
Tabletop SportCast (James Cast)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Tabletop SportCast
Date | Titre | Durée | |
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01 Jan 2023 | Episode 97: We Sit Down with ... Al Wilson! | 00:57:14 | |
Happy New Year listeners! Today's episode is an interview with Al Wilson to discuss the latest version of Fast Drive Football. Version 2.0 brings some updates, new features, and a refreshed look. Al will cover all that and more as we discuss the design process, the impact the FDF community has made to the game, and what is next on the FDF horizon. Link to Al's YouTube overview of Fast Drive Football 2.0: https://youtu.be/KWXFlF0yk38 | |||
01 Jul 2024 | Classic Replay - Cooperative Projects (Episode 10) | 00:20:55 | |
In the first installment of replaying greatest hits, we're taking it all the way back to October 2021 and Episode 10. In this episode I focused on a new approach to cooperative projects focused around the 2000 Football America season. | |||
23 Apr 2023 | Episode 113: Sitting Down With ... Dave Jackson! | 01:05:32 | |
In this week's episode I chat with Dave Jackson. Dave is a member of our gaming community. His unique background gave us an opportunity to talk about the narrative of sports, the storylines we see play out in sports, and how those translate to our tabletop. | |||
11 Feb 2024 | Episode 153: Top 10 Sports Do-Overs | 00:38:23 | |
In today's episode I count down 10 sporting events that deserve a do-over. These are a combination of those times when our favorite teams didn't win the big game, or those classic moments when an underdog overcame the odds. Thanks to all my Facebook audience that helped contribute to today's list! | |||
23 Feb 2025 | Episode 196: Sitting Down With ... Clay Dreslough! | 01:44:54 | |
In this episode, host James Cast interviews Clay Dreslough, the creator of Season Ticket Baseball and Season Ticket Football. They discuss Clay's journey from computer game design to board game creation, the mechanics behind his games, and the philosophy of making games accessible and enjoyable for players. Clay shares insights into the evolution of his games, the importance of simplicity in design, and the challenges of transitioning from digital to tabletop formats. The conversation also touches on the future of board games and the need for innovative mechanics that enhance player experience. | |||
19 Dec 2021 | Episode 33: My 2022 Wish List | 00:32:58 | |
In this episode I walk through five items that I would love to have on my tabletop in 2022. | |||
10 Jul 2024 | Episode 168: Retrospective for 1986 PGA Mini-Season | 00:43:54 | |
Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, the host does a retrospective on his recently completed PGA mini season project. He discusses the highlights and challenges of the project, including the scheduling of events and the use of tournament mode in History Maker Golf. He also reflects on what went well and what could have been done differently, such as using actual courses for the majors and tracking results more effectively. The host concludes by sharing his plans for future projects and upcoming episodes of the podcast. Keywords retrospective, PGA mini season, project management, scheduling, tournament mode, History Maker Golf, challenges, highlights, actual courses, tracking results, future projects Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites "Deciding to do a mini season" "Using tournament mode for History Maker Golf" "Setting it up for a historical replay" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 17:26 Reflecting on the PGA Mini Season Project 24:59 Challenges and Highlights of the Retrospective 28:19 Improving Future Projects with Lessons Learned 37:52 Using Actual Courses for Historical Replays 41:45 The Importance of Tracking Results | |||
25 Jun 2024 | Episode 167: Top 5 Memories of Plaay-Dot-Con 2024 | 00:32:47 | |
Summary Play.com 2024 was a memorable gaming event with a record-breaking crowd. The top five memories include the presence of game designers, the attendance of newbies, the extension of the convention to include more activities, the Rumble in the Jungle game showcase, and the introduction of Soccer Blast Express. The convention provided opportunities to play and interact with game designers, gaining inspiration and appreciation for their craft. The host also plans to feature classic episodes and focus on football in upcoming episodes. Keywords Play.com 2024, gaming event, game designers, newbies, convention extension, Rumble in the Jungle, Soccer Blast Express, tabletop games, inspiration, football Takeaways Play.com 2024 had a record-breaking crowd and was a memorable gaming event. The presence of game designers at the convention allowed for interaction and appreciation of their craft. The attendance of newbies added fresh faces and excitement to the event. The convention extended beyond the traditional two days, allowing for more activities and exploration of the Denver area. The showcase of Rumble in the Jungle and Soccer Blast Express introduced new and exciting games to the attendees. Playing and interacting with game designers provided inspiration for future game creation. The host plans to feature classic episodes and focus on football in upcoming episodes. Titles Inspiration from Game Designers Game Designers: The Stars of Play.com Sound Bites "The game designers that were in-house... really bring to this community." "The attendance of newbies... always great to see new faces in the crowd." "The convention continues to grow... embracing the idea of extending the con." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Information 03:01 Game Designers: The Stars of Play.com 07:34 Newbies Bring Fresh Energy to Play.com 10:50 Extending the Convention: More Than Just Two Days 14:36 Rumble in the Jungle: A Highlight of Play.com 29:44 Inspiration from Game Designers | |||
20 Mar 2022 | Episode 56: A Closer Look at Heroes & Heels Dodgeball by Plaay Games | 00:38:22 | |
In today's episode I will talk about my experiences with Heroes & Heels: Dodgeball by Plaay Games. This was a special holiday release, but is expected to be released in hard copy later this year. In my current project, I've had a chance to see the game in more detail and what it offers in terms of a capsulated gaming experience. | |||
31 Oct 2021 | Brewing Up Some Rules for the Tabletop | 00:38:46 | |
In this episode I run down the Top 10 Home Brew Rules I use on my tabletop. There will also be a recap of my recent tabletop activity and a short overview of October on the whole. | |||
31 Mar 2025 | Episode 201: My Q1 Retrospective | 00:44:49 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the first quarter of 2025. He discusses his gaming achievements, including the number of sessions played and games completed, while also addressing challenges faced during the quarter. The episode highlights plans for the upcoming quarter, including participation in live events like IndiCon 25, and a preview of new projects. James shares insights on podcast analytics and the importance of maintaining momentum in tabletop gaming. | |||
14 Apr 2024 | Episode 160: An Inside Look at ... Fast Inning Baseball by Al Wilson | 00:50:21 | |
In this week's episode we take a look at Fast Inning Baseball, the latest game from designer Al Wilson. | |||
02 Sep 2021 | Tabletop Week in Review 8/27-9/1 2021 | 00:07:44 | |
A quick recap of what was played on my tabletop the past week including History Maker Baseball, Fury Hardball, Lacrosse Blast, and Soccer Blast. | |||
18 Aug 2024 | Episode 171: Sitting Down With ... S.T. Patrick! | 01:38:35 | |
Summary In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James Cast interviews S.T. Patrick, the creator of The Squared Circle, Match-Up Football, and Sport Sim Magazine. They discuss recent gaming experiences, the latest releases from TSC and Match-Up, and delve into the concept of accuracy in sports simulation games. They explore the challenges of capturing the complexity of real-life performance in a tabletop game and the role of randomness in recreating sports outcomes. They also talk about the 2024 Gridiron Games event and the plans for Matchup Football at the event. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the availability of game design tools and the importance of finding balance and enjoyment in life. | |||
26 Dec 2021 | Episode 35: 2021 Year In Review | 00:45:22 | |
I recap the past year on my tabletop, including the Top 10 Events of 2021 from my tabletop. This episode includes a mix of personal achievements, amazing results from my tabletop games, and also illustrates how good planning can help you meet your goals. | |||
18 Oct 2022 | Episode 87: Hoops in Hartford Recap | 00:30:32 | |
This past weekend I attended the Hoops in Hartford event hosted by Plaay Games. It was a great opportunity to play some History Maker Baseball Express, the full game of Highlight Maker Hoops (full game version), chat with some fellow Plaay gamers, hear directly from Keith and Sam, and also play some other titles. This episode is my recap of that event. | |||
05 May 2024 | Episode 163: Sitting Down With ... Gary Brown of Stone Mountain Press! | 01:57:34 | |
Today we are sitting down with Gary Brown of Stone Mountain Press to talk all about his latest offering, the long-awaited update to Legends of Boxing. We will talk about the design process in depth and also provide an overview of what everyone can expect to changes in gameplay. | |||
13 Mar 2022 | Episode 54: The Narrative of Second Season Express | 00:31:05 | |
Today we take a closer look at the Second Season Express game engine and how it allows the narrative of a game to unfold. Continue the conversation on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TabletopSportCast Support the podcast and join our Discord server here: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopsportcast | |||
11 May 2023 | Episode 115: An Inside Look at ... The Squared Circle | 00:34:54 | |
This week I take a closer look at The Squared Circle, a wrestling simulation game by S.T. Patrick. The Squared Circle brings to life federations from wrestling history and provides a unique approach to creating wrestlers that really captures the essence of those historical wrestlers from our past. | |||
10 Apr 2022 | Episode 61: Applying the 12 Agile Principles to Your Tabletop Gaming | 00:44:17 | |
