Episodes
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All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. In this last special episode Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together all the hosts from the years of Brainwaves. Iain McAllister, Jamie Adams, Iain Chantler, Oliver Kinne, and Sam Maggs reminisce about the formation of the show, how it has changed over the years, why I brought it to an end and the future of games journalism.
Show Notes
Meeple People Podcast
No Pun Included
Dized Episode
Simon Lavender
Jason Perez on board game journalism
https://soundcloud.com/onestopcoopshop/397-board-game-media-a-critical-assessment-with-jason-luke-plunkett-and-keith-law
Indie Game Reading Club
Aftermath
Rascal
Boardgamewire
Mothership
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newangame-a-lot.fun/enfacebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesMythic 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
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7402402221167894529?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A(activity%3A7402402221167894529%2C7402427021819076608)&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A(7402427021819076608%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7402402221167894529)
https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk/post/3m7isbb6h6s2e
Diamond Bankruptcy Court Denies Motions to Dismiss + Advisors Bill Another $900k
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61085/bankruptcy-court-denies-motions-dismiss
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61108/diamond-advisors-bill-another-900k
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61214/bank-pulls-plug-diamond
NewsGAMA moves chairs
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/27/gama-names-veteran-leadership-consultant-past-lives-regression-hypnotist-zaria-davis-as-interim-executive-director/
Mongoose licenses Traveller
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61113/mongoose-licenses-traveller-5e-version
The Picts
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25614713.scottish-archaeologists-gamer-designers-collaborate-picts-book/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=Iwb21leAOBc-RjbGNrA4Fz3WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlLsAPy1xBcyuIovYHbLe8vwyB3En18KMj2-nWXN-01Fp3-TZk5xaq6n9P0g_aem_ZHoILtQp6CTdnactQo8lyQ#Echobox=1762933955-3
https://www.rascal.news/carved-in-stone-is-both-a-history-book-and-an-eye-catching-rpg/ - paying subscribers only
https://www.stoutstoat.co.uk/products/carved-in-stone?ref=rascal.news
ObituariesRIP Burt Meyer
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/arts/design/burton-meyer-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3k8.fC2y.y0ySzxk44dLP&smid=url-share
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Our LinksThanks very much for listening for all these years. The cast will still be around if you want to listen to our back catalogue and Iain will be covering the news in his newsletter that you can sign up for on our Patreon.
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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Missing episodes?
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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 Mystica Gamefound campaign: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica
Campaign update announcing the price drop: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica/updates/7
UKGE promotes AI art
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aAkxyfbrB/
Gates of Krystalia Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatesofkrystalia-rpg/gates-of-krystalia-book-anime-tt-jrpg-in-style-isekai
Kickstarter United victory
https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-workers-will-strike-beginning-october-2/
https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-ends-six-week-strike-with-a-resounding-victory/
https://kickstarterunited.org/?ref=rascal.news
Updates
Ravensburger wants money back from Upper Deck
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/08/ravensburger-pushes-for-upper-deck-to-pay-3-8m-legal-fees-it-racked-up-defeating-groundless-but-unrelenting-disney-lorcana-lawsuit/
News
Braincrack Games shutters
instagram.com/p/DQfH0H3jH8t/?igsh=MXFjejF3aHhoZGc1OA==
Wise Wizard Games
https://www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-games-business-update/
Asmodee interim report April-September 2025
https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodees-interim-report-april-september-2025-sustained-growth-and-ebitda-improvement
Bezier Games’ Socials Hacked
https://bsky.app/profile/beziergames.bsky.social/post/3m5umtfrre22v
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle in aid of Trussell / UK Food Banks
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesSpiel 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.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-announces-the-creation-of-moodbox-games-a-new-studio-dedicated-to-developing-party-games-for-the-us-mass-market
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60787/asmodee-launches-new-party-game-studio
Hasbro 3rd Quarter Results
https://investor.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbro-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results
https://www.rascal.news/sigil-suffered-a-slow-ignoble-death/
UpdatesUpper Deck goes back to the well
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/10/upper-deck-brings-new-claim-against-ravensburger-in-disney-lorcana-lawsuit-after-losing-all-its-existing-claims-against-publisher-trial-of-designer-ryan-miller-to-start-next-month/
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60786/judge-rules-against-upper-deck-ravensburger-suit
Asmodee acquires Cthulhu Death May Die from CMON
https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/cthulhu-death-may-die-ip-and-games-now-part-of-asmodee
NewsAmigo games US shutters
https://bsky.app/profile/amigogames.bsky.social/post/3m3ajgvmohc26
Cards Against Humanity and against SpaceX
