Season: RPG - Prologue

Season: RPG - Prologue

Author: Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron April 1, 2025 Duration: 1:04:05

TDGRT kicks off its first season on RPGs with a discussion on Dirk and David's experiences, and where they want to take the season from here. They talk about the pros and cons of modern Dungeons and Dragons, and alternative styles of game design that better suit different genres of play.


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
BtC- Chris Backe on Digital Tools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:13
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with Chris Backe , a designer and digital playtesting expert, to explore the world of digital tools for game designers. Chris shares his go-to programs fo…
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…