On today's episode, Mark talks with Austin of IV Studios around premium games and their new game on crowdfunding, Tend.

Reflection Question: IV Studio makes some of the most beautiful and satisfyingly tactile games on the market. So with an audience that appreciates that, but also an audience that might want “just the basics,” what discussions are had to decide what parts and what games are made more premium? What is stopping IV Studio from just making cards and chits?

⌛ Timestamps: --------------------------- 0:00 - Intro 0:29 - Reflection Question 7:17 - Austin Harrison/IV Studio Intro 9:27 - Tell us about your newest project, Tend 13:09 - You call this game a cozy kind of farming game - can you elaborate on what that means and how you might think it differs from other types of farming games? 15:01 - What inspired the creation of this game? Where did it come from and how did it evolve into what it is now? 17:58 - What is it that you hope players will walk away with? How do you want them to feel after playing this game? 21:00 - In the game, how did you create an immersive farming experience on an alien world? 23:15 - With all the different aspects and elements of the game, what are some of the most interesting strategies you’ve seen and have developed over time? 26:05 - What inspired the phase of the game where players can share resources? Was that an early development idea or did that come later on? 27:49 - Can you give us a walkthrough of a typical turn? 30:15 - Why is fishing one of your favorite aspects of the game? 31:18 - You mention Stardew Valley being a kind of inspiration for Tend - how did you settle on the art and atmosphere for the game? 32:37 - What’s the collaboration process like between IV Studio and the game artists? Are there things that come up and you have to go back and edit? 34:33 - For the development process, what would you say was your biggest challenge that you came up against? 37:39 - What was something that came from playtesting the game that was unexpected? What changes came about because of the playtesting? What was your favorite change? 39:03 - How has the community responded to your community challenges feature? Is this going to be something that will always be part of the ongoing life of Tend? 41:28 - Do you have any ideas or plans for the future of Tend? 43:21 - Beyond Tend, what are some other things that you can talk about that you’re starting to work on for the future? 44:17 - What are some of your dreams, or goals, or something you haven’t even started yet but would love to try and do? 44:55 - Where can people find more information about Tend? 45:23 - The Beyond 49:14 - Call-to-Action

🔗 Links: --------------------------- https://shop.iv.studio/ https://tend.iv.studio/ https://www.bouncysmash.com/ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ivstudios/tend-0

📃 Credits: --------------------------- Mark Streed - Co-host Austin Harrison - Special Guest Tim Riel - Reflection Question

On today's episode, Mark interviews Ryan Laukat of Red Raven Games about his enchanting worlds and game design adventures. We’ll explore his creative journey, discuss the innovative mechanics of his games and hear more about the process of designing games like Above and Below: Haunted.

Reflection Question: What has been the most rewarding part of your board game career so far? How will it impact future projects as you continue your board game journey?

⌛ Timestamps: --------------------------- 0:00 - Intro 0:27 - Reflection Question 4:19 - Tell us about your newest campaign for Above & Below: Haunted. 7:23 - What new elements are in this version compared to the original Above & Below? 8:54 - What drew you to the spooky theme? 10:18 - What has been the response thus far to this newest campaign? 11:15 - Do you like Gamefound more than Kickstarter? 12:27 - What is your favorite aspect of Above & Below: Haunted? 13:18 - Because you’re so well known for design and illustration, how do you balance the creative process between game mechanics and the art direction? 14:16 - What would you say is the biggest challenge in designing games that combine both exploration and deep narrative? 15:38 - How do you find inspiration for your worlds that you create and the characters in the games? 16:40 - How do you keep your creative ideas fresh across multiple games and different universes that you’ve created? 17:45 - Do you have a particular favorite world or game that you’ve designed? Why does it stand out to you? 18:46 - Aside from your own games, what are some of your favorites to play? 20:39 - How do you ensure that your strategy within the game and the story itself don’t overshadow each other during the development process? 22:26 - In designing your games, what are some elements that ended up completely different from what you initially envisioned? What were some key turning points in the development? 24:18 - What is some of your favorite art from your games? Do you have a piece of art or a series that you are especially proud of? 26:09 - Who are some artists and artwork that inspire you for your games, but also your art in general? 27:01 - Looking forward, what excites you about the future of board game design? Are there any new trends you’re particularly interested in exploring? 27:59 - What are your feelings around apps in board games? 30:03 - The Beyond 34:21 - Call-to-Action

🔗 Links: --------------------------- https://www.redravengames.com/ https://gamefound.com/en/projects/red-raven-games/above-and-below-haunted

📃 Credits: --------------------------- Mark Streed - Co-host Ryan Laukat - Special Guest Phong Nguyen - Reflection Question

In this episode, Mark sits down with Dan Madsen, the ultimate fan ambassador, to dive into their shared passion for all things nerd and fandom. From the iconic universes of Star Trek and Star Wars to the wider world of film and fan culture, they explore what makes these stories timeless and their communities so vibrant. Tune in for a fun, in-depth conversation packed with nostalgia, trivia, and deep fandom love!

⌛ Timestamps: ---------------------------

0:00 - Intro

2:12 - Dan Madsen Intro

7:10 - What sparked your passion for the Star Trek universe, among the others?

9:09 - Tell us about your experience making “Free Enterprise.”

15:02 - How did your early interactions with George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry help shape your career and life? What were some of the most meaningful moments that you had with them?

18:53 - Of all the interactions/franchises/actors/directors/etc., what is the most memorable moment that stands out in your memory?

21:50 - How do you think fandoms have evolved over the years?

22:31 - What advice would you give someone looking to turn their passion into a career?

24:40 - Of all the different Star Trek sets that you got to visit, which is your favorite?

27:44 - What are some of your new and upcoming projects?

34:14 - The Beyond

36:00 - Call-to-Action

🔗 Links: ---------------------------

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mnstrgames/montoons-clash-of-the-coral-isles

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141105/

https://www.rollacrit.com/

📃 Credits: ---------------------------

Mark Streed - Co-host

Dan Madsen - Special Guest

Laura Rodriguez - Timestamps