The Booster Pack Network

TCG Design Theory — 14 — Max Fieve: Art Direction (Altered TCG)

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks with Max Fieve, Art Director for Altered TCG & Equinox, about the process of making sure the visual elements of a trading card game are cohesive.

Max talks about the responsibilities of an art director, as well as the other artistic roles an art director oversees when working on a project.

Check out our sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Video Podcast Version —
https://youtu.be/KZxOX8rga7k

Visit the Altered TCG website:
https://www.altered.gg/

Find Altered TCG on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/altered_tcg/
https://www.facebook.com/AlteredTCG
https://twitter.com/Altered_TCG
https://www.youtube.com/@Altered_TCG
https://www.tiktok.com/@altered_tcg

Join the Altered TCG Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/dvrS33RgbW

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG Design Theory — 13 — Justin Parnell: Managing Organized Play (Altered TCG)

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks with Justin Parnell, Manager of Organized Play for Altered TCG & Equinox North America, about organized play at every level.

Justin defines exactly what organized play is, along with the pros and cons that come with the territory.

Check out our sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Video Podcast Version —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJxLS-GVadg

Visit the Altered TCG website:
https://www.altered.gg/

Find Altered TCG on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/altered_tcg/
https://www.facebook.com/AlteredTCG
https://twitter.com/Altered_TCG
https://www.youtube.com/@Altered_TCG
https://www.tiktok.com/@altered_tcg

Join the Altered TCG Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/dvrS33RgbW

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG Design Theory — 12 — Chris Haskins: Behind the Design of Paragon TCG

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks with Chris Haskins, Lead Designer of Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem TCG, about his design journey since the conception of the idea.

Chris talks through some of his design choices and where his inspiration came from in making Paragon.

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Video Podcast Version —
https://youtu.be/PnOYOfjeojM

Visit the Paragon TCG website:
https://paragon-tcg.com/

Find Paragon TCG on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/Paragon_TCG
https://www.instagram.com/paragonmmtcg/
https://www.facebook.com/ParagonMMTCG
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_6dNUaLNavjwyzE28Kb2g

Join the Paragon TCG Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/85AAqkuPBw

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG SCOOPS — 07 — August 2023: "Hot Red Dragon Cheetos" ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of TCG SCOOPS! Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of August 2023

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/

Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing).

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

Check out at EM Cards & Collectibles — https://www.emcards.ca/

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowgirl]

TCG Design Theory — 11 — Building a Community For Your TCG with Hunter Angell (Nostalgix)

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks with Hunter Angell, creator of the Nostalgix TCG, about building a community around your trading card game.

You could create a TCG that is truly spectacular, but if no one knows about it, you're going to have a hard time building the game from there. Starting and maintaining a community of fans and players can be a daunting challenge.

Hunter touches on just a few of the many ways to start building a following, whether it be digital, in person, or both!

______________________________________________________

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Video Podcast Version — https://youtu.be/hBVooFGlUDs

______________________________________________________

Visit the Nostalgix TCG website:
nostalgixtcg.com

Find Nostalgix on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/NostalgixTCG
https://www.instagram.com/nostalgixtcg
https://www.facebook.com/nostalgixtcg

Join the Nostalgix TCG Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/nostalgixtcg

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

[[The Booster Pack Network]] Special Announcement — Changes to our content are coming

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0400

TL;DR—
After 3 years, The Booster Pack Network is going to change.
Three of our shows—Booster Pack Throwback, Rare Slot and TCG SCOOPS—will go through some degree reorganization or reformatting.

Now is your chance to let us know what you want in regards to TCG content. Tell us what you like to see about TCGs (Set reviews, news, history, deck-building, et al) and we will try to use your ideas when the time comes to launch new content.

Reach out via email ( rands@theboosterpacknetwork ) to share suggestions, ideas and feedback.

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/

Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing).

(Please Note—"TCG Design Theory" is not effected by this announcement)

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG SCOOPS — 06 — July 2023: "throw it in a volcano" ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of TCG SCOOPS! Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of July 2023

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/

Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing).

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

Check out at EM Cards & Collectibles — https://www.emcards.ca/

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowgirl]

TCG Design Theory — 10 — Designing TCGs without Traditional Combat with Animal Kingdom's Mike Taylor

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks with Mike Taylor, co-creator and project lead of the Animal Kingdom TCG, about designing a game without using traditional combat mechanics.

In the overwhelming majority of trading card games, you’ll often find the game centered around tried and true, but typical, combat mechanics. Is it possible to make a compelling game without classic combat?

Mike walks through the design challenges he and his team went through with trying to create an engaging player experience while filling the gap that the reliable mechanics of a combat system left behind.

______________________________________________________

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Video Podcast Version — https://youtu.be/X-gRjVXcqw4

______________________________________________________

Find Animal Kingdom on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/AnimalTcg
https://www.instagram.com/animalkingdomtcg/
https://www.facebook.com/AnimalKingdomTCG/

Join the Animal Kingdom TCG Discord:
https://discord.gg/A8s3K9xyzX

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

Rare Slot — 23 — Creating the "Echoes of the Past" expansion with Harry Potter TCG Revival designers Sammy & Huamin (HPTCG)

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Rands is joined by two designers from the HPTCG Revival group and together they all explore what when into their most recent virtual expansion: "Echoes of the Past", based on the second half of the Prisoner of Azkaban novel.

_HARRY POTTER TCG REVIVAL____________________________________________

The Harry Potter TCG database:
https://accio.cards/

Find the Harry Potter TCG Revival Group on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/harry...
https://twitter.com/harrypottertcg
https://www.instagram.com/harrypotter...

Join the Discord server:
https://discord.com/invite/EKJSXBC

Check out our new sponsor for TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (*Look for the Troll & Toad logo in a product's listing*)

_____________________________________________
Video version of this podcast:

https://youtu.be/mxxlFZY-Mas

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

TCG Design Theory — 09 — Designing Physical TCGs vs Digital TCGs with Chuck Kallenbach

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Chuck Kallenbach, former game designer at Decipher and Sony Online Entertainment, about the different challenges of designing a TCG in the physical space vs digital space.

Is it easier to design games in the digital space? Can designing a digital game lead to mechanics that are too complex? What design challenges are present in digital games that aren’t in physical games?

Thinking about these types of questions will help you plan ahead in your design journey if you plan on having your game on a digital platform, even if it already has a physical presence.

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing)

Audio Podcast Version — https://pod.link/1553640008

Find Chuck on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/chuckkallenbach

Follow Chuck's Substack:
https://kallenbach.substack.com/

Chuck's episodes on on other @TBPN show:
Part 1 [Star Trek CCG, Star Wars CCG, Lord of the Rings CCG]
https://youtu.be/1uupsqSIY9U

Part 2 [WARS TCG, .hack// TCG & much more]
https://youtu.be/BvVRth2CIwQ

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG SCOOPS — 05 — June 2023: Putting the BANNED back together ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of TCG SCOOPS! Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of June 2023

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/

Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing).

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

Check out at EM Cards & Collectibles — https://www.emcards.ca/

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowgirl]

Rare Slot — 22 — 30 Years of Magic: Misprint & Oddity Cards w/ Ryan W Rooks

Tue, 23 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400

THIS EPISODE IS A PART OF TBPN's CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING (1993-2023)

On this Rare Slot, Rands is joined by Magic: The Gathering historian, eclectic cardboard collector and trained pressman—Ryan W. Rooks—to discuss a variety of Magic: The Gathering cards that should not have ever existed. Thats right these cards were either made in error, or never intended to reach the public's hands.

Furthermore, during the journey that Ryan takes us on we learn about some very intimate parts of the card printing process... and the mistakes that can get made along the way.

_____________________________________________

Learn more about Magic/TCG error cards via:
https://www.misprintedmtg.com/beginners-guide-to-misprints

Join Magic: The Gathering's Misprint community via:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtgmisprintsbst

Find Ryan's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Collectors-History-Magic-Gathering/dp/1492229407

Check out our new sponsor for TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (*Look for the Troll & Toad logo in a product's listing*)

_____________________________________________
Audio version of this podcast:

https://pod.link/1553640008

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

TCG Design Theory — 08 — Marketing tips for your TCG with Joey Senart

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Joey Senart, who has over a decade of marketing experience with several well-known companies.

How important is marketing when trying to launch and grow a trading card game? How does your marketing approach change once your game launches successfully?

Joey discusses what he thinks can be a simple and effective marketing strategy for small-time creators, as well as giving examples of what that looks like in a practical sense.

_________________________________________________
Find Joey's channel on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DecksandDraughts/videos

_________________________________________________
Check out our NEW sponsor for TCG product and Singles:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (*Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing*)

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

Booster Pack Throwback — 35 — Making the Sorcery: Contested Realms TCG with creator Erik Olofsson

Tue, 09 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

This episode of Booster Pack Throwback we see the return of Erik Olofsson to the network.

Since we first spoke 18 months ago, Erik and his team have been busy getting Sorcery: Contested Realm made. Erik tells about his experience managing his initial Kickstarter, finding printers and finalizing the card set for S:CR's Alpha edition.

So whether or not you know Sorcery: Contested Realm, kickback and hear a tale about what it takes to make the dream of creating a trading card game a reality.

Find out more about the Sorcery TCG via:
https://sorcerytcg.com/

Or join the Sorcery Communities:
https://www.facebook.com/SorceryTCG
https://twitter.com/SorceryTCG
https://discord.gg/hn7vJGGETC

Early S:CR Alpha Edition Box openings:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs-uEQUY9KyxRAQ-r230673wC64iY0Pyl

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the item listing).

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

This episode is also available on a video podcast. Find it via:
https://www.youtube.com/@TBPN/featured

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSORS~:
https://trollandtoad.com/
(Use code " TBPN5 " to save on TCG singles)

https://www.categoryonegames.com/
(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG SCOOPS — 04 — May 2023* ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG ) [PLUS: Early Disney's Lorcana opinions]

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

*corrected audio version (the original upload of this podcast was the pre-edit version, this has been corrected within an hour of the original upload going live)

Check out our new sponsor for new TCG cards:
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
Use code "TBPN5" to get a discount on all cards sold from Troll & Toad directly (Look for the T&T logo in the card's listing).

Check out our original sponsor for classic TCG singles:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

In this (belated) episode of TCG SCOOPS! Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of May 2023. PLUS: Early opinions on Disney's Lorcana!

