Katana-Ra & AI Art – Wargaming Recon #291

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:01 — 66.8MB)

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

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:02 — 51.1MB)

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

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:27 — 61.2MB)

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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Razer RPG System- Wargaming Recon #288

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:27 — 55.8MB)

This episode was recorded live at TotalCon 37 on February 25, 2023. Jonathan was joined by Peter Bryant for this live recording. Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games and the game designer behind the new Razer RPG system. Jonathan quizzes Peter on his gaming origins and why this makes him a good game designer.

Getting down to the main portion of the episode, Jonathan and Peter talk about Razor and how it will work as an RPG framework. Peter discusses why the system exists and what it does that other rules systems do not do; as well as what genres of games Peter thinks will work with the rules system.

Peter goes into some deep discussions on some specifics with the Razor system.  He covers character creation and what the gameplay experience for the players should be. He talks about how the unique mechanics and features help to blend player choice and the narrative structure.

Jonathan asks Peter about the challenges and obstacles that were faced while designing the system and how the Razor system will fit into the modern RPG environment.

Since Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games; the pair cover the other projects and Jonathan focuses on Cube of Death and when it is expected to be available for public release.

If you are interested in finding out more about Solarian Games and what Peter is working on; just go to the following links to learn more.

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Pocket Bard Gaming Music – Wargaming Recon #287

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jonathan J. Reinhart

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:33:08 — 89.0MB)

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Alex Berner and Chase Harris of Pocket Bard. Alex is the composer and CEO of Pocket Bard. Chase is the Lead Developer and Interactive Audio Lead.

The trio talk about what Pocket Bard is and how it can enhance your own RPG or tabletop gaming experience.

Diving into the origin story for Pocket Bard; Alex and Chase talk about how their app is different from the other apps/software out there and what makes Pocket Bard special. Currently Pocket Bard is in open beta on iOS and Android and Alex and Chase tell you how to get involved and what the next steps are for the app.

Since Alex and Chase are making a music app for RPG’s; one would hope that they play games also. Jonathan questions them on their gaming pedigree.

If you want to know more or want to download a copy of Pocket Bard then you can find them at the following locations:
iOS
Android
Facebook
Discord
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter

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