Explore every episode of the podcast The Covenant Cast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 223: Kingswood Games - The Warlord CCG Interview | 07 May 2024 | 01:07:45 | |
Woodrow and Josh, the founders of Kingswood Games, are relaunching the AEG classic card game, Warlord, into the modern era. It's an incredible story of two longtime fans bringing back something that they clearly love, with serious echoes of FFG's Android: Netrunner relaunch. Catch our interview to hear the full story. | |||
| 222: Andrew Navaro - The Reality of Independent Publishing | 02 Feb 2024 | 01:06:48 | |
We're back after seven months with one of our favorite creators in the tabletop gaming industry, Andrew Navaro (former Fantasy Flight Games Head of Studio, founder of Earthborne Games), for a deeper look at independent publishing through the lens of someone who has been on both sides of the equation. Recorded in the midst of the second highly successful Earthborne Rangers crowdfunding campaign, Andrew expounds upon the challenges faced since the launch of the game, the influence of distribution on production, and the importance of holding to your vision. | |||
| 213: KeyForge Returns w/ Christian T. Petersen | 09 Sep 2022 | 01:20:36 | |
Who better to see KeyForge through its next era than the founder of Fantasy Flight Games - Christian T. Petersen. Join us for a wonderfully candid conversation about GameFound, crowdfunding, retail, organized play, PvE, and the future of the first unique deck game with an undeniable visionary of the tabletop gaming space. | |||
| 123: Andrew Navaro, Former Head of Fantasy Flight Games | 24 Jan 2020 | 01:10:53 | |
Former Head of Studio for Fantasy Flight Games, Andrew Navaro, joins us for a chat about his growth at FFG, how creative output can dissipate with advancement, and the future of the industry and his place within it. Disclaimer: We have no interest in pressing Andrew to dish on the current state of FFG, and this interview is not that. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 122: The End of Star Wars: Destiny | 16 Jan 2020 | 01:04:04 | |
After many years of a frustrating "two steps forward, one step back" approach, Fantasy Flight Games announced the end of Star Wars: Destiny. We discuss what that might mean for us, for FFG, and for the future of the expandable format. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 121: The 2020 Fantasy Flight Shakeup | 10 Jan 2020 | 01:07:28 | |
Unofficial sources have confirmed that Fantasy Flight Games experienced significant layoffs this week, mainly affecting the RPG, Digital, and Board Games teams. We discuss the potential reasons for this move, and what it might mean for the future. | |||
| 120: Godtear and Product Alignment | 13 Dec 2019 | 01:20:07 | |
Godtear utilizes excellent starter products, pre-assembled models, and a streamlined rulebook to get players to the table almost instantly - and what awaits them, perhaps unexpectedly, is a heavy strategy game. Is that a problem? Using Arena Rex, Crisis Protocol, and X-Wing as examples, we do our best to find the answer. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 119: Uncertainty | 06 Dec 2019 | 01:04:53 | |
Hot off the heels of a third Marvel Champions release date change, we discuss the uncertainty present in the tabletop gaming industry, how it happens from a retailer perspective, and why it matters. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 118: Michael Boggs on Marvel Champions, Netrunner | 23 Nov 2019 | 00:54:59 | |
Right from Covenant Tulsa, where Michael Boggs is attending our Marvel Champions Celebration Weekend event, we take a moment to chat about his journey from South Korea, to Netrunner, to being on the design team of arguably the biggest title of the year - the Marvel Champions LCG. | |||
| 117: The Evolution of Product Design and Distribution | 15 Nov 2019 | 01:10:01 | |
Marvel Champions, Crisis Protocol, and KeyForge point to an underlying evolution in product development and distribution. Champions shows a new way for LCGs, Crisis Protocol breaks out of complexity and faction-specificity, and KeyForge shows a long tail on unique games. | |||
| 116: KeyForge Worlds Collide Reflection | 08 Nov 2019 | 01:03:20 | |
KeyForge sees its third set, Worlds Collide, this weekend, and we reflect on the journey from Call of the Archons, through Age of Ascension, to Worlds Collide - in the context of KeyForge occupying a very special place in the hobby. With FFG providing a solid foundation for design and OP, and continuing to build it in an intentional way, KeyForge has a bright future ahead. | |||
| 115: Marvel Champions Releases | 01 Nov 2019 | 01:08:56 | |
Today is the official release date for the Marvel Champions Living Card Game, and we take a moment to soak it all up, discussing the strategy guide, unexpected favorite decks, Cosmic Tokens, and Champions Weekend. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 114: Worlds Ends, the Marvel Era Begins | 25 Oct 2019 | 01:03:33 | |