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowgirl]

Rare Slot — 21 — 30 Years of Magic: The first-ever TCG Tournament with finalist Rick Townsend (Gen Con 1993)

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0400

THIS EPISODE IS A PART OF TBPN's CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING (1993-2023)

On this Rare Slot, Rands is regaled with first-hand stories from the first-ever finalist of a public TCG tournament. That event was of course a Magic: The Gathering tournament, featuring the very first Alpha Magic cards. It was held at Gen Con 1993.

_______Links from @MTGhistory related to this episode______

Posts about Magic at Gen Con 1993—

Picture and play-by-play of the last game:
https://twitter.com/MTGHistory/status/1429453226533924867

The "in-Universe" story about that last game:
https://twitter.com/MTGHistory/status/1562797091214147585

The following year, 1994 Magic World Championship at Gen Con:
https://twitter.com/MTGHistory/status/1429036287923732492

_____________________________________________
Video version of this podcast:
https://youtu.be/_bs1sRR1x-8

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

TCG Design Theory — 07 — Crowdfunding Tips for your Trading Card Game with Anya Combs ( BackerKit Tabletop Manager) )

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Anya Combs, Tabletop Account Manager at BackerKit.

The past few years have brought countless new TCGs to the marketplace, and that has been made possible primarily due to crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter.

With so many trading card games being brought to life with crowdfunding, and with more and more crowdfunding platforms popping up, it can be difficult to not only navigate how to run a campaign, but also which site to choose.

Learn more about BackerKit's new crowdfunding platform:
https://www.backerkit.com/crowdfunding

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG SCOOPS — 03 — April 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this (belated) episode of TCG SCOOPS! Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of March 2023

Find Cimoooooooo's video about Yu-Gi-Oh's make a wish card:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOZOhogpK_w

Find OmniPoke's vids in ZoroBox:
https://www.youtube.com/@OmniPoke/videos

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowboy]

Rare Slot - 20 - Top indie TCGs of 2023 with Card Game Crypt

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this Rare Slot, Peter from Card Game Crypt on YouTube breaks down his top independent TCGs releasing in 2023. Take a listen & learn about some games you might be hearing about this year.

Peter's Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8twHnxHRs6bUUyUbatp7g

Team APS:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaqlCjzSFmunjBOP4EmYpxg

Game #5:
https://www.elestrals.com/

Game #4:
https://www.boundlesstcg.com/

Game #3:
https://www.primaltcg.com/

Game #2:
https://www.playvaria.com/

Game #1:
https://runeslingers.com/

_____________________________________________
Audio version of this podcast:

https://pod.link/1553640008

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 34 — Paul W. Brown: Precedence Entertainment's CCGs (Babylon 5 CCG, Wheel of Time, Tomb Raider TCG + more)

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400

On this episode of BOOSTER PACK THROWBACK, Rands chats with the CEO of the (former) Precedence Entertainment.

Precedence was a major TCG publisher in the 1990s, releasing over 6 different games including Babylon 5 CCG, Tomb Raider CCG & the Wheel of Time TCG.

Throughout this chat, Paul not only shares his business & game industry stories but also shares many of the tough lessons he learnt about game design, licensing and management from the many years he spent in the tabletop gaming space.

Find Paul's current project, "Lunch Champions" webcomic —
https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/lunch-champions/list?title_no=557722&page=1

Join the Babylon 5 CCG facebook group —
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2554261133

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG Design Theory — 06 — Card Movement & Positioning in TCGs with Alex Miller ( Genesis: Battle Of Champions TCG )

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Alex Miller, lead designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions TCG.

An often overlooked area in trading card games is movement and positioning. There are usually zones on the playing field, but rarely do we see games that allow you to move your cards as if they're on a board.

Perhaps the reason few games attempt to use card movement is because it adds too much complexity. Or perhaps movement mechanics in trading card games have yet to really be explored. Either way, there's no doubt that it offers TCG creators many possibilities when it comes to fun and fresh designs.

Find Genesis: Battle of Champions—
https://www.genesisbattleofchampions.com

Genesis: BoC on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/genesisboc

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG SCOOPS — 02 — March 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of February 2023.

EM Cards & Collectibles — https://www.emcards.ca/ (Canada-wide shipping)

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowboy]

Rare Slot — 19 — Assad Quraishi on the recent change in the TCG industry (Genesis: Battle of Champions)

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

On this Rare Slot Rands & Assad go deep on the recent history and changes in the TCG industry. Please share this conversation if you found value in it.

Find Genesis; Battle of Champions—
https://www.genesisbattleofchampions.com

Assad's previous @TBPN podcast:
https://youtu.be/bUsvm-HY7Sg

Genesis: BoC on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/genesisboc

_____________________________________________
Audio version of this podcast:

https://pod.link/1553640008

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Hive—
RandsTCG

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

TCG Design Theory — 05 — TCG Resource Systems with Steve Sekula ( GemBlenders TCG )

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Gem Blender TCG’s creator, Steve Sekula, about designing resource systems and mechanics.

Arguably the most important design aspect of your trading card game is how the resource system works. How do players actually play the cards? How do you implement your resource mechanics in a way that fits within your story or lore?

Resources can take many forms, such as cards in your deck, specific rules restrictions, as well as being automatically given at the start of your turn. Designing your resource system to work seamlessly with your other mechanics is crucial to a smooth gameplay experience.

Learn more about GemBlenders TCG at
https://www.gemblenders.com/

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

TCG SCOOPS — 01 — February 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG ) SOME AUDIO QUALITY ISSUES

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

NOTE: THE AUDIO QUALITY OF THIS EPISODE IS LOWER THAN THE EXPECTED TPBN STANDARD. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED AS IS. FUTURE EPISODES OF TCG SCOOPS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THESE SAME ISSUES. —Rands

Nico, Parker & Tyler unpack the news from the "Big 3" TCGs for the month of February 2023.

Untitled Pilot Episode — https://youtu.be/ud8fklL-7N8

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

Join the conversation in our *brand new* Discord—
https://discord.gg/pTEsuEKgZn

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Mr Smith — Reggae Cowboy]

Booster Pack Throwback — 33 — Brian Lewis: The first lawyer for Magic: The Gathering & TCGs

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

This episode of BOOSTER PACK THROWBACK stands out as one of the most unique episodes yet.

Joining Rands today is Brian Lewis, and unlike nearly all the previous guests, Brian doesn't create games—rather he helps protect them by using the law.

As the first in-house lawyer hired by Wizards of the Coast, Brian shares his experiences working to help Magic become the gaming juggernaut that it is today. The conversation ranges on everything from the TCG Patent, gambling, counterfeiting, satanism & so much more.

Learn more about Gen Con:
https://www.gencon.com/

Brian Lewis on "Fireside with Peter Adkison"—
https://youtu.be/m7iusWKbP4A

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG Design Theory — 04 — Designing TCG Combat Mechanics with Tanner McBride ( KRYPTIK TCG )

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Kryptik TCG’s creator, Tanner McBride, about designing combat mechanics.

Combat is a staple in trading card games, but is it an essential part of their design? How much does combat influence the other mechanics of a game’s design?

Considering combat is often a huge factor for players in deciding whether or not to play a game, balancing the system’s simplicity and familiarity are crucial to the design of a great game.

Learn more about KRYPTIK TCG at
https://kryptiktcg.com/

or purchase KRYPTIK TCG singles or sealed product via
https://kavdaensmarket.com/collections/kryptik-singles

TBPN_____________________________________________
Reach out to Jay about anything via
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

Rare Slot — 18 — BONUS: Pilot episode for a new TCG News podcast

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

This time we have a special bonus, end-of-year episode. You are going to get a little look behind the curtain here at The Booster Pack Network.

What we have here is a pilot episode record from a new podcast we are developing. The idea is simple: Rands is joined by a trio of TCG experts each specializing in one of the "Big 3" TCGs—Magic, Pokemon & Yu-Gi-Oh.

Please let us know what you think & share your feedback about the show's format. Also, feel free to drop any suggestions for what else you'd like to see out of this show or even what you would like the show to be called!

PLS NOTE: the news in this episode is a little out of date as it was recorded a month before being posted. However, the conversation is well worth a listen as we talk about much more than the then-latest news.

Recorded on location at EM Cards & Collectibles (https://www.emcards.ca), Nov 27 2022.
_____________________________________________
Audio version of this podcast:

https://pod.link/1553640008

__________________________________________________
Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Hive—
RandsTCG

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 32 — Creating the world of Legend of the Five Rings & 7th Sea with John Wick

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

On this "BOOSTER PACK THROWBACK", Rands is lucky enough to be joined by *the* John Wick.

John was the person behind the story for the original L5R CCG, as well as the creator of the 7th Sea setting (which also had its own CCG).

Famously, the L5R's story tournament system allowed players to craft the story in those games though competitive play. John speaks to the challenges & advantages of that story structure.

John also explains what when into crafting those much loved & intricate worlds. As well he touches on some the tougher times too from those properties too.

Find John Wick on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWickPresents/videos

Support John on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/thejohnwick

Check out John's book about GMing:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/185391/Play-Dirty-15th-Anniversary-Edition

The latest incarnation of 7th Sea—the Card Game:
https://pineboxentertainment.com/7th-sea-city-of-five-sails/

John's first L5R story—Long Knives (1995):
https://l5r.fandom.com/wiki/Long_Knives

Find plenty of John Wick's latest works via:
https://www.chaosium.com/

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG Design Theory — 03 — Designing a TCG around a Theme with Ridge Kiley ( ALPHA CLASH TCG )

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to Alpha Clash TCG’s lead designer, Ridge Kiley, about designing around theme.

Trading card games typically center around an already established world or IP, which provides a framework for the game’s design. However, it can sometimes prove to be difficult to stay true to the source material.

Maintaining the balance between your game’s mechanics and how it relates to your lore is both a challenging and rewarding aspect of game design.

Find Alpha Clash on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alphaclash/alpha-clash-tcg-the-awakening-booster-set-1

Alpha Clash socials, rulebook, tutorial, discord via:
https://linktr.ee/alphaclashtcg

TBPN_____________________________________________
Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Music Credit: Jazzy Spot by SergeQuadrado
( https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jazzy-spot-20934/ )

Rare Slot — 16 — Managing an indie TCG with STERLING from D-Spirits

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of the Rare Slot podcast, Rands is joined by previous guest & D-Spirits creator, STERLING.

Since the last time they chatted STERLING has been busy managing and expanding the D-Spirits card game & brand. He catches Rands up on the challenges & successes he has faced since becoming a pioneer in this new era of crowdfunded, indie TCGs.

He also discuss his brand new Kickstarter campaign that brings D-Spirits into a whole new medium.