https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/160848/cards-against-humanity-we-forced-spacex-to-get-off-our-land
D&D Club goes to court
https://archive.ph/NvJwh
D&D Head brings back key talent
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60896/new-d-d-head-brings-back-key-talent
ObituariesRob Wieland
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60796/r-i-p-robert-wieland
https://www.enworld.org/threads/gaming-journalist-rob-wieland-passes-at-age-48.715723/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-of-robert-wieland
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroCa-Ton
https://www.ign.com/articles/netflix-goes-all-in-on-catan-with-live-action-and-animated-films-and-tv-series-planned?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68f7dbba1f00ed0001016c78&fbclid=IwY2xjawNk3J1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHiAAGCEB1IgEdWOK3TXcWCPxOVkow0HuoZTGAStyGBdf0ACjWyPRRwj_OBq__aem_crgubThNaWNbem7KUfD8vQ
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesKickstarter 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-heroes-united/updates/116
NewsGames workshop sues miniature designer
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1128194319521158
French Games competition
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/29/french-competition-which-has-celebrated-unpublished-board-game-designs-for-almost-50-years-unveils-2025-winners/
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Hasbro woman innovators in play
https://spark.hasbro.com/womeninnovators
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroKaiju cluedo
https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/clue-gets-a-monstrous-makeover-with-clue-godzilla/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesCmon 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/3lyl5umadk32l
UpdatesDiamond
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60388/order-clarifies-next-steps-diamond-consignment-inventory
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60503/diamond-files-adversary-proceedings-against-31-vendors
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60518/diamond-fees-top-1-million-july
NewsDutch boardgame prize
https://denederlandsespellenprijs.nl/nieuws/nominaties-2025-bekend/
Gender split in designers
https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3ly25x3cez227
https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/297088/games-by-women-and-people-of-marginalized-genders
Nominees for Bobby Nunes Memorial award
https://sdhist.com/2025-bobby-nunes-memorial-award-finalists/
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroMonopoly Coin
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/15/ninety-years-monopoly-special-50p-coin-royal-mint
Our LinksThanks 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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesDevir… 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 warning
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/07/cmons-long-serving-chief-financial-officer-company-secretary-latest-to-resign-from-financially-troubled-business/
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/cmon-limited-announces-resignation-of-koh-zheng-kai-as-chief-financial-officer-with-effect-from-14-ce7c5ed2dd8bf026
https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_a4de1fe9-336e-4f30-98af-42f7d08fc4ce
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/21/new-cmon-profit-warning-says-losses-could-reach-8m-for-first-half-of-2025-almost-three-times-its-overall-profit-from-the-last-ten-years/
US Import Tariff Troubles
https://www.ctpa.org.uk/news/usa-de-minimis-exemption-suspended-8542
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p17xypgko?fbclid=IwY2xjawMWgf5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjtV7mqx6qv6P4-CSGWofvqYpk1vI-O59FV4q2U0N-UOduSuyZ8kGm8ruuFX_aem_rHTP6ygrvyZB_JDrDY_mYg
UpdatesCGE Responds to HP Codenames Backlash
CGE’s response on various social media platforms:Instagram: https://discord.com/channels/653652846167851008/1397834273645396100/1403479858251825285 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/czechgames.com/post/3lvw44i6tk32r
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1328670495928290&id=100063560561493&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=c6aJLUWZCsvY5SJG#
Block Collective’s response: https://bsky.app/profile/blockcollectives.bsky.social/post/3lvyas4jezs2q
Read this
https://www.rascal.news/zatu-denies-toxic-workplace-allegations-from-former-employees/
NewsUltimate Guard jump into Harry Potter controversy
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60061/new-harry-potter-ultimate-guard-deck-boxes-unveiled
GenCon 2025 Sets New Attendance Record
https://www.gencon.com/press/record-breaking-gencon-2025
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60227/gen-con-2025-sets-new-attendance-record
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/05/gen-con-exhibitor-numbers-rebound-to-record-levels-despite-tariffs-uncertainty-biggest-ever-attendance-reaches-almost-72000/
Suzanne Sheldon post on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/425suzanne.bsky.social/post/3lvqiqhyche2g
Funforge has been liquidated
https://ludovox.fr/funforge-en-liquidation-judiciaire-le-dernier-mot-de-son-fondateur/
Mobeus makes Big Potato a Hot Potato
https://www.mobeus.co.uk/news/mobeus-backs-big-potato-games/
https://www.mobeus.co.uk/investments/big-potato-games/
https://www.dcadvisory.com/news-deals-insights/deal-announcements/dc-advisory-advises-mobeus-equity-partners-on-its-investment-in-big-potato-games/#gref
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Pegasus Designer Days 2025
https://pegasus.de/UEber-uns/Karriere/Designer-Days/
Application form: https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/KS5KF9F
Playfest London
https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroPictionary Potato
https://shopping.mattel.com/en-gb/products/pictionary-pic-tato-hot-potato-game-jdx95-en-gb
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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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.
HeadlinesCzech 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
itch.iohttps://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content
UpdatesDiamond
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60125/diamond-moves-sell-diamond-uk-employee-grouphttps://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60161/new-filings-diamond-consignment-dispute-sparkle-pop-amends-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment
NewsZatu denies exploitative environment claims
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/21/board-game-retailer-zatu-games-denies-exploiting-low-paid-apprentices-toxic-work-culture-claims-after-wave-of-online-criticism/
Reddit post that was deleted - link to Web Archive / Way Back Machine saved version: https://web.archive.org/web/20250427174157/https://www.reddit.com/r/Norwich/comments/1k5xipq/experiences_with_employment_at_zatu_games/
Games Workshop rides high
https://investor.games-workshop.com/news-posts/annualreport2025
Diana Jones Award 2025 Winners Announced
https://www.dianajonesaward.org/
ObituariesAce of Aces designer Al Leonardi passed away
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3542362/passing-of-al-leonardi
https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/alfred-leonardi/#!/Obituary
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Playfest London
https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Our LinksThanks 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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesDiamond 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_t2
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60060/numerous-objections-diamonds-hostage-inventory-plan?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
Draughts union plansRascal report: https://www.rascal.news/draughts-workers-celebrated-a-unanimous-strike-vote-with-a-rally-and-a-police-visit/
UVW statement: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/disputes/were-not-playing-anymore/
Strike fund: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/donate/
Spiel des Jahres Award Winners
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/aktuelle-preistraeger-2025/
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/das-spiel-des-jahres-2025-heisst-bomb-busters/
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/preisverleihung-2025-ich-dachte-das-koennte-etwas-werden
NewsCMON announces cancellation of Degenesis: Clan Wars Gamefound campaign after breakdown in relationship
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/04/cmon-announces-cancellation-of-degenesis-clan-wars-gamefound-campaign-after-breakdown-in-relationship-legal-dispute-with-ip-holder/
https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/degenesis-clan-wars/updates/43
https://www.goonhammer.com/games-industry-news-roundup-july-8th-2025/
Asmodee partners with Maestro
https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/asmodee-launches-a-new-partnership-with-maestro-media/
https://maestromedia.com/blogs/news/asmodee-usa-announces-exclusive-distribution-partnership-with-maestro-media?srsltid=AfmBOoqJAC0wnG3lfCmhalOgqifajKstu7Jzb2AkDTcYinp-Fg2ZM_jj
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59936/maestro-media-strikes-exclusive-distro-deal-asmodee
D&D moves to a franchise model
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-ayoub-0479491_dungeonsanddragons-dnd-gamedevelopment-activity-7348517655173054464-a2W3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAzo-SsBsPeDaLi3-DsTkFrdOApKJU-qNAc
Tycoon Games acquires Gamelyn Games
https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/175835/tycoon-games-acquires-gamelyn-games
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59970/tycoon-acquires-gamelyn-brand
Women in Toys - Wonder Women Awards - 2025 Nominees
https://www.womenintoys.com/nominees
Cubicle 7 misses the credits
https://bsky.app/profile/oldoakgames.bsky.social/post/3lslf7c2zsc2h
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Tag der Brettspielkritik 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuxxkAzN7LI
Tabletop Scotland
https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroUno Casino edition
https://www.palms.com/press-room/mattel-debuts-uno-experience-at-palms-casino-resort
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky
Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com
Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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
Tabletop Workers United win a Union contract
https://www.rascal.news/new-york-based-tabletop-workers-united-win-a-union-contract-after-prolonged-battle/
Zombicide finds a new home
https://www.cmon.com/press/zombicide-finds-a-new-home-with-asmodee/
News
Diana Jones Award finalists announced
https://bsky.app/profile/dianajonesaward.org/post/3lrsurculak25
Elizabeth Hargrave, Kristin Looney and others meet Capitol Hill to talk about Tariffs
https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3lrcd6cvll22l
Link to S 1593: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1593/BILLS-119s1593is.pdf
Related post on GAMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGAMAOnline/photos/gama-members-and-staff-are-on-capitol-hill-advocating-for-zero-tariffs-on-toys-a/1128806115959973/
Reaper moves out of the UK
https://bsky.app/profile/leedseurope.bsky.social/post/3lrzrtm47ac25
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesUK 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/legendary-games-find-new-homes/
NewsSpiel des Jahres nominations announced
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/aktuelle-preistraeger-2025/
HCM Kinzel GmbH goes into insolvency
https://verbraucherschutzforum.berlin/2025-05-19/hcm-kinzel-gmbh-unter-vorlaeufiger-insolvenzverwaltung-gericht-ordnet-umfassende-sicherungsmassnahmen-an-369652/
HCM Kinzel website: https://shop.hcm-kinzel.de/
Cardboard Edison Award Winners 2025 Announced
https://cardboardedison.com/award
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Game in Lab (Asmodee) - International call for projects
https://www.game-in-lab.org/en/international-call-for-projects/
IWGB launches tabletop freelancer survey
https://bsky.app/profile/gameworkers.co.uk/post/3lpmfw3tj2k2u
The survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdT1nYVqWkNVZa_jH_9q1Ofw_k-7Bbpko9EkrZFsvGU6ny3eQ/viewform
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Battle in the Burgh
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/battle-in-the-burgh/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKuuUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBlelpxZ0ZJY01rR0szT3JCAR6AfPtg4y3wvpPMqpjKs-xKUlGJCAT7Ctwbz3ktUgBfkFLyIztWQaznraAb6g_aem_u0AKKQZHqXFvl7a8HRnaQQ
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroStoryBake- game and bake your game
https://www.rascal.news/storybake-is-out-of-the-oven/
Our LinksThanks 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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesGames 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-additional-statement-about-city-state-of-the-invincible-overlord/
UpdatesGreater Than Games
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/greater-than-games/sentinels-of-the-multiverse-disparation-expansion/updates/22203
Tariff pause
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/12/china-us-agree-pause-trade-war-trump
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgv5n00e0jo
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5395866/us-china-tariffs-trade-deal
https://ludorum.substack.com/p/tariffs-and-pricing-oh-my
Alliance Game Distributors acquired
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59575/under-new-ownership-alliance-diamond
NewsRowan, Rook and Decard give Gencon a wide berth
https://rowanrookanddecard.com/were-not-coming-to-gencon-this-year/?v=7885444af42e
https://www.rascal.news/rowan-rook-and-decard-pull-out-of-gen-con-2025-over-international-travel-concerns/
Canada’s largest miniatures producer shutters
https://www.geeknative.com/172839/silver-fox-productions-and-rafm-miniatures-canadas-largest-miniatures-producer-is-closing/
Original Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/RafmCthuhluMiniatures/posts/pfbid02Zj5n1Jy8Kf85o3ap12FwAFQNMbirMGcD3FzYoLnB6TcLUyLHrpZtMXQZanDCKoDnl
Silver Fox / RAFM website: https://rafm.com/
Diana Jones Emerging Designer Award Winners
https://www.dianajonesaward.org/
BGG winners announced
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3508413/article/46053839#46053839
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Sir Meeple
https://sirmeeple.com/collections/the-giant-brain
OutroPendragon features at law creative day
https://www.chaosium.com/blogcreativity-in-the-law-companions-of-arthur-release-features-in-legal-creative-showcase/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesStonemaier 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/news/greater-than-games-team-reduced-in-response-to-tariff-crisis
CMON woes
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/04/14/cmons-david-preti-steps-down-as-non-executive-director-seven-months-after-resigning-as-chief-operating-officer/
https://www.cmon.com/press/an-update-on-our-internal-teams-and-company-focus/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ2_4VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtjCdVVDsyHa8n8FICiQRZm0Lwt6vXXPWkFTGpQOTNSJvMl4fjnPfaBz_NzS_aem_Xyf9LXeqQU2EKZgjz0Wjqw
UpdatesAlliance and Diamond
https://graphicpolicy.com/2025/04/29/alliance-entertainment-submits-complaint-against-diamond-claiming-fraud-and-deception/
NewsMeredith Placko, Steve Jackson CEO resigns
https://buttondown.com/boardgamewire/archive/steve-jackson-games-ceo-meredith-placko-resigns/
Final Frontier Games
Hachette Boardgames acquires 999 Games
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59439/hachette-acquires-game-distributor
