Tag: Out of Character

Feedback Is Back.


It’s been a very long time since I posted any podcast feedback.  Mainly because I had not been listening to any podcasts nor when I did, was not able to take notes.  Feedback was the reason for starting this blog.  It’s about time I returned to it.  So here we go.

A lot of these are old podcasts so bear with me.

I have to begin with Pulp Gamer – Out of Character.  Don and the gang were very supportive of me beginning Go Forth And Game.  I’ll begin with the ‘Games To Be Thankful For’ episode.  There was a lot of mention of ‘The Canon of The Game’ and sticking to or not sticking to it.  In keeping with the theme here are some games I’m thankful for:  Memoir ’44, Homesteaders, Macao, Fiasco, FATE.

They did an episode on Crime in Games.  Leverage was one that was mentioned.  I’ve never seen the TV show it is based on but from their description and those of others, this is one I need to check out.  When people talk about crime in games, especially rpg’s, I immediately think of Fiasco.  I LOVE this game.  I really need to do a review.

Narrative Control 56 covered change in your characters and how to deal with it.  Characters changing during a game or especially a campaign is something to expect.  Characters should grow.  Players should be willing to seriously consider change and where that change can lead.  Change can result in some really cool stories.  As an example my character Jind in our Diaspora game changed radically during character creation from my original idea of him.  And that change has had a major impact on the game.

Narrative Control 57 was about Apocalypse World, Vincent Baker’s newest game.  There has been a lot of buzz on this game, both good and negative.  One of the main points I picked up was that AW tells the players how to play.  This is an interesting thing and generated a lot of discussion in the show.  It seems so simple that we overlook or assume that the game has done this.  But some games don’t.  I appreciated them bringing this out.  I will use it for ‘comatose’ or what ever it will be called.  Another thing they liked about AW was the inclusion of examples of bad play or how not to play.  What a good idea.  All in all the show made me want to check out this game, if only for the GM advice and to see another way to write an rpg.  Note: AW seems like a good game to do a Thundarr game.

I rediscovered Reasonable Faith.  This is a podcast by Christian apologist William Lane Craig.  This is always an excellent podcast that makes me think.  I will do a proper feedback in another post.

I listened to a Please Convince Me show too.  I will cover it in the same post as Reasonable Faith.

The Game Kennel covered Tigris & Euphrates.  I have played it once and really like it.  The Pulpsters do a good job of covering T&E.  It is a deep game, a thinky game.  There is a lot to keep up with and remember.  They are right that you need multiple plays to get your head around it.  I like it and it is on the Buy List.

Voice of The Revolution covered Monsters And Other Childish Things.  This sounds like a fun game.  What really interests me is the One Role Engine (ORE) system it uses.  ORE is a rich dice system in which a single roll of the dice yields more than just a number.  It uses all aspects of the dice.  Pip number of each die, dice color, doubles, high/low – information you can garner from one roll of the dice.  This idea fascinates me.  Wringing all the information you can from your mechanics and props is an awesome idea.  I’m using it in a couple of game I’m developing – The Survivor, The Accused, and The Gold Rush.  This idea streamlines a game and enables you to do a lot more with what you have.  Look for more on this in a future post.

I’m listening more regularly now so more feedback is coming. That’s about it for now.

Go Forth And Game,

tomg

 

A Conversation With…Don Dehm of Pulp Gamer


This time my guest is Don Dehm. Don is the leader of the Pulp Gamer Media Network and many of its associated podcasts which include Out of Character, The Game Kennel, and Family Night. All the podcasts in the Network are top quality gaming shows and highly entertaining. He is also an active advocate for gaming and the game industry. Thanks for joining me, Don.

Tell us about Pulp Gamer and the Pulp Gamer Media Network.

Pulp Gamer is a media network and production house. We work in both audio and video and produce podcasts for organizations such as the Game Manufacturer’s Association and Mayfair Games.  Those shows and others from our partner organizations can be found at pulpgamer.com and a number of other outlets such as iTunes and YouTube.  Our most popular show is Out of Character.  We have a crew of retailers, game developers, and other industry professionals that gather around the microphones and talk about issues around roleplaying, board gaming, and other points of interest about the hobby.

Out of Character is my personal favorite. But I’m a bit biased being a ‘satellite’ of the show. I really enjoy the camaraderie exhibited on the show.

What got you into podcasting?

The first time I was introduced to podcasting, it was the Daily Source Code with Adam Curry, someone I recognized as an Mtv VJ when I was growing up.  My eyes lit up.  It all made sense to me that this was the future and it would be a great way to promote the hobby.  It also looked easy.  I had the technical skills, and I was a DJ in college.  How hard could this be? So I set off with a couple of my closest friends and our first podcast was born.

What is the hardest part about podcasting?

There is really a lot that goes into putting together a good show and the challenges change over time, especially after you have been doing it for several years.  Keeping it fresh is tricky, but I think the hardest part is keeping a consistent schedule.  We would have a much larger audience if we didn’t have small holes in our recording history.  We have had to make some sacrifices but we are now producing Out of Character pretty steadily.  As a result of that, and the great talent, we are doing really well.  I have to give kudos to the crew.

You review a lot of games.  What is the hardest part of reviewing a game?

I don’t review as many games as I do coaching our review team.  That being said, the hardest part is always about being concise.  Anyone can ramble on about a game.  Few can capture what they are trying to say before the listener (or reader) looses attention.

What is/are your current hot game(s)?

It always depends on who I am playing with.  My favorite games will only tease me with the promise of satisfaction if they aren’t played with the right group.  I have party games I really like, euro games I really enjoy, and roleplaying genres I prefer, but it all comes down to the group.  I do have a soft spot, however, for cooperative board games.  When it comes to roleplaying I like character driven campaigns.  I am also always on the lookout for a good post-apocalyptic theme.

What’s coming up for Pulp Gamer?

The entertainment climate has changed and we are going to be responding with some new shows to continue to distinguish ourselves.  We have learned a lot over the years and will be applying that to strengthen our line-up.  We will be strengthening our online presence and our network to capture the attention of both casual and hobby gamers and continue to contribute to the growth of the hobby.  Beyond that, you will just have to listen to Out of Character to keep up with the latest scoop.


And one extra that I ask all my guests, in your opinion, for board games and rpg’s, what makes a good player?

Funny you should ask that.  I just asked the same thing on one of our recent podcasts when we were discussing how to become a better player.  To me, a good player is someone who stays engaged and helps others to stay engaged at the table.  It is a group experience and everyone has to contribute.  Focus on making it a good experience for everyone.  If everyone does that, it is really hard not to have a good time, and it’s all about having a good time.

Thanks for your time, Don. I can’t wait to see what new things the Pulp Gamer Media Network has in store.

To learn more about Pulp Gamer and listen to some fantastic podcasts, visit pulpgamer.com and check out all the great shows.