_______________________________________________

Find D-Spirits:

BRAND NEW KICKSTARTER— https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dspirits/d-spirits-beta-and-alpha-video-game-tcg-expansion-set

Website — https://www.dspirits-online.com/
Discord — https://discord.gg/3RHNXmNQAZ
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dspiritsonline/

Our previous podcast
https://youtu.be/EP2DNSoDxiw
_____________________________________________
Video version of this podcast:

https://youtu.be/q2if46mo7tQ
_____________________________________________

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Hive—
RandsTCG

Email—
rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

_TBPN____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

CC-BY -- [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 31 — Matt Forbeck: His work on Trading Card Games

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

[[ We apologies for the audio quality of this episode. This technical difficulty is limited to this episode only — TBPN ]]

On this "BOOSTER PACK THROWBACK", Rands is visited by a man of many talents! As a writer, an editor, an art director, a game designer & even president of a publishing company; Matt Forbeck has done so much in gaming—both analogue & digital.

As someone who was coming up in the tabletop gaming industry in the 1990s, it was inevitable that Matt's career would intersect with a number of collectible games.

From being shown Magic prior to its release by Peter Adkison to working with legendary comic artist Jim Lee on a CCG for his Wildstorm comic books, Matt has done a lot. Here he shares those stories, that wisdom & the connections he made over the last 35 years in gaming with us.

Find Matt:
His own blog/website—
https://www.forbeck.com/

Hard West 2 (via Steam)—
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1282410/Hard_West_2/

Matt on Twitter—
https://twitter.com/mforbeck

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TCG Design Theory — 02 — The Eras of TCG History with Rands Lincoln

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode of TCG Design Theory, Jay talks to fellow TBPN collaborator Rands Lincoln about the different historical periods so far in collectible trading card game history.

Trading card games are a notoriously difficult product to produce successfully. With that in mind, an essential lesson for any TCG designer is the history of the genre.

If you are willing to learning from the mistakes of the games & designers which came before, you may be able to avoid some of the less-obvious challenges that creating a TCG entails.

Find & follow Rands:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/CCGHistory
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory/
Email — rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com

TBPN_____________________________________________
Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
___________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Rare Slot — 16 — Ben Riggs: What happened to RPGs when TCGs arrived

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Formally titled The Booster Pack: Rare Slot ]]

On this first standalone Rare Slot episode, Rands sits down with gaming historian & author Ben Riggs.

Ben shares his perspective on how TCGs changed the tabletop hobby landscape after their arrival in 1993. Specifically we discuss what happened to the then-most popular genre of gaming—Roleplaying Games—as collectible games began to take hold of the industry.

We also discuss how Wizards of the Coast, the first-ever publisher of TCGs, became the heir to the biggest legacy brand in hobby roleplaying—Dungeons & Dragons.

Follow Ben via:
https://twitter.com/benriggs_

Find Ben's Blog:
https://www.writerbenriggs.com/blog

Listen to Ben's Podcast—Plot Points:
https://www.writerbenriggs.com/plot-points-podcast

____________________________________________________
Video version of this podcast:
https://youtu.be/9iDfdYsVSC0

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

Booster Pack Throwback — 30 — Peter Adkison: Founding Wizards of the Coast & Publishing Magic The Gathering and Pokemon TCG

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Formally titled The Booster Pack Podcast ]]

On this very first episode of the newly retitled "BOOSTER PACK THROWBACK", Rands chats to one of the most influential figures in tabletop gaming—Peter Adkison!

Peter founded Wizards of the Coast & suggested that Magic: The Gathering designer Richard Garfield try creating a simple, portable card game. This one suggestion changed not only the course of his life but the lives of millions of others.

Kick back & join Peter and Rands for this enlightening discussion about one of the most revolutionary games ever: Magic: The Gathering. Then, listen along as Peter shares more memories about releasing the Pokemon Trading Card Game into the western world.

Find Peter via
https://www.facebook.com/peter.adkison/

Find Gen Con TV via
https://www.twitch.tv/gencontv

Video version of this podcast:
https://youtu.be/5bwUtdJlERM

Find Rands:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

__TBPN_____________________________________________
Let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:

Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf

_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

TCG Design Theory — 01 — Gabe Barrett & the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Game Designers

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400

On this debut episode of TCG Design Theory, host Jay Dotson kicks off the series with a chat to game designer, content creator & community builder Gabe Barrett.

Gabe is the host of the BOARD GAME DESIGN LAB podcast & has launched several successful board games of his very own. Here he discusses his 7 tips for becoming an accomplished & prolific game designer. These universal principles can be applied to every genre of gaming but are essential to a successful creator's career.

Find Gabe via
https://boardgamedesignlab.com/

or
via his Facebook community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BGDLCommunity
via his Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/RXuu2rR

TBPN_____________________________________________
Find The Booster Pack Network via
https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

or on Socials:
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/ccghistory
Twitter — https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent/
Insta — https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/
Discord — https://discord.gg/F6upsYdYkf
_____________________________________________________

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Rare Slot —15 — Introducing the TCG DESIGN THEORY podcast w/ Jay Dotson

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

[[ To find TCG DESIGN THEORY, sub to this podcast feed — Episode #1 goes live Oct 11, 2022 ]]

Some big changes are coming to The Booster Pack podcast.

In this episode Rands introduces the start of theses changes & then chats with the host of a brand-new trading card game design podcast, titled TCG Design Theory.

Join Rands & his friend Jay to discover all about the next evolution of this podcast & what exciting new content they have in store for the future.

REACH either Jay or Rands with feedback, suggestions or anything you want us to know:

rands@theboosterpacknetwork.com
jay@theboosterpacknetwork.com

SOCIAL MEDIA for The Booster Pack Network:

https://twitter.com/TBPNcontent
https://www.facebook.com/TBPNcontent
https://www.instagram.com/tbpncontent/

Find TPB Network via:

https://www.theboosterpacknetwork.com/

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 29 — Middle Earth CCG with designer Coleman Charlton

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

We once again follow history's path back to the golden age of collectible trading card games. Our adventure finds us exploring the origins of the Middle Earth CCG by Iron Crown Enterprises.

The sagely wizard that is guiding us this time is none other than tabletop gaming veteran S. Coleman Charlton. Coleman shares his personal stories of bring the world of Tolkien to the tabletop throughout his long career & tells us about his design philosophy that led to creating the MECCG.

Learn more about the MECCG player's committee—Council of Elrond—here:
https://councilofelrond.org/

Find their player forums here:
https://councilofelrond.org/forum/

Join the MIDDLE EARTH CCG discussion on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6301243471

Find out more about PrezCon here:
https://www.prezcon.com/

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 14 — Introducing "Igniting The Spark" (a Magic: The Gathering documentary)

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

We've got something special on this RARE SLOT!

Rands chats to the producers of a brand-new documentary that covers the history & community of Magic: The Gathering.

This film, titled Igniting The Spark, features over 50 interviews with people who have impacted or been impacted by the most iconic & influential CCG of all time: MAGIC!

Join us for this fun & exclusive chat with the filmmakers of this amazing new feature length movie.

[[The last few minutes of this podcast feature audio of the "Igniting the Spark" trailer]]

Find IGNITING THE SPARK on KICKSTARTER (ends 9/14/22):
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cavegirlproductions/magic-the-gathering-documentary-igniting-the-spark

Check out the Cavegirl Prod. teams MTG Twitch channel:
https://www.twitch.tv/covenmtg

or on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/CovenMTG

Watch their first doc together, "EYE OF THE BEHOLDER" (D&D) free on Tubi:
https://tubitv.com/movies/520883/eye-of-the-beholder-the-art-of-dungeons-dragons

Watch Brian's first doc PLASTIC GALAXY free on Tubi:
https://tubitv.com/movies/286069/plastic-galaxy

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Audio version of this podcast:
https://pod.link/1553640008

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY [Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 28 — Decipher's STAR WARS CCG with designer Tom Braunlich

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Today we are joined for our second episode with collectible game pioneer Tom Braunlich.

Tom, along with his design partner Rollie Tesh, designed 2 of the biggest CCGs of the 1990s: Decipher's Star Trek & Star Wars CCGs.

This episode Tom chats to Rands about how he went from the Star Trek CCG design period straight into working on the Star Wars CCG. He also shares how important it was to him that he capture the cinematic feel of Star Wars universe in the rule set of this game.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you're finding this episode because we will be featuring more Star Wars/Star Trek/Decipher CCG stories in the near future on this platform.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Find out about the new Star Wars CCG virtual sets & discover the current community via:
https://www.starwarsccg.org/

Find @Star Wars CCG here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/StarWarsCCG

Join the STAR WARS CCG discussion on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/22049...

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Video version of this podcast:
https://youtu.be/AXdIdJwnjgc

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 27 — Decipher's STAR TREK CCG with designer Tom Braunlich

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Today we are joined for our first of two episodes with collectible game pioneer Tom Braunlich.

Tom, along with his design partner Rollie Tesh, designed 2 of the biggest CCGs in the 1990s: Decipher's Star Trek & Star Wars CCGs.

This episode Tom chats to Rands about how he came to be involved with gaming professionally & eventually shares how his pre-existing relationship with Decipher lead to the creation of the Star Trek CCG.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you're finding this episode because our follow-up episode will again be with Tom to talk about the creation of the Star Wars CCG & a little more Star Trek.

Find out about the new Star Trek virtual sets via:
https://www.trekcc.org/

Find the Star Trek CCG Continuing Committee on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ContinuingCommittee/videos

Join the STAR TREK CCG discussion on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/stccg/

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Video version of this podcast:
https://youtu.be/zK_94pNOPTU

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC BY [Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TBP: SINGLES #3 — Going to GenCon? [ARCHIVED]

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400

[NOTE: [[THIS EPISODE WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A 2022 GENCON TRIP. It is now kept in this feed only for archival purposes]] ]

In this very short, glasses-free Singles episode, shameless Rands brags about an upcoming trip to GenCon. Will you be there too?

Also, share your past GenCon stories with me!

EMAIL — theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

Find @CCG History on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as video:
https://youtu.be/quSX6QLvvho

Full TBP series playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_c0a...

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

~SPONSOR~: @Category1Games

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

Booster Pack Throwback — 26 — OVERPOWER & Star Trek: TOS CCG with Stephen Domzalski

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode Rands talks to Stephen Domzalski, the former Manager of Game Development for the Fleer Trading Card Company. During the first CCG craze of the mid-1990s, Fleer eagerly jumped into the game publishing world with the launch of 2 collectible games based on huge franchises—Marvel & Star Trek.

The Marvel game would become the Overpower CCG, which eventually expanded to incorporate DC characters. Meanwhile their Star Trek CCG would only involve characters from the original 1966 series & be in the market along side Decipher's ST:TNG CCG.

Stephen tell about all the behind the secrets of these games & shares his thoughts on what Fleer did right and wrong during their time as a CCG publisher.

Join the OVERPOWER group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/overp...

________________________________________________________
~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

_________________________________________________________
THE BOOSTER PACK

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as a full video.
Find it on YouTube via https://youtu.be/HeuTtMw4lGk

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY**[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 13 — TCGs & Environmental Sustainability with Andrew Navaro ( Earthborne Rangers creator / former-FFG Head-of-Studio)

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

On this RARE SLOT episode of The Booster Pack podcast, Rands is joined by a veteran of hobby card game creation—Andrew Navaro.

For over 15 years Andrew worked with Fantasy Flight Games to produce several hobby card games inc. Android: Netrunner, Call of Cthulhu CCG/LCG, Game of Thrones CCG/LCG & many more.

However, at the start of 2020, Andrew founded Earthborne Games to design, produce & publish a card game of his very own: Earthborne Rangers.

Not only is Earthborne Rangers a unique game mechanically (PvE, Co-operative, open-world), it is also unique in the way it's being produced: As environmentally sustainably as possible.

During this extra-long episode, Andrew leverages his years of experience producing games to help us better understand what choices TCG / CCG publishers & players can make so this hobby can be produced in a less-wasteful manner.

_______________________________________________________________
EARTHBORNE RANGERS

https://earthbornegames.com/

https://www.facebook.com/earthbornegames/

https://www.instagram.com/earthbornegames/

https://twitter.com/earthbornegames

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/earthbornegames/earthborne-rangers/
_______________________________________________________________
CCGHISTORY

Find @CCG History on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as video podcasts:
https://www.youtube.com/ccghistory

Full TBP series playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_c0a...

EMAIL — theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9
_______________________________________________________________

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 25 — Steven E. Schend on the Blood Wars CCG, TSR, WotC & more

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode Rands is joined by lauded Dungeons & Dragon's author & worldbuilder Steven E. Schend. Steven's time in collectible trading card games was short but impactful—he designed the Blood Wars CCG in 1995 at TSR.

However, Steven's history with tabletop gaming runs a lot deeper! He & Rands discuss his long history with D&D & how he went from editing RPG books to creating his own CCG.

Steven also tells a very unique story about one of the most intriguing chapters of hobby gaming history—the purchase of D&D publisher TSR by Wizards of the Coast.

Follow Steven on twitter:
https://twitter.com/StevenESchend

Visit Steven's website:
https://steveneschend.com/

Ask Steven questions via the Candlekeep Forums:
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3802

Hire Steven as an Editor via Reedsy:
https://reedsy.com

________________________________________________________
~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

_________________________________________________________
THE BOOSTER PACK

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as a full video.
Find it on YouTube via https://youtu.be/VwgXJer46cg

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

CC-BY**[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 12 — John Jackson Miller & SCRYE magazine ( Author of Star Wars & Star Trek novels )

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

[[[The Booster Pack's interview with SCRYE magazine founder JM White can be found elsewhere on this podcast feed or via YouTube: https://youtu.be/1P0OvkUrFVo]]]

On this bonus episode of The Booster Pack podcast, celebrated author John Jackson Miller walks us back through the pages of history to share his story as Directorial Editor of the world's most popular collectible card game magazine—SCRYE.

He also tells us about all the work & effort that went into creating the definitive guide book & price list book for english CCGs for their first decade—"SCRYE's Collectible Card Game Checklist & Price Guide".

_____________________________________
JOHN JACKSON MILLER

Find John on the socials:
https://twitter.com/jjmfaraway
https://www.facebook.com/johnjacksonmiller
https://www.instagram.com/johnjacksonmiller

John's personal site with stories about all his work:
https://farawaypress.com/

John's comic book history website:
https://www.comichron.com/

You can support John's comic book historian work via Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/comichron
_______________________________________________________________
CCGHISTORY

Find @CCG History on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as audio podcasts:
https://pod.link/1553640008

Full TBP series playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_c0a...

EMAIL — theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 24 — Matt Hyra on VS System, Magic: The Gathering & much more!

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode of The Booster Pack, Rands talks to tabletop game designer Matt Hyra.

Matt's stories with collectible games actually start even before the very first one—Magic: The Gathering—is released. Since those days he has worked on several CCGs, including the much-loved VS System TCG—and was even responsible for a special start-of-game-rule that many collectible trading card games still use to this day.

Matt is also known for dozens of other games designs, so join jus as he shares many stories & design wisdoms!

THIS EPISODE IS ALSO ON YOUTUBE:
youtube.com/CCGhistory

Check out some of Matt's card game designs:

Vampire: The Masquerade — Rivals:
https://renegadegamestudios.com/vampi...

Matt's recent Deck-Building Games (Transformers / My Little Pony / Power Rangers / GI Joe)
can be found via https://renegadegamestudios.com/

DC Comics 10th Anniversary KickStarter—
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

Rare Slot — 11 — PvE in TCGs with Brett Schofield ( Designer of The Librarians Adventure Card Game )

Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

On this episode of the Rare Slot, Rands discusses the history & future of cooperative (or solo) modes in collectible trading card games with game designer Brett Schofield.

These modes (often called "Player vs Environment" or "PvE" modes) are something that have been quite a rarity in the world of collectible trading card games to date.

Brett offers a brief history of these types of collectible games & also offers his perspective on why PvE could become an important element of TCGs/CCGs in the future.

If you enjoyed this conversation please subscribe via your fav podcast directory.

Also, let me know what other TCG topics you want to hear about in the future or what your thoughts on the PvE in TCGs are via email or social media:

CCGHISTORY—
Find Rands/CCGhistory via socials:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available as audio podcasts:
https://pod.link/1553640008

Full TBP series playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_c0a...

EMAIL — theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

BRETT'S LINKS—
The Librarians Adventure Card Game:
https://www.everythingepic.us/the-librarians

On Kickstarter (Late Pledges available):
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/everythingepicgames/the-librarians-adventure-card-game

Brett's Blog:
https://gamingwithbs.wordpress.com/

TBP: SINGLES #2 — The FUTURE of licensed TCG / CCGs?

Wed, 04 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Some snake or something once said "...And Now For Something Completely Different".

Well, on today's show things are a bit different. On this super-sized "Singles" episode, Rands discusses a brief history of collectible trading card games based on other media properties & why the future of them might be vastly different from the past.

If this is your first "Singles" episode, it is just Rands talking on the topic—no guests or co-hosts; just Rands, a mic & some probably fallible opinions.

If you like this kind of show, please subscribe & let us know to help more episodes get made!
If you don't, please send your suggestions or feedback via any of these links:

email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

Find CCG History on socials:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

Booster Pack Throwback — 23 — Josh Lytle ( Magi-Nation Duel / The Spoils TCG )

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Magi-Nation Duel & The Spoils TCG—you'd be hard pressed to find two Trading Card Games more different.

One is a kid-friendly Pokemon-esque franchise with relatively simple gameplay. The other presents a hard-hitting world of mature humor & was one of the most competitively-focused TCGs ever.

While they seem like they don't have much in common on the surface, in fact, they were actually crafted by the same group of people.

On this episode we are join by a key designer from that group: Josh Lytle. Josh was an early designer for Magi-Nation (both the card game + Gameboy game) & was the Lead Designer for The Spoils TCG.

We discuss Josh's origins in gaming (Nintendo fans get ready!) & some never-before-told stories from behind the scenes on MND & The Spoils!

This is some fascinating further reading about the history of Magi-Nation, 2i & the people who worked on it it—

Making Magi-Nation Gameboy by Patrick Meehan:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yvllsoTLr_xLH18-bAxbfoAsI0Ct-2d-2i8mFvOtzNk/

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

Rare Slot — 10 — What is a hTCG / the hTCG community? (with Zack from Chaos Galaxy TCG)

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

Underground comics, fanzines & garage bands. All these critically acclaimed art forms are created by passionate people who simply love the medium in which they work. Many of the worlds best artists started in these raw, unregulated, domestically developed mediums.

Enter hTCGs, or "homemade Trading Card Games". These are the same kind of concept for the Collectible Trading Card Game genre (TCG / CCG).

Today, we are joined by Zack from Chaos Galaxy TCG. Zack is a central figure in the homemade TCG community (hTCG) & has created one its most loved games. He joins on this episode to share his experiences coming up in the hTCG community & also shares his insight about the history of the hTCG movement.

Join the hTCG community
Discord — https://discord.gg/tVwXmgXdQG
Reddit — https://www.reddit.com/r/homemadeTCGs/

Check out Chaos Galaxy via
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/c/ChaosGalaxyTCG/videos
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/chaosgalaxytcg/
Discord — https://discord.com/invite/cShaSnU

BUY Chaos Galaxy TCG via the Gamecrafter:
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/zackcards-s-games

History of the hTCG Community videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDQwjsFsX2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bxqam8WQVI

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

Booster Pack Throwback — 22 — Paul Peterson: WotC's Deckmaster & beyond! ( VtES / Netrunner / Battletech / Harry Potter TCG + many more )

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This time Rands is joined by one of the most prolific collectible trading card game designers of all time—Paul Peterson.

Paul tells us how he rose from Customer Service at Wizards of the Coast to become their go-to "TCG guy" during that company's most active period in the TCG space. All tallied, Paul has worked on more than a dozen collectible games throughout his career & we try to hit as many as we can during this chat.

So sit back & get ready to be transported back to the TCG-heyday of the 1990s!

Find Smash-Up via AEG:

https://www.alderac.com/smash-up-home/

Follow Paul on twitter:

https://twitter.com/warewolf00/

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

TBP: SINGLES #1 — FREE GIVEAWAY: win hand-painted, original TCG / CCG Artwork! (+ new episode format)

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0400

***ENTRIES ONLY VALID WITH US POSTAGE ADDRESS— ENDS MARCH 23rd 2022, 12am***

[[[ Important: For a valid entry, ALL participants must be Subscribed to this show either here on this podcast directory or on YouTube ]]]

"Wave Serpent Yniere" card on Category One Games:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/catalog/battle_for_pandora_prime/wave_serpent_yniere/1581841

How to reach out for submissions:
Comment on this Youtube video: https://youtu.be/6nulUIf2P50
or
Send an e-mail to: theboosterpack@ccghistory.com
or
DM or tag @CCGHistory on Twitter or Facebook:
facebook.com/CCGhistory
twitter.com/CCGhistory

Valid giveaway submissions MUST include the following info——
1. Your favorite "non-BIG 3" CCG + a short explaination about what you like about it. ( BIG 3 = Pokemon TCG, Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh ).

2. The state which you plan to have the art posted IF you win. This painting cannot be shipped international to the winner. It is winner's responsiblity to ensure there is an available US shipping address.

Special thanks to Luke Peterschmidt for providing this art & allowing for this giveaway.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

{ MUSIC CREDIT: The Zombie Dandies — Killer Rabbit }

Booster Pack Throwback — 21 — Guardians & Dark Age CCG with their designer Luke Peterschmidt

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Alright, you betta buckle up for this one. You've been warned.

On this episode, we got ourselves one of the most prolific CCG designers ever! That is Luke Peterschmidt! If you didn't already know the name, you won't soon forget it because he is one of the most influential tabletop game designers of his generation.

Today, we only scratch the surface of the collectible games he had an impact on throughout his near-3 decade career as a game designer.

Beginning his career by creating two of the most memorable CCGs of the 1990s—Guardians & Dark Age—, Luke tells us all about how those games came to be & why they have become some of the most enduring & resonant classic CCGs ever!

So kickback, grab a bowl of "Gringe Commander's Chili Extravaganza" & let yourself be bribed with a beer (or two), as Luke & Rands travel back down memory lane.

~Luke's Links~

Find Schneeble (& dozens of other great Luke-games) via the "Fun to 11" store:
http://www.funto11.com/shop.html

The YouTube playlist of "Extra Politics":
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhyKYa0YJ_5BMjoxHASNb0uGK_XQrUx9D

Also worth a look:

GUARDIANS REBORN—
a fan-driven revival of the Guardians CCG:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ3Ed2rOf5u3wwmkH9EohWg

Guardians CCG (facebook fan page)—
https://www.facebook.com/guardiansccg

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 20 — Introducing "D-Spirits" with STERLING

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This time on The Booster Pack we focus on the future, rather than the past.

Rands sits down with Sterling—an Atlanta animator turned trading card game creator—about his brand new TCG called "D-Spirits".

D-Spirits captures the charm and nostalgia of monster taming IPs such as Pokémon, Digimon & Monster Rancher and mixes it with elements of modern pop culture. The game's characters are refreshingly bright, optimistic & diverse.

Sterling starts by sharing his personal history with TCGs before telling us about his experiences creating one for the very first time. Throughout the conversation we also learn what makes D-Spirits different from the other TCGs that current populate LGS shelves.

_______find D-SPIRITS_______

Website:
https://www.dspirits-online.com/

Discord:
https://discord.gg/dspirits

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dspiritsonline/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dspiritsonline

How to play video via YouTube:
https://youtu.be/vKuTkPNKuhE

_______find other SterlingCartoons creations_______

Website:
https://www.sterlingcartoons.com/

SterlingCartoons YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_hMQ9Y4vU2r9ORA97HduQ/videos

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 09 — Top 5 "Dead" CCGs (featuring DEAD DECKS)

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

On this bonus episode of The Booster Pack, Rands is joined by Richard & Harry from the YouTube channel "DEAD DECKS" to talk about their Top 5 personal favorite dead collectible / trading card games.

What is a "dead" TCG / CCG ?
Simply, it is any out-of-print collectible game. One that is no longer supported by its publisher with new product releases or game support.

Find "DEAD DECKS" online:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/deaddecks/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Dead-Decks-103407205318523/
Twitter:
twitter.com/dead_decks
Website:
deaddecks.com
Email:
deaddecks@deaddecks.com

DEAD DECKS featured on "Alpha Investments":
https://youtu.be/DqoSM-EyqYg

ARENAVERSE—An updated, physical version of Ophidian 2350 (Coming Soon):
https://hackandslashgames.com/arenaverse/

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 19 — X-Files & Scooby-Doo with co-designer Brian Woodward

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode of The Booster Pack, we jump in the Mystery Machine & take a ride back to the late 1990s & early 2000s with former Journeyman Press Assistant Manager Brian Woodward.

On this adventure, Brian shares his stories from playtesting the X-Files CCG to co-designing the short-lived Scooby-Doo Expandable Card Game (don't worry, it is a really just a CCG/TCG). It is fascinating to finally solve some of the behind the scenes mysteries of that company & those games.

So kick-back, grab the Scooby snacks & vege out with us on this groovy trip down memory lane, man.

X-FILES CCG Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/xfccg

X-FILES REVIVAL CHANNEL (MMXFILESCCG):
https://www.youtube.com/c/MMXFILESCCG/videos

The DC Comic's SCOOBY-DOO ECG ADVENTURE:
http://www.geocities.ws/scoobydooecg/SDCp01.htm

Special look at a "Crimson Skies CCG" prototype card:
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory/status/1466509717971296261

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

This show is also available on video. Find the episodes via youtube.com/CCGhistory.

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 18 — Vampire: The Eternal Struggle with L. Scott Johnson (Lead Designer 2000-2010)

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode, Rands is joined by L Scott Johnson... or LSJ as he is known to "Vampire: The Eternal Struggle" players around the world.

LSJ is an instrumental figure in the history of VtES & here we explore his journey from a self-proclaimed “rulemonger” on early USENET groups to ambassador of the game to becoming its lead designer when the CCG was printed by White Wolf Publishing.

So retire to your crypt, draw the shades & sink your teeth into this trip back through Vampire: The Eternal Struggle’s past.

FABLEGRAPH (LSJ's Photography)

https://www.facebook.com/fablegraph/

https://www.instagram.com/fablegraph/

https://fablegraph.com/

BINDUSARA JYHAD DIARY (Blog — Oral history interviews of VtES)

https://bindusara.home.blog/

VEKN (Vampire Elder Kindred Network, Player organization)

https://www.vekn.net/

https://www.facebook.com/vampiretheeternalstruggle/

BLACK CHANDRY - publisher of brand new VtES products:

https://www.blackchantry.com/

~SPONSOR~:

categoryonegames.com

(find classic CCGs / TCGs at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

twitter.com/CCGHistory

Find The Booster Pack Network on YouTube

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]*

*very appropriately named band for THIS episode

Booster Pack Throwback — 17 — MARVEL OverPower designers: Theo & Michael Stern

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode, Rands is joined by Theo & Michael Stern—the initial design team behind Fleer’s OverPower CCG.

These brothers share the story of how they went from avid game lovers & comic book fans to being the designers for the first-ever collectible game to feature world-famous comic characters like Spider-Man, Captain America & eventually, even Batman and Spawn!

This episode covers everything from Theo & Michael’s RPG origins, to the challenges with the corporate powers behind OverPower & even to where they are today all these years later. So suit-up, take a dose of super solider serum & get ready for an all-out question and answer slugfest about the early history of the OverPower CCG!

Connect with the OverPower community on FaceBook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/overpowertcg

~SPONSOR~:

https://www.categoryonegames.com/

(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

These videos too long? The audio version of this podcast might work better for you:

https://pod.link/1553640008

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

or, email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 08 — Jed MacKay ( Writer of the "MAGIC: THE GATHERING" comic book )

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

On this *bonus episode* of The Booster Pack podcast Rands chats to comic book writer Jed MacKay!

Wait, what!? Comic book writer, you ask.

Yes, comic book writer. You see, Jed was a CCG player of yesteryear & is currently the writer of Boom! Studio's Magic: The Gathering comic book (along with a number of acclaimed titles at Marvel Comics!).

Jed & Rands discuss how he found his way into writing a comic book for a collectible card game he used to love. Then, they chat about what unique opportunities and challenges that are presented when crafting a story for an intellectual property which is primarily a collectible trading card game.

Find Jed online:
https://twitter.com/jedmackay

or his comic book catalogue (digital) via:
https://www.comixology.com/Jed-MacKay/comics-creator/29921

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/
(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—
let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Prefer to see our faces?? find the video version of the show on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/ccghistory

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 16 — Assad Quraishi : The history & philosophy behind GENESIS Battle of Champions + KICKSTARTER launch

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Today on The Booster Pack we have a KICKSTARTER launch interview with CCG creator & publisher Assad Quraishi. Assad's company—Haunted Castle Gaming—makes Genesis: Battle of Champions.

We talk though the first 4 years of the Genesis CCG, the philosophy behind the game & its future.

This episode drops at the same time as the KICKSTARTER for the latest Genesis: Battle of Champions expansion: Origins. Find it linked elsewhere in this description & check it out.

GENESIS: Battle of Champions links:

https://www.genesisbattleofchampions.com/

ORIGINS KICKSTARTER:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/genesisboc/1503151307

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GenesisBoC

Discord:
https://discord.gg/5pChMC4

Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GenesisBOC/

GENESIS Championship 2021 Coverage (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gGKfHaSZQA

~SPONSOR~:
https://www.categoryonegames.com/
(find classic CCG & TCG cards at Category One Games!!!)

THE BOOSTER PACK—
let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

These videos too long? The audio version of this podcast might work better for you:
https://pod.link/1553640008

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 15 — James Ernest ( XXXEnophile CCG / Button Men / Pirates of the Spanish Main / Magic: The Gathering )

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

On this episode of The Booster Pack Rands is joined by games industry maverick James Ernest to discuss the handful of eclectic collectible games he designed throughout his career thus far.

We cover everything from his early work for Wizards of the Coast, him making the first adult-only CCG & even his experience creating a game for the reality show American Idol!

So sit back, settle in & listen to us juggle stories, jokes & more from the earliest years of the collectible game genre.

Linkz-tomania—

Follow JAMES ERNEST or find his work—

Find James:
https://twitter.com/cheapassjames

His current company:
https://www.crabfragmentlabs.com/

Play Tishai (Free!):
https://cheapass.com/free-games/tishai/

Girl Genius: The Works card game (reworked XXXenophile rules):
https://cheapass.com/girl-genius-the-works/

James' own podcast: HERE ALL WEEK
https://pod.link/1513515996

Magic's old timing rules structure:
https://twitter.com/MTGHistory/status/1389251780899483661

Landyland & Mana Burn (BoardGameGeek):
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/5794/landyland
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3884/mana-burn

Cheapass Games in Black or White:
https://store.greaterthangames.com/cheapass-games-in-black-and-white.html

Phil Foglio's Studio:
http://www.studiofoglio.com/

THE BOOSTER PACK—
let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:
https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory
https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

These videos too long? The audio version of this podcast might work better for you:
https://pod.link/1553640008

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 07 — Harry Potter TCG Revival's latest virtual expansion PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0400

This week the lead designer of the Prisoner of Azkaban virtual expansion (POA) for the Harry Potter TCG Revival group is our guest on The Booster Pack bonus show: the Rare Slot!

