Brainwaves Episode 166 - Itchy Conjurations

Brainwaves Episode 166 - Itchy Conjurations

Author: The Giant Brain August 4, 2025 Duration: 42:17
Jamie and Oliver bring you the latest news from around the tabletop gaming world. From CGE failing to conjure a decent response, to Gamefound acquiring a rival they cover the stories that really matter in episode 166 of Brainwaves.    Headlines Czech Games Edition announces new Harry Potter Codenames https://bsky.app/profile/codenamesgame.bsky.social/post/3lul7oqmuws25 https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/29/reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric/ Gamefound Acquires Indiegogo https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogo https://go.indiegogo.com/blog/2025/07/gamefound-x-indiegogo-the-future-of-creativity.html    Itch blocks nsfw content itch.iohttps://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content   Updates Diamond https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60125/diamond-moves-sell-diamond-uk-employee-grouphttps://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60161/new-filings-diamond-consignment-dispute-sparkle-pop-amends-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment   News Zatu denies exploitative environment claims https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/21/board-game-retailer-zatu-games-denies-exploiting-low-paid-apprentices-toxic-work-culture-claims-after-wave-of-online-criticism/ Reddit post that was deleted - link to Web Archive / Way Back Machine saved version: https://web.archive.org/web/20250427174157/https://www.reddit.com/r/Norwich/comments/1k5xipq/experiences_with_employment_at_zatu_games/ Games Workshop rides high  https://investor.games-workshop.com/news-posts/annualreport2025 Diana Jones Award 2025 Winners Announced https://www.dianajonesaward.org/   Obituaries Ace of Aces designer Al Leonardi passed away https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3542362/passing-of-al-leonardi https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/alfred-leonardi/#!/Obituary    Jobs, Opportunities, and Events https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs Playfest London https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest   Patreon Shoutouts Kevin Bertram https://www.fortcircle.com/   James Naylor https://naylorgames.com/   Shaun Newman game-a-lot.fun/en facebook.com/gamealotboardgames   Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain   Support Us https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/   Fanroll https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/ Our Links Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r Blusky Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/ Email: giantbrainuk@gmail.com

Every week, the trio from Brainwaves-Board Game and Tabletop News Show-Iain, Jamie, and Oliver-gathers to sift through the bustling world of hobby games. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a conversational deep dive where news about upcoming releases, industry shifts, and crowdfunding phenomena gets unpacked with the insight of seasoned enthusiasts. The Giant Brain's hosts blend their distinct perspectives, often debating the merits of a new design or pondering the implications of a major publisher's announcement, making each episode feel like you're listening in on a lively chat among well-informed friends. You'll hear specific details on games hitting the market, from expansive strategy titles to clever card games, along with thoughtful commentary on the wider tabletop culture. Tuning into this podcast means getting a curated, digestible, and genuinely engaging update on everything happening beyond the box lid, delivered with a mix of expertise and palpable excitement for the hobby. It's the perfect audio companion for your commute or game night prep, ensuring you're always in the loop.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Brainwaves - Board Game and Tabletop News Show
Podcast Episodes
Brainwaves Episode 103 - Crowdfunding Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:35
Iain is trying to fit the entire studio in a fridge to escape the cool weather, while Jamie goes for a more practical solution. Resolving their differences they won’t let the hot weather stop them bringing you the latest…
On Stage with Tabletop Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:01
In our most recent On Stage Iain is joined by David Wright and John Harper, two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland. Tabletop Scotland is a convention held in Perth, Scotland and is back after a couple of years due to o…
Brainwaves Episode 102 - Political Popcorn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:48
Jamie’s been away in the nation's capital and comes back to find Iain covered in popcorn and watching the latest developments in UK politics. Dusting Iain off and getting him behind the mic, the team cover the latest in…
Brainwaves Episode 101 - Backing Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:55
After the highs of the big 100, Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. This time out we cover a new player in the field of crowdfunding, Kickstarter’s community board, the D…
Episode 100 - Centenary Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:52
It’s the 100th Episode! In a very special live show Iain and Jamie welcome back Sam who has been hiding in the walls/ another dimension. They are joined by the interview legend that is Richard Simpson from We’re Not Wiza…
Episode 99 - Counting Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:47
It’s the penultimate episode before the big 100. As Jamie and Iain contemplate what they have brought to the world of tabletop podcasts they dig into the latest news from the hobby. Spiel des Jahres nominations, rent a D…
On Stage with Frank West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:36
In our latest On Stage Interview Iain is joined by Frank West. Frank is the man behind City of Games, publishers of the cultural juggernaut that is Isle of Cats. Iain chats to Frank about publishing, the state of the ind…
Episode 98 - Contagious Conventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:07
Iain’s been stocking up on infinite mugs to get ready for the big 100th and the builders are in to rearrange the non-euclidean geometry to accept beings of a celestial nature. Seeking refuge in the Studio Jamie and Iain…
Episode 97 - Corked Bottle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
With Episode 100 on the horizon, Iain and Jamie start to get things sorted out at the HQ for the big day. Of course the news has to come first and the studio beckons as they cover controversy in wine country, Hasbro anno…
Episode 96 -Pyramid Scheme [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
Iain has come up with a brilliant new way to fund the cast but Jamie is not so sure. While they contemplate the future they settle down in the studio to bring you news about NFts invading Dungeons and Dragons, Asmodee Un…