The Game Design Round Table

Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.

BtC- Marcus Ross on conventions 11/18/2025

BtC- Marcus Ross on conventions In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with designer Marcus Ross for a deep dive into the world of conventions and trade shows in the tabletop industry. They explore what makes different conventions unique, how to define a “successful” con experience, and practical strategies for getting the most out of each trip. Marcus shares tips on avoiding overbooking, thoughts on tools like Tabletop Simulator, and the joys and challenges of traveling internationally for events. A helpful, engaging guide for designers and creators navigating the convention circuit. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/39081000

Round Table - The season RPG reflection 11/11/2025

Round Table - The season RPG reflection In this Round Table episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron reflect on the most recent season — revisiting major takeaways, surprises, and what realistic success actually looks like in the RPG space today. They dive into the logistics behind creating RPG content, David’s experience exploring different RPG systems like Daggerheart and Mothership, and the rising popularity of solitary RPG play. A thoughtful wrap-up discussion full of perspective, analysis, and honest insight into where the RPG category is headed next. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38995590

BtC- Chris Backe on Digital Tools 11/04/2025

BtC- Chris Backe on Digital Tools In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with Chris Backe , a designer and digital playtesting expert, to explore the world of digital tools for game designers. Chris shares his go-to programs for virtual playtesting, insights into mastering platforms like Tabletop Simulator, and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person. They also discuss how to create authentic player experiences in digital environments and why Chris chooses to keep his sell sheets public. A must-listen for designers looking to sharpen their digital toolkit. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38910065

Season: RPG - Interlude: The Third Round Table 10/28/2025

Season: RPG - Interlude: The Third Round Table Today, Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down to discuss many of the previous episodes from the last two months, diving deeper into conceptual ideas about RPG design, as well as the powerful connection and community that TribeNet has created for Dirk. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38809970

BtC- Chrissy Fagerholt on social media 10/21/2025

BtC- Chrissy Fagerholt on social media Host Ellie Dix chats with Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games, designer of The Lunch Room and Go Big or Go Broke. They discuss Chrissy’s approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importance of sharing both successes and failures online. The episode also highlights the community of women in game design and how creators can maximize the potential of various platforms. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38722710

Season: RPG - Play-by-email with Jeff Perkins 10/14/2025

Season: RPG - Play-by-email with Jeff Perkins In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Jeff Perkins, founder and still player of the long-running play-by-email game TribeNet. Jeff shares the fascinating history of the game, how it evolved from its early Tribe Vibes roots to Tribe Net 3, and what makes this collaborative, strategy-driven experience so enduring. The conversation explores the logistics of hand-moderation, the challenges of adapting to players’ divergent paths, and the creative process behind keeping such a unique community thriving. A deep dive into one of the most intriguing corners of the RPG world. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38578595

BtC - Ross Connell on art and marketing for games 10/07/2025

BtC - Ross Connell on art and marketing for games In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix is joined by Ross Connell, curator and advocate for beautiful board games. Together, they dive into the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visuals shape a game’s identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Ross also shares insights on what makes a game marketable, along with creative tactics for boosting engagement. A must-listen for designers looking to understand how art and marketing can make their games stand out. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38498190

Season: RPG - Conversing with MJ Newman on the different RPG writing scenes, what are their experiences? 09/30/2025

Season: RPG - Conversing with MJ Newman on the different RPG writing scenes, what are their experiences? In this episode of RPG, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with writer and designer MJ Newman to dive into the many sides of RPG writing. Known for her work across different properties, MJ shares her experiences navigating the unique challenges of creating for both big corporations and small publishers. The conversation covers everything from the business of selling RPGs in a niche market, to adapting mechanics that capture the right atmosphere, to what makes horror RPGs stand out. Whether you’re curious about writing for games or just love learning how stories and systems come together, this episode offers insights, behind-the-scenes details, and advice for aspiring creators. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38410400

BtC - Bez Shahriari on Your Brand as a Designer 09/23/2025

BtC - Bez Shahriari on Your Brand as a Designer In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix speaks with designer Bez Shahriari about the importance of building and embracing your brand as a game designer. Bez shares how their brand identity shapes not only their games but also the events, connections, and communities they create. They discuss tailoring games to resonate with a specific audience, defining a clear creative purpose, and leaning into that vision to strengthen your work. A thoughtful conversation for designers looking to understand and express their unique identity in the gaming world. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38328410

Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason 09/16/2025

Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the challenges of evolving a beloved game without losing its essence. Mike also shares his approach to feedback, organizing playtest groups, and designing editions that keep players engaged. A must-listen for fans of horror roleplay and anyone curious about the craft of sustaining an iconic RPG. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38240805

Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason 09/16/2025

BtC - Matthew Dunstan on Making and Nurturing Connections with Publishers 09/09/2025

BtC - Matthew Dunstan on Making and Nurturing Connections with Publishers In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with prolific designer Matthew Dunstan, co-designer of Battle for Boulders, to talk about the art of building and maintaining relationships with publishers. They explore why nurturing these connections is so valuable, strategies for starting relationships without prior contacts, and how to strike the right balance between persistence and pressure. Ellie and Matthew also share their own positive experiences with publishers and discuss how these relationships play a role even in self-publishing. A practical and insightful conversation for anyone navigating the world of game design. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38144820

Season: RPG - Interlude: The Second Round Table 09/02/2025

Season: RPG - Interlude: The Second Round Table In this RPG interlude, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron return to the table to revisit some of the big conversations from recent episodes. From the debate over whether RPGs are best enjoyed for combat or storytelling, to how “serious games” balance education and fun, they unpack listener feedback and expand on earlier ideas. The discussion also touches on the evolving structure of RPG categories and the dynamic relationship between designers and GMs. A reflective, thought-provoking round table that keeps the conversation going. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/38063705

BtC with April Mitchell on Sizzle Reels 08/26/2025

BtC with April Mitchell on Sizzle Reels In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix chats with game designer April Mitchell about the power of sizzle reels in pitching and promoting games. April breaks down what makes a great sizzle reel, from highlighting the right features to keeping things visually engaging. They discuss the do’s and don’ts of showcasing your game on video, along with practical tips for making your reel stand out. A perfect listen for designers looking to bring their games to life on screen. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37972515

Season: RPG - GM as Designer with Justin Alexander 08/19/2025

Season: RPG - GM as Designer with Justin Alexander In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Justin Alexander , a renowned game designer and thought leader in tabletop RPGs. Known for his influential essays and innovative GM techniques, Justin shares insights into the role of the Game Master as designer. They dive into how GMs can connect narrative ideas to mechanics, the philosophies behind crafting memorable RPG experiences, and the challenges new GMs often face. Whether you’re building worlds or running them, this episode offers practical tools and deep design wisdom. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37879510

BtC with Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets 08/12/2025

BtC with Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix talks with game designer Fertessa Allyse, known for Wicked & Wise and Cascadia Junior. They dive into the world of sell sheets—why they matter, what to include, and how to craft one that grabs attention. Fertessa shares tips on outlining your game effectively, finding its unique hook, and blending your elevator pitch seamlessly into the design. Whether you’re prepping for a pitch meeting or just curious about the business side of game design, this episode is packed with practical advice. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37778545

Season: RPG - Interlude: Welcome to Willowbank 08/05/2025

Season: RPG - Interlude: Welcome to Willowbank David and Dirk go over David’s newest project, Willow Bank. Revolving around DnD, (for all of you DnD enthusiasts), they have a captivating conversation on the flaws of DnD and create a vein of discussion for these topics. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37687810

Season: RPG - Listener Question 07/30/2025

Season: RPG - Listener Question Today, Dirk and David come together to answer some listener questions from the Discord. Most of these questions surround RPG’s, although the discussions branch out into deeper waters, as the two of them dissect some of the themes brought up by various listeners. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37604890

BtC - Special Edition: Dominic Crapuchettes 07/23/2025

BtC - Special Edition: Dominic Crapuchettes In this special edition of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with legendary game designer and publisher Dominic Crapuchettes, the creative mind behind Say Anything, Wits and Wagers, and Evolution. They explore how Dominic captures a game’s intended experience, the role of playtesting when publishing, and the creative tension between designing for fun vs. marketability. Plus, hear the surprising story behind organizing the first US game convention. Packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a must-listen for game design enthusiasts. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37515690

Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.2 07/15/2025

Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.2 Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, ) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar () and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, ) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the “serious games” label. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37416535

Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.1 07/08/2025

Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.1 Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the “serious games” label. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37338750

BtC - Sydney Engelstein on Delivering a Winning Pitch 07/03/2025

BtC - Sydney Engelstein on Delivering a Winning Pitch Ellie Dix sits down with Sydney Engelstein to unpack what makes a game pitch succeed — and fail. Sydney shares some of the worst pitches she’s witnessed, what separates a great pitch from a weak one (regardless of the game itself), and how designers can present themselves with confidence. They also explore whether physical prototypes are always necessary, how passion plays into the pitch, and Sydney’s own experiences as a game designer. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37277345

BtC with Danielle Reynolds on Preparing for Pitches 06/19/2025

BtC with Danielle Reynolds on Preparing for Pitches Host Ellie Dix sits down with Danielle Reynolds to dive deep into the art of pitching tabletop games. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitch decks (and their alternatives). They also discuss common prep mistakes and get to know Danielle beyond the pitch. Whether you’re new to pitching or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/37078010

Season: RPG - Randy Lubin - RPGs in Organizational Settings 06/10/2025

Season: RPG - Randy Lubin - RPGs in Organizational Settings In this episode, we are joined by Randy Lubin, a well known game designer who has had experience in RPGs, Tabletop gaming, and Mega games. We will dive into the complexities of Mega games as well as what it means to develop games with big world thinking, such as political themes - bringing real world problems to the world of gaming. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36928270

BtC- Dave Neale on Identifying Potential Publishers 06/03/2025

BtC- Dave Neale on Identifying Potential Publishers Today, Ellie Dix and Dave Neale dive into the complexity of forming publisher relationships, as well as choosing the correct publisher. Taking a perspective from both experienced designers and beginner designers, creating a roadmap for finding and establishing these relationships based on many of the past experiences they both have encountered. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36829925

Season: RPG - Interlude: The First Round Table 05/27/2025

Season: RPG - Interlude: The First Round Table Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron look back on TGRT’s most recent topics, along with taking time to dive into many of the conversations brought up by Ellie Dix in BtC. Sharing thoughts about co-design and comparing the communities in tabletop and digital design, which Ellie has brought up with past guests. The two also look back on some of the bigger ideas brought up by conversations in their RPG season. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36717730

BtC - Isaac Vega on Self Publishing 05/21/2025

BtC - Isaac Vega on Self Publishing Today, Ellie Dix and Isaac Vega take a deep dive into what it means to self publish, both the struggles and the benefits. Touching on collaborating with others on projects, along with devoting your time and energy into being a publisher. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36653155

Season: RPG - Luke Hughes - Leadership RPGs 05/15/2025

Season: RPG - Luke Hughes - Leadership RPGs An in depth dive into the makings of Burden of Command, along with the strategies and tools used to create the realistic nature of the game. Conversations about using the right assets and tailoring your game in a way that it resembles the time period that it’s trying to convey. Luke Hughes, along with Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron, dissect the things that make Burden of Command so unique. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36581425

BtC - Richard Heayes on Protecting Your Idea 05/06/2025

BtC - Richard Heayes on Protecting Your Idea Ellie Dix is joined by Richard Heayes, former design director for Hasbro and current co-founder of 7pips. They discuss the ins and outs of trademarking, idea infringement, and the benefits of freely sharing your ideas. Topics include trademark law, game submission portals, when and how to share your designs, and why it’s important the game design community remains free. /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36450830

Season: RPG - Ben Robbins on GMless Games 04/29/2025

Season: RPG - Ben Robbins on GMless Games Dirk and David are joined by Ben Robbins, designer of Microscope and many other narrative games. They discuss the play culture of Microscope, the differences between it and trad TTRPGs, and the ways games of Microscope can flourish or break down. Topics include expected participation, growing pains in trying new TTRPGs, and what even is an RPG? /episode/index/show/tgdrt/id/36351585

The Game Design Round Table

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