In this episode Rands & HPTCGR’s Sammy DiSalvo discuss the high quality of work being put into the fan-revival for the Harry Potter Trading Card Game & also chat about their opinions on the very philosophy of TCG/CCG design.

Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan but are interested in CCG/TCGs in general, this is still an episode worth listening to. We chat about everything from factioning (ie color pie, tribal mechanics) in TCGs to the power of the emotional resonance that this genre of games can offer.

As always, if you have any thoughts on the episode, please do not hesitate to reach out via the links here. As you may have guessed, discussing collectible trading card games is something we love & we’d be happy to hear from you!

HARRY POTTER TCG REVIVAL—

The Harry Potter TCG database:

https://accio.cards/

How to play the Harry Potter TCG (Zarthbenn tutorial):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6yPNGBDUbc

Find the Harry Potter TCG Revival Group on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/harrypottertcg

https://twitter.com/harrypottertcg

https://www.instagram.com/harrypottertcg/

Join the Discord server:

https://discord.com/invite/EKJSXBC

Interested in joining the Harry Potter TCG Revival group as a volunteer R&D member?

Get in touch with the HPTCGR design team via this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGPDxQPtTFNk3JLX_EIqv8do24wIKSVRBVzB8XGu6ZKM_UdA/viewform

THE BOOSTER PACK—

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs are also open to anyone)

Find CCG History:

https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory

https://twitter.com/CCGHistory

Prefer to see our faces?? find the video version of the show on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/ccghistory

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

The brand-new listener survey for The Booster Pack podcast:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG95TR9

email us—

theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Rare Slot — 06 — The Kickstarter CCG era & the future of TCG/CCG market with BRONSON

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

This week we deviate from talking about the past & instead discuss the future.

In this episode Rands is joined by Flesh & Blood content creator Bronson to chat about the significant shift in the way people perceive the TCG/CCG secondary market, how its changed over the past few years & where it might be heading.

Are TCGs in an investment bubble or are the high-dollar values & 5-figure sold listing of some new TCG products a new normal for the genre?

Find Bronson via:
https://www.youtube.com/c/FABTCG

Bronson's 'The "Free Trendies Era" of Gaming TCG's Secondary Market' video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieKtTDbOeMQ

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

let us know feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs open)

Rare Slot — 05 — The origin of SCRYE with founder J Morgyn White (the first-ever CCG / TCG magazine)

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

In this episode, J Morgyn White—the founder of SCRYE magazine—joins Rands to discuss the origin story of the very first dedicated COLLECTIBLE TRADING CARD GAME magazine.

Over this fascinating discussion, we hear the previously untold stories of how & *why* SCYRE magazine was published.

Not only do we chat about SCYRE's history but also Magic: The Gathering history, how the role of women in tabletop gaming has changed over the past three decades & much more.

If these conversations are something that interest you, please consider subscribing to support this channel. Your sub (or follow on social media) will help bring more CCG/TCG related stories to you in the future.

Find & Follow Joanne on twitter:
https://twitter.com/JMorgynWhite

Also, feel free let us know any feedback, topic suggestions or games you'd like to hear about via email or any of our social media (DMs open)

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

or email us—
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town]

Booster Pack Throwback — 14 — Sorcery: Contested Realm [ERIK OLOFSSON, Path of Exile's Creative Director, introduces his new TCG]

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

There is something special about our episode this week because we are talking about history in the making!

In his first-ever interview about his new Trading Card Game, PoE Creative Director Erik Olofsson, talks about his new game— SORCERY: CONTESTED REALM

Erik shares his progress from being inspired by the old school Magic community to crafting a gorgeous-looking & unique tactical-style TCG.

If you want to get into the community early & even help playtest this exciting new TCG, check out these links:

Facebook
facebook.com/SorceryTCG

Discord link
https://discord.gg/hn7vJGGETC

Twitter
twitter.com/SorceryTCG

Subscribe via Steam to get the playtest version on Tabletop Simulator:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2588905101

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

email us via
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 04 — The untold story of the lost TRANSFORMERS CCG with Quan Williams

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

On this very special bonus RARE SLOT episode we dig into depths of collectible game history to bring you a previously untold story about a CCG that was never published.

Way back in the mid-1990s, college student Quan Williams created a fan-made collectible card game based on the TRANSFORMERS cartoon & toy line. After posting his ideas online, the project went viral! (...at least as viral as thing went back in 1996).

Soon his ideas had caught the eye of a fellow amateur game designer, Rich Garner. Together they honed the game—titled TF BattleCards—& eventually they were able to get it seen by Hasbro, the world biggest toy company & owners of the Transformers IP.

Quan joins Rands in this episode to tell us about his experiences designing that game & recalling the compete saga, including what happened once Hasbro got involved.

Quan is still creating games today. Find his latest project via The Game Crafter:
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/syndicate:-the-underworld

Follow Quan on Twitter:
twitter.com/bahamutali

Find a PDF of the original 1996 Transformers BattleCards (Rules & Demo cards):

https://pdfhost.io/v/7RB6AcsG~_Transformers_BattleCards_1996_version_Rules_Demo_Cards

Find a PDF of an updated 2004 version Transformers BattleCards (Rules & Demo cards):

https://pdfhost.io/v/GBzDjbWe8_Transformers_BattleCards_updated_2004_version_Rules_Demo_Cards

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

email us via
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: Dan & Forget the Whale - Man Outta Town ]

Booster Pack Throwback — 13 — Shawn Carnes ( early Magic: The Gathering / Vampire: The Eternal Struggle / BattleTech CCG )

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This week on The Booster Pack:

Rands is joined by veteran MMO & CCG designer Shawn Carnes for our longest episode yet.

Shawn shares his stories from his early gaming days all the way up to leaving Wizards of the Coast in 2000. Along the way he has stories about the CCGs they released while he was there. Those include Pokemon TCG, BattleTech CCG, Jyhad / Vampire: The Eternal Struggle &, of course, Magic: The Gathering.

In this uninhibited interview Rands gets told all about Shawn's experiences & the people, good & bad, that he met along the way.

Kick back, get comfy & take a listen to some of the previously untold stories from the wild years of the world's first & most prolific CCG publisher: Wizards of the Coast.

[Fair warning things get a bit explicit]

Join Shawn on twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/babashareshow

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

email us via
theboosterpack@ccghistory.com

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 12 — Mark MacKinnon ( Sailor Moon CCG )

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This week we feature a listener-suggested game— the Sailor Moon CCG!

Rands is joined by the president of Dyskami Publishing Mark MacKinnon to discuss his brief time away from designing RPGs, when he crafted the surprisingly unique Sailor Moon Collectible Card Game.

We talk all about the origins of Mark's company that designed the game & how a game like this—one of the first CCGs to feature a female-lead cast—came to market.

Mark shares his inspirations for the SMCCG & Rands posits about how much the game may have influenced other collectible games that followed.

All in we go on a light-hearted but still deep discussion about the Sailor Moon CCG, start to finish.

Find Mark's other work that we discuss in the episode at dyskami.ca or find/follow them on social media for product updates:

facebook.com/dyskami
twitter.com/dyskami
instagram.com/dyskami

Find CCG history on social media:

facebook.com/CCGhistory
twitter.com/CCGhistory
Youtube.com/CCGhistory (inc video version of this episode)

or email us via theboosterpack@CCGhistory.com

Use any of those links to let us know if you have any feedback, a collectible game ( TCG / CCG / CSG etc) you want to hear discussed on the show or if you have any suggestions for "kraken" questions.

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 11 — Justin Gary Returns! ( VS System CCG / the new SOLFORGE FUSION / World of Warcraft Minis & TCG )

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

After barely scratching the surface in our previous episode, Justin Gary returns for another visit to The Booster Pack. This time we go deep on the CCG that started his game design career: VS System!

If you were a player of original VS System or even simply curious about what goes into designing a trading card game, this episode has a ton of behind-the-scenes stories. We talk about VS's legendary R&D team, their ever-changing design philosophy & even a really cool product that never quite came to be.

From there we briefly discuss Justin's influence on the World of Warcraft TCG & his WoW collectible miniatures game before jumping forward to talk about his latest project: SolForge Fusion.

SolForge Fusion is the physical reworking of the digital CCG Justin created with Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield. This time SolForge uses algorithmically printed, combinable decks to deliver an entirely new type of card game experience. Check out the episode to hear more about its revolutionary design.

Stay up to date with SolForge Fusion via
stoneblade.com/solforge

Justin Gary's game design podcast, book & course:
thinklikeagamedesigner.com

Join the Stoneblade community on twitch:
twitch.tv/stoneblade

Find CCG History:
facebook.com/CCGHistory
twitter.com/CCGHistory
youtube.com/CCGHistory

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 10 — Jim Ward [aka James M Ward] ( Spellfire / Dragon Ball Z CCG )

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode we step back to the dawn of fantasy hobby gaming history with original TSR game designer Jim Ward (sometime credited as James M. Ward)

Jim shares his origin story—working with Gary Gygax on the earliest Dungeons & Dragons products—before we move onto discussing the second-ever CCG to be released: TSR's Spellfire!

Jim shares his Spellfire stories, some fascinating & others just plain fruity (you'll have to listen). We then move onto Jim's other hit collectible card game design: the original DRAGON BALL Z CCG!!!

All said, Jim shares his interesting perspective on his collectible game design career & we have a bunch to laugh about along the way.

Find Jim's Work at:
firesidecreations.com (77 Lost Worlds / Dragonscales)
goodman-games.com (Metamorphosis Alpha 2nd Edition)
trolllord.com (The Warden *coming soon*)

You can find CCGhistory at:
Twitter.com/CCGhistory
Facebook.com/CCGhistory
YouTube.com/CCGhistory

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 03 — Legend of the Burning Sands Remastered: the story behind the new fan-created set

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

For this mini-episode we talk to Chris Malec, the person behind the brand new remastering of the Legend of the Burning Sands CCG.

Chris tells about the origins of this fan-project and explains the effort that went into updating & streamlining a 20 year old collectible card game.

More than a simple card frame update, the LBS—Remastered fan set offers a reworded set of rules, easier to read card text & more clearly defined card icons.