This week we are going to review the 12 Agile principles and how they can be used to complete projects on your tabletop. | |||
05 Nov 2023 | Episode 139: Top 5 Games I Should Be Playing | 00:32:05 | |
In today's episode I discuss games that I have never played, and are not part my library. This episode is based completely on feedback from others, some recent, some for the past several years. In addition to the top 5, I also gave out some honorable mentions. | |||
14 Nov 2021 | Episode 24: Football Three Ways | 00:33:24 | |
As I finalize planning for my next football project, I want to see how I can build a season replay project using a trio of games: Second Season, Second Season Express, and Fast Drive Football. This is all possible thanks to a great utility by Cooper Gilbert. I also provide an update on the EURO 2020 project and a recap of my latest tabletop activities. | |||
24 Mar 2022 | Episode 57: To Stack or Not to Stack, That is the Question | 00:22:56 | |
Today I take a closer look at the stack mechanic that is common in most baseball games, but also used heavily across the Plaay Games library. I'll discuss the pros and cons to using ... and not using ... the stack mechanic. | |||
22 Dec 2023 | Episode 146: Sitting Down With ... Al Wilson! | 01:09:05 | |
This week I spoke with Al Wilson to discuss his latest release, Fast Inning Baseball! Here's the website link: https://www.fastinningbaseball.com/ And if you want to support the podcast, here's the link to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopsportcast | |||
05 Dec 2021 | Episode 29: The Strategy of Strategy Cards in History Maker Baseball | 00:38:57 | |
Based on some recent experience in our SLOBS league, I put together a quick review of how and when to use strategy cards in History Maker Baseball. This is mostly based on my personal preference, but I do think it covers the intent behind the strategy cards. I will also be posting a summary guide on my Facebook page (Tabletop SportCast), so look for it there. | |||
09 Jan 2024 | Episode 148: Quarterly Planning Recap | 00:37:18 | |
In this week's episode we kick off Season 4 of the podcast by recapping the 1st ever Quarterly Planning event from my tabletop. I'll talk about what went well and where I fell short. Trying out a slightly new format, so let me know how you like it! If you would like to support the podcast you can do so here: patreon.com/tabletopsportcast | |||
30 Sep 2023 | Episode 134: Q3 Retrospective | 00:36:53 | |
In today's episode I go through the events of Q3, the games I played, the projects I completed (and didn't) and ask the three big questions: What Went Well? What Didn't Go Well? And What Should I Be Doing Differently? I also take a look ahead at Q4. | |||
08 Sep 2021 | Project Recap: 2019-20 Liverpool FC Replay | 00:13:05 | |
I recap a recently completed project using Soccer Blast by Plaay Games. | |||
31 Oct 2024 | Classic Rewind: Failure Is Inevitable (Episode 69) | 00:32:44 | |
When my schedule gets crazy, as it often did this year, this theme keeps me in check. Hopefully for the last time this year, we going back to a classic episode to hear why Failure is Inevitable! I'll be back on Sunday with a brand new episode. | |||
24 Nov 2024 | Episode 183: Sitting Down With ... Mike Ignatoski, Creator of the GreenFox Spreadsheet (Part 1) | 00:49:28 | |
In today's episode, we sit down with the creator of the GreenFox Spreadsheet, Mike Ignatoski. In the first of a two part series, we get a chance to learn about Mike and talk through a high-level overview of the GreenFox Spreadsheet. Also, catch up on some more Holiday Sale information at the beginning of the episode. Part 2 of this interview will be posted to YouTube, and it includes a demo of version 3.5 of the GreenFox Spreadsheet. Key Links Part 2 of the Episode (YouTube) GreenFox Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenfoxspreadsheet GreenFox YouTube Page (Mike Ignatoski) | |||
13 Aug 2022 | Episode 78: An Inside Look at History Maker Baseball Express by Plaay Games | 00:38:07 | |
Today we take a look at the newest title from Plaay Games: History Maker Baseball Express! I'll discuss some of my experiences playing the game and how I see it fitting in with the rest of the Plaay Game catalog. Also - a special announcement regarding a fundraiser I will be running next week and highlighting a project completed by Cooper Gilbert! | |||
22 Dec 2024 | Episode 187: Top 10 Moments of 2024 | 00:52:46 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the top moments of 2024, including a tribute to the late Ricky Henderson, a retrospective on his Richmond Golden Gloves boxing project, and a countdown of the top 10 moments in tabletop sports for the year. In this episode, the host reflects on the top moments of 2024 in tabletop sports gaming, discussing the evolution of basketball games, memorable interviews, innovative game mechanics, tournament experiences, and significant projects. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and personal achievements within the tabletop gaming space. | |||
11 Jul 2023 | Episode 123: An Inside Look at History Maker Golf | 00:33:10 | |
