All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. In this last special episode Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together all the hosts from the years of Brainwaves. Iain McAllister, Jamie Adams, Iain Chantler, Oliver Kinne, and Sam Maggs reminisce about the formation of the show, how it has changed over the years, why I brought it to an end and the future of games journalism. 

 

Show Notes

 

Meeple People Podcast

 

No Pun Included

 

Dized Episode

 

Simon Lavender

 

Jason Perez on board game journalism

 

https://soundcloud.com/onestopcoopshop/397-board-game-media-a-critical-assessment-with-jason-luke-plunkett-and-keith-law

 

Indie Game Reading Club

 

Aftermath

 

Rascal

 

Boardgamewire

 

Mothership

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newan
game-a-lot.fun/en
facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

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

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

 

It is the very last episode of Brainwaves. Iain, Jamie, and Oliver venture once more into the news wilds to bring you only the latest and best news. For our last show Mythic finally admit they are no more, the Diamond case starts to actually look like there may be a conclusion in sight, Ryan Dancey puts his backing behind AI, and the usual news on movements, promotions, hirings and more. 

 

Headlines

 

Mythic is gone

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/12/10/darkest-dungeon-board-game-maker-mythic-games-officially-liquidated-fails-to-deliver-on-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-crowdfunding-projects/

 

Ryan Dancey embraces AI

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7402402221167894529?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A(activity%3A7402402221167894529%2C7402427021819076608)&dashCommentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_comment%3A(7402427021819076608%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7402402221167894529)

 

https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk/post/3m7isbb6h6s2e

 

Diamond Bankruptcy Court Denies Motions to Dismiss + Advisors Bill Another $900k

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61085/bankruptcy-court-denies-motions-dismiss

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61108/diamond-advisors-bill-another-900k 

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61214/bank-pulls-plug-diamond

 

News

 

GAMA moves chairs

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/27/gama-names-veteran-leadership-consultant-past-lives-regression-hypnotist-zaria-davis-as-interim-executive-director/

 

Mongoose licenses Traveller

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61113/mongoose-licenses-traveller-5e-version

 

The Picts

https://www.thenational.scot/news/25614713.scottish-archaeologists-gamer-designers-collaborate-picts-book/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=Iwb21leAOBc-RjbGNrA4Fz3WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlLsAPy1xBcyuIovYHbLe8vwyB3En18KMj2-nWXN-01Fp3-TZk5xaq6n9P0g_aem_ZHoILtQp6CTdnactQo8lyQ#Echobox=1762933955-3

 

https://www.rascal.news/carved-in-stone-is-both-a-history-book-and-an-eye-catching-rpg/ - paying subscribers only

 

https://www.stoutstoat.co.uk/products/carved-in-stone?ref=rascal.news

 

Obituaries

 

RIP Burt Meyer

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/arts/design/burton-meyer-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3k8.fC2y.y0ySzxk44dLP&smid=url-share

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening for all these years. The cast will still be around if you want to listen to our back catalogue and Iain will be covering the news in his newsletter that you can sign up for on our Patreon. 

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Iain and Oliver are in the studio to bring you the latest tabletop news from around the globe. From crowdfunding messes and AI promotion to Upper Deck getting counter-claimed by Ravensburger, we have all the important information you need. Also this episode we have a special announcement at the end of the cast. 

 

Headlines

 

Altering the Deal

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/altered/seeds-of-unity/updates/10

 

Steamforged Slash Terra Mystica Special Edition

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/05/high-price-complaints-sluggish-start-sees-steamforged-slash-terra-mystica-special-edition-all-in-price-by-over-100-within-hours-of-gamefound-launch/

 

Terra Mystica Gamefound campaign: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica 

 

Campaign update announcing the price drop: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/steamforged-games/terra-mystica/updates/7 

 

UKGE promotes AI art 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aAkxyfbrB/

 

Gates of Krystalia Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatesofkrystalia-rpg/gates-of-krystalia-book-anime-tt-jrpg-in-style-isekai 

 

Kickstarter United victory

https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-workers-will-strike-beginning-october-2/

https://www.rascal.news/kickstarter-united-ends-six-week-strike-with-a-resounding-victory/

https://kickstarterunited.org/?ref=rascal.news

 

Updates

 

Ravensburger wants money back from Upper Deck

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/11/08/ravensburger-pushes-for-upper-deck-to-pay-3-8m-legal-fees-it-racked-up-defeating-groundless-but-unrelenting-disney-lorcana-lawsuit/

 

News

 

Braincrack Games shutters

instagram.com/p/DQfH0H3jH8t/?igsh=MXFjejF3aHhoZGc1OA==

 

Wise Wizard Games

https://www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-games-business-update/

 

Asmodee interim report April-September 2025

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodees-interim-report-april-september-2025-sustained-growth-and-ebitda-improvement 

 

Bezier Games’ Socials Hacked

https://bsky.app/profile/beziergames.bsky.social/post/3m5umtfrre22v

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Tabletop Games Blog Raffle in aid of Trussell / UK Food Banks

http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle 

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

The whole team is back in the studio to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming globe. From acquisitions, financial reports, record breaking conventions, and card game companies taking on Musk. 

Headlines

Spiel Essen 25 Breaks Attendance Record

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/press?view=article&id=304&catid=12

 

Deutscher Spiele Preis 2025 Winners

https://www.spiel-essen.de/en/program/dsp 

 

Asmodee wants the precious 

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-becomes-the-exclusive-tabletop-games-category-manager-to-middle-earth-enterprises-home-to-iconic-the-lord-of-the-rings-and-the-hobbit-ips

 

Asmodee announces new studio

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/asmodee-announces-the-creation-of-moodbox-games-a-new-studio-dedicated-to-developing-party-games-for-the-us-mass-market 

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60787/asmodee-launches-new-party-game-studio

 

Hasbro 3rd Quarter Results

https://investor.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbro-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results

 

https://www.rascal.news/sigil-suffered-a-slow-ignoble-death/

 

Updates

 

Upper Deck goes back to the well

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/10/upper-deck-brings-new-claim-against-ravensburger-in-disney-lorcana-lawsuit-after-losing-all-its-existing-claims-against-publisher-trial-of-designer-ryan-miller-to-start-next-month/

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60786/judge-rules-against-upper-deck-ravensburger-suit

 

Asmodee acquires Cthulhu Death May Die from CMON

https://corporate.asmodee.com/news/cthulhu-death-may-die-ip-and-games-now-part-of-asmodee 

 

News

 

Amigo games US shutters

https://bsky.app/profile/amigogames.bsky.social/post/3m3ajgvmohc26

 

Cards Against Humanity and against SpaceX

https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/160848/cards-against-humanity-we-forced-spacex-to-get-off-our-land

 

D&D Club goes to court

https://archive.ph/NvJwh

 

D&D Head brings back key talent

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60896/new-d-d-head-brings-back-key-talent

 

Obituaries

 

Rob Wieland

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60796/r-i-p-robert-wieland

 

https://www.enworld.org/threads/gaming-journalist-rob-wieland-passes-at-age-48.715723/

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-of-robert-wieland

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

 

Ca-Ton

https://www.ign.com/articles/netflix-goes-all-in-on-catan-with-live-action-and-animated-films-and-tv-series-planned?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68f7dbba1f00ed0001016c78&fbclid=IwY2xjawNk3J1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHiAAGCEB1IgEdWOK3TXcWCPxOVkow0HuoZTGAStyGBdf0ACjWyPRRwj_OBq__aem_crgubThNaWNbem7KUfD8vQ

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Jamie and Iain bring you the choicest cuts from the worldwide tabletop news beast. Seasoned with the usual amount of controversy, nonsense, and awards. Dig in on episode 169 of Brainwaves. 

