Laurence Phillips (Il Fantasma del Giallo) ep. 279

Laurence Phillips (Il Fantasma del Giallo) ep. 279

Author: Craig Shipman June 8, 2026 Duration: 1:15:50

Today we sit down with Laurence Philips of Hardy Roach Games, an independent designer who creates unique games that focus on themes that dive deeper than your average TTRPG.  His one-page games are weird and exciting to play, and now he discusses his brand-new game, Il Fantasmo del Giallo. 

Step into the world of Giallo, a 20th-century Italian film genre that focuses on switchbacks, misdirection, and mile-high stakes. Il Fantasmo del Giallo is a cinematic, dark, brooding game that focuses on narratives and scenes more than a traditional dice-roller. Drama, Mystery, and Mortality are the main words of the game, and it’s an excellent example of the doors that have opened in modern roleplaying. Trauma decks, scene work, and avant-garde lenses to play make for a new take on an old genre.  

Il Fantasmo del Giallo Kickstarter

Hardy Roach Games

His Website

 Mentions

 Star Wars Visual Magazine

 Call of Cthulu

 Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 

 Bird with the Crystal Plumage

 Blood and Black Legs

 Lovecraftesque by Black Armada

 Suspiria

 Halloween

 Giallo Genre

 Sherlock Holmes

 Vangers: One For the Road

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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars
Podcast Episodes
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Ben Alexander (ION Heart, Illustrator for Shiver) Interview: ep. 242 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:23
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Emily Weiss (Picket Line Tango for Mothership) Interview: ep. 241 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:35
Enjoy this conversation with Emily Weiss, public defender, gamer, and creator of Picket Line Tango and Breach of Contract for Mothership. Get Emily’s work here. Cure by Kiyoshi Kurosawa Red Strings Club Pulse Mad God Gas…
Jake (Terraino) Interview: ep. 240 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:15
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Jonathan Mordech (King’s Poisoner) Interview: ep. 239 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:25
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WF Smith (Barkeep on the Borderlands) Interview: ep. 237 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
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Jim & Raychel (Tabula Sono 3D VTT) Interview: ep. 236 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:54:27
Craig talks with the sibling duo behind the innovative browser-based virtual tabletop Tabula Sono. They discuss how the idea emerged and the design pillars that guide their development. The VTT We playing HEDGE on the VT…
Joel Vrugdenhil (Star & City, Heaven or Hell) Interview: ep. 235 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:08
Craig talks with Joel about two of his games, Star & City and Heaven or Hell. Joel reveals the influences he's had from video and board games. They discuss when to recognize a game isn't working and what to do next. Joel…