TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025

TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025

Author: Shane Stacks July 28, 2025 Duration: 2:23:36

TSR and Wizards of the Coast veteran Steve Winter (Steve achieved one of the longest tenures across both companies). Steve plays guitar. Steve likes Shadowdark RPG, and is also interested in Knave, Savage Worlds, and Cthulhu / horror games. Steve has a definite favorite version of D&D (he finds it elegant and intuitive). Deep character backstory doesn't equal plot armor. Sometimes we get too used to magic in games and think of it as technology… magic should be a bit fearsome and untame. Noteworthy moments of going insane in a Cthulhu game. Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3 discussion. Steve co-wrote the scenario for the Gold Box Pool of Radiance game. Some words about Jim Ward. Early versus later days at TSR. The job that was Steve's best year at TSR. How was the work divided at TSR? Steve offers some perspective on Lorraine Williams's leadership, given that he was right there. What was it like to be at TSR and watch Magic: The Gathering explode onto the scene? Steve worked on Spellfire, TSR's response to MtG. What was it like transitioning from TSR to WotC? Star Frontiers: how it went from hard sci-fi to "D&D in space" and how employees' desire for royalties led to its creation (and ultimately to the departure of Lawrence Schick from TSR). Marvel Super Heroes RPG discussion (MSH is HUGE for Shane personally).

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #284 - 7/28/2025

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SHOW NOTES

Steve Winter's Wikipedia Entry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Winter 

Steve Winter's Board Game Geek Entry
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/562/steve-winter

Howling Tower (Steve's Blog)
https://koboldpress.com/category/howling-tower/

Shadowdark RPG
https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark?srsltid=AfmBOopWlsfgC-WPHShVkD1E9lDfbJKyN5umULKokrH6cbo8tdn-f2QL

Knave RPG
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/484910/knave-second-edition


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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