Best Ttrpg News And More Podcasts (2024)

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 244: WotC "Fudging" Sales Numbers?; Welcome to Jack! 1:06:32

4h ago1:06:32

1:06:32

The 2024 DND Players Handbook is the best selling Dungeons & Dragons supplement... EVER?!? Really? We dig into the numbers that are available and have some questions and commentary. This week we also welcome the Lost Lore Scholar, Jack into his seat as the newest host of Nerdcognito! After the news, all four of your friends, Ryan David, Bert, Jack,…

1
#156. Reinventing Strahd for the Modern World! 1:05:50

6d ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Kobold Press takes a strong stance on AI in the TTRPG industry, Adventurer's League integrates D&D 2024 into its organized play, and we redesign Strahd for the modern age! Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenBy…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 243: Comedy TTRPGs; WotC Allows Mid-Combat "Time Outs!" 1:04:08

7d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

The show picks up where we left off last week -- talking about comedy TTRPGs. Can funny have legs? Is a long-term comedy campaign sustainable? Then, we get buried in the news this week starting with a deep discussion on 2024 DND's new "time out" cleric spell; the one that allows you to short rest during a combat. Plus, woke warriors are forming yet…

1
#155. We Need to Talk About AI in D&D... Yes, Again! 1:04:50

13d ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Comments from Hasbro CEO ignites another discussion on AI tools in D&D, MCDM releases their creator license for Draw Steel, and we debate whether being a YouTuber helps or hinders success for TTRPG creators? Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcas…

1
Nerdcognito - Epiode 242: TTRPG Character Creation Chatter! 1:03:58

14d ago1:03:58

1:03:58

The gang pivots from talking about WotC, woke, or faux warrior drama this week and puts on their player character hats. What mindset, procedure, and thought process go behind the making of a character for D&D or any other TTRPG? Three very different perspectives and practices that offer insight into their game -- and hopefully yours! Plus, an exten…

1
Ep014 - AI was always on the table for WotC 27:12

15d ago27:12

27:12

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] WotC CEO talks about using AI in his games, and with the future of D&D. * [ ] Laid off WotC employee previously warned about AI. * [ ] Want to use AI for Game Masters, vs the stance on AI Art. * [ ] RPGs are becom…

1
Episode 17 | The Rundown on Draw Steel 1:24:07

19d ago1:24:07

1:24:07

Jeff & Seth take a deeper look at Draw Steel's playtest packet. Matt Coleville and the team at MCDM have released their in-development TTRPG system’s 1st Playtest Packet. Draw Steel was revealed as the name of their custom system and backers received an email with links to the packet for creating a level one character, with only 5 classes to start,…

1
#154. The Ethics of RPG's Used as Military Training Tools 1:06:29

20d ago1:06:29

1:06:29

This week the Lorecast discusses the ethics of designing wargames for the military, discusses whether bounded accuracy supports a "heroic fantasy" ludonarrative, and revises the Grim Hollow transformation rules! Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Check out People Make Game…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 241: Not a Hero's Feast for the Eyes! 1:06:37

21d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

The Hero's Feast artwork from OneDND is the most Wizards of the Coast thing WotC has done... this week. We pick it apart, talk about "why?", and have a general good time because YouTube sensation The Dungeon Delver, Mr. Bill Silvey is guest hosting this week! This, plus one or two abysmal Reddit takes and the news makes for a great conversation abo…

1
Ep013 - New Keith Baker Eberron, and Draw Steel! 29:25

22d ago29:25

29:25

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] Draw Steel playtest out for backers * [ ] MCDM’s Draw Steel Creator License * [ ] Compared to Paizo’s ORC License? * [ ] Changes to 2024 D&D on DnD beyond compared to books. * [ ] Day 1 Errata? * [ ] Greg Tito lea…

1
#153. Is Project Sigil a D&D Game Changer or a Gimmick? 1:07:23

27d ago1:07:23

1:07:23

Matt Colville joins the Lorecast to explore whether digital tools like D&D Beyond or Project Sigil actually improve tabletop gaming? Also, which action economy is right for you? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Shawn: @shawnmerwin Matt: @mcolville Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:01 - Digital tools in T…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 240: WotC to "Revise" Keep on the Borderlands; Building Intrigue as a DM 1:05:15

28d ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Continuing the path of destruction and erasure of the OG creators of D&D, Wizards of the Coast has announced that the new DND 5.5/OneDND starter set will include a new version of B2: Keep on the Borderlands, but "updated for modern audiences." Why are they intentionally scrubbing or rewriting classic content that has no need for revision? Then, aft…

