Brainwaves - Board Game and Tabletop News Show

https://bsky.app/starter-pack/boardgamehottakes.bsky.social/3l5aovjrq6j2p

Bluesky list of board game people

Tabletop Games Blog Board Game Raffle in aid of The Trussell Trust / UK Food Banks

https://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://theop.games/products/clue-what-we-do-in-the-shadows?srsltid=AfmBOooKvLESoikIZ7WV0DwAhyj2tdFP0MtNxE92CDXYBwKVYqWB2ku8

Outro

What we Clue-do in the Shadows

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

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

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 150 - Ethical Dilema

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024

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

The accusations at the centre of this are on page one of the link above. There are a large number of screenshots we have saved in regards to this story that will appear in a separate document linked to below. These include Simon’s replies in the thread above and my conversation with Simon.

SCREENSHOTS

Amass Games channel page

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg-md_i730k&ab_channel=AmassGames

Amass games video on The Strange Forgeries of S.C. Rheber

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg-md_i730k&ab_channel=AmassGames

News

Paul Sawyer shares Terminal Diagnosis

https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-dads-remaining-months-happy-comfortable?fbclid=IwY2xjawFT-cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQvSDcadl8ZKhx_ot6aKqXHrqxSh98KtBWnbqvfKm_3U4kPIOy8AYZoMyA_aem_jNk6ocdlIkXyv0UEKJ3ysg

https://store.warlordgames.com/products/sergeant-sawyer-charity-figure?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Introducing+the+Sergeant+Sawyer+Charity+Figure

Tabletop Workers Union subject to Union busting

https://www.rascal.news/tabletop-workers-union-protest-alleged-union-busting-hex-co-management/

Thomas Kœgler appointed as New Chief Executive Officer of Asmodee

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/thomas-koegler-appointed-as-new-chief-executive-officer-of-asmodee/

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks talks AI

https://www.enworld.org/threads/hasbro-ceo-chris-cocks-talks-ai-usage-in-d-d.706638

CMON Profits Take a Hit

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/09/04/cmons-h1-revenue-falls-almost-25-year-on-year-amid-heavy-slump-in-wholesale-earnings/

Tabletop Scotland goes large

https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopscot.bsky.social/post/3l3xcqlecdx2g

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3360317/2024-traditional-deck-game-design-contest

2024 Traditional Deck Game Design Contest

2024 Roll and Write Game Design Contest

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3353041/2024-roll-and-write-game-design-contest

The Game Crafter VHS Challenge

https://www.thegamecrafter.com/contests/vhs-case-challenge

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://www.worldofmonopoly.com/otherpages/map.php

Outro

Map-nopoly

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

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

Monday Aug 26, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 149 - Poisoned Pieces

Monday Aug 26, 2024

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.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

Gen Con sells out

https://www.gencon.com/press/gen-con-2024-breaks-attendance-records-press-release

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/08/08/gen-con-celebrates-record-71000-attendance-after-event-sells-out-for-first-time-in-history/

https://www.gencon.com/press/4daysellout

https://www.gencon.com/press/2024-charity-partners-announcement-tangram-rose-gauntlet

News

Embracer Numbers

https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-publishes-interim-report-q1-april-june-2024-adjusted-ebit-amounted-to-sek-828-million/

Deutscher Spiele Preis 2024 Finalists

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

Boardgamearena passes 10 million users

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-and-board-game-arena-celebrate-10-million-users-milestone-cementing-the-online-board-gaming-platform-as-the-industrys-1/

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://www.peopleofplay.com/blog/young-inventor-challenge-registration-is-open

People of Play Young Inventor Challenge

International Game Inventors Convention

https://www.spielwarenmesse.de/en/game-inventors-convention/

SDhistcon

https://sdhist.com/badges-sdhistcon-summit-2024/

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/

Outro

Tabletop Scotland

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

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

Monday Aug 05, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 148 - Spiel Reel

Monday Aug 05, 2024

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

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 Announced

https://x.com/dianajonesaward/status/1818883478617723112?s=4

Tabletop Industry Network (not Indie like Iain said on the cast)

https://uktin.substack.com/

Alex’s email

alex.speidel@unitedpaizoworkers.org

News

Braincrack Games

WOTC removes credits

https://www.enworld.org/threads/wotc-removes-digital-content-team-credits-from-d-d-beyond.705711/

Funforge not forging fun

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/07/22/financially-troubled-funforge-nears-deal-to-get-years-delayed-monumental-kickstarter-into-the-hands-of-backers/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/funforge/monumental-african-empires/description

GAMA Announces First Tabletop Game Retailer Survey

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/57477/gama-announces-their-first-tabletop-game-survey