In this week's episode I take An Inside Look at History Maker Golf by Plaay Games. Find out why this game is quickly rising on my list of favorite games! | |||
28 Jan 2024 | Episode 151: Sitting Down with ... Geoff Giordano! | 01:06:19 | |
This week I had a chance to sit down with Geoff Giordano, also known in our community as the APBA Football Club! We discussed hosting live events and the things that can make an event successful or not. We also discussed the event he will be hosting later this year at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. APBA Football Club on Instagram On Youtube 2013 APBA Football Tournament Playlist 2023 APBA Football Tournament Playlist 2023 Cooperstown Event Playlist Future Events | |||
27 Aug 2024 | Episode 172: The 3rd Anniversary Show ... Live from Canton OH! | 00:52:03 | |
Summary It's the third anniversary of the Tabletop SportCast and what better way to celebrate than to spend a weekend at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH with many friends old and new. In today's episode I'll recap the past few years of the podcast, and then sit down with a number of guests from Gridiron Games 2024 to give you their impressions of the weekend first-hand. | |||
15 Oct 2021 | Commissioner's Surprise Tourney 2020-21: Second Round: NY Rangers at FL Panthers | 00:19:15 | |
It's Round 2 of the Commissioner's Surprise Tournament for Plaay Games. The NY Rangers take on the FL Panthers. | |||
02 Aug 2022 | Episode 77: Top 10 Moments of Plaay-Dot-Con | 00:34:00 | |
Just returned from the annual Plaay convention and wanted to share my thoughts on the weekend in a nice Top 10 list. | |||
22 Jan 2023 | Episode 100: We Sit Down with Keith Avallone of Plaay Games | 00:36:22 | |
I have a special guest for a special episode. Keith Avallone of Plaay Games sat down with me this week to talk about some of his game designs and his engagement with this hobby of ours. We discuss Second Season, the qualities mechanic, and even the decider die. Hope you'll enjoy! | |||
15 Dec 2024 | Episode 186: Top 48 Games of 2024 | 01:17:10 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the top tabletop sports games of 2024, sharing insights on his gameplay experiences, project highlights, and the methodology behind his rankings. The conversation covers various games, including honorable mentions, and delves into the Continental Cup project, showcasing the excitement of random matchups in tournaments. James emphasizes the importance of playtime in determining his top games and reflects on the diverse range of sports represented in his collection. In this episode, the host reviews the top tabletop sports games of 2024, discussing various express and quick play games, historical replays, and personal favorites. The conversation highlights the impact of specific projects on gameplay and the dominance of certain game companies in the host's gaming experience. The episode concludes with insights into gaming trends and a look ahead to future projects. | |||
18 Feb 2024 | Episode 154: Sitting Down with ... Lenny LaFrance! | 00:56:19 | |
This week we turn our attention North, to get a deeper look at some fictional leagues for Cold Snap and History Maker Baseball with the creator himself, Lenny LaFrance! Lenny will walk us through some of the details of running leagues for both football and baseball. | |||
08 Oct 2021 | Level Up Your Tabletop Gaming with Advanced Options | 00:29:45 | |
In this episode I give you an update on my project planning and then discuss using advanced rules in my tabletop projects. I discuss three different Plaay Games titles and how/when I incorporate the advanced rules offered in the the rule books. Check out my website: https://sites.google.com/view/castawaytabletopsports/home Here's our gaming recommendation for today: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsK-EEZ9Sc5xYywPXda98Q | |||
20 Aug 2023 | Episode 129: An Inside Look at ... Regatta by The Avalon Hill Game Co. | 00:33:40 | |
In today's episode I take a look at Regatta by the Avalon Hill Game Company. It's an older game, that is very much designed for multi-player strategy. I'll discuss how the game works and provide a tabletop recap for the past two weeks. Recent YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/c5b4n3IvCRU | |||
05 Oct 2021 | Commissioner's Surprise Tourney 2020-21 Opening Round: NY Rangers at ST. Louis Blues | 00:29:58 | |
With my 2020-21 NHL cards arriving from Plaay Games today, I played my assigned opening round game for the New York Rangers at ST. Louis Blues. This is an annual tournament hosted by Plaay Games to kickoff the release of the previous year's NHL card set. | |||
06 Feb 2022 | Episode 46: Building the Narrative for HMB, Part 2 | 00:38:31 | |
Today's episode in Part 2 of a three part series where I review the Game Action Booklet for History Maker Baseball. Part 2 focuses on the Drama and Mini-Charts in the book to talk about how momentum can shift based on the abilities of players during the game. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopsportcast Sign-up for the 1980 Olympic Hockey Cooperative Event: https://forms.gle/PBEYVp6ezbqnWk6u5 | |||
06 Mar 2022 | Episode 52: Blast Mechanics | 00:30:37 | |
