The Game Design Round Table

Join hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron as they welcome Rohit Crasta, a longtime game designer and former lead designer of Wordscapes who now serves as a lead designer for the New York Times. This episode dives into the design philosophy behind the New York Times' latest social word game, Crossplay, and how it seeks to fill a gap in the market by offering a "pure," high-quality experience free from heavy microtransactions. The discussion covers the transition from casual mobile games to the NYT's unique "daily ritual" ecosystem, the technical hurdles of native app development over using game engines like Unity, and how social sharing tools like Wordle's grid revolutionized player engagement.

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 and emergent gameplay. The discussion explores balancing complexity with accessibility, building meaningful player choices, and designing within the civ-style framework while still innovating. Packed with thoughtful design insights and practical lessons, this episode is a must-listen for fans of strategy games and system-driven design.

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 tension, and the technical challenges behind making the game work smoothly. The conversation expands into the unique design problems of large-group games—from pacing and engagement to player elimination—and how designers can tackle them thoughtfully. Rikki also offers a look into his digital horse racing project and wraps up with advice for aspiring designers. A sharp, design-focused discussion for anyone interested in scalable and social game experiences.

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 well as David's connection to DnD.

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 through both the tariffs and the lack of face to face gaming. A meaningful conversation that opens up some deeper ideas in the RPG and GM world.

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 produce. Touching on some of the key focal points and theming of series, as well as Ellie's production management and how that also can apply to her game design and everyday life. As well as discussing the series as a whole, they dive deeper into some specific arguments and concepts surrounding game design. This is a meaningful episode which will give viewers a preview of what Ellie has planned for the future.

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 designers can take their first steps into TTRPG creation, and the role online discussion plays—both positive and problematic—in shaping the hobby. Mike also shares his current design approaches, thoughts on accessibility for players of all backgrounds, and how to encourage strong GMs and engaged players. A packed conversation filled with insight for designers and longtime D&D fans alike.

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.

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 settings. Keith discusses the origins of Eberron, how each edition carries its core essence forward, and the influence of his work on projects like Phoenix. They dive into player autonomy, narrative flexibility, and what makes these choices succeed at the table. A rich, insightful conversation for anyone who loves worldbuilding or wants to understand the craft behind great RPG settings.

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 conventions unique, how to define a "successful" con experience, and practical strategies for getting the most out of each trip. Marcus shares tips on avoiding overbooking, thoughts on tools like Tabletop Simulator, and the joys and challenges of traveling internationally for events. A helpful, engaging guide for designers and creators navigating the convention circuit.

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 into the logistics behind creating RPG content, David's experience exploring different RPG systems like Daggerheart and Mothership, and the rising popularity of solitary RPG play. A thoughtful wrap-up discussion full of perspective, analysis, and honest insight into where the RPG category is headed next.

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 for virtual playtesting, insights into mastering platforms like Tabletop Simulator, and the pros and cons of testing games online versus in person. They also discuss how to create authentic player experiences in digital environments and why Chris chooses to keep his sell sheets public. A must-listen for designers looking to sharpen their digital toolkit.

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 TribeNet has created for Dirk.

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 importance of sharing both successes and failures online. The episode also highlights the community of women in game design and how creators can maximize the potential of various platforms.

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, how it evolved from its early Tribe Vibes roots to Tribe Net 3, and what makes this collaborative, strategy-driven experience so enduring. The conversation explores the logistics of hand-moderation, the challenges of adapting to players' divergent paths, and the creative process behind keeping such a unique community thriving. A deep dive into one of the most intriguing corners of the RPG world.

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 visuals shape a game's identity to what publishers expect when reviewing a pitch. Ross also shares insights on what makes a game marketable, along with creative tactics for boosting engagement. A must-listen for designers looking to understand how art and marketing can make their games stand out.