https://www.hachette.com/en/publisher/hachette-boardgames/
https://www.999games.nl/
2025 Mensa Select Winners Announced
https://www.mensamindgames.com/about/winning-games/
WotC attempts to sidestep Creative Commons license
https://thaumavore.substack.com/p/i-drafted-a-legal-argument-against?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=8gj26&triedRedirect=true
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Ravensburger Game Inventor Days
https://www.ravensburger.de/de-DE/entdecken/spiele/game-inventor-days#Englisch
Tabletop Games Blog Raffle
http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle
Ancient Robot Workshop
https://ancientrobotworkshop.co.uk/
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Sir Meeple
https://sirmeeple.com/collections/the-giant-brain
OutroGotta old em all
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/its-done-wonders-trading-card-game-featuring-middle-aged-men-revives-japanese-town
Our LinksThanks 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
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Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesTrump 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
UpdatesCMONs woes continue
CMON’s profit warning: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0312/2025031201125.pdf
CMON’s statement on the delay of publishing results: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0325/2025032502165.pdf
HK Stock Exchange suspension notice: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0401/2025040103643.pdf
NewsCorey retires
https://unexpectedgames.com/news/corey-konieczka-retiring-as-head-of-studio?fbclid=IwY2xjawJUApZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHduavlnMOoTDKHnBYU2X0yEIk58oYX8qkWXLsundEdM0ib6D52O5gNFMmg_aem_J01OzFq_wEbLWHc2_aMP2A
Greg Stafford recognised at Garycon
https://bsky.app/profile/newsnerd.bsky.social/post/3lkzejdtf3c2z
https://www.chaosium.com/bloggreg-stafford-is-named-2025-e-gary-gygax-lifetime-achievement-award-recipient/?srsltid=AfmBOooESLE9FSnAjdkplLVfDpiI0eRu2cTXYmeG0qoeVtFB6KCKJ6BL
Amy Lowe leaves GAMA
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59242/people-move-gama-marketing-communications-manager-out
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Golden Geek Awards
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3489648/19th-annual-golden-geek-awards-nominations-open
Tabletop RPG Grant
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWfC5OMFE4woK5ryF9a-fYPlyVP2W4EsZcrez3QPbc11OnBw/viewform
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Sir Meeple
https://sirmeeple.com/collections/the-giant-brain
OutroCMYK launches TV Show
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/03/28/quacks-publisher-cmyk-is-launching-a-tv-game-show-based-on-another-wolfgang-warsch-game-this-year/
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesCMON 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 Sigils aren’t good
https://www.rascal.news/wizards-of-the-coast-shutters-sigil-virtual-tabletop-project-lays-off-30-staff/
NewsGAMA/Origins Award Nominations
https://www.originsawards.net/news/announcing-the-48th-annual-origins-awards-finalists
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/03/12/new-look-origins-awards-has-a-massive-120-nominees-this-year-new-hall-of-fame-inductees-revealed/
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59086/the-academy-adventure-gaming-arts-designs-hall-fame-inducts-three
Cardboard Edison award finalists announced
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rZLrFoWkt4E4uDjcUYDYvkwAUcjlqkCR/view
As D’Or Award
https://www.festivaldesjeux-cannes.com/en/festival-as-d-or-jeu-de-l-annee
https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/30/odin-saturday-review/
Stonemaier Games Stockholder Report
https://stonemaiergames.com/2024-behind-the-scenes-stakeholder-report-for-stonemaier-games/
ObituariesRespected boardgame box artist Rodger MacGowan passes
https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/171204/rodger-b-macgowan-has-passed-away-at-age-77
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-recovery-of-rodger-mae-and-steven
Ernie Gygax passes
https://www.enworld.org/threads/ernie-gygax-has-passed-away.712080/
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Tabletop Mentorship Programme
https://www.unpub.org/mentorship
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
OutroNearly 2 decades later, they win again
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/03/17/almost-two-decades-after-impressing-in-the-childrens-spiel-des-jahres-wild-vikings-has-won-the-japan-boardgame-prize/
Our LinksThanks 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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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/
Updates
BGA Awards update
https://boardgamearena.com/news?id=873
News
6 out of 10 tabletop role-playing games campaigns were Gamefound. KS rattled?
https://www.polygon.com/analysis/520142/gamefound-top-10-biggest-board-game-crowdfund-campaigns
GTS cancels Splotter’s Indonesia
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid03ThtQGdUZ2wfNsbLu9yL95kKShCaQv1aJFzUkUZWpHmzpKKPQCvEFJd9BKMquzetl&id=100057260687209
Snowbright Studio announces winners of the second annual Nonbinary Tabletop Award
https://bsky.app/profile/snowbrightstudio.bsky.social/post/3liamf2lp2k2g
https://www.snowbrightstudio.com/awards
Swiss Game Awards
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/02/17/harmonies-captain-flip-triumph-in-this-years-swiss-gamers-award-castle-combo-seals-two-finalist-spots/
https://swissgamersaward.ch/
Haba and Asmodee France
https://www.spielwarenmesse.de/en/mag/toy-market-news/asmodee-france-chosen-as-official-distribution-partner-for-haba/
Roman discovery
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-discover-ancient-tokens-that-roman-soldiers-used-to-play-strategy-games-180985903/
Obituaries
Carla Horger
https://bsky.app/profile/gmtgames.bsky.social/post/3lha6racnoc26
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Young Game Designers Scholarship Open for Applications Again
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/nachwuchs-spieleautoren-stipendium-wieder-ausgeschrieben/
https://www.spieleautorenzunft.de/files/public/Veranstaltungen-Events/Stipendium%20Bewerbung%202025.pdf
Evil Hat creator programme
https://bsky.app/profile/evilhat.bsky.social/post/3lhh5uzbtts25
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Outro
People of note: Cornelius O’Donovan
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgj29qly2dvo
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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 Embracehttps://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/01/29/star-wars-lego-lord-of-the-rings-games-drive-29-year-on-year-growth-for-asmodee-studios-as-company-prepares-to-split-from-embracer-next-week/
Ennies cave over AI inclusion
https://ennie-awards.com/revised-policy-on-generative-ai-usage/
Updates
Webcomic Name lawsuit settled
https://www.gofundme.com/f/alexnorrislegalfund?attribution_id=sl:8c2bb1ea-1039-4377-86de-d0676453b170&lang=en_GB&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/259248/golden-bell-affiliated-projects-and-companies
Evil Genius Games continue to live up to the first part of their name
https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/1i6b2wt/i_was_approached_by_evil_genius_games_to_take/
News
Wizards of the Coast drops support for marginalised gender competition
https://bsky.app/profile/vmlmtg.bsky.social/post/3lg6zejwvss2l
Man vs Meeple and CMON
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/01/27/its-important-to-us-that-we-find-new-cmon-fans-all-the-time-cmon-hires-board-game-youtube-channel-man-vs-meeples-ceo-to-run-its-global-marketing-campaigns/
Outcry in Italy over Mafia game
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/outcry-in-italy-over-german-board-game-based-on-sicily-mafia-wars
As d’Or nominees
https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/01/30/this-years-nominees-for-frances-biggest-board-gaming-award-highlights-breadth-of-countrys-publishers/
BGA Awards 2025
https://boardgamearena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40673
Devir acquires publisher Maldito Games
https://devirgames.com/devir-acquires-publisher-maldito-games
Games Workshop trade grows, but online shrinks
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/58670/trade-grows-online-shrinks-games-workshop?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Beachhead Expo
https://www.beachheadexpo.com/
Diana Jones Award submissions are open
https://www.dianajonesaward.org/
Green Games Guide Award
https://greengamesguide.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c3b7325699ca9364175785409&id=7cbe2bd72d&e=58728bb48c
TTRPG Bundles
https://bundleofholding.com/presents/Resistance
https://takethisorg.itch.io/solo-but-not-alone-5
Hasbro’s history with the Magdalene Laundries
https://web.archive.org/web/20241125184313/https://littleatoms.com/penance-industry
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Outro
Pictionary vs AI
https://shop.mattel.com/products/pictionary-vs-ai-hyb09
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesHasbro 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_type=web_link&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&at_medium=social&at_link_id=F833A792-C515-11EF-8185-B1A73D8FAC8C&at_format=link&fbclid=IwY2xjawHc7odleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfJpJBK1_095wLRlZ0rgn0XuT5wKSmFMu7sRbQZwvUsNfJZ-um3pgAI_dA_aem_xoeYbOqeJBjXbqmJHzGhHg