Berlin Brettspiel Con 2024 visitor figures up

https://www.spielbox.de/veranstaltungen/1182-berlin-brettspiel-con-mit-besucherrekord?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Gary Gygax day

https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/blog/post/celebrating-50-years-the-birthplace-of-dungeons-dragons/

Dave Arneson estate questions publisher

https://www.arnesonestate.com/press

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://boardgamegeek.com/geekpreview/67/gen-con-2024-preview?designer=129337,99245,60377,154240,129338,43440,156227,91661,69754,95939,86477,115024,94364,111338,121833,137383,161639,142544,102049,6940,157015,122519,73358,97486,151267,99119,130964,27975,132398,147996,156171,160471,50567,34659,151195,69718,105088,126375,12374,132085,121227,154937,141343,152297,136220&sort=hot

Elizabeth Hargrave List

Pegasus Designer Days

https://pegasus.de/en/designer-days

2024 Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference

https://www.chitag.com/2024-inventor-pitch-innovation-conference

Board Game Raffle in Aid of The Trussell Trust / UK Food Banks

tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle/

Tabletop Scotland

https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://www.polygon.com/24199990/monopoly-go-board-game-announcement

Outro

Monopoly Go board game

Monopo-Lee-ds

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crg5jym45nmo?at_link_id=EB8F13C4-4C47-11EF-A27A-98FE1C4ACFD5&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&at_link_origin=BBC_Yorkshire&at_medium=social&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_format=link&at_campaign_type=owned&at_link_type=web_link&at_campaign=Social_Flow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0p38NbiktK_nFnCxV5heweL5QcswVIJ1QR1UjOJnqXutFdaohfqjcPMi8_aem_aHBTlw0jdGdALeNW3-mbdA

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

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

Monday Jul 22, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 147 - Scammers Delight

Monday Jul 22, 2024

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

Ennie Awards open

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

Spiel des Jahres

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

Updates

Berserk Games Update

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2757485/article/44554066#44554066

11 Concurso de Protojuegos

https://www.verkami.com/games-contest-2024

Petersen Games and Quimbley

https://www.quimbleys.com/pages/pg-quimbleys-faq

News

Hasbro names new WOTC President

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/57388/hasbro-names-new-wotc-president

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/

Tabletop Scotland 2024

Berlin Brettspiel Con 2024

https://berlin-con.de/en/homepage_en/

Board Game Raffle in Aid of The Trussell Trust / UK Food Banks

tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle-july/

AB Con

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oluwafemi/the-african-boardgames-convention-ab-con-2024

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://shop.royalmail.com/dungeons-&-dragons-prestige-stamp-book

Outro

D&D Stamps

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

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

Monday Jul 08, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 146 - Hull Breach

Monday Jul 08, 2024

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

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://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/07/01/industry-professionals-from-asmodee-flat-river-group-exploding-kittens-nominated-for-2024-wonder-women-awards

Meeps, the Spiel Essen mascot, is back…

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/news?view=article&id=172&catid=8

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/?view=article&id=175&catid=9

News

2023 Charles S. Roberts Awards Winners Announced

https://charlessrobertsawards.com/2023-charles-s-roberts-awards-winners-announced/

Origins Awards
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c9d19e5fd679331583528a6/t/6676ffb526bde82046e682cb/1719074742155/2023+ORIGINS+AWARD+WINNERS.pdf

https://www.originsgamefair.com/2023-hall-of-fame-class

Mattel colourblind accessible

https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/25/24185625/mattel-board-card-games-colorblind-accessible-uno-blokus-phase-ten-skip-bo

Nyctophobia

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/249505/nyctophobia

Obituaries

Andreas Mutschke, Spiel der Jahres Jury Member and one of the Founders of Fairplay Magazine, Dies

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/in-gedenken-an-andreas-mutschke/

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://www.ravensburger.de/de-DE/entdecken/spiele/game-inventor-days#Englisch

Ravensburger Game Inventor Days

GAMA Horizons Fellowship Applications Now Open

https://www.gama.org/page/Horizons

Rascal Pledge Drive

https://www.rascal.news/audience-appreciation

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/science/rubiks-cube-puzzles.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

Outro

Rubik’s Cube turns 50

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

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

Monday Jun 24, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 145 - Trademark Trouble

Monday Jun 24, 2024

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://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 trademarks

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cogito-ergo-meeple/meeple-inc/updates/9

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/14/the-word-meeple-is-being-trademarked-in-the-us-in-reaction-to-cease-and-desist-activity-from-carcassonne-publisher-hans-im-glueck/

https://web.archive.org/web/20101130212607/http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Unity_Games/message/2301