We're so ready for the upcoming Marvel games. Things kick off with Crisis Protocol a week after the Move Set videos, continue into the Champions chaos with early and non-existent release dates, and conclude with a recap of Zach's experience at Star Wars Worlds. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 212: Rekindling the Magic | 18 Aug 2022 | 01:02:28 | |
Card games - and so many things in life - aren't always about having it all. As the expectations around "instant" card access and competitive advantage skew the original TCG (and LCG) equation, we look to our recent Sorcery One Box Meta series as proof that a more joyful approach may well be available to all of us. | |||
| 113: Marvel Crisis Protocol First Impressions | 18 Oct 2019 | 01:18:49 | |
Fresh off of an 8 hour live play of the Marvel: Crisis Protocol miniatures game, we give our first impressions of the game - including both its relevance to the industry and an evaluation of the system itself. We expect these views to evolve and develop over time as we gain experience with Crisis Protocol, and look forward to sharing more as we go along! Find all previous casts, as well as Crisis Protocol products and subscriptions on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 112: Winning and Losing | 11 Oct 2019 | 01:12:33 | |
With Zach fresh off of a Destiny Prime Championship, the evolving discussion about tournaments, prizes, winning, and self realization re-emerges. This time, an unexpected depth is explored - one that deals more with human psychology than tabletop gaming tournaments. | |||
| 111: Playing to Your Strengths | 04 Oct 2019 | 01:08:25 | |
KeyForge has recently done a tremendous job of playing to its strengths, and in light of those discussions, we take a look at how publishers and local retail can best play to theirs. If you could simply wipe the slate clean, how would the FLGS handle community building through events?
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| 110: Cash and KeyForge | 27 Sep 2019 | 01:07:10 | |
The Vaultwarrior tournament series brings a $200,000 tournament circuit to KeyForge. Cash prizes have both failed and succeeded in the past, so is this the right approach for KeyForge? We bring a lot of historical skepticism to this topic, but the discussion turned out to be a surprising one. | |||
| 109: Tapestry and Evergreen Retail | 20 Sep 2019 | 01:09:19 | |
With Stonemaier's latest in-demand game, the same conversations and disappointments have erupted from every part of the publisher-distributor-retailer chain. Tapestry continues where Wingspan left off, and both reveal systemic problems - but shouldn't that be expected when the systems were never built to accommodate these kinds of titles? There is value in direct sales, distribution, and local retail, but a realignment must occur if the goal is to maximize each. | |||
| 108: Products or Play Space? | 13 Sep 2019 | 01:16:31 | |
The tabletop game store environment continues to shift, with new and veteran retailers asking how best to capitalize on their space. Some say play space is the way forward. Others find success stocking a diversity of products and focusing on traditional retail. After a trip to New York City and witnessing a few stores with the latter model, Zach re-ignites the debate about the future of tabletop retail. | |||
| No Cast This Week | 06 Sep 2019 | 00:00:47 | |
Zach is in New York City celebrating his wedding anniversary! We'll be back next week for an installation of our Marvel Mondays live stream at 2PM CST and a new episode of the Covenant Cast on Friday. | |||
| 107: When "Clunky" is Correct | 30 Aug 2019 | 01:03:10 | |
An oft-cited critique of tabletop games, particularly board games, is that tracking all of the necessary variables is an unneeded burden. As a response, various digital integrations and simplified rulesets are pitched as removing this element from the experience and liberating players from the clunky and fiddly moments that "get in the way" of the actual game. But what if these moments were understood to be not only incredible opportunities for engagement but also a necessary component of the "tabletop game" category? | |||
| 106: Can Crisis Protocol Break Into the Mainstream? | 23 Aug 2019 | 01:12:57 | |
Marvel: Crisis Protocol embraces the fundamental divider of a hobby miniatures game - highly detailed models that must be fully assembled and painted. We discuss whether or not the game has a shot at breaking through the "industry" bubble and reaching a level of ubiquity previously unattained by the likes of Warhammer: 40k. Visit our website at https://teamcovenant.com and keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. | |||
| 105: Marvel Champions - The Perfect LCG? | 16 Aug 2019 | 01:16:50 | |
Marvel Champions does a lot of things right, but its most important features may well be found in the nuts and bolts of packaging and distribution. We dive into that, using examples from past LCGs, and also spend a bit of time discussing the surprising number of design and deck building levers hidden in the system - because we can't help it.
Visit our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 211: TCGPlayer Buys Channel Fireball | 13 Aug 2022 | 01:19:15 | |
When the largest TCG marketplace buys one of the largest TCG content and event management entities, it's sure to have an impact on the industry. Join two non-Magic players as they look into the future - and inevitably dig up old questions about the concept of collectibility. | |||
| 104: Gen Con 2019 | 09 Aug 2019 | 01:28:23 | |
After an extremely busy weekend in Indianapolis, we're back with a full assessment of Gen Con 2019 - including Unmatched, Defiance, Marvel Champions, and Crisis Protocol - as well as Teburu and Stonemaier stealing thunder with Tapestry! | |||
| 103: We're Back, and Gen Con Approaches | 26 Jul 2019 | 01:07:43 | |
After two months, The Covenant Cast returns with greater clarity and an audio-focused approach. Join hosts Zach and Steven as they discuss the relaunch, their time with Power Rangers and Pokemon, the lead up to Gen Con, and a looming digital horizon at the doorstep of CMON. | |||
| We're taking a break! | 30 May 2019 | 00:00:26 | |
There will not be a new episode of the Covenant Cast this week, and we've paused production for a bit while we focus fully on a number of other initiatives that need our attention. We hope to be back soon! | |||
| Ep 102: A Transparent Look at Publishing and Retail w/ Jamey Stegmaier | 24 May 2019 | 01:03:26 | |
We are excited to be joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games on episode 102 of the Covenant Cast, and talking about transparency in tabletop game publishing and retail. Plus discussions about Wingspan and it's expansions, Scythe's impact, and a few upcoming games! | |||
| Ep. 101: Savagery, Triumph or Trounce? | 17 May 2019 | 00:55:08 | |
Prompted by a simple question, Zach and Steven dive back into Warhammer: Champions to decide if it's still fun to play. After several rounds of draft, they are ready to answer and cover the latest news from PlayFusion including the recent cash tournament changes. Also, Zach finishes his Star Wars fan edit! | |||
| Ep. 100: The Next Ten Years | 10 May 2019 | 01:09:46 | |
On the monumental 100th episode, Zach and Steven contemplate the next 10 years of Covenant, ask the tough questions about our industry, and unpack the latest ripples made by Stonemaier - including Wingspan pre-orders. Thank you for supporting the cast through its first 100 episodes, and we hope to have you listening for hundreds more! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 99: Allocation and Age of Ascension | 03 May 2019 | 01:06:13 | |
Zach and Steven close out the recent industry-focused push with a discussion about allocation and the tabletop supply chain, using the second set of KeyForge as a real world example of its impact. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 98: Breaking Stereotypes | 26 Apr 2019 | 01:09:33 | |
This week, on episode 98 of the Covenant Cast, Zach and Steven discuss changes to our local membership model and how we are continuing to support a more casual environment. Plus upcoming events, Gold Squadron Podcast, and breaking down the "boardgamer cliche". If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 97: Star Wars Celebration and the Rise of Reylo | 19 Apr 2019 | 01:01:10 | |
Zach is back from Star Wars Celebration and Steven wants to hear all about it. Star Wars: Destiny gets ReyLo and Spark of Hope. X-wing announces Epic gameplay and huge ships. Plus Star Wars Episode 9, The Rise of Skywalker, teaser talk and The Mandalorian aspirations! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 96: Tales from Adepticon and Star Wars: Outer Rim | 12 Apr 2019 | 01:17:20 | |
Zach and Steven share their adventures of Adepticon 2019 and thoughts from playing Star Wars: Outer Rim! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| 210: Crowdfunding KeyForge | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:54:05 | |
This week, Ghost Galaxy (run by former FFG founder Christian Petersen) announced that their reboot of KeyForge would be kicked off by a GameFound campaign for the first "new" set, Winds of Exchange. The questions this raises, and their potential answers, says as much about the industry as it does about KeyForge - so join us as we try to unpack it all. | |||
| Ep. 95: Designing and Developing; How Games Are Made | 05 Apr 2019 | 01:11:01 | |
Zach and Steven are joined by our friend D.C. to get an insider point of view into creating a new game. Check out this episode if you are interested in how games get designed and developed! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 94: From Publishers to Players, the Three Tier System | 30 Mar 2019 | 01:19:17 | |
