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Tabletop Submarine

tabletopsubmarine

Join Andrew and Josh as they talk, share stories, and dive deeper into why we love tabletop games.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 38 min
  • English
  • #129
    October 1 · 46 min

    "Are board games Vegan?" with Ben Kutay

    Welcome to the Submarine! In this episode, Ben Kutay shares his unique journey from a scientist to a board game designer, highlighting the importance of scientific thinking in game balancing and design. We explore how analytical methods can enhance game development and the creative process behind popular IP-based games. Key topics Ben Kutay’s journey from science to game design The role of scientific and analytical thinking in balancing games The process of playtesting and iterative design Creating balanced characters and mechanics in IP games Layering game mechanics to enhance thematic feel Using math and observation to improve game fairness The importance of long-term playability and balance Designing for both qualitative feel and quantitative balance

  • #128
    September 3 · 44 min

    Convention Report: GenCon 2026

    Kervin from For Why Games and Steve from Tabletop Hero are with us for the 2026 GenCon Report Join us as we dive into the highlights and experiences from Gen Con 2026, exploring the growth of the industry, memorable moments, and future hopes. Our guests, content creators Steve and Kervin, share their insights on the convention's vibe, key announcements, and the vibrant community that makes Gen Con special.

  • #127
    August 6 · 41 min

    "A new imprint." with Jay Cormier

    Our friend Jay Cormier is back on the submarine! It has been a long time since Harrow County and Off the Page Games is killing it! Join us as we explore the fascinating world of tabletop gaming, comic book adaptations, and game design with Jay Cormier. Discover how stories, mechanics, and creativity come together to create memorable gaming experiences.

  • #125
    July 2 · 1 hr 5 min

    Convention Report: Origins 2026 with How I Roll and Zazu

    Join us as we dive into the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from Origins 2026, featuring insights from media creators, designers, and attendees. Discover the latest game releases, convention hacks, and memorable experiences from this year's event. Join us as we explore the latest in board game design, industry surprises, and upcoming releases with industry insiders Ryan and Zazu. Discover new games, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of tabletop gaming.

  • #126
    June 30 · 18 min

    The Periscope: Our Lives, Our Fortunes

    The American Revolution was not won by white men on horses. It was won by the witches, werewolves, and necromancers history has tried to forget. Join the Revolution in this roleplaying game of supernatural horror set in the American Revolution. Join us as Matt from Wet Ink Games talks about their latest project!

  • #124
    June 4 · 5 min

    HAPPY 4 YEARS!

    THANK YOU FOR FOUR YEARS OF STORIES. Josh gives you an update on the future of the Submarine!

  • #123
    May 22 · 17 min

    The Periscope: BostonFIG

    Breeze Grigas joins us on the Submarine!! BostonFIG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that celebrates independent game development in New England, across the United States, and around the globe. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment for everybody who enjoys and appreciates games in any shape or form. The organization seeks to support and showcase the efforts of independent game developers, as well as to nurture young aspiring game creators from diverse backgrounds. BostonFIG is run by a volunteer team of people who truly love supporting indie game creation. We’ve been in operation for a decade, and we are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion as an essential part of our mission to foster the next generation of game creators. Submissions close June 1st with June 12th being the Late Submissions deadline!

  • #122
    April 30 · 51 min

    "I'm gonna bag on Monopoly." with Skippy Brown

    Join us as we chat with game designer Skippy Brown about his space-themed game Lunar Rush, upcoming projects like Kaiju Raising Havoc, and insights into game design, space concepts, and the joy of introducing games to new audiences.

  • #121
    April 16 · 46 min

    "Buttercream and Onions." with Ashwin Kamath

    Welcome to the Tabletop Submarine Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of board game design with Ashwin Kamath, a talented game designer known for his innovative approach. If you've ever wondered how to create engaging board games that resonate with players, you’re in the right place. Ashwin shares his experiences from the vibrant Seattle gaming scene and discusses his latest project, Chicken Fried Dice, along with insights into playtesting and community engagement. Ashwin Kamath is a game designer and inventor based in Seattle. With a passion for helping others create games, he runs playtesting sessions and engages with diverse voices in the gaming community. Known for his humor and creativity, Ashwin is also the creator of popular games like The Wolves and Chicken Fried Dice.