In this episode of RPG, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with writer and designer MJ Newman to dive into the many sides of RPG writing. Known for her work across different properties, MJ shares her experiences navigating the unique challenges of creating for both big corporations and small publishers. The conversation covers everything from the business of selling RPGs in a niche market, to adapting mechanics that capture the right atmosphere, to what makes horror RPGs stand out. Whether you're curious about writing for games or just love learning how stories and systems come together, this episode offers insights, behind-the-scenes details, and advice for aspiring creators.

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 their games but also the events, connections, and communities they create. They discuss tailoring games to resonate with a specific audience, defining a clear creative purpose, and leaning into that vision to strengthen your work. A thoughtful conversation for designers looking to understand and express their unique identity in the gaming world.

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 unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the challenges of evolving a beloved game without losing its essence. Mike also shares his approach to feedback, organizing playtest groups, and designing editions that keep players engaged. A must-listen for fans of horror roleplay and anyone curious about the craft of sustaining an iconic RPG.

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 unique RPG experience, how it has remained relevant for decades, and the challenges of evolving a beloved game without losing its essence. Mike also shares his approach to feedback, organizing playtest groups, and designing editions that keep players engaged. A must-listen for fans of horror roleplay and anyone curious about the craft of sustaining an iconic RPG.

In this episode of Behind the Cardboard, host Ellie Dix sits down with prolific designer Matthew Dunstan, co-designer of Battle for Boulders, to talk about the art of building and maintaining relationships with publishers. They explore why nurturing these connections is so valuable, strategies for starting relationships without prior contacts, and how to strike the right balance between persistence and pressure. Ellie and Matthew also share their own positive experiences with publishers and discuss how these relationships play a role even in self-publishing. A practical and insightful conversation for anyone navigating the world of game design.

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, to how "serious games" balance education and fun, they unpack listener feedback and expand on earlier ideas. The discussion also touches on the evolving structure of RPG categories and the dynamic relationship between designers and GMs. A reflective, thought-provoking round table that keeps the conversation going.

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 highlighting the right features to keeping things visually engaging. They discuss the do's and don'ts of showcasing your game on video, along with practical tips for making your reel stand out. A perfect listen for designers looking to bring their games to life on screen.

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 techniques, Justin shares insights into the role of the Game Master as designer. They dive into how GMs can connect narrative ideas to mechanics, the philosophies behind crafting memorable RPG experiences, and the challenges new GMs often face. Whether you're building worlds or running them, this episode offers practical tools and deep design wisdom.

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 how to craft one that grabs attention. Fertessa shares tips on outlining your game effectively, finding its unique hook, and blending your elevator pitch seamlessly into the design. Whether you're prepping for a pitch meeting or just curious about the business side of game design, this episode is packed with practical advice.

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 topics.

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 the themes brought up by various listeners.

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 explore how Dominic captures a game's intended experience, the role of playtesting when publishing, and the creative tension between designing for fun vs. marketability. Plus, hear the surprising story behind organizing the first US game convention. Packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a must-listen for game design enthusiasts.

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 designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the "serious games" label.

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 designed for education, training, and social impact. They share unique game experiences, discuss the challenges of designing beyond entertainment, and debate the usefulness of the "serious games" label.

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 game itself), and how designers can present themselves with confidence. They also explore whether physical prototypes are always necessary, how passion plays into the pitch, and Sydney's own experiences as a game designer.

Host Ellie Dix sits down with Danielle Reynolds to dive deep into the art of pitching tabletop games. Danielle shares what draws her to the process, the essential skills designers need, and how to approach pitch decks (and their alternatives). They also discuss common prep mistakes and get to know Danielle beyond the pitch. Whether you're new to pitching or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice.

In this episode, we are joined by Randy Lubin, a well known game designer who has had experience in RPGs, Tabletop gaming, and Mega games. We will dive into the complexities of Mega games as well as what it means to develop games with big world thinking, such as political themes - bringing real world problems to the world of gaming.