You can find this new print & play set via lbs-remastered.com

The set is a free download & features a number of new resources for new players, such as a more accessible rule book & simple deck lists to get you started.

If you have a collectible trading card game related topic you'd like to hear discussed on these bonus episodes, you can let us know via email Rands@CCGhistory.com or via one of our social media platforms:

twitter.com/CCGhistory
facebook.com/CCGhistory
youtube.com/CCGhistory

[[Music Credit: Forget the Whale — Man Outta Town]]

Booster Pack Throwback — 09 — Mike Fitzgerald ( Wyvern CCG / WCW Nitro / WWE Raw Deal / X-Men TCG / Pokemon TCG )

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This episode we chat to legendary card game designer Mike Fitzgerald!

Mike is the brains behind some of the most recognizable hobby card games in the market today including Mystery Rummy, Diamonds & the deck-builder Baseball Highlight 2045.

Before all those however, he was the man behind one of the earliest collectible card games to follow Magic: The Gathering's release, WYVERN. We discuss that games design & development, then talk about his other CCG projects.

Mike also shares his experience creating & pitching a game to World Wrestling Entertainment. The story takes a dark turn when the game is released & Mike is not credited for his work.

Join us to hear these & dozens of other behind-the-scenes stories for the trading card games that Mike has worked on.

You can find CCGhistory at:
Twitter.com/CCGhistory
Facebook.com/CCGhistory
YouTube.com/CCGhistory

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Rare Slot — 02 — Decipher's lost CCGs & MTGs first format (Outtakes from BPT with Chuck Kallenbach)

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

Our mini-episodes are going to be titled the "The Booster Pack: RARE SLOT"... you know that place in The Booster Pack everyone is searching for!

These episodes will be a departure from our normal interview episodes.

While the normal episodes are history-based, these mini-episodes are topic based. They will usually feature a guest & they will provide a place where this show can explore wider & more current topics.

For this mini-ep, we have taken an excerpt from our extended interview with Chuck Kallenbach.

In this exclusive clip, Chuck discloses some of the IPs that Decipher Inc was offered to make CCGs for but for one reason or another, they turned down.

Later in the episode Chuck discusses a Magic: The Gathering event he held where people could play the game as originally intended. Constructed decks of only forty cards with no 4-of-a-kind card limits.

If you have a collectible trading card game related topic you would like hear talked about on these bonus episodes, you can let us know via email Rands@CCGhistory.com or on one of our social / media platforms:

twitter.com/CCGhistory
facebook.com/CCGhistory
Youtube.com/CCGhistory

Music Credit: Forget the Whale — Man Outta Town

Booster Pack Throwback — 08 — Chuck Kallenbach [Part 2] ( .hack//ENEMY / WARS TCG / MegaMan / Battlestar Galactica )

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome to PART 2 of our interview with award-winning collectible card game designer Chuck Kallenbach.

In this episode Chuck talks about some of the IP-based card games he created from scratch. These include a games for the popular '.hack' anime/video game franchise & the legendary MegaMan character.

Chuck also talks about Decipher's attempt to revive the mechanics of the Star Wars CCG in their WARS game & shares his challenges on the Battlestar Galactica TCG for WizKids.

As the PART 2 to our previous episode, this one wraps up with the usual "Community Questions" & "Kracken Questions" segments

(note: the community questions cover topics from both THIS episode & the previous PART 1 episode)

[Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman]

Booster Pack Throwback — 07 — Chuck Kallenbach [Part 1] ( Star Wars CCG / Star Trek CCG / Lord of the Rings TCG / Young Jedi TCG )

Wed, 26 May 2021 09:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

In this episode, Rands is joined by one of the most accomplished collectible game designers of all time: Chuck Kallenbach.

Since their introduction in 1993, Chuck has never stopped being involved with Collectible / Trading Card Games. His over his career, he has designed thousands of cards for over 25 games (both digital & physical). He is even the recipient of 2 Origin Awards for Best TCG Design.

In this first instalment of our interview Chuck shares his experiences working on some of popular culture's biggest properties: Star Wars, Star Trek & Lord of the Rings. He tells us about his experiences translating some of film's most loved characters into CCG game pieces & even tells us about the now-canon characters he got the chance to create for those properties.

Find CCGHistory:
twitter.com/CCGhistory
Facebook/CCGhistory

NOTE: This is only PART 1 of our Chuck Kallenbach interview. As this single episode will be split over 2 podcast, be aware that the shows closing segments (Community Questions & Kracken Questions) will only be featured in PART 2. The following instalment of this interview will be posted as The Booster Pack #008 within a week of this episode going live.

Rare Slot — 01 — Retailer talks the 2020-21 Market Surge in the CCG / TCG Market (Outtakes from BPT with Brian Winter)

Tue, 18 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "TBP: Rare Slot" — a Bonus Episode of the former "The Booster Pack Podcast" ]]

Welcome to the first-ever mini-episode of The Booster Pack.

Our mini-episodes are going to be titled the "The Booster Pack: RARE SLOT"... you know that place in The Booster Pack everyone is searching for!

These episodes will be a departure from our normal interview episode.

While the normal episodes are history-based, these mini-episodes are topic based. They will usually feature a guest & they will provide a place where this show can explore wider & more current topics.

For this first mini-ep, we have taken an excerpt from our extended interview with Bryan Winter.

In this exclusive clip Bryan discusses how the sudden & unexpected rise in the TCG / CCG market in 2020-21 has impacted him as a local game store owner.

Bryan has a unique perspective on this issue as he was also at one time a CCG designer at one time as well (learn all about that in The Booster Pack Ep 6).

If you have a collectible trading card game related topic you would like hear talked about on these bonus episodes, you can let us know via email Rands@CCGhistory.com or on one of our social / media platforms:

twitter.com/CCGhistory
facebook.com/CCGhistory
Youtube.com/CCGhistory

Music Credit: Forget the Whale — Man Outta Town

Booster Pack Throwback — 06 — Bryan Winter ( DoomTrooper / The Crow / James Bond 007 / Kult / Dark Eden CCG )

Tue, 11 May 2021 15:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

This episode Rands is joined by one of the most prolific CCG designers of all-time: Bryan Winter!

Bryan tells us about how he went from buying board games from a shelf in a bike shop to becoming a designer of games like DoomTrooper, Kult & The Crow CCG.

It is fascinating to hear Bryan talk about what inspired him to make the game design choices that he had made all those years ago. Bryan also shares some amazing stories about leaning some early help to the team creating Magic: The Gathering & how he almost created the first gaming in the Collectible Miniatures Game genre.

With so many great stories from Brian's unique perspective, this one is a must-listen for lovers of the Collectible Trading Card Game hobby!

Booster Pack Throwback — 05 — John Zinser Returns ( Legend of the Five Rings / Doomtown / Warlord: Saga of the Storm / 7th Sea CCG )

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

John Zinser returns to The Booster Pack to continue telling the story of his company, Alderac Entertainment Group, which he began in our very first episode.

This time John gives us an insider’s perspective for some of the most formative events in tabletop gaming history.

The topics we cover include:

The formation of Five Rings Publishing Group (the company that gave us games like Doomtown, the Dune CCG & Rage: Across Las Vegas)
The role John & his partners played in one of gaming’s biggest-ever business deals: the sale of Dungeons & Dragons to Wizards of the Coast
The rise & fall of the infamous 'Rolling Thunder' distribution model for Collectible Card Games
The impact that Wizards of the Coast’s Trading Card Game patent had on the rest of the Collectible/Trading Card Game industry
Getting an order from the US government to change the “Legend of the Five Rings” logo
The origin of AEG’s Warlord: Saga of the Storm CCG
…and plenty more, including questions from the community

This episode contains some previously untold stories & provides a fascinating insight into the hobby game industry & the business behind it.

If you’re a fan of collectible games or just board games in general, this episode is a must listen.

Music Credits: The Crypts — Rockin’ Roman

Booster Pack Throwback — 04 — Jason Winter ( Star Trek CCG / Fullmetal Alchemist TCG / 24 TCG )

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Rands talks to Jason Winter about his 25+ years as a professional geek.

Jason was one of the first people to be aware of Collectible Trading Card Games and within years of their arrival found himself working in the games industry.

He started his gaming career as a NetRep for Decipher Inc, the publisher of games like the Star Wars CCG, the Star Trek CCG & the Lord of the Rings TCG. Shortly after that he spent years as an Associate Editor of the leading games industry magazine SCRYE.

Before too long, he began designing cards for the Fullmetal Alchemist TCG which lead to the opportunity to co-create his own Collectible Trading Card Game for the classic 20th Century Fox action TV series "24".

Jason shares his years of wisdom with Rands & a unique perspective only one with a career so close to the TCG / CCG category can possess.

If you're a fan of Collectible Games or tabletop gaming in general, you owe it to yourself to check this episode out...

Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman
[Version 2.0 — This is the latest version of this episode, an earlier version was initially available but removed due to an audio issue]

Booster Pack Throwback — 03 — Jason Robinette (Conan CCG, Ophidian 2350, Myths & Legends)

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Rands talks to Jason Robinette, a designer of Collectible Trading Card Games ( CCG / TCG ) for over 25 years.

Jason began as a fan & player, starting out at the legendary Neutral Ground store in New York, before moving on to become a playtester of Collectible Games for companies like Fleer, Decipher & Wizards of the Coast.

Soon after that, Jason joined the team working on the Ophidian 2350 game & later he created the Conan CCG for Comic Images.

We also talk about the importance of randomness & rule books in Collectible/Hobby Strategy games.

Thanks so much for reading this far. If you are still here & you haven't already, you owe it to yourself to at least check it out...

Music Credit: The Crypts — Rockin' Roman

Booster Pack Throwback — 02 — Justin Gary (MTG, VS System, SolForge, Ascension)

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0400

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Welcome to The Booster Pack — a show that covers TCG / CCG games & their history.

Our very second episode we talk to the CEO of Stoneblade Entertainment, Justin Gary.

Justin got started in the games industry as a professional player on the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour. After several trophies & giant checks, he moved onto game design at Upper Deck Entertainment where he helped to create games like the VS System (Marvel/DC) & the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game & World of Warcraft Miniatures Game.

Justin then left Upper Deck & founded Gary Games (later Stoneblade Entertainment). Shortly after that they released one of the most successful deck-building games in the hobby today: Ascension.

In this episode, Rands chats with Justin about his time on the MTG Pro Tour, the need for positive games communities & his exciting new project to bring a classic digital card game to the tabletop.

Gary will return in the coming months, so be sure to subscribe to be notified of that episode & the many more in between.

