In this video, we debrief the exciting Punched Con, a tabletop wargaming convention held in Coventry over the weekend of May 9th. Join me and my design companion, game designer, and developer Joe Dewhurst, as we discuss the highlights and our experiences from this thrilling event. We dive into some of the fantastic games we played during the convention, including Angola (MMP), a deep and immersive wargame set during the Angolan Civil War; Corrupt Bargain (Decision Games), which explores the political machinations of the 1824 U.S. presidential election; The British Way (GMT Games), focusing on the decolonization period of the British Empire with asymmetric gameplay; and Successors (PHALANX), where players vie for control of Alexander the Great’s empire. We also preview some exciting upcoming games like Arabian Struggle from new publisher Catastrophe Games, which focuses on political and military conflicts in the Arabian Peninsula. We’ll break down the unique mechanics and highlight what makes them stand out in the wargaming genre. We also discuss how each game incorporates historical events and themes, providing both educational and engaging experiences. Additionally, we share our thoughts on the overall atmosphere of Punched Con, the community, and the energy of the event. More info about the Convention: https://punchedcon.com Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871/

In this exciting live stream, join us as we dive into the world of cinema with the game Cannes: Stars, Scripts & Screens by Splotter. We’ll be playing alongside special guest Yoni Goldstein, the game designer of Chicago 68 and a talented filmmaker. 📅 Stream Highlights: - Playing Cannes: Experience the glamour and challenges of being a small-time movie producer, trying to make it big in the film industry. Compete to produce as many movies as possible, and navigate the complex world of film festivals, critics, and industry networks. - Live Commentary with Yoni Goldstein: Enjoy insightful commentary from Yoni Goldstein, discussing the game’s mechanics, strategies, and his own experiences in the film industry. - Historical Deep Dive: We’ll take this opportunity to talk about the antifascist history of the Cannes Film Festival and debunk the myth that culture and politics are a "new thing". Discover how the festival has always been a platform for political and cultural expression. 🎥 About Cannes: Stars, Scripts & Screens: Set in the competitive world of cinema, this game lets 2 to 4 players step into the shoes of movie producers. With a playtime of 45 to 90 minutes, players will strive to produce films, gain critical acclaim, and navigate the ever-changing tastes of the audience. Will your latest masterpiece win an Oscar or Palme d’Or, or will it be overshadowed by plot-less action titles? Support the show on Ko-Fi and join our Discord: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

Join us live for the thrilling final of the "A Fading Star: Insurgency and Piracy in Somalia" tournament, streamed exclusively on our channel. Watch as the top players battle it out in this complex game from GMT Games’ renowned COIN Series. 📅 Stream Highlights: - Live Commentary: Gain unique insights as we are joined by the game’s designer, Yann de Villeneuve, and developer, Joe Dewhurst. They’ll provide live commentary, discussing strategy, design choices, and the historical context behind the game. - Deep Dive into Gameplay: "A Fading Star" sets players in 2007 Somalia, amidst intense conflicts and piracy. Players will navigate through challenges as different factions: the insurgent group Al-Shabaab, the African Union troops, a weak Transitional Federal Government, and opportunistic pirates and warlords. Final Tournament Battle: Watch the strategic climax as finalists vie for control over Mogadishu and beyond, utilizing unique operations and special activities tailored to their faction’s strengths and goals. 🔥 What Makes ’A Fading Star’ Unique?: - Rich Historical Context: Set during a critical period in Somalia’s history, this game explores the complex dynamics of insurgency, governance, and piracy on the high seas. - Dynamic Gameplay Mechanics: Featuring a new ‘Clan Struggle’ interphase, intense urban warfare in Mogadishu, and a detailed piracy subsystem, this game challenges players to think critically and adapt to rapidly changing scenarios. Strategic Depth: Each faction in the game has unique capabilities and victory conditions, reflecting their historical roles and objectives during the conflict. Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

Co-Host Tama is uninterested in Stuart’s historical background.

🎲 Welcome to Homo Ludens, the channel on history and boardgames! In today’s special episode, we sit down with Joris Wiersinga, co-founder of the niche Dutch board game publisher Splotter Spellen. Join us as we delve into the intricate world of their newly reprinted game, Indonesia, and explore how Splotter integrates rich historical themes into their games, including the acclaimed Antiquity. 🔍 What’s on the Agenda? Unpacking Indonesia: We discuss the new edition of Indonesia, a game where strategy meets economic prowess in the bustling islands of Southeast Asia. Understand the mechanics behind the game where players control companies producing and shipping goods like rubber and oil, competing to dominate in a dynamic market. Historical Depth in Games: Joris shares his insights on how Splotter uses historical contexts to enrich gameplay and challenge players. We’ll look at how Antiquity, set in late Medieval Italy, not only tests strategic minds but also reflects historical economic and environmental challenges. Splotter’s Unique Approach: Learn about the philosophy behind Splotter Spellen’s game design. Known for creating complex strategy games that are both adored and feared, discover why their games like Roads & Boats are revered as masterpieces in the gaming community. 👥 Meet Splotter Spellen: Founded in 1997, Splotter is celebrated for its deep, original games crafted for true gaming enthusiasts. From intense game mechanics to small print runs that make each edition a collector’s item, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Joris and his partner Jeroen Doumen balance their passion for game design with their day jobs. Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

