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In: Game Designer Workshop
With: 14 Comments

red-markets-posterEven though Fallout 4 is out, Caleb is still hard at work on Red Markets. Playtest feedback is trickling in, so the next step is deciding how to change the game based on this feedback. Some changes will be easier than others, but not every bit of feedback will be used to make these changes. After all, not all feedback is equal. Giving and receiving feedback is a crucial skill for a game designer, yet it is often an undeveloped skill. Fred Hicks about his experiences at Metatopia about feedback skills and is mentioned during out discussion.

Even after receiving valuable feedback, changing the game will not be easy. Caleb discusses some of the changes he is considering and I provide some analysis of Red Markets in its current state.

Music: Footbeats by Admiral of the Red.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16:07 — 52.4MB)

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On:
In: Panel discussion
With: 11 Comments

SHE-SAID-SWITCH-TO-OPTICSSponsor: Arc Dream is sponsoring this panel. Check out the Delta Green Kickstarter. New reward levels have been released so backers can get everything in print and PDF.

Synopsis: Horror gaming can go beyond Lovecraft and tentacles. Sometimes the most frightening moments in RPGs can come from obscure references and mundane moments. Surprise your players from a new direction! The panel will include Caleb Stokes (No Soul Left Behind, No Security), Ross Payton (Base Raiders, Zombies of the World), John Kennedy (Demonworld), and Jack Graham (Eclipse Phase). The title “Scary Parrots” refers to an RPPR game in which the players completely forgot about the plot and focused on a parrot THAT COULD NOT BE. Rather than dismiss the moment as a one-off, this panel will explore the unexpected places that the GM can exploit for terror. Between other writers of The Weird, discoveries in neuroscience, and philosophical thought experiments, this panel will provide a ton of original plot hooks and little disquieting scares to throw at your players.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:04 — 31.7MB)

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On:
In: Podcast Episode
With: 15 Comments

THE-SECOND-ATTEMPTSponsors: This episode of RPPR is sponsored by Mystical Throne Entertainment. Use coupon code rpproctober to get the Entropic Gaming System PDF for $1 (normally $5).

Arc Dream is also sponsoring this episode of RPPR. Check out the Delta Green Kickstarter going on now. There is a free Quickstart guide and demo adventure available.

Synopsis: Conspiracies are a common element in horror games, but they are often handled badly. They are too powerful, too well-organized and too flexible to stop or even fight. In this episode, we talk about how to use conspiracies in RPGs, by looking at historical conspiracies like Operation Gladio and DeBeers. SPOILER WARNING FOR THE FILMS THE PLEDGE AND MEMORIES OF MURDER. There’s also shout outs and anecdotes.

Shout Outs

  • Deathgasm: A horror comedy about heavy metal, high school, and demon summoning.
  • Eternity by Cobalt Road: a vaportrap album that is quite good for late night listening.
  • Limetown: A cross between Serial and Delta Green. What happened to Limetown?
  • Moonbeam City: a synthwave inspired comedy that is part Nagel and part Archer.
  • John Carpenter’s Lost Themes: You want some original John Carpenter music? Of course you do!
  • Clue Pursuit: A locked room puzzle mystery experience. Fun for the whole group
  • Fornax Void: Get a VHS tape with a Carcosa/Vaporwave-video today.
  • Ryuutama: A Japanese tabletop RPG now available in English.
  • Gang Beasts: Fumblecore + multiplayer brawling = hella fun. As seen on Raillery.
  • The Bugle: John Oliver’s comedic news podcast. Very funny stuff.

Music: Tentative Steps by Kai Engel.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:30:01 — 62.0MB)

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