Brainwaves - Board Game and Tabletop News Show

It is the very last episode of Brainwaves. Iain, Jamie, and Oliver venture once more into the news wilds to bring you only the latest and best news. For our last show Mythic finally admit they are no more, the Diamond case starts to actually look like there may be a conclusion in sight, Ryan Dancey puts his backing behind AI, and the usual news on movements, promotions, hirings and more. 

Mythic is gone

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/12/10/darkest-dungeon-board-game-maker-mythic-games-officially-liquidated-fails-to-deliver-on-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-crowdfunding-projects/

Ryan Dancey embraces AI

http...

Iain and Oliver are in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop news from around the globe. From crowdfunding messes and AI promotion to Upper Deck getting counter-claimed by Ravensburger, we have all the important information you need. Also this episode we have a special announcement at the end of the cast. 

Headlines

Altering the Deal

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/altered/seeds-of-unity/updates/10

Steamforged Slash Terra Mystica Special Edition

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/05/high-price-complaints-sluggish-start-sees-steamforged-slash-terra-mystica-special-edition-all-in-price-by-over-100-within-hours-of-gamefound-launch/

Terra Mysti...

The whole team is back in the studio to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming globe. From acquisitions, financial reports, record breaking conventions, and card game companies taking on Musk. 

Spiel Essen 25 Breaks Attendance Record

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/press?view=article&id=304&catid=12

Deutscher Spiele Preis 2025 Winners

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/program/dsp 

Asmodee wants the precious 

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-becomes-the-exclusive-tabletop-games-category-manager-to-middle-earth-enterprises-home-to-iconic-the-lord-of-the-rings-and-the-hobbit-ips

Asmodee announces new studio

https://corporate.asmode...

Jamie and Iain bring you the choicest cuts from the worldwide tabletop news beast. Seasoned with the usual amount of controversy, nonsense, and awards. Dig in on episode 169 of Brainwaves. 

Kickstarter workers go on strike 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/01/kickstarter-workers-set-to-strike-tomorrow-over-minimum-salary-proposals-four-day-work-week-protection/

GAMA rebrands

https://www.rascal.news/gama-has-been-rebranded-as-er-gama/

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/02/gama-unveils-10-year-plan-to-become-epicenter-of-global-tabletop-gaming-industry-renames-itself-after-almost-50-years/

CMON sells HQ

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/08/cmon-sells-global-headquarters-after-suffering-12m-h1-revenue-slump-charges-some-pre-order-customers-extra-to-cover-tariffs/

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/dc...

The team are back in full force to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming world. From CMON escaping Hel, to the gender split in designers, and an interview with two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland, we work hard to bring you the news that really matters. 

Cmon escapes Hel

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/10/cmon-continues-battle-against-heavy-losses-by-selling-on-recently-acquired-hel-anastyr-ips-to-dont-panic-games/

Ludonatue stops making new games

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/08/passion-in-board-game-profession-has-given-way-to-economic-reality-ludonaute-to-stop-publishing-new-games-in-wake-of-selling-off-colt-express-living-forest-ips/

Tabletop Scotland grows

https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopscot.bsky.social/post/3lyl...

Iain and Oliver bring you a bumper packed episode of Brainwaves with all the latest news, controversies, and occurrences from across the tabletop gaming world in episode 167 of Brainwaves. 

Devir… damn guys that’s racist as hell

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/just-some-ole-racist-history-crap/page/1 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/article/46440167#46440167 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/08/devir-to-recall-all-copies-of-new-release-ace-of-spades-after-backlash-over-slavery-depictions-in-artwork-apologises-for-causing-harm/

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60259/devir-recalling-ace-spades

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community 

More CMON Executive Leavers and profit warni...

Jamie and Oliver bring you the latest news from around the tabletop gaming world. From CGE failing to conjure a decent response, to Gamefound acquiring a rival they cover the stories that really matter in episode 166 of Brainwaves. 

Czech Games Edition announces new Harry Potter Codenames https://bsky.app/profile/codenamesgame.bsky.social/post/3lul7oqmuws25

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/29/reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric/

Gamefound Acquires Indiegogo

https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogo

https://go.indiegogo.com/blog/2025/07/gamefound-x-indiegogo-the-future-of-creativity.html 

Itch blocks nsfw content

it...

Jamie’s off boating around, no really, so it’s just Oliver and Iain in the studio this week. On episode 165 of Brainwaves they cover Diamond Heists, Spiel Des Jahres, more trouble for CMON and D&D moving to a franchise model, whatever that means. 

Diamond Distribution go on a heist

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-green-ronin-in-critical-legal-defense?attribution_id=sl:0591297a-c303-4ba5-a93c-3b7bd62227df&lang=en_US&ts=1752187231&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14...

It’s the latest episode of Brainwaves! Join Iain and Jamie as they dive into the world of tabletop industry news to bring you the glistening pearls and dank seaweed from across the globe. 

Headlines

Hasbro cuts 3% of workforce 

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/hasbro-cuts-3-its-total-workforce-wsj-reports-2025-06-17/

Dungeons and Dragons designers end up at critical role

https://darringtonpress.com/welcoming-chris-perkins-and-jeremy-crawford-to-our-team/

DrivethruRPG hates rebels

https://www.rascal.news/drivethrurpg-delisted-a-tabletop-game-about-revolutions-over-hateful-politics/

Updates

Tabl...

The team of three are back to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we have fresh stats from UK Games Expo, companies setting fire to their IPs, ebay busting unions, and the Spiel des Jahres nominations. 

UK Games Expo figures

https://bsky.app/profile/ukge.bsky.social/post/3lqkkfgaem22y

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/06/03/uk-games-expo-now-fully-on-the-world-stage-of-mega-cons-as-record-breaking-event-surpasses-gen-con-for-trade-hall-size/

Union Busting Escalation

https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/ebay-escalates-intimidation-union-members-after-closure-announcement

CMON Fire Sale

https://www.cmon.com/press...

Oliver and Iain are the dynamic duo this week as we bring you a packed show full of the usual controversy, the bizarre, and worthwhile celebrations. 

Games Workshop on Rampage

https://spikeybits.com/warhammer-40k/games-workshop-freezes-assets-amid-world-wide-seller-takedown/

World Warhammer Championship boycotted by some players

https://www.rascal.news/players-boycott-the-world-championships-of-warhammer-because-of-trump/

Goodman Games works with Fascists

https://www.enworld.org/threads/goodman-games-revives-relationship-with-anti-semitic-publisher-for-new-city-state-kickstarter-updated.713282/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky

https://goodman-games.com/a-statement-about-city-state-of-the-invincible-overlord/

https://goodman-games.com/an...