Join us for an exciting live stream as we delve into the fascinating history of Dragon Dice, a game that has captivated players since the early ’90s. We’re thrilled to have Scott O’Brien, the current president of SFR, Inc., and a passionate historian of the game, as our guest. Scott has been instrumental in interviewing the original designers at TSR and is currently compiling a comprehensive history book on Dragon Dice. Dragon Dice is not just another collectible dice game; it’s a vibrant fantasy battle simulator where players command armies of diverse races and creatures, vying for control over the mythical world of Esfah. This game uniquely classifies magical power by elements such as air, earth, fire, water, and death, offering deep strategic gameplay that has evolved significantly since its inception. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into the lore and legacy of Dragon Dice. Tune in, ask your questions, and be part of the conversation! Support the channel on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

Join us this May Day for a compelling panel discussion, "Social Movements & Board Game Design" featuring a lineup of distinguished game designers whose work is deeply intertwined with political activism and historical awareness. Our guests will explore the intricate ways their left-wing ideologies shape their approach to game design and how games can act as powerful tools for political education and social change. Panelists Include: - Matilda Simonsson: This Swedish board game designer is a fan of Cole Wehrle and is known for her innovative approach to game mechanics, as seen in her games Turncoats, Pax Penning, and the upcoming Hell-Raisers about the Mine Wars of West Virginia. - Richard Barbrook: A veteran media theorist and the founder of Class Wargames, Richard is well-known for his critical analysis of digital culture and his work on games as forms of political activism, including his role in developing the viral game CorbynRun. - Joe Dewhurst: A philosopher and game developer for GMT Games, Joe brings a unique perspective with his designs that delve into historical peasant insurrections in medieval Japan through his COIN game, The Pure Land. - Alex Knight: A board game designer and teacher from Philadelphia, PA, Alex focuses on designing games that highlight radical history and social issues, with notable titles like Land and Freedom and Hammer and Sickle. - Yoni Goldstein: An artist, filmmaker, and game designer whose upcoming titles, CHICAGO ‘68 and The Nights of King Ludd, reflect his dedication to exploring social movements and historical upheavals through gaming.

Join us on a historical adventure into ancient Rome with our live stream of ’Hispania’, the latest board game from Draco Ideas, currently on Kickstarter! We’re thrilled to have Liz from Beyond Solitaire and the game designer, Miguel Marqués, joining us to delve into this exciting cooperative game. Set at the dawn of the 2nd century BC, ’Hispania’ challenges players to conquer the Iberian Peninsula as Roman praetors, facing fierce resistance from native Hispaniard tribes. In ’Hispania’, 1 to 3 players assume the roles of Roman leaders sent to integrate Hispania into the burgeoning empire of Rome, navigating nearly 200 years of historical conflicts. The game builds upon the core engine of ’TETRARCHIA’, incorporating new elements like Roman coins and roads, while offering a complex matrix of 243 difficulty levels. This session will also showcase several modular expansions, historical scenarios, and even a competitive mode where an additional player can lead the Hispaniard resistance. Don’t miss this opportunity to see ’Hispania’ in action during our Teach & Play session. Whether you’re a fan of historical board games, a Kickstarter enthusiast, or simply curious about the strategic depth of ’Hispania’, this stream will give you a comprehensive look at how the game plays and feels. Tune in, ask questions live, and see if this is the next must-back game on your list!

Dive into a quarter filled with historical wargaming as I bring you a detailed recap of the top 10 wargames that have captivated me over the past few months. From the strategic depths of the Pacific in "Empire of the Sun" to the innovative trickery of "Downfall", join me in exploring these fascinating titles, sharing personal insights, and discussing the unique elements that each game brings to the table. Special mention goes to "Algeria: The War of Independence 1954-1962" for its exploration into asymmetrical warfare and "Pax Penning" for claiming the title of my favorite game of the year so far. Not to overlook the simplicity and elegance found in "Table Battles" and the rich narrative of "Votes for Women", which proves to be an excellent introduction to card-driven games. Additionally, this video includes a sneak peek into the games and topics I’ll be focusing on in Q2, updates about the channel, and a nod to the vibrant community we’re building together. Support the show and Join our Discord server by donating on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Follow me on Twitter & Bluesky for updates: https://twitter.com/fredserval https://bsky.app/profile/fredserval.bsky.social Check out the channel What Does That Piece Do? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHCEds3rJl4o420y4sMPbg Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Number 10 02:07 Number 9 04:01 Number 8 05:44 Number 7 06:39 Number 6 07:50 Train Games ! #choochoo 11:53 Number 5 13:19 Number 4 14:48 Number 3 16:21 Number 2 18:08 Channel update 20:50 Number 1 23:28 Outro

Join us for another fascinating journey back in time on "Wargame Archeology"! In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Liz from Beyond Solitaire back with me as we dig into Volume 4 of Avalon Hill’s iconic magazine, The General, covering issues from May 1967 to April 1968. This treasure trove of wargaming history highlights classic games like Jutland and 1914, offering a unique glimpse into the strategic minds of the past. Dive with us into the pages of The General as we explore in-depth articles, strategy tips, and historical insights surrounding some of Avalon Hill’s most celebrated titles. Volume 4 is a snapshot of a pivotal time in wargaming, showcasing the evolution of game design and the vibrant community that surrounded it. In this episode: - We’ll examine the significance of Jutland and 1914 in the landscape of board wargaming and their impact on the hobby. - Discover fascinating strategies and variants directly from the original community of players. Whether you’re a long-time fan of these classic games or new to the world of wargaming, this episode is packed with insights, nostalgia, and appreciation for the art and history of the hobby. Don’t miss this deep dive into the archives of wargaming history with two enthusiasts eager to share their passion and knowledge. Support the channel on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871