  • #120
    April 2 · 44 min

    "This is the first time...you wrote a negative review." with Ryan Gutowski

    In this engaging conversation, we welcome Ryan Gutowski from One Board Family to discuss the importance of family in board gaming, the evolution of content creation in the gaming community, and out recent gaming experiences. We share memorable moments from conventions and provide valuable advice for aspiring content creators. All this and more on today's episode!

  • #119
    March 23 · 16 min

    The Periscope: Hair Band

    Rock the stage and Rule the Strip! In Hair Band, you're an upstart 80’s glam metal band vying for Hollywood’s next record deal. But to get it, you'll need to convince the label you're the next big thing - get awesome, get fans, perfect your show, and complete your demo to sign on the dotted line. Each round, you’ll place your dice-as-rockers around Hollywood to write, rehearse, promote, gig, and party all night. But watch out! Musicians can be a reckless and unruly bunch. So, you’ll need to choose wisely to steer clear of drama that can derail your ambitions. The first band to complete 3 of the 4 record label requirements gets the deal and wins the game. Hair Band is a dynamic dice placement, engine-building, and resource management game.

  • #118
    March 19 · 27 min

    Convention Report: GAMA Expo 2026 with Kristen Mott

    Join us as we explore the ins and outs of GAMA Expo with Kristen Mott, a talented game designer with some awesome new games on the horizon. Discover who should attend, what opportunities await, and how to make the most of this vibrant industry event.

  • #117
    March 1 · 40 min

    The Torpedo- Sagrada, Renewed Edition

    In this episode of the Torpedo, Josh, Andrew, Daryl Andrews, and Adrian Adamescu discuss the new edition of the board game Sagrada, its origins, design process, and the journey to publication. They explore the enhancements made in the new edition, including accessibility improvements and new art, as well as the thematic inspiration drawn from the Sagrada Familia. The designers share their experiences in the game industry, the challenges they faced in getting Sagrada published, and the importance of collaboration in game design.

  • #116
    February 13 · 55 min

    Convention Report: TantrumCon 2026, Charlotte, NC

    Sorry in advance for some of the audio! We had to scrub really hard with Josh's mic but weren't able to get it all. We hope you still enjoy! In this episode, Josh and Andrew discuss their experiences at Tantrum Con, a favorite tabletop gaming convention. They share insights on the well-organized event, their roles as VIP guests, and the fun activities they participated in, including a music bingo event. The conversation highlights the family-friendly atmosphere, personal stories from the convention, and the importance of networking and game design. They conclude by emphasizing why Tantrum Con is an excellent choice for first-time convention-goers.

  • #115
    January 29 · 17 min

    The Periscope: Lodge

    Sorry for the intro and outro! I need to recover the files for them. (Josh) Be sure to check your skis at the front desk! From acclaimed designer Peter McPherson (Tiny Towns, Fit To Print) comes Lodge, a spatial puzzle game set in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Draft room tiles from a sliding display and place them on matching floors to attract guests to your lodge. Gain bonus points for placing those guests on their preferred floors and by constructing amenities to keep them happy.

  • #114
    January 15 · 56 min

    "Now I am all in." with Matthew Rodela

    Friend of the show, and designer of Twisted Trumpets from Play to Z games joins us on the Submarine! Matt and Andrew have been in the same design circles for a long time with Josh being a playtest for both of their games. With his first ever game being released we learn the story of how this came to be at one of our favorite show's of the year, TantrumCon! All this and more on today's episode.

  • #113
    Dec 18, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

    "Is crokinole a sport?" with Paul Saloman

    Paul Saloman, designer and podcaster joins us on the submarine! We talk about all sorts of great things including what really constitutes a game and why we should be talking more about dexterity games. All this and more on today's episode!

  • #112
    Dec 4, 2025 · 7 min

    Hey! What's going on with the uploads?

    Josh and Andrew take time to say thanks to all the listeners. Then Josh gives an update on why the uploads have been so sporadic recently.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes