many attractive women. Extremely silly. 4. The Evil Dead 1981 USA Dir. Sam Rami also written by him Stars Bruce Campbell First in a great Trilogy Dead and Buried 1981 USA Dir. Gary Sherman Writtten by Dan Obannon Stars James Farentino, Jack Albertson 5. Re-Animator 1985 USA Dir. Stuart Gordon written by him and Brian Yuzna Stars Jeffry Combs, Barbara Crampton 6. Return of the Living Dead 1985 USA Dir. Dan OBannon also written by him Stars James Karen, Clu Galagar, Linea Quigley, Day of the Dead 1985 USA Dir. George Romero also written by him Stars Lori Cardille A great disappointment Night of the Creeps 1986 USA Dir. Fred Dekkar also written by him Aliens create zombies 7. Evil Dead 2 1987 USA Dir. Sam Rami also written by him Stars Bruce Campell More fun and no tree rape Night of the Living Dead 1990 USA Tom Savini remake of original Stars Patricia Tallman 8. Dead Alive (Brain Dead) 1992 N.Z. Dir. Peter Jackson Writ. S. Sinclair Stars Timothy Balme, Diana Penalver Army of Darkness 1992 USA Dir. Sam Rami Written by Sam and Ivan Rami Stars Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz 9. Cemetery Man 1994 Italy Dir. Michele Soavi Stars Rupert Everett, Franscois Lazaro, Anna Falchi 10. Bio Zombi 1998 Hong Kong Dir. Wilson Yip Stars Jordan Chan Very funny. 11. Stacy ( Attack of the School Girl Zombies) 2001 Japan Dir. Naoyuki Tomomatsu Possibly the weirdest Shawn of the Dead 2004 England Dir. Steven Wright Stars Simon Pegg, Mark Frost Dance of the Dead 2008 USA Dir. Greg Bishop Written Joe Ballarini D&D players die in this film Dead Snow 2009 Norway Dir. Tommy Wirkola Stars Charlotte Frogner 12. Wyrmwood (Road of the Dead) 2014 Australia Dir. Kiah Roache Turner Stars Bianca Bradey -Features car chases on the outback Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse 2015 USA Dir. and written Christopher Landon Stars Tye Sheridan 13. One Cut of the Dead (Zombie One Cut) 2017 Japan Shinichiro Ueda No spoilers please 14. Little Monsters 2019 Australia Dir. Abe Forsythe Stars Lupita Nyoung’o Heartwarming 15. Night Eats the World 2018 France Dir. Dominique Rocher Stars Anders Danielsen Bleak and realistic Shane’s Additional Worth Mentioning List (for better or for worse) Train to Busan World War Z Assault on Precinct 13 The Crazies The Sadness Zombieland REC The Returned Demons Army of the Dead Land of the Dead Diary of the Dead Survival of the Dead The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue Honorable Mention: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Comics & Comicsgate With Preston Poulter - Episode 276 - 4/29/2024
04/30/2024
Comics & Comicsgate With Preston Poulter - Episode 276 - 4/29/2024
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 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Pocket Jacks Comics Preston Poulter Trademarks Comicsgate Timeline of Comicsgate Trademark Lawsuit: Common Sense Press Inc DBA Pocket Jacks Comics (Poulter) vs Sciver / Malpica The Standoff at Sparrow Creek Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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MASSIVE GEEKOUT With David Finn Of Signal Of Doom - Episode 275 - 3/29/2024
03/29/2024
MASSIVE GEEKOUT With David Finn Of Signal Of Doom - Episode 275 - 3/29/2024
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 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Signal of Doom Podcast Signal of Doom: Ed Greenwood Interview Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness RPG ‘Godzilla Minus One’ Makes Franchise History With First Oscars Win Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre Circle of Eight Modding Community - The Temple of Elemental Evil The Asanti Series (David’s Books on Amazon) Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Greyhawk With Allan "grodog" Grohe - Episode 274 - 2/29/2024
03/01/2024
Greyhawk With Allan "grodog" Grohe - Episode 274 - 2/29/2024
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Why Greyhawk in 2023? - grodog's Thoughts “The Grey in the Hawk” by Nitescreed Greyhawk on Wikipedia Circle of Eight Modding Community - The Temple of Elemental Evil Video Game OSRIC & The OSR with Allan T. Grohe Jr. – Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 264- 11/30/2022 Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Strat-O-Matic Baseball with Champion Bill Meinhardt - Episode 273 - 1/31/2024
02/01/2024
Strat-O-Matic Baseball with Champion Bill Meinhardt - Episode 273 - 1/31/2024
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Strat-O-Matic on Wikipedia Strat-O-Matic Baseball Review Strat-O-Matic: Dungeons & Dragons For The Rotisserie Set Bill Meinhardt: World’s Largest Fantasy RPG Collection! – Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 206 – 12/21/2019 Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh - Episode 272 - 12/29/2023
12/29/2023
Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh - Episode 272 - 12/29/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Star Fleet Battles on Wikipedia Star Fleet Battles at Amarillo Design Bureau Pacesetter Games & Simulations Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Stan Lee With Comics Creator Tom Scioli - Episode 271 - 11/20/2023
11/20/2023
Stan Lee With Comics Creator Tom Scioli - Episode 271 - 11/20/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES I Am Stan Graphic Novel A Comic Book Creator’s Journey: From 8-Opus to WITCHMAN with Tom Scioli Tom Scioli’s Patreon WITCHMAN: A New Superhero Comic Book Zot! Online: "Hearts and Minds" Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Zombie Bytes with James T. Wilson - Episode 270 - 10/23/2023
10/23/2023
Zombie Bytes with James T. Wilson - Episode 270 - 10/23/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Zombie Bytes Novel 501st Legion Rebel Legion Police Pursuits YouTube Channel James T. Wilson on Instagram James T. Wilson on Facebook Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Incredible Cosplay With Simple Tricks & Nonsense - Episode 269 - 7/16/2023
07/16/2023