Today I'm discussing the three Blast games by Plaay Games: Hockey Blast, Soccer Blast, and Lacrosse Blast. We'll look at how the Blast game engine makes these games similar, but also allows for each to have it's own signature feel with a specific Blast mechanic: The Lull, The Midfield Battle, and the Boxla Blast. | |||
17 Dec 2021 | Episode 32: Inside Look at Demo Derby Smashdown | 00:30:46 | |
I'm rebranding my Game of the Week as Inside Look. In this episode I'm going under the hood (somewhat literally) with Demo Derby Smashdown by Plaay Now. This is a Demolition Derby simulation game featuring fictional drivers. I'll recap a recent game from my tabletop in order to show you how the game plays and provide an overview of the game mechanics. You can check out my Demo Derby 2021 Season here: https://sites.google.com/view/castawaytabletopsports/demo-derby-smashdown-2021 | |||
13 Aug 2024 | Episode 170: Catching Up | 00:39:43 | |
Summary In this episode, the host provides an update on his tabletop gaming projects and the podcast. He discusses the challenges he has faced in maintaining a schedule and staying on track with his projects. He shares details about his ongoing projects, including History Maker Baseball, LaCrosse Blast Express, and various tournaments. The host also talks about his plans for future projects and the importance of establishing a routine. He concludes by mentioning upcoming interviews and the fourth anniversary show of the podcast. Takeaways
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24 Oct 2021 | Beginnings and Endings | 00:44:12 | |
A full recap of the King of the Ice Mountain Tournament using Hockey Blast by Plaay Games and a preview of three new games at Tabletop SportCast headquarters is the main focus of today's episode. I also provide of recap of my tabletop week and discuss some more project planning ideas. | |||
09 May 2022 | Episode 65: Plaay Games Trading Cards | 00:24:21 | |
I recently picked up the special edition set for Baseball America from Plaay Games. With Plaay already announcing a second 'trading card' set for Highlight Maker Hoops, I wanted to talk about what these products are like and what this means for the tabletop sports community. | |||
08 Apr 2022 | Episode 60: An Inside Look at Highlight Maker Hoops by Plaay Games | 00:33:14 | |
Today I give my first thoughts on Highlight Maker Hoops, a game that has quickly inserted itself into my tabletop playlist. | |||
21 Apr 2024 | Episode 161: Sitting Down With ... Sam Avallone! | 01:19:22 | |
Today we are sitting down with Sam Avallone, part of the creative team behind Plaay Games, and the creator of a new game/design company called Studio Sp1cy! We cover all the bases with Sam in our interview, but mostly learn what it takes to design graphics and products for the gaming community. Check out Studio Sp1cy: https://www.sp1cy.com/ | |||
11 Dec 2022 | Episode 94: The Top 50 Games of 2022 | 00:53:51 | |
Today's episode is my Top 50 ... well Top 48 ... games of 2022 based on actual plays on my tabletop. Yes, it's very self-centric, but what better way to measure the value of a game than how often it makes it to your tabletop. This is a lengthy one, but would love to hear from you how this compares to your top plays of 2022. | |||
29 May 2022 | Episode 68: Revisiting my Foundational Games of Statis-Pro | 00:39:05 | |
Today I look back at the three games that were where my love for Tabletop Sports began: Statis-Pro Baseball, Football, and Basketball. I'll discuss what made them stand out from the others, why those traits are still important in my gaming choices, and why it also signaled it was time to move away from them. | |||
18 Feb 2022 | Episode 48: 10 Ideas for One-Off Sessions on Your Tabletop | 00:27:40 | |
I talk a lot about projects on this podcast, but sometimes you just need to step away from those projects to try something different. In today's episode I cover 10 ideas for running a one-off session on your tabletop. | |||
12 Nov 2023 | Episode 140: The 1963 Season of Jim Brown | 00:40:21 | |
In today's episode I take a look back at the 1963 season of Jim Brown, which was the first time an NFL player gained 2000+ yards from scrimmage. | |||
05 Jan 2025 | Episode 189: 2025 Annual Plan | 00:53:42 | |
In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his annual plan for 2025, reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2024. He emphasizes the importance of project planning, variety in gaming, and the introduction of new strategies for the upcoming year, including a Game of the Week and diverse sports projects. In this episode, the host outlines an extensive plan for tabletop sports projects spanning various decades, including wrestling, boxing, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, golf, NHL, lacrosse, NFL, and soccer. Each project is designed to explore the history and key events of the respective sports, with a focus on manageable project sizes. The host also discusses plans for content creation, including game design, YouTube shows, and podcast episodes, aiming for a balanced and engaging year ahead. | |||
28 Nov 2021 | Episode 27: Cooperative Game Design | 00:35:31 | |