1
Ep012 - More Forgotten Realms and Modular_D6! 47:30

29d ago47:30

47:30

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 valgabriev - Love the show, always glad when you have an episodegarchomp635 - What are your thoughts on painting miniatures? News * [ ] D&D Direct August 27th on YouTube. * [ ] Cosmere RPG Kickstarter finished at $14,692,791…

1
#152. Why Every TTRPG Should Be Publicly Developed 1:02:43

1M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

James Introcaso from MCDM joins us to talk Draw Steel and whether developing games publicly make for better TTRPG's? D&D Beyond and Paizo both walk back unpopular policies, and can RPG's have purely storytelling rules without dice? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Big Jimb…

1
Episode 16 | The Top 5 Changes Coming to D&D in 2024 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

Big changes are coming to D&D 2024, and we’ve got the inside scoop. From revamped classes to game-changing mechanics, we’re breaking down our top 5 favorite changes—and we both agree that number 5 is the most exciting. Let’s dive in!By Jeff & Seth

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 239: WotC Forces OneDND on EVERYONE Using D&D Beyond 1:04:05

1M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Well, Wizards of the Coast (with lots of Hasbro fingerprints) has stuck it to fans again -- this time, their 5e base. WotC has chosen to force the shift to OneDND and will auto convert all materials in D&D Beyond to the new platform, once again breaking their word about backwards compatibility. The SparkleTroll crowd is NOT happy. Can we utilize th…

1
Ep 011 - D&D Direct and the Errata Edition 49:58

1M ago49:58

49:58

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] D&D Direct August 27th on YouTube. * [ ] Alt Covers delayed outside of North America. * [ ] UK and Europe - Oct 18 * [ ] Australia - Oct 24 (BIRTHDAY!) * [ ] New Zealand - Oct 31 * [ ] Dungeon Master’s Guide 11/12…

1
Fudging: Barkeep's Banter with the Elven Maid Inn - #001 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

In the debut episode of the Elven Maid Inn's short-form show, she talks about Fudging and it's implications and impact on games and the hobby. *** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL!! ...and go to your favorite podcast player or nerdcognito.com or to subscribe to the OG podcast, Nerdcognito! linktr.ee/nerdcognito…

1
#151. What Deborah Ann Woll Teaches Us All About D&D 1:00:57

1M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Good news and bad news in the TTRPG industry this week as D&D books are delayed, Geek & Sundry return, Paizo changes their 3rd party licensing, and Deborah Ann Woll teaches us all about roleplaying games! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante T…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 238: Designers NEED To Insert... Identity Politics & Social Justice Themes?!? 59:30

1M ago59:30

59:30

Continuing the 2-part show from last week, Grim Jim joins RD and Bert to talk about the discussion in the mainstream TTRPG/DnD hobby for the "need" for game designers to insert and address political themes, social justice, and "wrongs" of society in their games. Why is this a "need?" Answer: It is not. Plus, we begin the show laughing at some insan…

1
#150. Mistakes Were Made... 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

In the aftermath of Gen Con, a miscommunication from WotC leads to big trouble for D&D YouTubers. Meanwhile, a new record in TTRPG crowdfunding is being broken. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Shawn: @shawnmerwin Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Con drop 07:52 - Gen Con news recap 22:47 - Wot…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 237: Play THIS! ...not OneDND! (with special guest host Grim Jim Desborough) 1:02:12

2M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

OneDND has been set free by Wizards of the Coast. With WotC's "new" and "daring" upgrade now getting a lot of buzz, we take an ENTIRE episode talking about other games you can and should bring to your table! With Kyle out on vacation, our friend Grim Jim Desborough sits in and brings his unique perspective and two decades of professional game desig…

1
Episode 15 | The Rundown on GenCon 2024 1:09:27

2M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Join Jeff & Seth as they dive into their unforgettable experience at Gen Con. They share insights on the latest games they explored, the fascinating people they connected with, and their predictions on where D&D is heading by the end of 2024. Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or just curious about the world of tabletop gaming, this episode has s…

1
Ep010 - Blurred videos and copyright strikes 41:09

2M ago41:09

41:09

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] What happened!? * [ ] Great video by Bob World Builder on what is a Ranger? * [ ] Dragonlance Legacies - a new Trilogy from Weis and Hickman * [ ] Dragonlance Chronicles releases Feb 4th 2025 * [ ] Nu5e - are Lair…

1
#149. Talking D&D 2024 with the WotC Design Team 1:04:02

2M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

LIVE from Gen Con we explore the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook with WotC designers Makenzie De Armas and Justice Ramin Arman. We also get a sneak peak at Project Sigil, the D&D 3D VTT, and prepare ourselves to Draw Steel! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Shawn: @shawnmerwin Makenzie: @MakenzieLaneDA Justice: @justi…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 236: Dave Arneson RIPPED OFF at GenCon; ShadowDark Sweep! 57:08

