Behind the Scenes – Wargaming Recon #304

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:18:24 — 316.8MB)


Jonathan and Peter engage in a vibrant conversation where Jonathan, usually the podcast host, steps back to let Peter Bryant take the lead. Peter reminisces about their first meeting at Total Con and delves into Jonathan’s background, uncovering Jonathan’s passion for wargames and the adversity Jonathan faced in Jonathan’s youth. Jonathan opens up about Jonathan’s journey into board games, particularly wargaming, attributing Jonathan’s initial interest to the sense of isolation Jonathan felt as an only child. The dialogue brims with anecdotes and reflections on their shared experiences, underscoring the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing risks. Peter candidly discusses the challenges he encountered in affording his own army in games like 40k, sparking a heartfelt exchange between the two friends.
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Inclusive Gaming with Boston Gaymers – Wargaming Recon #303

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01:05 — 277.4MB)

Today on Wargaming Recon, we are joined by Andrea Morton, who represents Boston Gaymers, an organization founded by Matt in 2017 with a mission to provide inclusive gaming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Boston Gaymers, boasting nearly 3,000 members on Discord, focuses on fostering relationships and inclusivity within the gaming world. They host a variety of events, from video game tournaments to board game nights, expanding their influence beyond Boston to encompass areas like Worcester and Providence. While their primary focus is on the LGBTQ+ community, Boston Gamers warmly welcomes allies who share their vision of combatting toxicity in gaming spaces. Through partnerships and events, the organization is committed to building a positive gaming community for all interested individuals. If you wish to join them, visit their website and subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events and initiatives.

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Rising Phoenix Game Con 2024 – Wargaming Recon #302

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23:28 — 73.1MB)

Peter Saloom and Jonathan share their experiences at Rising Phoenix Game Convention 2024.  Peter spent all three days in the gaming halls running RPGs (roleplaying games).  Jonathan explored the convention for the very first time.  Rising Phoenix Game Convention is a friendly, inclusive, and fun tabletop gaming convention focused on RPGs.  It provides a safe space for all to gather and play games in an enjoyable atmosphere.

At the con Peter GMed sessions featuring the Savage Worlds adventures Shadows of the Sacred Hills (affiliate link) and The Iselion Hybrid (affiliate link).  He created both adventures and publishes them through his Pear Tree Studio. Jonathan roamed the con like a busy bee stopping, from time to time, at different vendors and gaming areas.  Jonathan also spent a chunk of time at the Boston Gaymers‘ booth.
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Katana-Ra RPG Game Design – Wargaming Recon #301

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:24 — 42.8MB)

Jay Parker and Jonathan recorded this episode LIVE in the seminar room at TotalCon 2024.  Jay Parker was on Episode 291 where they talked about AI Art.

This time the pair discuss Jay’s new cyperpunk themed RPG called Katana-Ra.

Jay explains how his game mechanics are different from others on the market.  He gives an example of a sample turn for us to better understand how the system works. Jay also covers the always important character creation and advancement. Along with how you can customize your character after you have created them.

The cyberpunk setting is filled with fantastic cybernetics and technology to use, while at the same time having the overbearing corporations and challenging players with moral and ethical dilemmas of a dystopian society.

Jay covers some of the corporations and organizations in the world as well as some of the challenges and obstacles that the players will encounter in their adventures.

They move on to talking about the playtesting and how the feedback impacted the games development before talking about the mixed reviews the game has received so far. Even the one star reviews compliment the worldbuilding and the setting overall.  The main drawbacks brought up are system and dice rolling itself, Jay talks about the critiques and how he thinks people might be misunderstanding the rules and system.

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GM Secrets of Successful Convention Games – Wargaming Recon #300

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:39 — 35.9MB)

Peter Saloom and Jonathan recorded this episode LIVE in the seminar room at TotalCon 2024.  The two of them have over 50 combined years of gaming experience & decades of running games at conventions.

Peter published his first licensed adventure.  It is Shadows of the Sacred Hills for the RPG system Savage Worlds.  Buy Shadows of the Sacred Hills (affiliate link).

Tips

  • Be prepared
  • Be welcoming
  • Engage the players
  • Make the game visually appealing
  • Be kind
  • Know the rules (or at least the core rules)
  • Be succinct with initial explanations (say what the players need to get going, leave everything else for when or if the situation arises during the game)
  • Adhere to the time slot times
  • Playtest your game at least once
  • Provide enough player aids for each player
  • Have helpers/assistant GMs if needed
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Make sure players have something to do at all times
  • Take breaks
  • Let players know they can leave the game at any time if it isn’t for them

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