I'm sharing some of my game design ideas with the community in the hopes of launching a cooperative game design network for others to take part in. Among the games shared today are The Milers, Bull Riding, two basketball games, and an adventure racing game. All in various stages of development. You can check those out here: Cooperative Game Design I also give a recap of my gaming week and a lesson on how to correct course when plans don't execute correctly. | |||
01 Aug 2023 | Episode 126: Top 10 Headlines of Plaay-Dot-Con | 00:36:05 | |
In today's episode I recap Plaay-Dot-Con 2023 by counting down the top headlines from the event. | |||
27 Aug 2023 | Episode 130: The 2nd Anniversary Show | 00:51:30 | |
For the 2nd Anniversary Show we turned the tables and brought in Harvey Couch, host of Bluest Tape, to interview me! Harvey was given the opportunity to ask any questions and we covered a wide range of topics. | |||
20 Feb 2023 | Episode 104: The Decider Die | 00:30:25 | |
In today's episode I am going to talk about the role of The Decider Die in Plaay Games and how it has become part of our gaming hobby in different ways. I also provide an update on our SCRAM 2023 Cooperative Event and highlight a new series on my YouTube channel where I am using ChatGPT in different ways. SCRAM 2023 Results Page: https://sites.google.com/view/castawaytabletopsports/2023-scram YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/xgYThNSmuu8 | |||
16 Mar 2022 | Episode 55: Top 5 Game Mechanics | 00:16:57 | |
A really good game mechanic can make your tabletop gaming experience so enjoyable. In some cases, it might be just that one mechanic that helps get a game off the shelf. In honor of my 55th episode, I run down my Top 5 game mechanics. | |||
07 Dec 2022 | Episode 93: An Inside Look: Let's Plaay Tennis by Plaay Games | 00:36:20 | |
Grab a racket and head over to the courts! Today I'm giving an overview of the latest Plaay game: Let's Plaay Tennis. This was only offered during the holiday sale, so hopefully you were able to grab a copy. We'll talk about the toolbox approach to this latest release and how some of the game mechanics work. | |||
11 Nov 2021 | Episode 23: Game of the Week w/ Red, White & Blue Racin' by Plaay Games | 00:22:21 | |
My 1990s Stars project heads to the Dover International Speedway for the Dover 500 and I'll recap all the action of the race, which saw us finish without a bottom group! | |||
18 Jun 2024 | Episode 166: Plaay-Dot-Con Preview | 00:25:49 | |
In today's episode I preview Plaay-Dot-Con 2024 going through the schedule and talking about what I am looking forward to for the next few days. | |||
02 Sep 2021 | Plot a Course and Take the Wheel | 00:16:22 | |
In this episode I walk you through my process for developing a project concept using historical information and some creative licensing. | |||
06 Jan 2022 | Episode 38: An Inside Look at the Career Campaign Guide for Legends of Boxing | 00:26:25 | |
In today's episode I will walk you through the process I followed to kickoff my latest Legends of Boxing project, a fictional career for Chris 'The Cannon' Carter. The Career Campaign Guide for Legends of Boxing is available from Stone Mountain Press and is a great addition to your LOB universe. | |||
17 Oct 2021 | Historical Replay or Fictional Universe? You decide | 00:27:17 | |
10/18 Update: I left the last part of this episode off in the original post. I added that section back in. This week I explore the question of historical replays versus fictional universes and all the different possibilities in between. We'll dive into alternate sports, historical players, home brew rules, and various league structures. | |||
20 Jun 2022 | Episode 70: Back On The Plaay Tour | 00:42:13 | |
This week we focus on the return of a fan favorite Cooperative event hosted by Paul Salzgeber, the Plaay Tour, which is now in it's 3rd season. We'll examine what makes the Plaay Tour such a successful event and how we can use that formula with other games. I also discuss a new approach to wrestling federations with a project I kicked off this week. | |||
17 Dec 2023 | Episode 145: 2023 Year in Review | 00:55:08 | |
In today's episode I take a look back at the past year and discuss projects, games, and goals. What went well? What didn't go well? It's all in today's episode. | |||
04 Sep 2023 | Episode 131: The Career of Ted Williams | 00:36:42 | |
In today's episode I take a look back at the career of Ted Williams, both on the field and is service to our country, and discuss where he could have ranked if he hadn't given up 5 years of military service. There is also a tabletop recap in this week's episode. | |||
10 Jul 2022 | Episode 73: We Sit Down with ST Patrick | 01:01:09 | |
In today's episode I sit down with ST Patrick, creator of Sports Sim Magazine and The Squared Circle - a wrestling game. We discuss both of those ventures as well as his upcoming appearance at Plaay-Dot-Con where he will be a featured presenter. This is the longest episode I've done to date, but a great conversation on several topics. You can check out his Lulu site where both Sport Sim Magazine and The Squared Circle are featured. https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/MWNPublications | |||