2M ago57:08

57:08

Did you know that Dave Arneson worked on a super-secret follow-up to Blackmoor with a nobody studio that no one has heard of? NEITHER DID THE ARNESON ESTATE. This disgusting grift really has RD and the boys upset, and they detail the situation for you. Plus, Kelsey and ShadowDark sweep the ENNIEs and a Reddit redemption story. ----more---- The News…

1
Episode 14 | GenCon Review of the "Stormlight" RPG (Cosmere RPG) 1:27:28

2M ago1:27:28

1:27:28

It’s our premiere episode of Season THREE, and we are freshly back from GenCon, where we had an amazing opportunity to get our hands on the Stormlight Archive RPG (now officially named Cosmere RPG on Kickstarter). We talk about first impressions and what excited us about this new system. Find Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere RPG on Kickstarter! We’ll be…

1
Ep009 - Shadowdark wins Product of the Year! 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] ENnie Award Winners for 2024 * [ ] D&D 2024 PHB is out in the wild. Reviews are popping up. * I’m still confused about duel wielding. * [ ] Alphastream has a good video review. * [ ] Sly Flourish does too. * [ ] G…

1
#148. We Spent an Hour Fixing D&D Exploration and Crafting 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

We dismantle the D&D 2024 crafting rules to discover why players like to craft, before diving in to fix the 5e exploration pillar and ask whether it's simply misunderstood? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - New dragon types …

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 235: Hasbro's 2Q Earnings and WotC's Impact; New Ranger, Old Mindsets 1:06:14

2M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Hasbro's 2nd Quarter earnings have posted. WotC continues to bleed. Sales are down. BUT -- RD thinks the Q looks... good?!? An economics light discussion of why Hasbro may not be in as much peril as some in the hobby would like. Plus, Elder Gods and Woke Warriors in the news. After the news, the guys look at how Wizards of the Coast believes they a…

1
Ep 008 - Will 2024 D&D work with 2014? 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] Deadpool and Wolverine! - no spoilers * [ ] GenCon around the corner, and 2024 PHB will be available. * [ ] Lots of fun panels too. Sadly I can’t make it. * [ ] New WotC president John Hight who led the WoW divisi…

1
#147. How To Get the D&D 2024 PHB Early! 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

The Eldritch Lorecast gets hype for Gen Con, where you can buy the first copies of the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook! What does the new president of WotC spell for the game's future? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:4…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 234: Neo-Appendix N! Non-print Inspiration for the Gang! 1:07:46

2M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Bert and RD sit down and talk about a request from a friend of the show: "What is your personal 'Appendix N-like' curated list of non-print inspiration?" Listen as the guys chronicle everything from Movies to TV to Video Games and more! How did these items impact their games and their creativity? The news this week is, well, exactly what you would …

1
#146. Why the New D&D Monk Isn't on Dael's Spangley List... 58:56

3M ago58:56

58:56

The new D&D Monk splits the Lorecast crew, Wizards of the Coast reshuffle their staff with a notable absence, and a new streaming service strives to compete with Twitch. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 06:14 - Monk 2…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 233: Your Character is DEAD!; Player Input into World Building 1:07:33

3M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Oh no! That giant just turned Bert's character into meat paste! What considerations are necessary and what must a player, a DM, and a gaming group do to pivot when a PC buys the farm? RD and Bert pontificate this point because, well, Bert's character was turned into meat paste at the last gaming session. After the news, the duo discuss what input, …

1
Ep 007 - D&D 2024 complexity grows 45:49

3M ago45:49

45:49

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube!, leave a message or ask a question here https://forms.gle/MmMB73qiXaKFvX9m9 News * [ ] 2024 PHB Videos Continue * [ ] Monk, Sorcerer, Cleric, Bard, Dragon designs * [ ] Monk seems extra complex, Bard has limited magical secrets but more spell options than a Wizard? * [ ] Lots of video game bundle pr…

1
#145. D&D's 3D VTT is Closer Than You Think! 1:02:21

3M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

A pre-order bonus for the D&D 3D VTT has us wondering how close it is and how WotC plan to monetize it? Are the new dragons an upgrade from the old? Wouldn't you like to custom make your character's species? Playtest Grim Hollow's heritage system: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_7_145 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com B…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 232: D&D Crafting Change Catastrophe!; Sci-Fi/Horror Gem Mothership 1:01:55

3M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Surprise, surprise: Wizards of the Coast continues to "re-imagine" Dungeons & Dragons... potentially into the grave. The "improvements" to crafting and the introduction of a hybrid "Minecraft" and "MMO" crafting system were released, and it looks like once again the game is getting fundamentally changed for the worse. The news makes us laugh as we …

1
Ep006 - ENNIE nominations for 2024! 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube! News * [ ] 2024 PHB Videos Continue * [ ] Spells > Influence from Baldur’s Gate 3 * [ ] Crafting Sneak Peak > interesting it’s in the PHB and not DMG. * [ ] Makes your tool proficiency useful. * [ ] 2024 Ennie Nominations are out! Voting opens July 12th, runs through July 21st. * [ ] Standouts for J…

1
#144. The D&D 2024 Ranger is... Well... It's a Thing! 56:16

3M ago56:16

56:16

There's a lot to say about the new 5e 2024 Ranger, and... well... it's a thing! We also review the new D&D 2024 spells and try to get more players into the GM chair. Sign up for Grim Hollow Kickstarter updates: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbf Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com James: @Jam…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 231: DM as Referee?!? What is the Correct Title and Role?; Western Renaissance 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

Spinning out of a conversation from last week, the gang talks about the title and role of the Dungeon Master in DnD. Is "referee" appropriate? What level of separation must the DM have with the group and the world? After this fun debate, with each of the guys having a distinct opinion, we tackle the news before saddling up to talk the resurgence of…

1
Ep005 - canceled CRIT Awards at Gen Con 43:15

3M ago43:15

43:15

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube! News * [ ] How was Free RPG Day? * [ ] Crit Awards leaves Gen Con for 2024 * [ ] Gen Con revoked their attendance due to “safety concerns” violating Gen Con Policy. * [ ] More D&D vids on classes for 2024. * [ ] Ranger Changes, Hunter’s Mark further integrated into the class * [ ] Counter spell & Di…

1
#143. D&D 2024 is Looking Pretty Good... well, Except That! 1:03:12

3M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

The Eldritch Lorecast deep dives into the D&D 2024 previews to explore backgrounds, weapon mastery, heroic advantage, subclasses, and that one missed opportunity! Experience Grim Hollow on D&D Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_6_143 Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 230: WotC's Hideous, Woke, and Racist Art Drop 1:03:51

3M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Wizards of the Coast has dropped a bunch of the "New" Dungeons & Dragons art... and it is just as hideous, woke, and racist as you could hope for. The guys talk about some of the more outlandish pieces and discuss how art, generally, is important to the hobby and hooks players in each game. Are some of these pieces intentionally horrific? Then, aft…

1
Ep 004 - Extra Art on D&D Beyond and FREE RPG DAY!! 31:59

3M ago31:59

31:59

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube! News * [ ] Free RPG Day! * [ ] I’m running Beneath the Well of Brass for DCC. * [ ] Vecna EoR has more art and changes in DnDBeyond compared to the physical book. * [ ] Lots of WotC sponsored videos on youtube featuring stuff from the 2024 books. * [ ] Greyhawk is the new default campaign setting in…

1
#142. Fans Notice D&D Beyond Differences in Vecna: Eve of Ruin! 55:51

3M ago55:51

55:51

Fans notice differences in the D&D Beyond Vecna: Eve of Ruin, Chris Cocks submits to an amazingly awkward interview, and we ponder who the average TTRPG player is? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - Player's Han…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 229: D&D, Influenced by It's Own Supplements! 1:04:14

4M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

The "Dungeons and Dragons," TTRPG hobby has a boatload of influences... but is unique in the fact that it often influences.... itself. The guys talk about pivotal supplements that have shaped the hobby and how modern guidance continues to change our beloved passion. Plus everything from Critical Role to "ding dong" in the news! You won't want to mi…

1
Ep 003 - Dicebreaker is Dice Broken 48:40

4M ago48:40

48:40

Catch the show live Saturday Mornings on YouTube! News * [ ] Dice Breaker is no more. IGN bought parent company and the team is laid off. * [ ] Modiphius to Publish Ubisoft’s Heroes of Might & Magic TTRPG. * [ ] Using their 2d20 system. Dune, Fallout, Homeworld, Star Trek Adventures, John Carter of Mars * [ ] June 18th starts the D&D PHB 2024 previ…

1
#141. The Influencer-fication of the TTRPG Industry 56:42

4M ago56:42

56:42

Do you need to be an Influencer to be a successful TTRPG designer? Is Roll20 buying Demiplane good for the RPG industry? Why has Dicebreaker stopped reporting on D&D? All that and more, right now... Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics:…

1
Nerdcognito - Episode 228: Gaming Group Meeting Failures; Unfathomable Board Game Revisited 1:02:51

4M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In this episode, the gang talk about the TTRPG curse older than time: Getting the group together. Inevitably, every group is going to ride the rocky road of scheduling. Why is this the killing blow for some groups? How can you pivot? Is it the end of the D&D World? Then after the news, as requested by the Nerdcognito Nation, the boys revisit, run d…

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