Headlines

 

Kickstarter workers go on strike 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/01/kickstarter-workers-set-to-strike-tomorrow-over-minimum-salary-proposals-four-day-work-week-protection/

 

GAMA rebrands

https://www.rascal.news/gama-has-been-rebranded-as-er-gama/

 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/02/gama-unveils-10-year-plan-to-become-epicenter-of-global-tabletop-gaming-industry-renames-itself-after-almost-50-years/

 

CMON sells HQ

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/10/08/cmon-sells-global-headquarters-after-suffering-12m-h1-revenue-slump-charges-some-pre-order-customers-extra-to-cover-tariffs/

 

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/dc-heroes-united/updates/116

 

News

 

Games workshop sues miniature designer

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1128194319521158

 

French Games competition

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/29/french-competition-which-has-celebrated-unpublished-board-game-designs-for-almost-50-years-unveils-2025-winners/

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Hasbro woman innovators in play

https://spark.hasbro.com/womeninnovators

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

 

Kaiju cluedo

https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/clue-gets-a-monstrous-makeover-with-clue-godzilla/

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

The team are back in full force to bring you the latest news from across the tabletop gaming world. From CMON escaping Hel, to the gender split in designers, and an interview with two of the team behind Tabletop Scotland, we work hard to bring you the news that really matters. 

Headlines

Cmon escapes Hel

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/10/cmon-continues-battle-against-heavy-losses-by-selling-on-recently-acquired-hel-anastyr-ips-to-dont-panic-games/

 

Ludonatue stops making new games

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/09/08/passion-in-board-game-profession-has-given-way-to-economic-reality-ludonaute-to-stop-publishing-new-games-in-wake-of-selling-off-colt-express-living-forest-ips/

 

Tabletop Scotland grows

https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopscot.bsky.social/post/3lyl5umadk32l

 

Updates

Diamond

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60388/order-clarifies-next-steps-diamond-consignment-inventory

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60503/diamond-files-adversary-proceedings-against-31-vendors

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60518/diamond-fees-top-1-million-july

 

News

Dutch boardgame prize

https://denederlandsespellenprijs.nl/nieuws/nominaties-2025-bekend/

 

Gender split in designers

https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3ly25x3cez227

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/297088/games-by-women-and-people-of-marginalized-genders

 

Nominees for Bobby Nunes Memorial award

https://sdhist.com/2025-bobby-nunes-memorial-award-finalists/

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

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

Tabletop Games Blog Raffle

http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle 

 

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

Monopoly Coin

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/15/ninety-years-monopoly-special-50p-coin-royal-mint

 

Our Links

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Iain and Oliver bring you a bumper packed episode of Brainwaves with all the latest news, controversies, and occurrences from across the tabletop gaming world in episode 167 of Brainwaves. 

 

Headlines

 

Devir… damn guys that’s racist as hell

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/just-some-ole-racist-history-crap/page/1 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555308/article/46440167#46440167 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/08/devir-to-recall-all-copies-of-new-release-ace-of-spades-after-backlash-over-slavery-depictions-in-artwork-apologises-for-causing-harm/

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60259/devir-recalling-ace-spades

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3555679/a-message-to-the-community 

 

More CMON Executive Leavers and profit warning 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/07/cmons-long-serving-chief-financial-officer-company-secretary-latest-to-resign-from-financially-troubled-business/

 

https://www.marketscreener.com/news/cmon-limited-announces-resignation-of-koh-zheng-kai-as-chief-financial-officer-with-effect-from-14-ce7c5ed2dd8bf026

 

https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_a4de1fe9-336e-4f30-98af-42f7d08fc4ce

 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/21/new-cmon-profit-warning-says-losses-could-reach-8m-for-first-half-of-2025-almost-three-times-its-overall-profit-from-the-last-ten-years/

 

