Toxicity in Gaming – Wargaming Recon #293

Toxicity in Gaming - Wargaming Recon #293 Download (2249)

In this episode Jonathan is joined by counselor, author and professor; Dr. Allan Hunter. He has written 12 books including The Sanity Manual (affiliate link), Life Passages: Writing Exercises for Your Life Journey (affiliate link), and From Coastal Command to Captivity: The Memoir of a Second World War Airman (affiliate link).  Dr. Hunter has a PhD in Literature from Oxford and Jonathan had him as a professor in college.

Last time he was on the podcast they talked about how tabletop gaming can help those living with anxiety and depression. See: Episode 245. This time they talk about toxicity and and what it looks like.

Jonathan and Dr. Hunter cover some of the notable examples of toxicity in the tabletop gaming community. The big three that they cover are the Satine Phoenix incident; the Wizards of the Coast potential change to the Open Game License; and the Wyrmwood Gaming allegations.  They will discuss the negative catalysts of each and healthy ways people can move forward having lived through such awfulness.

The will then talk about how, and if, trusting them again would be possible. There is even talk about forgiveness and how it can help with healing and if it is right for someone to consider forgiveness.  It is highly likely that all these incidents are are not unique, and Dr. Hunter offers some potential red flags to look for in order to protect yourself.

If you would like to contact Dr. Allan Hunter; you can find him at the following locations:

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Huzzah Con 2023 – Wargaming Recon #292

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In this episode Jonathan is joined by Robert Dunn to talk about Huzzah! Con 2023.  Huzzah was held in South Portland, Maine during the weekend of May 19-21, 2023. Robert writes the show notes for each episode over the past few years.  He is an invaluable member of the team and a friend.

Robert and Jonathan talk about Huzzah! Con and give some details about the convention for those who might be interested in attending in the future.  Jonathan had some medical issues and sadly was unable to attend at the last moment.

Thankfully Robert was there and reports back on the games he played.  He shares his thoughts about this year’s convention. The pair even spend some time talking about the hotels and local food options. This leads to a few issues that have not fully been cleared with the ongoing supply chain issues.

Robert talks about some of his convention purchases and what games he is playing currently.

If you attended Huzzah this year and have any other thoughts or comments about your experience then share them with Jonathan and the rest of Wargaming Recon community on any of the below listed social media links.  Robert does not really use any social media, but if you want to reach out to him you can reach out through Jonathan’ email address, also listed below.

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Katana-Ra & AI Art – Wargaming Recon #291

Katana-Ra & AI Art – Wargaming Recon #291 Download (1032)

This week Jonathan is joined by Kos, the CEO of W.R.K.S. Games. W.R.K.S Games is the publisher of Jordenheim, and now Katana-Ra.

The pair jump right in to talking about their new game Katana-Ra and what it is; and the development behind it.  Katana-Ra is a Japanese inspired cyberpunk RPG and Kos talks about the inspiration and how it is different from other games in the genre like Cyberpunk and Shadowrun. Kos talks about the different formats available once the game is released and where to find it.

W.R.K.S Games also creates accompanying video games to their games. Kos talks about the status of BloodBond Into the Shroud for Jordenheim and where you can get a copy. He them moves over to talking about the game Shinobi Rising, and how it will be associated with Katana-Ra. This game is not our yet; but you get a sneak peak from Kos.

Kos and Jonathan get involved in quite the talk about AI art and how it is being used currently and how W.R.K.S. is using it, as opposed to traditional art assets. Kos and Jonathan do talk about controversy around AI created art.

If you would like to follow W.R.K.S. Games you can find them at the following places online:

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Growing a Gaming Community – Wargaming Recon #290

Growing a Gaming Community - Wargaming Recon #290 Download (1108)

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Peter Saloom. Peter helped found a gaming community at Redemption Rock Brewing in Worchester, Massachusetts; and he is also the president of a 2nd generation family business.

Peter talks about his gaming origins and how it has led him to building his local gaming community.

The pair talk about community building and why it can mean different things to different people. They also talk about why it is important and how it can benefit the everyday gamer. One of the obstacles encountered is gatekeeping. Gatekeeping can exist in any aspect of gaming and it can be imposing and can feel impenetrable. Peter gives his advice on how to prevent the formation of; and how to dismantle any existing gatekeeping.

New players are the lifeblood of any group. Jonathan and Peter discuss the real or imagined barriers that exist when trying to join a gaming community. Jonathan recalls Jonathan’s experience with the fact that many gamers may view new social experiences as challenging and what can be done to make the community more accessible to new players.

Even though a group may be very welcoming and open for new players; the location still has a massive impact on how the group functions. Peter and Jonathan discuss what places are great for finding or building a gaming community. And why the list goes beyond the game store.

In an effort to help out Peter’s local gaming community, there is Redemption Convention at Redemption Rock Brewing Company. Peter goes over the all the details and tells you why you should attend.

If you want to stay up to with Peter, his club and Redemption Con you can find out more at the links below:

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Joerg’s $5,000 Gaming Makeover – Wargaming Recon #289

Joerg's $5,000 Gaming Makeover - Wargaming Recon #289 Download (1193)

This is the second of two live episodes recorded at TotalCon 2023. In this episode Jonathan is joined by Joerg Bender. Joerg is the owner of Things From the Basement; the company that makes beautiful MDF tabletop wargaming terrain.

The Plan

Joerg is given the $5,000 extreme gaming makeover challenge. He has $5,000 pretend dollars to spend on a makeover.  He cannot go over the $5,000 and it has to be used to enhance or makeover his gaming experience.

Jonathan and Joerg talk about the general plan for the makeover, and what aspects Joerg wants to improve. Joerg goes into detail about what he likes to play and and what he wants to keep with his current gaming situation.

The Gear:

Joerg’s plan is to upgrade his play space with the Jasper board game table with many of the accessories. Joerg finds that the accessories really make the table for him. The topper helps him leave a game set up allows him to pause for dinner. The wine glass and cup holders keep the drinks off the table during play; and preventing the dreaded spillage. Joerg is also going to add even more accessories to his table, but you will have to listen to hear about even more addons. This is all part of a beautiful dark walnut colored wooden table. The table starts at $959USD and after the extras and shipping, the table costs an impressive $1,842USD.

Even though Joerg makes MDF terrain, he still likes having resin terrain around. This is the next part of his makeover.  Joerg is planning on getting the Altburg range of terrain from Tabletop World. The terrain is high quality resin terrain for 28-32mm gaming.

 

If you want to know more about the items on Joerg’s list then see the below links:

If you want to stay up to date with The happenings of Things From the Basement

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