02 Mar 2025 | Episode 197: Top 8 Express Games | 00:49:33 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the top express games in tabletop sports, providing insights into their design and gameplay mechanics. The episode includes news updates from the tabletop sports community, a detailed definition of express games, and a countdown of the top eight express games, highlighting their unique features and benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of time-saving gameplay while maintaining the essence of the sports experience. | |||
11 Oct 2022 | Episode 86: Why the 1975 World Series Was So Special | 00:30:58 | |
This week I take a look back at the 1975 World Series and provide some reasons for why the Reds and Red Sox were often included as freebies in baseball games (at least that's how I remember it!) | |||
24 Apr 2022 | Episode 63: Celebrating the Win | 00:28:47 | |
Today we talk about how to celebrate the wins as you complete solo projects and some options for small celebrations versus big celebrations, that should be tied to the size of the project you are working on. | |||
10 Mar 2024 | Episode 156: What Kind of Gamer Are You? | 00:39:02 | |
In this week's episode we go back to Atomic Habits by James Clear to discuss a foundational piece of building habits: Your Identity and who you want to become. We'll talk about how identity influences process and how process in turn determines goals. | |||
03 Sep 2024 | Episode 173: Top 5 Project Ideas for Football Season | 00:32:07 | |
In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, James Cast discusses various projects that can be done during the football season. He draws inspiration from the Gridiron Games 2024 and his visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. James shares updates on his tabletop projects, including completing the Stratomatic Baseball showcase and the 1984 USFL season replay. He also mentions ongoing projects using Fury Hardball and Stone Cold Hockey. | |||
04 Sep 2022 | Episode 81: An Inside Look at Baseball Highlights The Dice Game | 00:35:21 | |
In today's episode I will take An Inside Look at Baseball Highlights, The Dice Game designed by Mike Fitzgerald and Ian Bach. I will also recap the month of August and take a look ahead at what's coming up in the month of September and beyond. | |||
30 Aug 2021 | Game Review: History Maker Baseball | 00:12:31 | |
In this episode I give my review of History Maker Baseball by Plaay Games. | |||
19 Jun 2023 | Episode 120: The Great One at his Greatest | 00:28:43 | |
In this week's episode I look back at the 1981-82 season where Wayne Gretzky chased "50 Goals in 50 Games". | |||
07 Aug 2023 | Episode 127: Quality over Quantity | 00:39:46 | |
In today's episode I discuss two very important metrics for any process: Quality and Speed (or quantity). What role do these play in our hobby? How can we meet expectations in our project deliver? How important are these to game designers? I cover it all in this week's episode. There is also a tabletop recap from my recent gaming sessions. | |||
06 Nov 2021 | Episode 21: Game of the Week: Croatia at England EURO 2020 | 00:16:36 | |
I'll recap my first game form the EURO 2020 project with a featured game from Group D: Croatia at England. I will also give a detailed overview of my 2022 Annual Plan. | |||
23 Feb 2022 | Episode 50: Inside Look at Red, White, & Blue Racin' by Plaay Games | 00:30:43 | |
In today's episode I take a look at a personal favorite: RWBR by Plaay Games. I'll go over the game mechanics and discuss a little of how the narrative plays out during a race. | |||
21 Jan 2024 | Episode 150: Top 5 Sports I Want in my Collection | 00:50:54 | |
This week is number 150! I'm taking a look at 5 (or so) sports I wish I had a good representative game for in my collection. I also provide a tabletop recap and talk about some news across the gaming community. | |||
23 May 2022 | Episode 67: Retrospective of the 1961 Continental League Cooperative Project | 00:38:04 | |
I recently called a stop to the 1961 Continental League cooperative project. In today's episode I'll do a retrospective on that project to see what went well, what didn't go well, and what I would do differently the next time around. | |||
23 Mar 2025 | Episode 200: The Milestone Episode! | 01:10:07 | |
In this milestone 200th episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the journey of the show. He answers audience questions, sharing insights on balancing life and projects, the evolution of tabletop games, AI, projects, etc. The episode concludes with a look ahead at the next 100 episodes. | |||
06 Feb 2025 | Episode 194: Top 10 Super Bowls | 00:44:22 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast counts down the top 10 Super Bowls of all time, focusing on those that would be fun to replay on tabletop games. The discussion includes themes of redemption, representation of teams, and memorable moments from various Super Bowls. The episode also highlights some honorable mentions and provides insights into the significance of each game in the context of sports history. | |||
09 Jan 2022 | Episode 39: Creating Lineups in Fury Hardball | 00:31:43 | |
