SUBSCRIBE TO CAMPAIGN ON iTUNES Hosted by Alex Roberts, Backstory is an ongoing series of interviews with game designers, organizers, scholars, and other members of the role-playing community. This show is all about the person behind the work. What draws them to gaming? In what context do they work and play? What are they most excited about for the future? Alex loves getting to know people, and you’ll love coming along for the ride.
Alex Roberts is a giggling cutie who wants role-playing to be safe, healthy, and fun. She play tests, runs, and promotes live-action and tabletop games from her impenetrable ice spire in the frozen wastelands of Canada.
In a previous life she made and wrote about video games. At the moment, she is probably reading a very cute comic book.
79. Whitney Delaglio
Game designer and illustrator Whitney Delaglio on intimacy and problem-solving in games. Also: consensual storytelling is a sandwich; pass it on.
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78. Lauren McManamon
Game designer and wandering Kiwi Lauren McManamon talks about applying discursive analysis to the gaming table, roleplaying desire, and the strange birds that help us get through it all. We also discuss Lauren’s academic work on the treatment of sexual assault complainants in the legal system, so please take care if and when you decide...
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77. Becky Annison
Writer and designer Becky Annison joins us to talk gaming in the UK, werewolf romance, and an essential source of game design inspiration: reality television. Bite Me! on KickstarterBecky Annison on TwitterBlack Armada (Becky’s publishing company, with Josh Fox)Black Armada on TwitterSeven Wonders: a Story Games Anthology
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76. Kai Poh
Kai Poh, games journalist and co-runner (with his partner Elisha) of the Role Over Play Dead blog, chats with Alex about tabletop and live-action gaming in Malaysia.
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75. Alex Roberts
In honour of the show’s third anniversary, producer Alex Sisk interviews the creator and host of Backstory. Learn about the process behind the show, how she prepares for and conducts interviews, and her plans for the future – in podcasting and beyond. Thanks for sticking with us, friends. It’s been a wonderful time. Alex’s websiteStar...
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74. James Mendez Hodes
James Mendez Hodes is a Filipino-American writer, game designer, cultural consultant, and martial artist who knows which kind of sword Alex should use. If you’re curious about Heian or Sengoku period Japan, or about playing other cultures or historical periods in general, listen in! Consider this a companion piece to an upcoming episode of ONE...
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73. Albert Kong
Game designer and artist Albert Kong joins us for a talk about parkour, the art of gathering, and other ways to open the potential for play in the world around you. Albert’s website Albert on Twitter Albert’s Inbox Zine Mt. Caz The We-Ness A Pattern Language Tom Sachs The Dispossessed
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72. Senda Linaugh
Game designer and co-creator of She’s a Super Geek, Senda Linaugh, talks gaming, creativity, and community connection. Content note for discussion of abusive relationships. Senda on Twitter She’s a Super Geek Pandas Talking Games Love & Justice We Can Once More Ascend Senda on Gnome Stew
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71. Jeff Dieterle
Award-winning larp designer Jeff Dieterle joins us for a talk about music, magic, stupid games, and kiss jail.
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70. Andrea Morales Coto
Design strategist Andrea Morales Coto is bringing the magic of live-action game design to new avenues, from distribution methods to cryptoeconomic systems and beyond. Learn along with Alex!
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