It’s just the Scottish team behind the mics this week as we bring you updates on tariffs and Diamond looking particular rough alongside all the latest industry news in Brainwaves Episode 161. 

Stonemaier Games sues the president

Stonemaier Games blog post: https://stonemaiergames.com/we-are-suing-the-president/

Lawsuit press release from Pacific Legal: https://pacificlegal.org/press-release/board-game-company-files-lawsuit-challenging-constitutionality-of-trump-tariffs/ 

CNN news video clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I8yFGUk8JG4&t=4s&pp=2AEEkAIB 

Flat River Games 

https://www.greaterthangames.com/blogs/new...

It’s been a little longer between episodes but the whole team are back to tackle the only news that matters on the latest episode of Brainwaves. 

Trump tariffs turn tabletop topsy turvy

https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=036529e593805041d1127c76d&id=c7c5d971eb

https://rowanrookanddecard.com/what-the-new-usa-tariffs-mean-for-us/?v=7885444af42e

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/04/04/board-game-industry-reels-as-trump-tariffs-threaten-job-losses-company-extinctions/

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/cephalofair/gloomhaven/updates/20854?ref=bk-noti-project-update-20854

CMONs woes continue ...

It’s been a while but we are back with all the latest tabletop news. From profit warnings to big projects being cancelled, tune in to the only tabletop podcast that brings you the stories that really matter. 

CMON Issues Profit Warning

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/03/13/board-game-crowdfunding-major-cmon-issues-profit-warning-says-losses-could-exceed-2m-for-2024/

https://www.cmon.com/project-status/#crowdfunding 

Is Magic losing its sparkle? No of course not.

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/58912/wotc-magic-sales-down-q4-full-year-2024

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2024/01/15/news-digest-brainwaves-episode-135/

The team are back to scour the corners of the world for the best in Tabletop Gaming News. This episode we cover mergers, departures, destruction, and we have an interview with those Rascals. 

Headlines

Steve Jackson merges with Possum Games

https://www.rascal.news/possum-creek-games-wanders-to-a-new-home-with-steve-jackson-games/

https://www.sjgames.com/ill/archive/2025-02-11?ref=rascal.news

Mythic crumbles

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/02/06/end-looms-for-mythic-games-as-company-gives-up-trying-to-deliver-1-3m-monsterpocalypse-kickstarter-hands-files-over-to-ip-holder-privateer-press/

Thomas Interview

https://www.rascal.news/

Upda...

It’s another bumper episode of Brainwaves as we bring you news from across the Tabletop globe. Diamond is in the rough, Asmodee avoids a hug, lawsuits get settled, and Iain gets to go off on one about ethics. All this, and more, on episode 157 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Diamond files for bankruptcy

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/58618/diamond-files-reorganization-under-chapter-11-bankruptcy

https://bsky.app/profile/deadlyfredly.bsky.social/post/3lgbg6e7np22o

Asmodee may not Embrace
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/202...

The whole team is back for the first Brainwaves of the year. Join us as we dive into the latest tabletop gaming news from Hasbro rolling the dice on gambling to chess clashing with the wrong trousers! All this and more on episode 156 of Brainwaves. 

Hasbro rolls the dice

https://igamingbusiness.com/company-news/games-global-unveils-exciting-partnership-with-hasbro/

It’s the wrong trousers, Magnus

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98lkrdkz70o?at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_campaign_type=owned&at_link_origin=BBC_News&at_link_t...

This podcast contains all the interviews that I conducted during Dragonmeet 2024. Thanks so much to everyone that took the time to talk to me.

The interviewees are:

Jason, Always Checkers Publishing

Chris, Beyond Cataclysm

Mike, Planet Smasher Games

Shaan, RPG Taverns

Finbar and Gary, Game Therapy UK

Our Links

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and dr...

It’s the last cast of the year and we have a full team in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. From people taking off their masks, to copyright disputes, and awards news. Listen to the only cast to bring you the really important industry news. 

Has Powerboats been taken for a Joyride?

Joyride vs Powerboats thread

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3412685/powerboatspowerships-joyride

Geoff Engelstein

https://gametek.substack.com/p/copy-paste

Episodes where we have covered plagiarism allegations

htt...

It’s a cast of finances, awards, lawsuits,  and political games as Oliver and Iain cross the world in the episode 154 of Brainwave to bring you the best in Tabletop Gaming News. 

Tariffs and Trade Rules Tax Tabletop Publishers 

https://www.sjgames.com/ill/archive/2024-11-10

https://www.compliancegate.com/general-product-safety-regulation/

https://bsky.app/profile/badsquiddogames.bsky.social/post/3lb7r4n7eni22

https://www.rascal.news/new-legislation-impacts-games-sales-to-the-european-union/

Zenobia Award II Winners Announced

https...

It’s been a mix of huge stories and not much else in the last few weeks. Iain and Jamie bring you the lowdown on what is going on at World of Game Design, who is bagging awards, hasbro’s financials, and what size of country the population of D&D Beyond could establish. All this, and more, on episode 153 of Brainwaves

WOGD investigation by Rascal

https://www.rascal.news/former-world-of-game-design-employees-claim-tabletop-company-exploits-workers-and-clients/

Zac Goins Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/xzacklee/posts/pfbid02yf9PBqMH47ReMwKBB...

In this special edition of Brainwaves we present the interviews that we carried out at Tabletop Scotland 2024. Thanks so much to everyone who spoke to us. 

People and Organisations

Tanya Floaker

Edinburgh Indie Gamers

Hive Mind Games

Village on Stilts 

Hall or Nothing

Kayla Dice - Rat Wave Game House

Laurie O’Connell

Phil Harris

Games mentioned

DrievthruRPG links are affiliate links

Dead Air

Be Seei...

Iain is taking this cast off so Jamie and Oliver are at the helm. This episode they cover further troubles at Mythic, companies being saved and consolidating their lines, controversial giveaways and more on episode 152 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Mythic Games France liquidates 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/10/17/no-mythic-games-hasnt-gone-into-liquidation-but-its-fate-should-be-decided-by-the-end-of-the-month/

https://annonces-legales.leparisien.fr/annonce/23cba43f-8a82-48c1-8f57-6a2285e239c3

Funforge ‘saved’ by Tokaido deal

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/10/11/did-it-save-the-company-yes-and-no-funforges-ceo-on-fighting-its-financial-woes-by-selling-the-tokaido-line-to-stonemaier/

Spiel Essen Sold Out<...

This special episode of Brainwaves is all the interviews I conducted at Gothcon earlier in the year. Gothcon is Sweden’s premier convention with games across all genres of the hobby and it was my privilege to be invited across. You can read all about my time there in the posts below and listen to the wonderful RPG community I had the pleasure of being involved with 

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2024/03/30/gothcon-2024-arrival-and-day-1/

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2024/03/31/gothcon-2024-day-2/

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2024/04/07/gothcon-2024-why-do-i-attend-events/

P...