There's a lot of different methods to creating lineups in Fury Hardball, but I'll take you through my method, tried and tested in over 475 games! We'll create the World Champion Atlanta Braves lineup using the 2021 Series free set from Plaay Now (https://plaaynow.com/products/2021-fury-series-teams). | |||
12 Apr 2023 | Episode 111: An Inside Look at Hockey Blast by Plaay Games | 00:29:47 | |
In today's episode I provide an overview of Hockey Blast by Plaay Games. There's also a tabletop recap of the past week. | |||
27 Aug 2021 | CTS Broadcast: 1973 NFL: Week 12: Pittsburgh at Miami | 00:27:16 | |
The Steelers travel to Miami with both teams in tight division races and playoff hopes on the line! | |||
10 Sep 2023 | Episode 132: Top 10 Accessories for Your Holiday Shopping Wish List | 00:38:52 | |
In today's episode I countdown the Top 10 Accessories you should think about adding to your holiday wish list, if you don't already own them. Links to each item is provided below. | |||
27 Aug 2021 | All Aboard the Tabletop Delivery Train! | 00:17:38 | |
As you plan your tabletop projects, how do you avoid getting lost in the swirl? Listen in as I discuss how delivery trains help me stay focused on delivering my projects across the finish line. | |||
11 Mar 2022 | Episode 53: Tabletop Baseball Isn't Real | 00:32:30 | |
When we play Tabletop Baseball we want it to be as real as possible, right? Are we sure? In today's episode I explore this question and give my thoughts on why Tabletop Baseball isn't real and how I'm okay with that. Also, I have a special announcement for Patreon members (current and future!) Continue the conversation on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TabletopSportCast Support the Podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopsportcast | |||
11 Mar 2025 | Episode 198: An Inside Look at 49 Quick Decks Hockey | 00:46:51 | |
In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the latest in tabletop sports gaming, including a recap of February's gaming sessions and an in-depth look at 49 Quick Decks Hockey. He highlights the game's features, such as team sheets, strategic play, and the use of fast action cards. | |||
29 Sep 2024 | Episode 176: The Top 5 New Games In My Collection | 00:39:56 | |
In this episode of the Tabletop Sportcast, host James Cast discusses the top five new games in his collection, providing insights into each game's mechanics and appeal. He also recaps the latest news in tabletop sports, including updates from Sport Sim Magazine and new game releases. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future episodes and themes. | |||
28 Feb 2024 | Episode 155: An Inside Look at ... Face to the Mat by Plaay Games | 00:45:17 | |
In this week's episode I take an Inside Look at Plaay Games Wrestling game, Face to the Mat. There is also news from Plaay Games, Stone Mountain Press, and Foam Hammer Games. Finally, I recap the latest from my tabletop. | |||
17 Mar 2024 | Episode 158: Sitting Down With ... Grant Fines of 49 Sports Games | 00:46:23 | |
In today's episode we are sitting down with Grant Fines of 49 Sports Games to talk about his latest offering, Quick Decks Hockey. 49 Sports Games website: https://www.49sportsgames.com/ | |||
26 Jan 2022 | Episode 44: Building the Narrative in History Maker Baseball, Part 1 | 00:31:03 | |
This is the first episode in a mini-series event where I discuss building the narrative in History Maker Baseball. Today's episode features a deep dive review of the Main Results chart in the Game Action Booklet (5.0). I'm hoping that after listening to this episode you have a better sense of how the mix of options, qualities, and sections create a highly detailed play by play result with multiple layers and possibilities. In future episodes we will discuss how this plays out in other charts within the book. Want to support the podcast? Check out my Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopsportcast | |||
04 Jun 2023 | Episode 119: Sitting Down with ... Steve Tower! | 01:00:14 | |
In today's episode I had a chance to catch up with Steve Tower, creator of the YouTube channel After Further Review (link below). Steve is an active member of our gaming community and his channel does a lot to support smaller gaming companies. | |||
20 Aug 2022 | Announcement: Extra-Life Marathon Begins! | 00:02:46 | |
Going live today for my Extra-Life Marathon. Join me as I play some Plaay Games for charity. You can join the marathon on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/C4gzbcRtRSM You can also donate here: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=486263 | |||
13 Aug 2023 | Episode 128: Sitting Down With ... Paul LaPorte of Foam Hammer Games | 00:48:35 | |
In today's episode I had a chance to sit down with Paul LaPorte, the creator of Book It! The Wrestling Promoter Card Game. Paul and his company, Foam Hammer Games, recently completed a Kickstarter campaign for the latest expansion set for Book It!, entitles Tag Teams and Title Belts. We talked about Book It! as well as some other related topics. Foam Hammer Games: https://foamhammergames.com/ Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paullaporte/book-it-tag-teams-and-title-belts/description |