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
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,…
BtC with April Mitchell on Sizzle Reels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:16
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix chats with game designer April Mitchell about the power of sizzle reels in pitching and promoting games. April breaks down what makes a great sizzle reel, from high…
Season: RPG - GM as Designer with Justin Alexander [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:07
In this episode of the RPG series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Justin Alexander , a renowned game designer and thought leader in tabletop RPGs. Known for his influential essays and innovative GM tec…
BtC with Fertessa Allyse on Sell Sheets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix talks with game designer Fertessa Allyse, known for Wicked & Wise and Cascadia Junior. They dive into the world of sell sheets—why they matter, what to include, and…
Season: RPG - Interlude: Welcome to Willowbank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:26
David and Dirk go over David's newest project, Willow Bank. Revolving around DnD, (for all of you DnD enthusiasts), they have a captivating conversation on the flaws of DnD and create a vein of discussion for these topic…
Season: RPG - Listener Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:37
Today, Dirk and David come together to answer some listener questions from the Discord. Most of these questions surround RPG's, although the discussions branch out into deeper waters, as the two of them dissect some of t…
BtC - Special Edition: Dominic Crapuchettes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:51
In this special edition of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with legendary game designer and publisher Dominic Crapuchettes, the creative mind behind Say Anything, Wits and Wagers, and Evolution. They explo…
Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games design…
Season: RPG - Serious Games Pt.1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:39
Host Kathryn Hymes (@katehymes, thornygames.com) is joined by renowned designers Jason Morningstar (bullypulpitgames.com) and Randy Lubin (@randylubin, randylubin.com) to explore the world of "serious games"—games design…
BtC - Sydney Engelstein on Delivering a Winning Pitch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
Ellie Dix sits down with Sydney Engelstein to unpack what makes a game pitch succeed — and fail. Sydney shares some of the worst pitches she's witnessed, what separates a great pitch from a weak one (regardless of the ga…