US Import Tariff Troubles

https://www.ctpa.org.uk/news/usa-de-minimis-exemption-suspended-8542

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p17xypgko?fbclid=IwY2xjawMWgf5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjtV7mqx6qv6P4-CSGWofvqYpk1vI-O59FV4q2U0N-UOduSuyZ8kGm8ruuFX_aem_rHTP6ygrvyZB_JDrDY_mYg

 

Updates

 

CGE Responds to HP Codenames Backlash

CGE’s response on various social media platforms:
Instagram: https://discord.com/channels/653652846167851008/1397834273645396100/1403479858251825285
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/czechgames.com/post/3lvw44i6tk32r

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1328670495928290&id=100063560561493&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=c6aJLUWZCsvY5SJG# 

Block Collective’s response: https://bsky.app/profile/blockcollectives.bsky.social/post/3lvyas4jezs2q 

 

Read this

https://www.rascal.news/zatu-denies-toxic-workplace-allegations-from-former-employees/

 

News

 

Ultimate Guard jump into Harry Potter controversy

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60061/new-harry-potter-ultimate-guard-deck-boxes-unveiled

 

GenCon 2025 Sets New Attendance Record

https://www.gencon.com/press/record-breaking-gencon-2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60227/gen-con-2025-sets-new-attendance-record

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/08/05/gen-con-exhibitor-numbers-rebound-to-record-levels-despite-tariffs-uncertainty-biggest-ever-attendance-reaches-almost-72000/

Suzanne Sheldon post on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/425suzanne.bsky.social/post/3lvqiqhyche2g 

 

Funforge has been liquidated

https://ludovox.fr/funforge-en-liquidation-judiciaire-le-dernier-mot-de-son-fondateur/

 

Mobeus makes Big Potato a Hot Potato

https://www.mobeus.co.uk/news/mobeus-backs-big-potato-games/

https://www.mobeus.co.uk/investments/big-potato-games/

https://www.dcadvisory.com/news-deals-insights/deal-announcements/dc-advisory-advises-mobeus-equity-partners-on-its-investment-in-big-potato-games/#gref

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Pegasus Designer Days 2025

 

https://pegasus.de/UEber-uns/Karriere/Designer-Days/

Application form: https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/KS5KF9F 

 

Playfest London

https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

 

Pictionary Potato

https://shopping.mattel.com/en-gb/products/pictionary-pic-tato-hot-potato-game-jdx95-en-gb

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Jamie and Oliver bring you the latest news from around the tabletop gaming world. From CGE failing to conjure a decent response, to Gamefound acquiring a rival they cover the stories that really matter in episode 166 of Brainwaves. 

  Headlines

Czech Games Edition announces new Harry Potter Codenames https://bsky.app/profile/codenamesgame.bsky.social/post/3lul7oqmuws25

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/29/reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric/

Gamefound Acquires Indiegogo

https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogo

https://go.indiegogo.com/blog/2025/07/gamefound-x-indiegogo-the-future-of-creativity.html 

 

Itch blocks nsfw content

itch.io
https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content

  Updates

Diamond

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60125/diamond-moves-sell-diamond-uk-employee-group
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60161/new-filings-diamond-consignment-dispute-sparkle-pop-amends-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment

  News

Zatu denies exploitative environment claims

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/21/board-game-retailer-zatu-games-denies-exploiting-low-paid-apprentices-toxic-work-culture-claims-after-wave-of-online-criticism/

Reddit post that was deleted - link to Web Archive / Way Back Machine saved version: https://web.archive.org/web/20250427174157/https://www.reddit.com/r/Norwich/comments/1k5xipq/experiences_with_employment_at_zatu_games/

Games Workshop rides high 

https://investor.games-workshop.com/news-posts/annualreport2025

Diana Jones Award 2025 Winners Announced

https://www.dianajonesaward.org/

 

Obituaries

Ace of Aces designer Al Leonardi passed away

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3542362/passing-of-al-leonardi

https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/alfred-leonardi/#!/Obituary 

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

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

Playfest London

https://www.minervatabletop.co.uk/playfest

 

Patreon Shoutouts

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

Our Links

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Jamie’s off boating around, no really, so it’s just Oliver and Iain in the studio this week. On episode 165 of Brainwaves they cover Diamond Heists, Spiel Des Jahres, more trouble for CMON and D&D moving to a franchise model, whatever that means. 

