Explore every episode of the podcast The Covenant Cast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erik Olofsson - Sorcery TCG | Gothic Reflections and Future | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:36:02 | |
At the end of our 12-hour Gothic release stream, we got to chat with Erik Olofsson—founder of Erik's Curiosa and co-founder of Grinding Gear Games—about Sorery's new Gothic set and the future of the game. That content was over the archive limit for YouTube live, so we're releasing it here in its totality. Enjoy! | |||
| 227: Andrew Navaro - From Fantasy Flight Games to Earthborne Games | 22 Jul 2025 | 01:37:33 | |
"I think as long as you're following your heart, your life will take you wherever you're intended to go." Andrew Navaro, Former Head of Studio at FFG and current Head of Studio at Earthborne Games, sits down with us to talk about his journey so far. Join us as we discuss Netrunner, Asmodee, Earthborne Rangers, Hubworld: Aidalon and the many, many things in between. It's an inspirational interview with a truly inspirational person. | |||
| 218: The Retail Incentive | 25 Feb 2023 | 01:10:12 | |
Conversations around expandable games and the LGS continue to swirl online, especially amid things like Magic's continued embrace of direct sales, Flesh and Blood's presence (or non-presence) at retail, and Sorcery's "one set a year, play how you want" approach. Join us as we attempt to cut through it all and get down to the basics of how incentives for publishers, distributors, and retailers continue to alter the simple act of getting products to players. | |||
| 128: Data-Driven Death | 28 Feb 2020 | 01:13:33 | |
Data and privacy issues continue to impact customers and businesses, especially as Facebook and Google receive greater scrutiny. But do you really need to collect all of this data to succeed as a business? Do you owe it to your customers to protect their privacy? And do you actually make better decisions when you throw it all away? Join us as we discuss our recent decision to do the latter, using real examples from the Covenant website. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products, on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 127: (L)earning Games | 21 Feb 2020 | 01:06:18 | |
Following from last week's podcast, games that have a higher barrier to entry often have a more fulfilling payoff. Is this true, and if so, what makes it the case? And should it be encouraged? Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 126: Star Wars CCG, Flesh and Blood, Skytear - Classic Design in the Modern Era | 14 Feb 2020 | 01:12:28 | |
With a livestream of Star Wars CCG on the horizon, we talk about why the game has such a tremendous level of adoration - even now - and question whether there are lessons to be learned from Decipher's classic system. With Skytear and Flesh and Blood on our minds, we can't help but wonder if these games are capturing some of this old game design magic. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 125: Jamey Stegmaier on Certainty, Allocation, and Direct Sales | 07 Feb 2020 | 01:04:50 | |
We're joined by Jamey Stegmaier, founder of Stonemaier Games, to get a publisher's perspective on direct sales, allocation, and product certainty - particularly in light of the recent Wrecking Crew supply issues. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 124: Allocation - The Wrecking Crew, Literally | 31 Jan 2020 | 01:01:33 | |
A sudden supply shortage cascades across retail and, for the first time, impacts Marvel Champions subscribers. Why did it happen? What does it mean? And how does retail operate without certainty? Let's find out. Find all previous casts, as well as learning content and products on our website: https://teamcovenant.com | |||
| 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 | |||
| 217: Event Theory Into Practice - FuseFest 2023 | 11 Feb 2023 | 01:10:04 | |
We recently hosted our first big event since COVID shut everything down (technically our biggest to date!). As those of you following for the past few years are certainly aware, we've been fascinated by the competitive v casual paradigm, especially as it relates to local events and our plan for Covenant Tulsa 3.0. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 216: The End of an Era | 17 Dec 2022 | 01:10:35 | |
As 2022 wraps up, in many ways it signals the end of the "pandemic" era of thinking, both professionally and personally. Join us for a recap of 2022 in the context of the past few years, and a look ahead to a world that is once again full of possibility. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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! | |||
| 215: Questioning Culture - Are You Casual or Competitive? | 23 Oct 2022 | 01:19:42 | |
These two words seem to haunt the tabletop gaming landscape, and after many decades of exposure there still is not broad agreement as to what they mean. Behind these terms is a more accurate understanding of what each of us is looking for in the hobby, knowledge that has the potential to fundamentally improve everything about the gaming space, so join us as we take however much time is needed to get to the bottom of it. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 214: KeyForge Gets It Right | 15 Oct 2022 | 01:09:17 | |
A lesson to publishers, and to every human being who communicates - Ghost Galaxy's "Dis In Formats" article is everything we could have hoped for as concern over new Organized Play formats spread throughout the online community. Even if you've never heard of KeyForge, join us for a breakdown of this illuminating story. | |||
| 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 | |||