Incredible Cosplay With Simple Tricks & Nonsense - Episode 269 - 7/16/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Simple Tricks & Nonsense on Facebook Simple Tricks & Nonsense on Instagram Simple Tricks & Nonsense on YouTube Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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The Legend of Drizzt with Mike Witwer – Episode 268 – 5/30/2023
05/30/2023
The Legend of Drizzt with Mike Witwer – Episode 268 – 5/30/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com 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 The Legend of Drizzt series on Wikipedia Dungeons and Dragons The Legend of Drizzt Visual Dictionary Lore & Legends: A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition of the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game Vivian Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Holmes Basic D&D, John Eric Holmes & Edgar Rice Burroughs with Chris Holmes - Episode 267 - 5/12/2023
05/12/2023
Holmes Basic D&D, John Eric Holmes & Edgar Rice Burroughs with Chris Holmes - Episode 267 - 5/12/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES John Eric Holmes on Wikipedia Chris Holmes Website: Things Better Left Alone module from Pacesetter Games based on J. Eric Holmes map from Holmes Basic D&D -Chris Holmes contributes art, which Bill Barsh calls “Holmesian” --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford - Episode 266 - 3/14/2023
03/14/2023
Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford - Episode 266 - 3/14/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Krondor Fan Film Challenge - Opening Day Announcement Video Betrayal at Krondor Fan Film Challenge Promo Video for Betrayal at Krondor Meetup in Eugene, OR on June 23, 2023 Facebook Event page for Betrayal at Krondor Meetup in Eugene, OR on June 23, 2023 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 Betrayal at Krondor Pack on GOG Swords & Circuitry: A Designer's Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games Betrayal at Krondor Remastered & Lumberyard! – Shane Plays Ep. 45 (April 2016) --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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They Came for the OGL: 3rd Party RPG Publishers Share Their Experience - Episode 265 - 2/9/2023
02/09/2023
They Came for the OGL: 3rd Party RPG Publishers Share Their Experience - Episode 265 - 2/9/2023
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com 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 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 A Working Conversation About the Open Game License (OGL) Cahed version D&D maker still wants to revoke earlier versions of "open" gaming license D&D Beyond: 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 Goodman Games Announces January Is Best Sales Month In Its History Paizo Announces System-Neutral Open RPG License - Open RPG Creative License (ORC) Kobold Press's Black Flag Blog Posts (new SRD / open fantasy RPG system project) Kobold Press releases new details for Project Black Flag --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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OSRIC & The OSR with Allan T. Grohe Jr. - Episode 264- 11/30/2022
11/30/2022
OSRIC & The OSR with Allan T. Grohe Jr. - Episode 264- 11/30/2022
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES OSRIC: First Edition Fantasy Roleplaying Game Black Blade Publishing THE 1001 TREASURES OF BLACK BLADE PUBLISHING AND GOODMAN GAMES: GARY CON 2018 REPORT, PART II Allan at Greyhawk Online D&D Retroclones List Single Volume Edition of OD&D by Greyharp Fight On! Magazine Knockspell Magazine --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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The Valley Out Of Time & Skeeter Green Productions - Episode 263 - 10/19/2022
10/18/2022
The Valley Out Of Time & Skeeter Green Productions - Episode 263 - 10/19/2022
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Kickstarter: The Valley Out of Time for S&W DCC MCC Part 5&6 FINAL! from Skeeter Green Productions Skeeter Green Productions Skeeter Green Productions on DriveThruRPG Independent Publishers Union A NASA Spacecraft Is About to Collide With an Asteroid. Watch Live Here | Science Alert --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Reaper's Dungeon Dwellers RPG with Joseph Wolf - Episode 262 - 9/24/2022
09/25/2022
Reaper's Dungeon Dwellers RPG with Joseph Wolf - Episode 262 - 9/24/2022
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Dungeon Dwellers RPG ReaperCon Reaper Miniatures Joseph C. Wolf | RPG Designer | RPGGeek --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Champions RPG with George MacDonald - Episode 261 - 9/9/2022
09/09/2022
Champions RPG with George MacDonald - Episode 261 - 9/9/2022
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES George MacDonald (game designer) Save For Half Podcast Episode 17: Champions 1st Edition Matt Chat 490: George MacDonald World of Supers RPGs Facebook Group I tried to recreate a comic book using DALL-E and Alan Moore’s script --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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Terrain-Tronics: DIY Gaming Terrain Electronics - Episode 260 - 8/15/2022
08/15/2022
Terrain-Tronics: DIY Gaming Terrain Electronics - Episode 260 - 8/15/2022
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! 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 DriveThruRPG.com SHOW NOTES Terrain-Tronics website Terrain-Tronics on YouTube Terrain-Tronics on Facebook “Endor Tree Platform” Lighted Forest Camp Diorama Tutorial - bringing electronics to your build! Recommended Starter Project - Conwy Castle - Simple 4ch LED Driver Tabletop Witchcraft Youtube Channel *Uses Terrain-Tronics electronics Nat1 Videos: How to build a BALINS TOMB - BOOK NOOK Adobe Medium - VR 3D Modeling Software --- Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
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