TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars

TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars

Author: Craig Shipman Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever wonder how the games on your shelf actually came to be? TABLETOP TALK-Third Floor Wars pulls back the curtain on the entire world of tabletop gaming, moving beyond reviews and rules to explore the human stories behind the cardboard and miniatures. Host Craig Shipman invites designers, developers, artists, and writers into a conversation that feels more like a chat between friends than a formal interview. The focus here is on the creative journey itself-the initial spark of an idea, the messy middle of development, and the unique methods each creator uses to bring their vision to life. Each episode digs into the origins of beloved games, uncovering the personal inspirations and problem-solving processes that shape the hobbies we love. You’ll hear about the challenges of balancing a game’s mechanics, the narrative choices behind a compelling world, and the artistic decisions that give a game its distinct personality. This podcast is for anyone who’s ever looked at a beautifully crafted game and wondered about the people who built it from the ground up. Craig’s genuine curiosity drives these discussions, making each conversation a deep and engaging exploration of the passion that fuels the industry. Tune in for a regular dose of insight from the minds that shape your gaming table.
Episodes
Epidiah Ravachol (Dread, Swords without Master) Interview: ep. 195 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:24:31
Where do you get the idea to make a horror RPG that uses a Jenga tower?? Join Craig as he talks with Eppy Ravachol about his creative process and much more. Get Dread here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/83854/Drea…
Bud and Alex (Bud's RPG Review, Viral for CoC) Interview: ep. 194 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:47
How does collaborating on RPG scenarios work? Join Craig as he talks with Bud, from Bud's RPG Review YouTube channel, and prolific writer Alex, about their latest (but not last) collaboration. Viral is a modern full-leng…
Reiner Knizia (Tigris & Euphrates, Lost Cities) Interview: ep. 193 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:36
How does a giant of board game design go from idea to box? I talk with Reiner Knizia about his history and creative process. ********************* Support the show for as little as $1 month: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Thi…
John Harper (Blades in the Dark, AGON) Interview: ep. 192 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:42:14
I sat with John Harper to discuss his favorite movies, shows, music, and games. It became the two of us talking about great media for over three hours. I ask guests what they watch and play because it gives us insight in…
Stephen Dewey (Ten Candles) Interview: ep. 191 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:48
What if the candles at the table are for the game, not the atmosphere? Join me in discussing Ten Candles, To Serve Her Wintery Hunger, and more with Stephen Dewey. Where the idea of Ten Candles came from? What was his pr…
Watt (Cloud Empress, World's by Watt) Interview: ep. 190 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:10
What if Mothership had MAGIC??? Join Craig and Watt as they discuss Watt's creative process and history as a designer. They discuss their newest offering, Cloud Empress, an expansive, Nausicaa-inspired fantasy campaign s…
Bonus - 2023 ENNIE Awards Clip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:02
I am finally shooting my shot! This is the clip I submitted for the 2023 ENNIE Awards for this podcast. Let's see what happens!
Jeff Barber (Blue Planet, Upwind) Interview: ep. 188 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:08
Frontier Hard Science Fiction - Blue Planet is a favorite RPG and getting a new edition. Craig sits with Jeff Barber of Biohazard Games, the maker of Blue Planet and Upwind. https://www.biohazardgamespublishing.com/ http…