Follow us or give feedback:
Find us @ https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistory/
Find us @ twitter.com/CCGHistory
YouTube: CCGHistory

music credit:
The Crypts - Rockin' Roman

Booster Pack Throwback — 01 — John Zinser talks Legend of the Five Rings

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 16:00:00 -0500

[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]

Welcome to The Booster Pack — a show that covers TCG / CCG games & their history.

Our very first episode we talk to the CEO of AEG, John Zinser.

AEG is a huge tabletop company that published boxed board games but they got their start in game publishing with Collectible Card Games. Throughout their time publishing Trading Card Games they published titles such as Doomtown, Warlord: Saga of the Storm, 7th Sea CCG & Legend of the Five Rings ( L5R )

Today Rands chats to John Zinser, Todd Rowland & Vlad Orellana about the TCGs / CCGs that got AEG off the ground. John shares the details of how he began in the games industry & share the origin story of AEGs most iconic collectible trading card game: Legend of the Five Rings.

Toward the end of the episode John answers some player questions & we play a game to test John's knowledge of the TCG / CCG cards he published all those years ago.

The Booster Pack is the official podcast of CCG History & is also available on video via the CCGHistory YouTube channel

Find us @ twitter.com/CCGHistory

intro music credit:
The Crypts - Rockin' Roman

The Booster Pack Network

TCG Design Theory — 14 — Max Fieve: Art Direction (Altered TCG)

TCG Design Theory — 13 — Justin Parnell: Managing Organized Play (Altered TCG)

TCG Design Theory — 12 — Chris Haskins: Behind the Design of Paragon TCG

TCG SCOOPS — 07 — August 2023: "Hot Red Dragon Cheetos" ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

TCG Design Theory — 11 — Building a Community For Your TCG with Hunter Angell (Nostalgix)

[[The Booster Pack Network]] Special Announcement — Changes to our content are coming

TCG SCOOPS — 06 — July 2023: "throw it in a volcano" ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

TCG Design Theory — 10 — Designing TCGs without Traditional Combat with Animal Kingdom's Mike Taylor

Rare Slot — 23 — Creating the "Echoes of the Past" expansion with Harry Potter TCG Revival designers Sammy & Huamin (HPTCG)

TCG Design Theory — 09 — Designing Physical TCGs vs Digital TCGs with Chuck Kallenbach

TCG SCOOPS — 05 — June 2023: Putting the BANNED back together ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Rare Slot — 22 — 30 Years of Magic: Misprint & Oddity Cards w/ Ryan W Rooks

TCG Design Theory — 08 — Marketing tips for your TCG with Joey Senart

Booster Pack Throwback — 35 — Making the Sorcery: Contested Realms TCG with creator Erik Olofsson

TCG SCOOPS — 04 — May 2023* ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG ) [PLUS: Early Disney's Lorcana opinions]

Rare Slot — 21 — 30 Years of Magic: The first-ever TCG Tournament with finalist Rick Townsend (Gen Con 1993)

TCG Design Theory — 07 — Crowdfunding Tips for your Trading Card Game with Anya Combs ( BackerKit Tabletop Manager) )

TCG SCOOPS — 03 — April 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Rare Slot - 20 - Top indie TCGs of 2023 with Card Game Crypt

Booster Pack Throwback — 34 — Paul W. Brown: Precedence Entertainment's CCGs (Babylon 5 CCG, Wheel of Time, Tomb Raider TCG + more)

TCG Design Theory — 06 — Card Movement & Positioning in TCGs with Alex Miller ( Genesis: Battle Of Champions TCG )

TCG SCOOPS — 02 — March 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG )

Rare Slot — 19 — Assad Quraishi on the recent change in the TCG industry (Genesis: Battle of Champions)

TCG Design Theory — 05 — TCG Resource Systems with Steve Sekula ( GemBlenders TCG )

TCG SCOOPS — 01 — February 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG ) *SOME AUDIO QUALITY ISSUES*

Booster Pack Throwback — 33 — Brian Lewis: The first lawyer for Magic: The Gathering & TCGs

TCG Design Theory — 04 — Designing TCG Combat Mechanics with Tanner McBride ( KRYPTIK TCG )

Rare Slot — 18 — BONUS: Pilot episode for a new TCG News podcast

Booster Pack Throwback — 32 — Creating the world of Legend of the Five Rings & 7th Sea with John Wick

TCG Design Theory — 03 — Designing a TCG around a Theme with Ridge Kiley ( ALPHA CLASH TCG )

Rare Slot — 16 — Managing an indie TCG with STERLING from D-Spirits

Booster Pack Throwback — 31 — Matt Forbeck: His work on Trading Card Games

TCG Design Theory — 02 — The Eras of TCG History with Rands Lincoln

Rare Slot — 16 — Ben Riggs: What happened to RPGs when TCGs arrived

Booster Pack Throwback — 30 — Peter Adkison: Founding Wizards of the Coast & Publishing Magic The Gathering and Pokemon TCG

TCG Design Theory — 01 — Gabe Barrett & the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Game Designers

Rare Slot —15 — Introducing the TCG DESIGN THEORY podcast w/ Jay Dotson

Booster Pack Throwback — 29 — Middle Earth CCG with designer Coleman Charlton

Rare Slot — 14 — Introducing "Igniting The Spark" (a Magic: The Gathering documentary)

Booster Pack Throwback — 28 — Decipher's STAR WARS CCG with designer Tom Braunlich

Booster Pack Throwback — 27 — Decipher's STAR TREK CCG with designer Tom Braunlich

TBP: SINGLES #3 — Going to GenCon? [ARCHIVED]

Booster Pack Throwback — 26 — OVERPOWER & Star Trek: TOS CCG with Stephen Domzalski

Rare Slot — 13 — TCGs & Environmental Sustainability with Andrew Navaro ( Earthborne Rangers creator / former-FFG Head-of-Studio)

Booster Pack Throwback — 25 — Steven E. Schend on the Blood Wars CCG, TSR, WotC & more

Rare Slot — 12 — John Jackson Miller & SCRYE magazine ( Author of Star Wars & Star Trek novels )

Booster Pack Throwback — 24 — Matt Hyra on VS System, Magic: The Gathering & much more!

Rare Slot — 11 — PvE in TCGs with Brett Schofield ( Designer of The Librarians Adventure Card Game )

TBP: SINGLES #2 — The FUTURE of licensed TCG / CCGs?

Booster Pack Throwback — 23 — Josh Lytle ( Magi-Nation Duel / The Spoils TCG )

Rare Slot — 10 — What is a hTCG / the hTCG community? (with Zack from Chaos Galaxy TCG)

Booster Pack Throwback — 22 — Paul Peterson: WotC's Deckmaster & beyond! ( VtES / Netrunner / Battletech / Harry Potter TCG + many more )

TBP: SINGLES #1 — FREE GIVEAWAY: win *hand-painted, original* TCG / CCG Artwork! (+ new episode format)

Booster Pack Throwback — 21 — Guardians & Dark Age CCG with their designer Luke Peterschmidt

Booster Pack Throwback — 20 — Introducing "D-Spirits" with STERLING

Rare Slot — 09 — Top 5 "Dead" CCGs (featuring DEAD DECKS)

Booster Pack Throwback — 19 — X-Files & Scooby-Doo with co-designer Brian Woodward

Booster Pack Throwback — 18 — Vampire: The Eternal Struggle with L. Scott Johnson (Lead Designer 2000-2010)

Booster Pack Throwback — 17 — MARVEL OverPower designers: Theo & Michael Stern

Rare Slot — 08 — Jed MacKay ( Writer of the "MAGIC: THE GATHERING" comic book )

Booster Pack Throwback — 16 — Assad Quraishi : The history & philosophy behind GENESIS Battle of Champions + KICKSTARTER launch

Booster Pack Throwback — 15 — James Ernest ( XXXEnophile CCG / Button Men / Pirates of the Spanish Main / Magic: The Gathering )

Rare Slot — 07 — Harry Potter TCG Revival's latest virtual expansion PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Rare Slot — 06 — The Kickstarter CCG era & the future of TCG/CCG market with BRONSON

Rare Slot — 05 — The origin of SCRYE with founder J Morgyn White (the first-ever CCG / TCG magazine)

Booster Pack Throwback — 14 — Sorcery: Contested Realm [ERIK OLOFSSON, Path of Exile's Creative Director, introduces his new TCG]

Rare Slot — 04 — The untold story of the lost TRANSFORMERS CCG with Quan Williams

Booster Pack Throwback — 13 — Shawn Carnes ( early Magic: The Gathering / Vampire: The Eternal Struggle / BattleTech CCG )

Booster Pack Throwback — 12 — Mark MacKinnon ( Sailor Moon CCG )

Booster Pack Throwback — 11 — Justin Gary Returns! ( VS System CCG / the new SOLFORGE FUSION / World of Warcraft Minis & TCG )

Booster Pack Throwback — 10 — Jim Ward [aka James M Ward] ( Spellfire / Dragon Ball Z CCG )

Rare Slot — 03 — Legend of the Burning Sands Remastered: the story behind the new fan-created set

Booster Pack Throwback — 09 — Mike Fitzgerald ( Wyvern CCG / WCW Nitro / WWE Raw Deal / X-Men TCG / Pokemon TCG )

Rare Slot — 02 — Decipher's lost CCGs & MTGs first format (Outtakes from BPT with Chuck Kallenbach)

Booster Pack Throwback — 08 — Chuck Kallenbach [Part 2] ( .hack//ENEMY / WARS TCG / MegaMan / Battlestar Galactica )

Booster Pack Throwback — 07 — Chuck Kallenbach [Part 1] ( Star Wars CCG / Star Trek CCG / Lord of the Rings TCG / Young Jedi TCG )

Rare Slot — 01 — Retailer talks the 2020-21 Market Surge in the CCG / TCG Market (Outtakes from BPT with Brian Winter)

Booster Pack Throwback — 06 — Bryan Winter ( DoomTrooper / The Crow / James Bond 007 / Kult / Dark Eden CCG )

Booster Pack Throwback — 05 — John Zinser Returns ( Legend of the Five Rings / Doomtown / Warlord: Saga of the Storm / 7th Sea CCG )

TCG SCOOPS — 01 — February 2023 ( News from Magic: The Gathering / Yu-Gi-Oh / Pokemon TCG ) SOME AUDIO QUALITY ISSUES

TBP: SINGLES #1 — FREE GIVEAWAY: win hand-painted, original TCG / CCG Artwork! (+ new episode format)