While Jamie is off in that there London, Iain and Oliver are once more behind the mics to bring you the latest tabletop news. In episode 151 we cover Wizards taking over Commander, CMON losing board members, the usual smattering of awards, and a good few stories about unions. All this and more on this episode of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Commander Format Firestorm
https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/on-the-future-of-commander

https://www.rascal.news/finance-bros-and-harassment-force-mtgs-biggest-player-owned-format-into-corporate-hands/

Zenobia Award Finalists Announced

https://zenobiaaward.org/finalists/

We have a longer than usual cast for your this week as we take a look at the controversy around Simon Lavender, a UK board game influencer. It is our only headline this week, but we still cover the business of the industry with new hires at Restoration Games, Asmodee, financial hits at CMON, a series of competitions and more! 

Headlines

Influencer Simon Lavender accused of bad practices

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3352419/a-simon-lavender-review-what-to-do-with-dishonest/page/1

The accusations at the centre of this are on page...

Jamie is off seeing some shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, so Oliver and Iain are behind the mics this week to report on the latest tabletop news. From poisoning and sexual harrasment in chess to astonishing numbers, we bring you the news that really matters. 

Headlines

Chess Poisoning & Sexual Harassment 

https://www.chess.com/news/view/russian-chess-player-suspended-after-allegedly-poisoning-her-rival

https://www.polygon.com/gaming/440094/international-chess-scandals-2024

Lego and Asmodee build a house

https://www.lego.com/en-my/aboutus/news/2024/august/lego-asmodee-games?locale=en-my&age-gate=grown_up

With Oliver back from the Spiel des Jahres we have interviews with the winners, chat about the controversy, dive into finances, and lift up awards. Just another day at GB HQ as we bring you the best in tabletop gaming news. 

Headlines

Spiel des Jahres 2024 awards ceremony controversy

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/preisverleihung-kennerspiel-des-jahres-2024/

Matteo Statement

https://medium.com/@baddeo/why-i-wear-55cb9459d8e7

Hasbro Earnings

https://www.fastcompany.com/91163137/hasbro-earnings-reveal-monopoly-go-made-3-billion-dollars

Diana Jones Award 2024 Winner Annou...

Oliver is off at the Spiel des Jahres ceremony and Brettspiel so it is up to Iain and Jamie to bring you the latest tabletop news. From Facebook scams to new presidents we bring you the news that really matters across the tabletop world on episode 147 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Scam takes in major publishers 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/07/08/multiple-board-game-publishers-fall-prey-to-scammers-impersonating-80000-member-board-game-facebook-group/

Ennie Awards open 

https://vote.ennie-awards.com/vote/2024/

Spiel des Jahres

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/2024_preistraeger/

 ...

In a quieter couple of weeks for the tabletop industry the team still endeavors to bring you the industry news that really matters. From data breaches to big anniversaries it’s all here in Brainwaves episode 146

Headlines

Roll20 data breach

https://help.roll20.net/hc/en-us/articles/24620372778775-Data-Security-Incident-July-3rd-2024-FAQ

2018 breach

https://blog.roll20.net/posts/conclusion-of-2018-data-breach-investigation/

2024 WiT Wonder Women Awards Nominations

https://www.womenintoys.com/nominees

https://www.womenintoys.com/wonder-woman-awards

https...

The team of 3 are back again like a renegade master. Only up to date references on this show. It’s another bumper cast as we cover the Spiel des Jahres, trademarks you won’t believe exist, and people on the move in the industry. All this, and more, on episode 145 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Spiel des Jahres Nominations

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/nominierte-spiele-2024.html

https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/162128/spiel-des-jahres-nominations-for-2024-captain-flip

Martina Fuchs Interview

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2023/07/24/brainwaves-episode-126-spiel-special/

Meeple trademar...

Hello everyone,

In a break from our usual cast, this is a set of interviews I carried out at UK Games Expo 2024. I’ve provided links to all the folk mentioned and more besides in the show notes. Hope you enjoy! 

Folks we mention on the cast

Soul Muppet Publishing

Leyline Press

Mousehole press

Paverson Games 

Black Chantry

Null Signal

Orbital Blues 

Slightly Reckless Games

Wanderer’s Tome  

Burn Afte...

The whole team are back together covering a bumper crop of news. Mergers everywhere, UK Games Expo expands (and we were there), awards, controversies, and of course we tell you if Ryan Dancey is accountable. The answer will not surprise you. 

Headlines

Steamforged bought Privateer Press rights

https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/brands/sfg-acquires-iron-kingdoms

https://home.privateerpress.com/2024/06/03/privateer-press-the-next-phase/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2PzhzcDq_j5L7gg_0Esd1OvoKskXDomYpeb4rZYiQ4EY2MLBiJ3K-ns5c_aem_ARXNYQHsZBzeuEloediavrCp-Otisvcr6wr9GP2XlHPjjhzD0SqbIcDlZOftHMmNO8TPyvLxqPTWbRWjktKcix9g

Upd...

Oliver and Iain are back in the studio as Jamie continues to travel Scotland. This episode they bring you up to date news on the winners of the Cardboard Edison Award, look at the finances of our overlords, and ask “Is Ryan Dancey accountable?”. Tune in to find out the answer. 

Headlines

Cardboard Edison Awards

https://cardboardedison.com/

https://cardboardedison.com/award

Asmodee financials and Embracer Write Down

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56967/embracer-writes-down-asmodee-dark-horse

https://boardgamewire.com/index...

Jamie is on tour around the islands of Scotland so it falls to Oliver and Iain to bring you the latest episode of Brainwaves. They look at the finances of CMON, support for designers in the US and UK, and cover some interesting programmes from the folk behind the Spiel des Jahres. 

Headlines

CMON sales

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56802/cmon-sales-flat-2023

Tabletop Games Designers Association

https://www.ttgda.org/

IWBG Union welcomes tabletop members

https://iwgb.org.uk/en/post/iwgb-tabletop-workers/

...

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the tabletop industry, but never fear. The Brainwaves team are here to bring you all the latest news both big and small from across the globe. 

Headlines

Embracer splits up

https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-its-intention-to-transform-into-three-standalone-publicly-listed-entities-at-nasdaq-stockholm/

https://embracer.com/releases/asmodee-secures-financing-agreement-of-eur-900-million-as-part-of-separation-deleveraging-the-remaining-embracer-group/

https://embracer.com/releases/open-letter-by-embracer-group-ceo-about-the-transformation-into-three-standalone-publicly-listed-entities/

WOTC ceo steps down

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56723/wizards-coast-president-resigns

Goliath buys Lucky Duck

https://toyworldmag.co.uk/goliath-acquires-lucky-duck-games/

...