EU trademark: https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/marke/registerHABM?AKZ=016791741&CURSOR=0

German trademark: https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/marke/register/3020211016416/DE

US trademark attempt: https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=98576863&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

Hachette Boardgames UK and Laurence King partner

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

Updates

Dicebreaker broken

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/12/dicebreakers-future-remains-unclear-as-silenced-site-makes-editor-in-chief-senior-staff-writer-redundant-after-ign-takeover/

Evil Genius games continue to live up to half of their name

https://evilgeniusgames.com/blog/our-technology-code-of-ethics/?ref=rascal.news

https://www.rascal.news/rpg-publisher-that-promised-not-to-use-web3-technology-in-their-business-does-it-anyway/

TTWU negotiations

https://www.rascal.news/tabletop-workers-united-negotiations-stalled-by-lawyers-belligerence-and-subsequent-vacation-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbmYN8ZiMRI&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rascal.news%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

https://aftermath.site/

News

UKGE People's Choice Awards

https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/content/news/peoples-choice-awards-2024/

Jogo do Ano

https://www.spielportugal.org/jogo-do-ano

Game Brewer is Closing

https://gamebrewer.com/gamebrewer-goodbuy/

X-Wing and Armada ending

https://www.atomicmassgames.com/transmission/update-on-star-wars-x-wing-and-star-wars-armada/

People on the Move

Liz Davidson becomes solo game specialist for Leder Games

https://bsky.app/profile/beyondsolitaire.bsky.social/post/3kvcjlxe35k2k

https://x.com/ledergames/status/1803532695886028857?s=46

James Hewitt and Sophie Wiliams join Warcradle

https://blog.warcradle.com/blog/welcoming-sophie-williams-and-james-hewitt-to-warcradle-studios?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR02vK1h_H5i3VqLN5Wh2qJkDvsJ9pPE_vwoq_UOMIXUoMKMzjMFCLz5Di4_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw&format=amp

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/medieval-game-pieces-emerge-from-the-ruins-of-a-mysterious-german-castle-2497815

Outro

Medieval game pieces

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on

UK Tabletop Industry Network

Monday Jun 17, 2024

Brainwaves Special Edition - UK Games Expo 2024

Monday Jun 17, 2024

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

Slightly Reckless Games

Wanderer’s Tome

Burn After Running

Boardgamewire

Arcs

Darington Press - Candela Obscura

UK Indie RPG collective

Undaunted Calisto

Roland MacDonald

Crossed Paths

Tabletop Games Blog - Oliver

Tabletop Scotland

Sunday Jun 09, 2024

Brainwaves Episode 144 - Merger Palooza

Sunday Jun 09, 2024

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

Update 1

https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/brands/iron-kingdoms-manifesto-part1?_kx=-sFq1XbQgQy7s_Rxhtdsx3d0aCtUpZBpQpd6_AghaTE.Xq6fgY&utm_campaign=WM%2C+IKRPG%2C+P3+-+Manifesto+P1%3A+Vision+%26+Mission&utm_medium=campaign&utm_source=Klaviyo

UK Games Expo figures

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/06/record-breaking-uk-games-expo-preps-for-even-bigger-future-after-being-outbid-for-its-main-hall-next-year/

Diana Jones finalists

https://www.dianajonesaward.org/the-2024-award/

Updates

Ryan Dancey update

https://x.com/rsdancey/status/1795600725034283418

Spiel Essen drops AI art

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/06/worlds-biggest-board-game-fair-scraps-using-ai-art-to-promote-event-after-backlash-last-year-ongoing-legal-uncertainty/

News

Roll20 acquires Demiplane

https://blog.roll20.net/posts/roll20-has-acquired-demiplane/

Mantic acquires River Horse assets

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/57016/mantic-acquires-river-horses-brand-assets

Gamefound becomes a store

https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/our-next-big-release-introducing-creator-stores-to-gamefound

https://help.gamefound.com/article/381-project-settings-for-store

Quantum teach board game with Uwe Rosenburg

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/04/uwe-rosenberg-is-developing-a-quantum-tech-themed-board-game-thanks-to-e820000-of-government-funding/

First Wonders CCG

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3307388/a-little-light-doxxing-from-jeff

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2024/06/05/board-game-industry-professionals-band-together-for-palestinian-children-focused-fundraiser/

Palestinian children-focused fundraiser

https://www.pcrf.net/

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

James Naylor

Shaun Newman

Our Patreon

Support Us

Fanroll

Sir Meeple

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/345582/clue-liars-edition

Outro

Cluedo Liars edition

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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on