Episode 9 - Gamer Parenting

Sorry about the delay - we didn't have our full recording kit, and we gave the Olympus WS-110 a run for its money.

This episode was suggested by our expectant co-host, Jacqui, and for this, we invite two Gamer Moms; Michele (who at the time of recording was expecting) and Robin (who after 5 children is expecting at least a couple of them to support her in her retirement). At the time of this posting, Michele, her husband Woody, and big sister Abby, have welcomed Katie into their happy gaming family. And we're happy to report that all are well :).

Stephanie and I have been around kids in gaming for years, whether that has meant bringing them along with a significant other, moving the game to the location where the Player/Parent is/making our homes kid-friendly, or...always being prepared...having a current phonebook with the number to Poison Control.

Stephanie also hosts a kid-friendly board-game night, where the kids are encouraged to play as well, so that parents can hang out with their friends and their kids can also play together, and in the process, exposing them to situations and
different people, and socializing them.

As we get older and have kids, or have an increasing number of friends with them, we have to adjust our schedules and accommodate these responsibilities. This doesn't mean less enjoyment of the hobby, at least it doesn't have to.

We address issues such as taking care of the very wee ones, sharing responsibilities with your partner, and eventually, should they choose to game as well, introduce the kiddos to the hobby. Gaming can also teach kids to reason and think critically, however we never do quite answer the question of how many gamers it takes to back a moving van up a driveway ;).

Also - computer roleplaying - the kids do it, we do it - it's not exactly being around the table, but it's still social - so how do you WoW with the wee (or not so wee) ones around? We manage to fit a mini-discussion of D&D 4.0 - and regarding kids - we discuss the relationship between what WoTC is doing with their online content and trying to entice the "next generation" of gamers into the realm of D&D, by moving the paper and pen games to the virtual arena.

There's a LOT of laughing in this one - I can't explain it - there just is :).

We take a detour around a 8-10 minute discussion of Spore, Jacqui's travails with purchasing said game, and the dreaded DRM as well (however, there's a relevant tie-in - seriously!!!)

We also ended up having a mini-review of D&D 4.0 now that some of us around the table have played or ran it, but that's been split off as a separate recording - watch this space for the follow-up ;)

Enjoy - and please - feedback!!! Other Gamer Parents, Moms or Dads, please let us know - how does your gaming group handle children, or do they?

Carol



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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

The SLGG spotlight is on Green Fairy Games this time, as I got an interview with Justin Bow, creator of 'Fae Noir', and recorded a demo of 'Candycreeps' with Nick Licata (and fellow podcaster J.J from FFoC). And while creating the character sketches was fun, it doesn't translate well to audio, so through the magic of Audacity, we just fast forwarded past that ;).

The demo was at the IPR booth, so there was a lot of commotion, which I've tried to filter out as best I can.

Our character sketches - Lefty the Undead Superstar Jock and Hello Goth Fashonista




A copy of 'Candycreeps' - go to Green Fairy Games and get it, you won't regret it!



Links:

http://www.greenfairygames.com
http://www.indiepressrevolution.com

Promos:

The Podgecast http://www.podgecast.com
Fist Full of Comics and Games http://www.fistfullofcomics.com/


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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

Here is the first of several interviews that I was lucky enough to get at GenCon. I had the pleasure of playing a session of 'Godsend Agenda' last GenCon with my fellow AGC co-hosts, Mark and Chris, as well as some of the rest of the Rolemonkeys, and the guys from The Gamemaster Show.

This year, Jerry brings us Hellas: Worlds of Sun and Stone. It's an awesome looking game with a deceptively simple mechanic that can handle anything.

Also at the booth was Andy Kitkowski - selling Maid the Roleplaying Game - the first Japanese RPG to be translated and released in English.

There's a special mystery guest too at the booth! ;)

A GenCon story about Jerry - he is such a wonderful guy - there was a little girl with her Mom looking for some Bella Sara cards, and Jerry left his booth, and went hunting for cards - found some - and then went looking for them to make sure they got the cards.

Enjoy the interview - and watch for the review of (at least) the QuickStart of Hellas!


An Amazoran at the booth - Yes, an Amazoran, not a Drow, not a Twi'lek, and most definitely NOT a Smurf...



Mick and I took some pics outside the Convention Hall - as she slays the beast!