Hi folks,

This is another special from my time at Gothcon in Sweden. This is a panel I lead where the panellists and I talk about the state of RPG criticism in 2024 and how we go about reviewing RPG products.

The Panellists

Thanks to the panellists for joining me and discussing this interesting topic!

Andreas Lundström - Sweden Rolls

https://www.swedenrolls.com/

Hjlmar Norden - Red Moon Roleplaying

https://www.redmoonroleplaying.com/

Michael Ericson - Äventyrarna Roll...

Brainwaves is a whole 6 years old! We would like to thank all our listeners for their support and encouragement over the time we have been running the show. 

The whole team are back this episode to bring you the return of Golden Bell, the defence of Hasbro by Chris Cocks, more plagiarism in Magic: The Gathering and much more!

Headlines

Webcomic Name creator sued by Golden Bell

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56568/oh-no-suit-sends-webcomic-name-creator-alex-norris-back-gofundme?fbclid=IwAR157V87k3IHCdMbXEX1IOCca6gkQw6J7myVSPZZP2FXFDxKVgrav7Ifo9I_aem...

Bit of a different cast to our usual today. This is an actual play I did at Gothcon, Sweden. If you aren't familiar Actual Play is a type of RPG that is recorded for people to listen to how a game plays out. I hope you enjoy it. This one is for Blades in the Dark, a game I love to bits.

Players

Huge thanks to the folks who played and made my job really easy!

Andreas Lundström - Sweden Rolls

https://www.swedenrolls.com/

Hjlmar Norden - R...

The team of 3 are back together to bring you the best, weirdest, and most controversial news stories from around the tabletop industry. This episode cover companies collapsing, “compelling” AI, and new factories. 

Headlines

Ninja Division files for bankruptcy

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/03/11/thousands-of-kickstarter-backers-left-out-of-pocket-as-super-dungeon-explore-publisher-ninja-division-files-for-bankruptcy/

Hasbro presents “compelling” case for AI

https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/dungeons-and-dragons-5e/news/dungeons-and-dragons-ai-generation-chris-cocks-comments-dice-summit

https://venturebeat.com/games/how-hasbro-is-jumping-on-the-game-opportunity-chris-cocks-interview/

CGE acquires new factory 

https://czechgames.com/en/home/news-24-03-01-c...

Oliver is back in the studio giving us a full complement of hosts this week! On Brainwaves Episode 138 we look at awards, shipping issues, a Tempest reising in the industry and look ahead to some conventions Iain is attending. 

Headlines

As D’Or Winners announced

https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/french-board-game-award-winners-announced/

Cardboard Edison Awards

https://cardboardedison.com/award

Prospero Hall folk start a new studio

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-rowlands-9b3209b2_openforwork-activity-7167897574983581696-IkIm/?utm_source...

The Brainwaves team are back to bring you the best in tabletop gaming news. This cast covers callous corporations, soaring crowdfunding, fantastically diverse awards, and D&D on stage? 

Headlines

Hasbro Financials

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/02/13/magic-dd-maker-hasbro-lost-over-1bn-in-q4-predicts-wotc-revenue-decline-in-2024/

https://investor.hasbro.com/financial-information/quarterly-results

Embracer prioritises shareholders

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-says-it-s-looking-out-for-shareholders-after-cutting-almost-1-400-jobs?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky#close-modal

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/56241/board-game-sales-down-asmodee-embracer-q3

Gamefound soars<...

It’s the team of Iain and Jamie this episode to bring you all the best, and worst, in tabletop gaming news. From Funko selling off their best asset, to Mojo award winners, we have all the latest breaking news. 

Headlines

Funko sells game division

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/01/17/funko-just-sold-its-board-games-assets-and-prospero-hall-design-team-to-rummikub-maker-goliath/

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/01/19/how-goliath-bought-prospero-halls-game-assets-but-left-its-heart-behind/

RPG controversy

https://diyanddragons.blogspot.com/2024/01/xandering-is-slandering.html?m=1

Mojo Nation

https://mojo-nation.com/read-the-mojo-nation-100-2024-edition-online-now/

https...

The Brainwaves Team are back from our festive hiatus. Every two weeks we bring you the best in tabletop gaming news from the controversial to the down right strange. This episode we cover Hasbro’s unwanted Christmas present, Wizards in AI art trouble (again), Tabletop Mentorship programme expanding, and can you guess what Iain thought he would never type into the show notes?

Hasbro cuts workforce in the run-up to Christmas

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/11/toymaker-hasbro-layoffs

Wizards under fire for AI art. Again

https://www.polygon.com...

The team are back after a longer break between episodes and the tabletop world has been busy. From more art theft, to awards, loads of updates, and unfortunate lawsuits Jamie and Iain bring you the best in tabletop news from across the world in the last Brainwaves of the year! 

Headlines

Wizards steals more art

https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/magic-the-gathering-game/news/magic-the-gathering-artst-apologises-for-stolen-art-lost-caverns-of-ixalan

https://twitter.com/L_Lanfranconi/status/1725886246176587996?s=20

https://imgur.com/0qW5J62

Embracer in troubl...

It’s just the two of us, by which I mean Oliver and Iain bringing you the tabletop news this week. This episode we cover the collapse of games companies, the formation of organisations, where you can watch the new D&D TV channel, and much more on episode 133 of Brainwaves.

Headlines

Devil pig down the drain

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3179322/here-statement-today?fbclid=IwAR31BF_-WUGVuEOJxoNUmuh3MvOPWQEEvX-aREXnvnixXMrNflsSChwqR6E

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3176686/devil-pig-team-official-statement

Essen Hacked

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3179815/looks...

It’s a spooky news cast. No not really. Well maybe a bit. At the start. Blame Jamie. This episode of Brainwaves the team bring you a Hasbro heavy episode as that company releases its third quarter earnings, Magic changes its booster format, Wizards starts a TV channel. All this and more in Brainwaves Episode 132.

Headlines

Wizards starting TV channel

https://www.polygon.com/23919779/dnd-dungeons-dragons-actual-play-tv-show-encounter-party

https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/dungeons-dragons-free-streaming-fast-channel-eone-launch-1235609856/

Hasbro Third Quarter Earnings

https://investor.hasbro.com/static-files/a2a2197...

Oliver and Iain are back behind the mics after a little hiatus due to holidays and lurgy. We bring you a bumper crop of news from the last month from companies suing netflix to Essen using creep AI, companies closing down, others asking for money and all the news from across the tabletop gaming hobby! All this and more on episode 131 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Evil Genius sues Netflix regarding Snyder project

https://evilgeniusgames.com/press-release/evil-genius-games-sues-netflix-over-rebel-moon-game/

Essen uses AI

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php...