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8npkrey66o
Vallejo Workers
https://www.rascal.news/striking-workers-at-vallejo-paint-factory-claim-victory/
https://spikeybits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vallejo-Statment.png
UpdatesMost Monopoly
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/12/owner-of-worlds-largest-monopoly-collection-on-the-hunt-for-holy-grail-of-sets
News
Cardboard Edison Award 2025 Submissions Open
https://cardboardedison.com/award
https://cardboardedison.com/2025-award-submissions
Jobs, Opportunities, and Eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Protos y Tipos
https://asociacionludo.com/actividad/protos-y-tipos
Patreon ShoutoutsKevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Sir Meeple
https://sirmeeple.com/collections/the-giant-brain
OutroMonopoly changes the game
https://www.polygon.com/gaming/492505/monopoly-new-version-expansions-announced
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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 drop us a review and rating on itunes. You can also follow us on
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
-
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.
HeadlinesHas 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
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2021/03/08/episode-68-kickstarter-conundrums/
https://giantbrain.co.uk/2018/04/29/episode-3-legal-vampires/
Cardboard Edison changes tack
https://bsky.app/profile/cardboardedison.bsky.social/post/3lcatxomwp22c
https://cardboardedison.com/award
Sandy Petersen wears no mask
Sandy’s posts
Quimbley’s response
https://www.quimbleys.com/blogs/kickstarter-updates/quimbleys-official-inclusion-statement
Updates
Summit Award for Wargaming winner announced - and Bobby Nunes Memorial Award finalists announced
https://sdhist.com/2024-summit-award-land-and-freedom/
https://sdhist.com/2024-bobby-nunes-memorial-award-finalists/
Wyrmwood fires staff
https://www.rascal.news/wyrmwoods-bitter-medicine-is-proving-hard-for-audiences-to-swallow/
Facebook pulls Fort Circle Games ad. Again.
https://bsky.app/profile/fortcircle.bsky.social/post/3lbyybi6hls2s
News
Itch is taken offline by Funko
https://www.polygon.com/gaming/492791/itch-io-funko-takedown
Leaf’s post to Hacker News
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42364033
GW enters the FTSE 100
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/01/games-workshop-promoted-ftse-100-quarterly-reshuffle?fbclid=IwY2xjawG5fR9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfpI4qljk5k-fjXOOMOgNiNXzPIQUwHiApvb9oHwY1_zqqmvx12t-fet8Q_aem_h_ZVqr3lvJUDFkDYW9j99w
SUSD becomes a publisher. Sort of
https://www.shutupandsitdown.com/were-partnering-with-play-to-z-to-launch-exciting-new-games/
Hachette becomes distributor for Edition Spielwiese
https://www.mojo-nation.com/hachette-boardgames-group-strikes-distribution-deal-with-edition-spielwiese/
Vallejo workers on strike
https://www.viaempresa.cat/es/empresa/98-plantilla-acrylicos-vallejo-se-suma-primera-jornada-huelga-indefinida_2206222_102.html
https://www.rascal.news/vallejo-factory-workers-go-on-strike/
Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TabletopJobs
Spiel des Jahres Funding Programme 2025
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/foerderprogramm-2025-startet-einreichungen-ab-sofort-moeglich/
https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/foerderprogramm/
Patreon Shoutouts
Kevin Bertram
https://www.fortcircle.com/
James Naylor
https://naylorgames.com/
Shaun Newman
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames
Our Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain
Support Us
https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
Fanroll
https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/
Outro
Monopoly Toppling Taxi
https://monopoly.fandom.com/wiki/Monopoly_Free_Parking:_The_Toppling_Taxi_Game
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
Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r
Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantbrainuk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiantbrain
Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
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