Champions RPG with George MacDonald - Episode 261 - 9/9/2022

Champions RPG with George MacDonald - Episode 261 - 9/9/2022

Author: Shane Stacks September 9, 2022 Duration: 2:05:24

Champions superhero RPG co-creator (and HERO Games co-founder) George MacDonald with guest co-host Michael Stewart (Victorious RPG creator; Save For Half and The Crusader podcasts co-host). The origins of Champions from the why, to the playtesting to the launch and beyond. Was the initial reception to Champions disappointing or encouraging? George came out of wargaming and his RPG mechanics reflects that. Did early players prefer to play licensed characters or their own superheroes? Crunchy versus streamlined game mechanics. Estimating the damage between wet and dry avalanches. Why did George decide to do superheroes for his first RPG game genre? The difference in adventure structure between RPG genres (fantasy, cyberpunk, superheroes). Some of the business thinking behind printing a game and creating a company (two different things!). Game distributors dangled the carrot a lot back in the day. The great Hero Games Box Shuffle of the Early Eighties. A speed round of Champions questions for George from Facebook. The pros and cons of wearing a cape. Foxbat's secret identity REVEALED! What term in sci-fi RPGs has always bugged Shane? A little bit of chat about George's time in computer games including Pool of Radiance.

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #261 - 9/9/2022

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SHOW NOTES

George MacDonald (game designer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_MacDonald_(game_designer) 

Save For Half Podcast Episode 17: Champions 1st Edition
https://saveforhalf.com/2019/04/23/episode-17-champions-1st-edition/ 

Matt Chat 490: George MacDonald
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyaIyNDaOZw 

World of Supers RPGs Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605211436420082 

I tried to recreate a comic book using DALL-E and Alan Moore's script
https://rubikscode.net/2022/08/22/i-tried-to-recreate-a-comic-book-using-dall-e-and-alan-moores-script/ 

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Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

 


There's a particular kind of joy found in diving deep into the worlds and hobbies that capture our imagination, and that's the feeling Shane Plays Geek Talk aims to recreate in every episode. Hosted by Shane Stacks, this podcast feels like a comfortable conversation with a friend who's just as passionate about the intricate lore of a Star Trek episode as they are about the latest indie tabletop game. The discussion naturally spans a wide spectrum-from rolling dice in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign and painting miniatures for a wargame to debating the merits of a new sci-fi novel or a classic Doctor Who serial. What you'll hear isn't just a review show, but a genuine celebration of fandom in all its forms. Shane approaches each topic not as a critic, but as an enthusiastic participant, fostering a space that encourages both long-time enthusiasts and the casually curious. Listening feels like pulling up a chair at a friendly local game shop; the talk is specific, informed, and always driven by a shared affection for these creative corners of culture. Whether your personal geekdom is firmly established or you're just beginning to explore, this podcast offers a welcoming, deep-dive into the stuff that makes hobbies so compelling. It’s a consistent reminder of the community and creativity at the heart of what we love, making each episode a perfect companion for a commute, a painting session, or just some downtime.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shane Plays Geek Talk
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