#311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

#311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

Author: Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron February 27, 2024 Duration: 52:45

Dirk and Kathryn Hymes meet this episode to talk with Anna Anthropy, digital and tabletop designer known for her prolific work with non-traditional themes. They discuss Anna's career in game design, and her path into becoming an educator. Topics include why violence is an attractive game element, dealing with releasing art and it no longer being one's own, one page games, and the absence of sex as a theme or topic.


Dirk Knemeyer and David V. Heron host The Game Design Round Table, a conversation that digs into the craft behind all kinds of games. Whether it's the latest digital release, a strategic tabletop session, or an immersive role-playing campaign, this podcast treats game design as a serious and fascinating discipline. The discussions move beyond simple reviews to explore the mechanics, psychology, and artistic choices that make games work. You'll hear the hosts break down specific elements from both popular and niche titles, analyzing what succeeds and what doesn't with a critical yet constructive eye. Their approach is grounded in real experience, offering practical insights rather than abstract theory. This makes each episode valuable whether you're sketching your first prototype or have been in the industry for years. The tone is conversational and detailed, like listening in on a brainstorming session between two seasoned professionals. They naturally cover the entire landscape of the field, connecting lessons from one medium to another in ways that are often surprising. For anyone who has ever wondered why a particular rule feels so satisfying or how narrative integrates with player agency, this podcast provides thoughtful commentary. It’s a consistent source of education and inspiration, reminding listeners that game design is an ever-evolving art form. Tune in to join the round table and deepen your understanding of what happens behind the screen and under the rulebook.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Game Design Round Table
Podcast Episodes
Civ Series 13 - Rogue Hex with Reed Erlandson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:17
In this episode of the Civ Series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Reed Erlandson, designer of Rogue Hex. Reed shares the inspiration behind the game and how its hex-based system creates strategic depth…
Design Talk - Designing large group games with Rikki Tahta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:39
In this Design Talk episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Rikki Tahta, designer of the hit bluffing game Coup. Rikki shares the origins of Coup, how competition and hidden information shape its tensi…
Season: RPG - Interlude: The Final Round Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:59
Today, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down today to have a discussion about RPGs stemming from a comment left by a user from the Discord channel. They dive into the importance of cards in combat mechanics, as we…
Season: RPG - Exploring RPGs with Rob Daviau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
Today, Rob Daviau joins us again after a year to contribute to a conversation about RPGs. Dirk, David, and Rob talk about some of the practicalities of RPG's and GMing, as well as some of the problems that have arisen th…
BtC with Ellie Dix and Dirk Knemeyer - Series Wrap-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:35
Today, in an unusual turn of events, Ellie Dix, host of the series Behind the Cardboard, and Dirk Knemeyer, co-host of TGDRT, have a powerful conversation reflecting on the recent series that Ellie has worked so hard to…
Season: RPG - D&D with Mike Mearls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:35
In this episode of the RPG series, host David Heron speaks with Mike Mearls , a key figure behind Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They dive into what makes both D&D and Magic: The Gathering compelling at their core, how…
BtC-  Brett Gilbert on Abandonment and Rejection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with designer Brett Gilbert for a candid conversation about one of the most challenging parts of game design: abandonment and rejection. They explore why…
Season: RPG - Constructing Eberron with Keith Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
In this RPG episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron welcome legendary designer Keith Baker, writer and designer for Eberron, to explore the world-building and design philosophies behind one of D&D's most iconic sett…
BtC- Marcus Ross on conventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:52
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with designer Marcus Ross for a deep dive into the world of conventions and trade shows in the tabletop industry. They explore what makes different conven…
Round Table - The season RPG reflection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:07
In this Round Table episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron reflect on the most recent season — revisiting major takeaways, surprises, and what realistic success actually looks like in the RPG space today. They dive…