BtC-  Brett Gilbert on Abandonment and Rejection

BtC- Brett Gilbert on Abandonment and Rejection

Author: Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron December 2, 2025 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 certain game concepts are more prone to being set aside, what leads designers or publishers to walk away from a project, and how creators can better navigate the emotional and professional side of rejection. Ellie and Brett discuss strategies for pitching resilience, reframing setbacks as growth opportunities, and maintaining a healthy mindset in a competitive industry. A supportive and grounded episode for any designer facing the ups and downs of the creative process.


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
Season: RPG -  Interlude: The Third Round Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:21
Today, Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down to discuss many of the previous episodes from the last two months, diving deeper into conceptual ideas about RPG design, as well as the powerful connection and community that…
BtC- Chrissy Fagerholt on social media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
Host Ellie Dix chats with Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games, designer of The Lunch Room and Go Big or Go Broke. They discuss Chrissy's approach to social media, balancing authenticity with strategy, and the importanc…
Season: RPG - Play-by-email with Jeff Perkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:13
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Jeff Perkins, founder and still player of the long-running play-by-email game TribeNet. Jeff shares the fascinating history of the game…
BtC - Ross Connell on art and marketing for games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:44
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix is joined by Ross Connell, curator and advocate for beautiful board games. Together, they dive into the vital role of art and marketing in game design—from how visu…
BtC - Bez Shahriari on Your Brand as a Designer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:14
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix speaks with designer Bez Shahriari about the importance of building and embracing your brand as a game designer. Bez shares how their brand identity shapes not only…
Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:51
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and uniq…
Season: RPG - Cthulhu fhtagn! with Mike Mason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:51
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Mike Mason, creative director of Call of Cthulhu at Chaosium. Together, they explore what makes Call of Cthulhu such a lasting and uniq…
Season: RPG - Interlude: The Second Round Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
In this RPG interlude, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron return to the table to revisit some of the big conversations from recent episodes. From the debate over whether RPGs are best enjoyed for combat or storytelling,…