In this edition of Brainwaves the team cover Berserk Games not paying their dues, troubles at Haba, and the continued rise of AI in the hobby. All this, and more, on this episode of Brainwaves.

Headlines

Berserk Games

https://twitter.com/digisprite/status/1700078934769987626

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2757485/seeking-help-regarding-berserk-games-resolved-reop

Dicebreaker Article we refer to in the Jamey Stegmaier quote

https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/tabletop-simulator/news/tabletop-simulator-moderation-transphobia-allegation-1

Haba is insolvent

https...

Iain Chantler, Jamie Adams, and Iain McAllister from the Brainwaves team recount their trip to Tabletop Scotland, games played, people seen, and events run! We also discuss the announcement of the 2024 move to Edinburgh.

Games Mentioned (in running order)

Turncoats 

Rallyman GT

War of Whispers

Kings Breakfast

Long Shot: The Dice Game

Featherweight Fiesta

Old Kings Crown

Stomp The Plank

Men At Wo...

Jamie and Iain are fresh off their trip to Tabletop Scotland and back in the studio with Oliver for a bumper week for news. This episode we cover thefts, accusations of predatory behaviour, and we have an exclusive on Tabletop News regarding their stance on unions. All this, and more, on episode 129 of Brainwaves

Headlines

No Rolls Barred host accused of predatory behaviour (again)

https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/15wj09c/adam_blampied_is_on_disciplinary_leave_from_no/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL...

In Brainwaves Episode 128 the team are reporting on a lighter week for news. Gencon is in the spotlight for attendance and theft, Wizards of the Coast are in trouble (again), and the Zenobia awards make a pleasant return. All this, and more, on this episode of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Gencon Breaks attendance record

https://gamingtrend.com/news/gen-con-2023-breaks-attendance-record/

Gencon Theft

https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/impd-seeking-publics-help-in-identifying-2-people-of-interest-who-stole-300-000-worth-of-gaming-cards

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3133996/designers-game-are-accused-stealing-300000-worth-m

Wizar...

The team of three are back together to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. From AI declarations, to new materials, and games becoming tv series becoming games, no news escapes our watchful eye. 

Headlines

Kickstarter walks the line on AI

https://updates.kickstarter.com/introducing-our-new-ai-policy/?ref=ksr_email_mktg_AIPOLICY_2023-08-01&lid=ntvmpknk03hh

Drivethru lays out policy on AI

https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2023/07/drivethrurpg-brings-down-the-ban-hammer-on-ai-written-content.html

https://help.onebookshelf.com/hc/en-us/articles/12780748778135-Product-Standards-Guidelines#note-0-16

 <...

Oliver has been on special assignment in Germany attending the Spiel des Jahres ceremony! To celebrate the award, and to learn more about it, we bring you interviews with the winners and with a member of the jury, Martina Fuchs. Never fret though, the cast is still full of the good, bad, and ugly news of the industry. 

Headlines

Spiel des Jahres Special

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/

Martina Fuchs

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/en/the-jury/martina-fuchs/

https://twitter.com/MissBayBee_de

The team of Iain and Jamie are in the studio this week to bring you the latest in Kickstarter woes, AI writers, and blockchain backtracking. We bring you the best in tabletop gaming industry news so you don’t have to go looking.

Headlines

Petersen games in Pallet wars

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petersengames/cthulhu-wars-the-daemon-sultan/posts/3846716?fbclid=IwAR2WeExpT79HKXZ6ZWoC7IVl8JX-jIqUK560YoYAJWVB8gw8Y6uN8pQprrk

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3108824/data-breach-us-os4-backers

Gizmodo welcomes AI Overlords

https...

Iain is off dealing with problems in the basement of the HQ so it is up to Jamie and Oliver to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we cover Embracer reversing course, nuTSR’s story coming to an end, Quackalope under more fire, studios forming and closing and much more! 

Headlines

Embracer layoffs

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2023/06/13/asmodee-owner-embracer-group-to-make-layoffs-to-help-tackle-1-5bn-debt-pile/

https://embracer.com/releases/open-letter-by-embracer-group-ceo-on-restructuring-program/

https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-comprehensive-restructuring-program-with-immediate-implementation/

nuTSR goes under

https...

Tim Clare has had a varied career. Poet, writer, podcaster, writing course designer and teacher, tabletop critic and podcaster. His podcast "Death of 1000 cuts" is a fascinating insight into writers and writing. I first came across Tim through his writing boot camps and he is a guest I've been looking forward to getting on the show. 

Having previously worked in fiction with "The Honours" and "The Ice House", Tim has recently turned his attention to the world of non-fiction and subject of Anxiety. His most recent work is called 'Coward: Why we get Anxious and what we c...

Iain and Oliver bring you the latest tabletop news from around the world. Upper Deck sues Ravensburger, we speak to the winner of the Cardboard Edison award, UK Games Expo report, and stamps for the Emperor! 

Headlines

Upper Deck sues Ravenburger

http://upperdeck.com/Corporate/News-And-Events/2023-06-07.aspx?fbclid=IwAR23uaH-lm-nn0wq8fdfjSiF3iic2ckQdBgIkS8e9WLkWdCLH5WPsL0Y2vY

Paul Lesko analysis

https://twitter.com/paul_lesko/status/1666487311943495681?s=46&t=v9SXGFVIWqrzDczbh8j44Q

Cardboad Edison Award Winne...

All 3 of the team are back in the studio to cover the latest tabletop controversies! This episode we cover things that go Quack in the night, Spiel des Jahres, important people putting their foot in it, financials, and much more! 

Headlines

Quacaklope and Aeon Trespass Odyssey

The original call out on reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/13mm6tw/creators_of_aeon_trespass_odyssey_call_out/

The Horrible Truth about Aeon Trespass Odyssey review

https://www.youtube.com/w...

In the latest episode of Brainwaves we dive into the troubles of Mythic Games, the sad demise of another company, Awards news from both sides of the pond, and Pokemon as an antique! 

Headlines

Mythic games issues

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2023/05/04/exclusive-mythic-games-rejects-bankrupcty-fears-in-wake-of-6-siege-kickstarter-turmoil/

https://info.mythicgames.net/6siege-boardgame-faq

Grimlord Games goes into Administration

Village Attacks: Grim Dynasty by Grimlord Games - A Statement from Grimord Games - Gamefound

17th Annual Golden Geek Award Winners Announced

htt...