Zach and Jon share thoughts from GAMA and try to solve the "three tier problem" of how games move from publishers to players. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 93: Spirit of the Local Store | 22 Mar 2019 | 00:39:21 | |
Zach and Steven are joined by Patrick Day of Uncle's Games and Paige Gance of Just Games to discuss the state of retail. We are live from GAMA 2019 and are discussing the challenges of retail and how each store overcomes hurdles in their unique ways If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 92: The Tabletop Landscape | 15 Mar 2019 | 00:58:43 | |
Zach is joined by Travis of Millennium Games, Paul of Games and Stuff, and Steve from Rainy Day Games. We are live from GAMA 2019 and are discussing the challenges of retail and how each store overcomes hurdles in their unique ways. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 91: Depth and Complexity | 08 Mar 2019 | 01:25:48 | |
It's the two year anniversary of the Covenant Cast! In this special episode, Zach and Steven take an in-depth look at two common game design elements, how they are used, and how they balance against each-other. Thank you for tuning in for the first time, the 91st time, or anytime in between! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 90: Clarifying the Cast | 01 Mar 2019 | 01:21:19 | |
The Covenant Crew discuss concepts for the 'cast! Plus, the upcoming Rise of the Combiners livestream, Godtear videos get posted, and we answer #AskCovenant questions from fans like you! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 89: Revisiting Destiny, Magic, and The Local Store | 22 Feb 2019 | 01:17:39 | |
The Covenant Crew discuss the great feedback we received from our Star Wars: Destiny vs Magic: The Gathering episode and share their thoughts about everything from upcoming set design and retail impact, to handing out decks at movie theaters! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 88: KeyForge Enters a New Age | 15 Feb 2019 | 00:59:21 | |
The Covenant Crew breakdown Age of Ascension. The good, the bad (if there was any) and the details. Steven talks keywords like Alpha, Omega, and Deploy. Zach looks longterm and talks new and returning cards! Plus, where the name "Covenant" comes from! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 87: Previewing Convergence w/ Jeremy Zwirn | 08 Feb 2019 | 00:49:52 | |
Zach and Jeremy take a look at the Palpatine previews from the Masters, and reveal a few new cards. All while discussing Convergence, Allies of Necessity, and answering questions from community members like you! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 86: Creating Content w/ Monk and Sugi | 05 Feb 2019 | 01:03:53 | |
Join in as Zach has guest speakers, Monk of Monk's Gaming Battlefield and Sugi of the Knights of Ren Podcast and they discuss what it takes to get into creating content; plus a Masters recap, and talk about new Palpatine and other Convergence spoilers! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| 209: The Future of Unique Deck Games, Part 2 | 22 Jul 2022 | 00:57:23 | |
Hot on the heels of SolForge Fusion's release and our subsequent podcast (Ep 194) about the Future of Unique Deck Games, Christian Petersen's Ghost Galaxy Games announces their acquisition of KeyForge and a full release of two PvE scenarios - Keyracken and Abyssal Conspiracy. Does the future look different for either of the unique deck games now that there's more competition in the space? Join us as we entertain that exact question! | |||
| Ep. 85: Playing by the rules. | 25 Jan 2019 | 01:06:02 | |
Zach and Steven cover the new set for Warhammer Champions, talk Transformers TCG, KeyForge Organized Play and discuss a bit about cheating and why it happens. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 84: Questioning Culture | 18 Jan 2019 | 01:26:09 | |
With the new year comes new revelations as Zach and Steven compare tabletop events with musical concerts. Zach plays Game of Thrones with the Targaryen starter deck, Steven wonders what works for other FLGS's and wants to hear what you think! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||
| Ep. 83: 2019 - Speculation and Candor | 11 Jan 2019 | 01:09:03 | |
We're Back! Join in as Zach and Steven cover the latest news; why they are returning to their casual roots, and what we want to see in 2019! If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube. You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at teamcovenant.com and learn more about our business at: teamcovenant.com/about | |||