 

Headlines

 

Diamond Distribution go on a heist

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-green-ronin-in-critical-legal-defense?attribution_id=sl:0591297a-c303-4ba5-a93c-3b7bd62227df&lang=en_US&ts=1752187231&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_t2

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60060/numerous-objections-diamonds-hostage-inventory-plan?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky

Draughts union plans

Rascal report: https://www.rascal.news/draughts-workers-celebrated-a-unanimous-strike-vote-with-a-rally-and-a-police-visit/

UVW statement: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/disputes/were-not-playing-anymore/

Strike fund: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/donate/

 

Spiel des Jahres Award Winners

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/aktuelle-preistraeger-2025/

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/das-spiel-des-jahres-2025-heisst-bomb-busters/

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/preisverleihung-2025-ich-dachte-das-koennte-etwas-werden

 

News

 

CMON announces cancellation of Degenesis: Clan Wars Gamefound campaign after breakdown in relationship

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/07/04/cmon-announces-cancellation-of-degenesis-clan-wars-gamefound-campaign-after-breakdown-in-relationship-legal-dispute-with-ip-holder/

 

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/cmon/degenesis-clan-wars/updates/43

 

https://www.goonhammer.com/games-industry-news-roundup-july-8th-2025/

 

Asmodee partners with Maestro

https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/news/asmodee-launches-a-new-partnership-with-maestro-media/

 

https://maestromedia.com/blogs/news/asmodee-usa-announces-exclusive-distribution-partnership-with-maestro-media?srsltid=AfmBOoqJAC0wnG3lfCmhalOgqifajKstu7Jzb2AkDTcYinp-Fg2ZM_jj

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59936/maestro-media-strikes-exclusive-distro-deal-asmodee

 

D&D moves to a franchise model

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-ayoub-0479491_dungeonsanddragons-dnd-gamedevelopment-activity-7348517655173054464-a2W3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAzo-SsBsPeDaLi3-DsTkFrdOApKJU-qNAc

 

Tycoon Games acquires Gamelyn Games

https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/175835/tycoon-games-acquires-gamelyn-games

 

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59970/tycoon-acquires-gamelyn-brand

 

Women in Toys - Wonder Women Awards - 2025 Nominees

https://www.womenintoys.com/nominees

 

Cubicle 7 misses the credits

https://bsky.app/profile/oldoakgames.bsky.social/post/3lslf7c2zsc2h

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Tag der Brettspielkritik 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuxxkAzN7LI

 

Tabletop Scotland 

https://tabletopscotland.co.uk/

 

Tabletop Games Blog Raffle

http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle 

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

 

Uno Casino edition

 

https://www.palms.com/press-room/mattel-debuts-uno-experience-at-palms-casino-resort

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky

Iain https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

Oliver https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopgamesblog.com

Jamie https://bsky.app/profile/jamsandwich.bsky.social

 

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

It’s the latest episode of Brainwaves! Join Iain and Jamie as they dive into the world of tabletop industry news to bring you the glistening pearls and dank seaweed from across the globe. 

 

Headlines

 

Hasbro cuts 3% of workforce 

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/hasbro-cuts-3-its-total-workforce-wsj-reports-2025-06-17/

 

Dungeons and Dragons designers end up at critical role

https://darringtonpress.com/welcoming-chris-perkins-and-jeremy-crawford-to-our-team/

 

DrivethruRPG hates rebels

https://www.rascal.news/drivethrurpg-delisted-a-tabletop-game-about-revolutions-over-hateful-politics/

 

Updates

 

Tabletop Workers United win a Union contract

https://www.rascal.news/new-york-based-tabletop-workers-united-win-a-union-contract-after-prolonged-battle/