Jamie is back on the road so it’s Oliver and Iain behind the mics this week. They bring you news from across the industry on failed kickstarter companies, Hasbro’s finances, Pokemon running out of cards, and Wizards hiring the Pinkertons! All this and more on episode 120 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Wizards saddles up with the Pinkertons

https://twitter.com/GateGeek/status/1650025390050537473?s=20

https://www.polygon.com/23695923/mtg-aftermath-pinkerton-raid-leaked-cards

https://gizmodo.com/magic-the-gathering-leaks-wizards-wotc-pinkertons-1850374546

Hasbro and Mattel Strike Deal

https://corporate.mattel.c...

The team are all back together once more to bring you the best in Tabletop Gaming News. This cast they cover the passing of a legend, UK companies buying up others, ongoing issues at Mythic, and more!  

Headlines

Klaus Teuber Dies

https://twitter.com/settlersofcatan/status/1643252209033904128?s=20

Dan Thurot’s Piece

https://spacebiff.com/2023/04/04/klaus-teuber/#more-23970

Naylor Games buy ITB assets

https://naylorgames.com/blogs/blog/naylor-games-buys-all-assets-of-itb-games-and-a-plan-for-saving-its-projects

News

Mythic in trouble...

Iain isn’t around this week, but never fear! The dynamic duo of Oliver and Jamie are here to the rescue with the latest in Tabletop News. They revisit Wyrmwood, visit Nebulas, and give Warhammer the stamp of approval in episode 118 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Gizmodo investigates Wyrmwood

https://gizmodo.com/wyrmwood-gaming-doug-costello-bobby-downey-1850237181

Episode 116

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2023/02/27/brainwaves-episode-116-bank-wyrm/

Nebula Games Award

https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/dungeons-and-dragons-5e/news/dnd-radiant-citadel-nebula-award

New GAMA board members<...

It’s Episode 117 of Brainwaves, bringing you the best in Tabletop Gaming News. This episode we cover companies going green, liquidations, closures, AI art, boardgame films and much more! 

Headlines

Games Workshop Goes Green

https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/03/07/recycling-trial-announced-new-life-for-old-sprues/

Green Games Guide 

https://www.greengamesguide.com/

Forest of Pangaia

ITB liquidates

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itbboardgames/sub-terra-ii-infernos-edge/posts/3744854

News

Meeple Perk Shuts

https...

It’s Jamie’s last cast for a little while and it is full of news. From Wyrmwood handling of sexual assault allegations to Hasbro bank troubles and companies not delivering on time. There are even two pieces of Monopoly news, just for Jamie. 

Headlines

Wyrmwood Gaming Sexual Assault

The Wyrmwood video mentioned in this piece has since been taken down.

Their statement is below

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQCyOyruqCWFRq1yGcufTLZjxo3Msz0S/view

I've been invited to my first international convention. In April I'll be over in Sweden at Gothcon. To get me ready I invited Pontus Wolke and Hampus Nordin from the convention committee to tell me what the gaming scene is like in Sweden and what I can expect at the convention. 

Gothcon Website

Pontus' Twitter

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegiantbrain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain

Website: https://giantbra...

Iain and Oliver are back in the studio while Jamie takes a break from the cast. The team of two bring you updates on the Open Gaming License, Hasbro layoffs, UK companies in trouble, a downturn in the fortunes of the German games market, and much more in episode 115 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Wizards reverses course

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1439-ogl-1-0a-creative-commons

Smart Party Episode

https://smartparty.wordpress.com/2023/01/23/ogl-omg/#more-1838

Hasbro lays off staff

https://www.g...

The team are back after a bit of a break! In this first episode of the new year we cover all the latest with Wizards of the Coast OGL announcements and have two interviews: one with Linda Codega who broke the story and one with Jon Hodgson who runs Handiwork Games. It’s our biggest piece yet on the show and we hope you enjoy it. 

Not only that but we report on a new RPG union in Europe, Gil Hova shutting up shop, GW share prices and the largest monopoly collection in the world! 

It’s the final episode of Brainwaves! For this year at least. The team are back in the studio to discuss racism in RPGs (again), AI art causing a stir, Wizards changing the Open Gaming Licence, and much more in Episode 113 of Brainwaves.

Headlines

Mythic Polynesia 

https://twitter.com/mr_orgue/status/1602122837623382019?s=20&t=71lQaIfq-32saosyN0JUSQ

https://twitter.com/_Boganova_/status/1593114267519430658

https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/moriori-still-setting-the-record-straight/

Frank West steps down from GAMA president role 

https://icv2.com/article...

The newly forged trio return to the mics to bring you the latest and best tabletop gaming news. From AIs turning their minds to Stratego, Wizards fending off accusations, all the way to gaming related candles! All this, and more, on episode 112 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

AI masters Stratego

https://twitter.com/DeepMind/status/1598392039992958982

https://www.deepmind.com/blog/mastering-stratego-the-classic-game-of-imperfect-information

https://www.gravon.de/gravon/stratego/stratego.jsp

Games Industry Conference Cancelled

https://www.gic-uk.co.uk/

Wiz...

It was my great pleasure to be joined On Stage by Flavien Loisier for our last interview of the year. Flavien is the General Manager of Hachette Boardgames UK and it was a fascinating chat covering setting up the company, the challenges of handling a hit, state of the industry, and future plans. 

Twitter Account

https://twitter.com/HachetteBGUK

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hachetteboardgamesuk/

Main Website

https://www.hachetteboardgames.co.uk/

Jamie and Iain discover that Oliver Kinne has been drifting around the spacetime continuum inside the HQ. Not sure what to do about this situation they invite him to become a permanent member of the team, he has to pay down his tea debt anyway. 

Together the newly expanded Brainwaves team cover trouble at Hasbro, Pandasaurus Games acting like dinosaurs, Embracer letting go, AI conquering diplomacy, Catan Cookbooks, and much more in episode 111 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Hasbro loses the magic

https://www.polygon.com/23458064/magic-the-gathering-overprinting-hasbro-stock-downgrade

Hero...

Iain and Jamie are back after a little break to bring you a bumper crop of tabletop gaming news. From unions in the states to law suits in the world of chess the news never stops, and neither do we. 

Headlines

Union formed at US retailer

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/52534/union-formed-game-retailer?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

https://twitter.com/NkgUnited

Welcome Asmodee 

https://welcome.asmodee.com/

For whom the bell tolls

https...

Autumn has truly arrived in Scotland but that hasn’t stopped the Brainwaves team from venturing out to find the best in Tabletop gaming news. This episode we cover moves at the top of Kickstarter and Hasbro, licenses expanding, chess imploding, and fellowships being awarded!