Today, Ellie Dix and Dave Neale dive into the complexity of forming publisher relationships, as well as choosing the correct publisher. Taking a perspective from both experienced designers and beginner designers, creating a roadmap for finding and establishing these relationships based on many of the past experiences they both have encountered.

Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron look back on TGRT's most recent topics, along with taking time to dive into many of the conversations brought up by Ellie Dix in BtC. Sharing thoughts about co-design and comparing the communities in tabletop and digital design, which Ellie has brought up with past guests. The two also look back on some of the bigger ideas brought up by conversations in their RPG season.

Today, Ellie Dix and Isaac Vega take a deep dive into what it means to self publish, both the struggles and the benefits. Touching on collaborating with others on projects, along with devoting your time and energy into being a publisher.

An in depth dive into the makings of Burden of Command, along with the strategies and tools used to create the realistic nature of the game. Conversations about using the right assets and tailoring your game in a way that it resembles the time period that it's trying to convey. Luke Hughes, along with Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron, dissect the things that make Burden of Command so unique.

Ellie Dix is joined by Richard Heayes, former design director for Hasbro and current co-founder of 7pips. They discuss the ins and outs of trademarking, idea infringement, and the benefits of freely sharing your ideas. Topics include trademark law, game submission portals, when and how to share your designs, and why it's important the game design community remains free.

Dirk and David are joined by Ben Robbins, designer of Microscope and many other narrative games. They discuss the play culture of Microscope, the differences between it and trad TTRPGs, and the ways games of Microscope can flourish or break down. Topics include expected participation, growing pains in trying new TTRPGs, and what even is an RPG?

Ellie Dix is joined by Mandela Grandon, designer of Glasgow, Overstocked, and The Shakespeare Game. They talk about the benefits and process of co-design, the difficulties in working with another person, and how to even get a co-designer. They also discuss the finer points, like how to address experience gaps, outline goals and partnership structure, and when it doesn't work out.

The season of RPGs starts off with flare! Dirk and David are joined once more by Andrew Fischer, here to discuss his experience designing the Cosmere RPG. They discuss the difficulties in adapting the expansive work of Brandon Sanderson, the unique mechanics developed for the system, and the difficulty in bridging the gap between readers new to RPGs, and experienced gamers with no knowledge of The Stormlight Archive. They also discuss introducing narrative mechanics to a crunchier system, what Andrew has learned from this project, and what's next for him.

In this episode, Ellie chats with Rikki, creator of Coup, The Chameleon, and Melee, about his inspiring journey in design. He highlights the importance of process and how a supportive community has influenced his path. They discuss what makes the design community unique and the benefits of connecting with fellow creatives.

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.

Ellie Dix is joined by Adam Porter, designer of Kompromat, Pikoko, and Doodle Rush. Together, they discuss the playtesting process, why it's so important, and the biggest mistakes people make while playtesting. Topics include tracking confusion during sessions, structuring how and what feedback is given, and being a good playtester.

Dirk and David continue their discussion in part 2 of TGDRT's Civilization Series Finale! They dive into many of the systems that didn't work for them, and what they wish had been done instead. Topics include religion and trade, the problems with Civ VII's map generation, and the costs associated with stripping away flavor in favor of starker mechanics. They also talk about what's next for TGDRT, and wrap up the Civilization series. Most importantly, is David actually done with Civilization games?

Ellie Dix is joined by Scott Rogers, designer Alien: Fate of Nostrodomo, Pantone the Game, and Marvel Villainous and writer of many books on game design. Together, they discuss how to build the prototype for a game, how to decide whether to continue with a design, and what makes a prototype attractive for publishers among other topics.

The time has finally come; Civilization VII is out! After many hours with the game, Dirk and David come together to share their thoughts on the game. Did it live up to the hype? How does Civ VII stack up to previous games? Will David ever play another Civ game again? All these questions and more on part 1 of 2 for TGDRT's Civ Series Finale. Topics include the power of the butterfly effect, the loss of narrative and flavor, troubles with map generation, and the sum effects of the new systems.