 

Zombicide finds a new home 

https://www.cmon.com/press/zombicide-finds-a-new-home-with-asmodee/

 

News

 

Diana Jones Award finalists announced

https://bsky.app/profile/dianajonesaward.org/post/3lrsurculak25

 

Elizabeth Hargrave, Kristin Looney and others meet Capitol Hill to talk about Tariffs

https://bsky.app/profile/elizhargrave.bsky.social/post/3lrcd6cvll22l

 

Link to S 1593: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1593/BILLS-119s1593is.pdf

 

Related post on GAMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGAMAOnline/photos/gama-members-and-staff-are-on-capitol-hill-advocating-for-zero-tariffs-on-toys-a/1128806115959973/ 

 

Reaper moves out of the UK

https://bsky.app/profile/leedseurope.bsky.social/post/3lrzrtm47ac25

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Tabletop Games Blog Raffle

http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle 

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

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

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

The team of three are back to bring you the latest tabletop news. This episode we have fresh stats from UK Games Expo, companies setting fire to their IPs, ebay busting unions, and the Spiel des Jahres nominations. 

 

Headlines

 

UK Games Expo figures

https://bsky.app/profile/ukge.bsky.social/post/3lqkkfgaem22y

 

https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/06/03/uk-games-expo-now-fully-on-the-world-stage-of-mega-cons-as-record-breaking-event-surpasses-gen-con-for-trade-hall-size/

 

Union Busting Escalation

https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/ebay-escalates-intimidation-union-members-after-closure-announcement

 

CMON Fire Sale

https://www.cmon.com/press/legendary-games-find-new-homes/

 

News

 

Spiel des Jahres nominations announced

https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/aktuelle-preistraeger-2025/

 

HCM Kinzel GmbH goes into insolvency

https://verbraucherschutzforum.berlin/2025-05-19/hcm-kinzel-gmbh-unter-vorlaeufiger-insolvenzverwaltung-gericht-ordnet-umfassende-sicherungsmassnahmen-an-369652/

 

HCM Kinzel website: https://shop.hcm-kinzel.de/ 

 

Cardboard Edison Award Winners 2025 Announced

https://cardboardedison.com/award

 

Jobs, Opportunities, and Events

 

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

 

Game in Lab (Asmodee) - International call for projects

https://www.game-in-lab.org/en/international-call-for-projects/

 

IWGB launches tabletop freelancer survey

https://bsky.app/profile/gameworkers.co.uk/post/3lpmfw3tj2k2u

The survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdT1nYVqWkNVZa_jH_9q1Ofw_k-7Bbpko9EkrZFsvGU6ny3eQ/viewform 

 

Tabletop Games Blog Raffle

http://tabletopgamesblog.com/raffle 

 

Battle in the Burgh

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/battle-in-the-burgh/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKuuUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBlelpxZ0ZJY01rR0szT3JCAR6AfPtg4y3wvpPMqpjKs-xKUlGJCAT7Ctwbz3ktUgBfkFLyIztWQaznraAb6g_aem_u0AKKQZHqXFvl7a8HRnaQQ

 

Patreon Shoutouts

 

Kevin Bertram

https://www.fortcircle.com/

 

James Naylor

https://naylorgames.com/

 

Shaun Newman

game-a-lot.fun/en

facebook.com/gamealotboardgames

 

Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thegiantbrain

 

Support Us

https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/

 

Fanroll

https://fanrolldice.com/ref/2783/

 

Outro

 

StoryBake- game and bake your game

https://www.rascal.news/storybake-is-out-of-the-oven/

 

Our Links

 

Thanks very much for listening. If you like what you’ve listened to then the best way to help us out is to share the podcast and drop us a review and rating on itunes.  You can also follow us on

 

Oliver: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/

Discord: https://discord.gg/3bMx2HK75r

Blusky:https://bsky.app/profile/giantbrain.co.uk

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

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

Website: https://giantbrain.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]