Headlines

Kickstarter new CEO

https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/kickstarter/interview/kickstarter-ceo-everette-taylor-blockchain-tabletop-future

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exclusive-everette-taylor-named-kickstarters-new-ceo-fast-company?src=aff-ref&trk=aff-ir_progid%3D8005_partid%3D10078_sid%3D_adid%3D449670&clickid=y1I0ZATKgxyIWOzxncVdtQiSUkDQ9J1NE31WzM0&mcid=6851962469594763264&irgwc=1

Dun...

Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the choicest cuts of tabletop news. This episode of Brainwaves they cover the unfolding controversy in chess, companies expanding, people moving, witch trial inspired games and more! 

Headlines

Chess world deals with cheating allegation fallouts

Fide official statement

https://www.chessdom.com/fide-publishes-the-official-statement-on-the-carlsen-niemann-case/

Magnus Carlsen Statement

https://twitter.com/magnuscarlsen/status/1574482694406565888

Late Night

https://www.chessdom.com/stephen-colbert-jokes-about-the-latest-accusations-against-hans-niemann-in-his-late-night-talk-show/

Grandma...

In our latest On Stage interview Iain is joined by Jon Hodgson of Handiwork Games. Jon has had a long career in tableop RPGs. He started off as a freelance artist but has had creative director, art director, and Deputy CEO. He has worked on huge franchise titles like Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who but has left all that behind to establish his own company. Jon was kind enough to come over to the GB HQ to talk about his career, establishing Handiwork Games, the rise of AI art, and more besides in this wide ranging interview.  Duration: 01:08:07

The team are back to bring you the latest in tabletop news. This episode they lay out the history of nuTSR and Wizards of the coast before bringing you the latest developments in the case. Alongside this they look at cheating controversy in the world of chess, Origins shaking up the Awards, Gamefound announcing new initiatives, and more on this episode of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Wizards files injunction against nuTSR

https://twitter.com/NoHateInGaming/status/1568288911297847296?s=20&t=pfVPMt8_j-g6yv2X1pY9tA

https://twitter.com/BrainClouds/status/1568280027917074435?s=2...

Iain and Jamie are back from Tabletop Scotland their bags bursting with the latest in tabletop news. Join them in the studio as they cover card games raking in the bucks, Kickstarter making changes, Wizards faltering once more, and a new segment covering jobs, events, and opportunities in the community. 

Headlines

Ebay puts its cards on the table

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-has-entered-into-an-agreement-to-acquire-tcgplayer-301609889.html

Kickstarter employs new head of games

https://www.polygon.com/23328798/kickstarter-new-director-of-games-interview-blockchain

https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/kickstarter-change-up-their-games-team-is-this-a-sign-of-changes-ahead/

Iain and Jamie are back in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we cover all the Dungeons, all the Dragons, all the awards, and all the rock music?

Headlines

Wizards announces the future of DnD

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1313-wizards-presents-recap-catch-up-on-all-the-d-d

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2022/04/18/episode-96-pyramid-scheme/

Bits and Mortar

https://www.bits-and-mortar.com/

Tabletop Gaming Awards finalists announced

https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/News/tabletop-gaming-awards-2022-finalists-announced

Har...

Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the hottest tabletop gaming news. This episode they cover finances of the industry, new conventions, current conventions running into porblems, and when chess robots attack! All this, and more, on episode 104 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Record Sales for Wizards of the Coast and the hobby at large

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/51714/record-sales-quarter-wizards-coast

WOTC New Studio

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-07-25-wizards-of-the-coast-opens-austin-based-studio-skeleton-key

ICv2 hobby game sales

Iain is trying to fit the entire studio in a fridge to escape the cool weather, while Jamie goes for a more practical solution. Resolving their differences they won’t let the hot weather stop them bringing you the latest tabletop news. This episode they cover firings, delays, and game kidnapping (sort of). 

Headlines

Petersen Games lays off staff and looks in trouble

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02cacbYSJYE2SL9bDBvPRozqhKJq78HkSBuA2ri1Ni2ynNhG4CdUExNrK2popjVywnl&id=100001129599199&m_entstream_source=timeline

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2892101/pete...

In our most recent On Stage Iain is joined by David Wright and John Harper, two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland. Tabletop Scotland is a convention held in Perth, Scotland and is back after a couple of years due to one thing and another. They chat about the inception of the convention, attracting a diverse audience, the state of the hobby in Scotland, and a wide variety of other topics before taking questions from the audience. 

Tabletop Scotland

David Wright Twitter

John Harper Twitter

Jamie’s been away in the nation's capital and comes back to find Iain covered in popcorn and watching the latest developments in UK politics. Dusting Iain off and getting him behind the mic, the team cover the latest in tabletop news: Wizards employees form justice group, and awards doubler, Keyforge resurrected, Jamison Stone updates, DMs Guild partnerships, and more on the latest episode of Brainwaves.

Headlines

Wizards for Justice

https://twitter.com/WizardsJustice/status/1541600178616016896

Indie Bundle for Abortion funds

https://twitter.com/rolis...

After the highs of the big 100, Iain and Jamie are back behind the mics to bring you the latest tabletop gaming news. This time out we cover a new player in the field of crowdfunding, Kickstarter’s community board, the Diana Jones Award, a whole slew of updates, and Monopoly Summer Camp. 

Roe Vs Wade

We are providing links here to help those needing assistance in the states and looking to donate to causes that can help. Thanks to our Discord community and Tiffany Leigh on Twitter for providing some of these links.

It’s the 100th Episode! In a very special live show Iain and Jamie welcome back Sam who has been hiding in the walls/ another dimension. They are joined by the interview legend that is Richard Simpson from We’re Not Wizards. Together they dive into the  murky waters of the latest tabletop news including the Jamison Stone controversy, Cake IP issues, dodgy funding, worth causes, and much more. When the news is all dealt with Richard takes over to interview the original Brainwaves team and ask questions on behalf of our audience. 

Headlines

Jamis...

It’s the penultimate episode before the big 100. As Jamie and Iain contemplate what they have brought to the world of tabletop podcasts they dig into the latest news from the hobby. Spiel des Jahres nominations, rent a DM, Drivthru blackouts and push outs, and much more on this episode of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Spiel des Jahres nominees

https://twitter.com/SpieldesJahres

Rent a DM

https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/13/startplaying-raises-6-5m-so-tabletop-players-can-rent-dungeon-masters/

Drivethru suspends designer

https://www.geeknative.com/142136/driveth...

In our latest On Stage Interview Iain is joined by Frank West. Frank is the man behind City of Games, publishers of the cultural juggernaut that is Isle of Cats. Iain chats to Frank about publishing, the state of the industry, and his recent induction onto the GAMA board. 

City of Games

https://thecityofkings.com/

GAMA

https://www.gama.org/

GAMA controversy

https://giantbrain.co.uk/2022/05/16/brainwaves-episode-98-contagious-conventions/

Iain’s been stocking up on infinite mugs to get ready for the big 100th and the builders are in to rearrange the non-euclidean geometry to accept beings of a celestial nature. Seeking refuge in the Studio Jamie and Iain cover the latest in tabletop news: GAMA membership problems, UK Games Expo Covid Policy (or lack thereof), Accessibility, Unions, Awards, and much more from across the tabletop industry. 

Headlines

Gama Membership controversy

Rodney’s original Tweet

https://twitter.com/watchitplayed/status/1521875544698236928?s=21&t=ZhnXI8ogZz9etBvlDvC...

With Episode 100 on the horizon, Iain and Jamie start to get things sorted out at the HQ for the big day. Of course the news has to come first and the studio beckons as they cover controversy in wine country, Hasbro announcements, GAMA elections, and much more on this episode of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

Viticulture World Controversy

https://stonemaiergames.com/south-america-cultural-consulting-and-fixing-a-big-mistake/

Thinker Themer Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIxYdLEW__w&ab_channel=ThinkerThemer

Hasbro, DnD Direct and more

Iain has come up with a brilliant new way to fund the cast but Jamie is not so sure. While they contemplate the future they settle down in the studio to bring you news about NFts invading Dungeons and Dragons, Asmodee Unboxing a new line, Wizards new acquisition, some updates on previous stories, loads of awards and more on this brand new episode of Brainwaves.  

Headlines

Dungeons and Scammers

https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-nft-gripnr-blockchain-dnd-ttrpg-1848686984

https://neuemarkets.com/2022/04/12/gripnr-quickly-raises-2-5mm-with-5e-rpg-fans-and-nft-collectors/

Asmodee launches unbox now<...

In our most recent On Stage interview Iain is joined by Mark Cooke, organiser of Airecon, for a chat about all things conventions. They cover Airecon 2022, the future of the show, con organisation, getting celebrities along, the rise of digital conventions and a whole host of other topics before taking questions from the audience.

Airecon

https://www.airecon.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/aireconuk

Stabcon

https://www.facebook.com/groups/21195645768/

Bez’s Interview

https://youtu.be/5WAGNeI0frs Duration: 00:45:05

It’s been 4 years of the Brainwaves cast and the news shows no sign of slowing down. WE have once more sifted through the world of tabletop news to bring you only the best. This episode we cover Kickstarter losing its CEO, Gamefound opening its platform, Asmodee looking at tech, retailers going out of business, Chess banning players and more! 

Headlines

Kickstarter CEO steps down

https://www.kickstarter.com/blog/moving-forward-with-gratitude

Gamefound open to all

https://gamefound.com/blog/post/gamefound-is-open-for-all-creators

A...

Jamie’s had some bad OJ and they are recording later than usual. How will this affect your favourite tabletop news show? The only way to know is to find out as they cover Nebula awards, sales completing, more updates than you can shake a stick at and rock bands getting into RPGs.

Headlines

Four tabletop RPGs up for nebula award

https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/03/four-tabletop-rpgs-are-up-for-a-nebula-award.html

Embracer Group completes acquisition of Asmodee and Dark Horse

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50703/embracer-completes-acquisition-dark-horse-asmodee

In these turbulent times the tabletop community is showing their generosity and Iain and Jamie are highlighting as much of those efforts as they can. From the conflict in Ukraine to the battle over trans rights in Texas many in the community are raising money for organisations supporting people in their hour of need. 

Statement on Ukraine

We will list here organisations you can donate to that we are aware of. There will be many others.

https://crisisrelief.un.org/ukraine

https://bank.gov.ua/en/n...

It’s back to a more news focused cast this time round as Jamie and Iain put together the highlights of the last two weeks in Tabletop industry news. NFTs cause a stir once more, Kickstarter slows their blockchain plans, and Ravensburger buddies up with a surprising partner. Alongside our headlines we look at the finances of Wizards of the Coast, remember Teburu, dig for Dice, and sing a song with the Dungeons and Dragons musical. 

Headlines

NFTs

Drivethru declares against

https://twitter.com/drivethrurpg/status/1490742443549077509?s=21

It’s been a light couple of weeks for news so the team has decided to bring you a 2 for 1 deal. Part Brainwaves, part Idle thoughts, all sparkling conversation. News wise we cover a couple of important hirings, odd goings on in the world of competitive chess, and Iello picking a new home for their US distribution. Iain and Jamie chat about Tapestry, Marrakech, and nu-Dune (or whatever you want to call it). 

Headlines

New Ceo for Wizards Digital Gaming

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50343/new-ceo-hasbro-wizards-coast-digital-gaming

It was my great pleasure to be joined by two friends of the show and RPG veterans recently. Gaz Bowerbank and Baz Stevens are a firm fixture on the UK RPG scene and their podcast ‘What would the Smart Party do?” frequently features high up the lists of the best the format has to offer. Well this time it is their turn to be interviewed as they sit down with me in RPG corner to discuss the last couple of years in tabletop RPGs, their own output, controversies, and future predictions. 

Things mentioned in the cast<...

Iain and Jamie are in the studio to bring you the best in tabletop news. This episode covers all that is going on with Tabletop Simulator, TSR returns with yet more controversy, Pokemon fraud (again), very old games, world record attempts and more! 

Get the Extended Edition from our Patreon!

Headlines

Tabletop Simulator Transphobia

https://twitter.com/mx_danger/status/1479732364830023682?s=20

1st response

https://twitter.com/TabletopSim/status/1479909440065257474?s=20

2nd response

https://twitter.com/tabletopsim/status/1480229909150769156?s=21

It’s a slow start to the year for the team as they shake off their hibernation and get back behind the news desk. The news is anything but sleep though with the acquisition of Asmodee, changes at the top of Hasbro, and famous folk getting Knighted. Welcome back to the Brainwaves HQ for another year of tabletop gaming news. 

Headlines

Asmodee Sold

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/embracer-buys-board-games-publisher-asmodee-3-bln-deal-2021-12-16/#:~:text=STOCKHOLM%2C%20Dec%2016%20(Reuters),the%20largest%20European%20gaming%20group.

Asmodee buys Miniatures Market

https://twitter.com...

It’s the final show of the year and it is a packed one! TSR is back, no not that one, Asmodee are on the radio, Kickstarter thinks Blockchain is a good idea, and we plan our holidays for 2022. All this and more on this episode of Brainwaves!

Headlines

Kickstarter goes to Blockchain

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-08/kickstarter-blockchain-will-combine-crowdfunding-with-crypto

https://www.kickstarter.com/articles/the-future-of-crowdfunding-creative-projects

TSR sues Wizards of the Coast

https://www.geeknative.com/137425/tsr-sue-wizards-of-the-coast-and-want-your-money-to-pay-the-lawyers/

...