Links:

Hellas: Worlds of Sun and Stone
Godsend Agenda
Maid RPG - a forum post about the game by Andy
Some of Jerry's inspiration came from Talislanta
All Games Considered
The Rolemonkeys
The Gamemaster Show


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You can email us at:

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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

I went to GenCon this past Saturday, and wow - even though I was only there for a day, I had the pleasure of getting *several* interviews, and information, not to mention games for review by Stephanie, Jacqui and myself. We're going to be fairly busy the next few weeks. I am in the process of editing the interviews now, and will be posting some of them soon. I was on the floor for almost all of these interviews, so there will be some ambient noise. I'll do my best to edit them for you all :).

So stay tuned...
Carol

The Video Games Live Review

We attended Video Games Live last Friday at the Kentucky Center of the Arts. Jack Wall conducted the Louisville Orchestra in a truly energetic, multimedia performance. Highlights included co-producer Tommy Tallarico introducing pieces, hosting the on-stage competitions, and introducing surprise guests, such as Martin Leung - the Video Game Pianist. Oh, and let's not forget how he rocked out on stage with his guitar, as he and Jack brought together the Orchestra, and the Louisville Choir in an incredible fusion of music, lights, and video. The crowd was enthusiastic and engaged. One of my favorite parts came when Tommy asked for people to open their cell phones (rather than flick their lighters on) and the crowd obliged. Some had smartphones and there was even one laptop in the crowd. I must admit, I had an internal squeek of geeker joy.

It was an incredible experience and we'll will certainly be attending next year!

Links:

Video Games Live
Tommy Tallarico's website
Jack Wall's website
The Video Game Pianist
The Louisville Orchestra
Computers Plus
Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers.
Overclocked Remix
The last posting from w00tz! We wish them well and hope to hear from them again in the future.
Read about the release of the Video Games Live - volume 1 CD release!

Some of the Girl Gamers' favorite games:
Toejam and Earl - Steph
Bioshock - Jacqui
Final Fantasy 7 - Carol

The LeetStreet Boys video Yuri the Only One just how many game references *do* they make? And what's with the Sephi/Napoleon Dynamite thing?

The Ms. Pacman Music Video by The Go! Team, a Brighton-based band.

Here's the link to the Numa Numa song on YouTube, though according to Jacqui, I'm the last person on the intarweb to see it...

There are several knock-offs, though I really like the Numa Numa Lego version.

And just for the hell of it - some Red vs. Blue


And let's not forget the pictures!



Some CosPlay from the pre-show.



Nifty swag given as prizes.



Jack and Tommy at the meet and greet.

Post-show comments are still in the editing stage. Look for those and some show-outtakes soon!

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You can email us at:

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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

We were very lucky to get an interview with Tommy Tallarico, co-producer of Video Games Live. We caught up with him in Austin, TX between shows, and we had a wonderful conversation with him.


Links to more resources:

Video Games Live
Tommy Tallarico's website
Game Audio Network Guild
The ESA


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You can email us at:

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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

Episode 6 - Part 2 - Video Games Live!

The sensational "Video Games Live!" is coming to Louisville, KY, July 18th, and the Girl Gamers are going to be there to cover it! I know we haven't talked a lot about video games, but all of us are video gamers on various consoles, as well as PC games, including MMORPGs such as 'World of Warcraft'. We also talk about current releases from Blizzard, and the very popular and addictive Spore, so download part 2!

Video Games Live

Check out a You Tube video of Video Games Live

Louisville Orchestra presents Video Games Live at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Whitney Hall

Buy Tickets!!

We'll also be interviewing (it's in the works!!!) Tommy Tallarico, producer of Video Games Live

One of Jacqui's favorite composers, Jack Wall, will also be there, and I'll be purchasing a recorder to take with us so we can get (hopefully!) some on-the-spot interviews as well.

Blizzard's website with the Diablo III trailer

And just for the hell of it, the Wall-E website

Stretch your imagination and go to the Spore site and download the Spore Creature Creator


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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

Episode 6 – Part 1 - D&D 4th Edition Overview – 7/9/2008

This episode is so jam-packed with gamer-goodness it's actually *two* episodes!

First, overall, we’re a *little* bit late, apologies for that. Jacqui has an important announcement to make, which is also to become a topic for a future episode. And we announce our outing to, and future review of, the Louisville Orchestra performing "Video Games Live" in Louisville July 18th. Be on the lookout here for an interview with the producer, Tommy Tallarico, soon.

In this episode however, we give an overview of our first impressions of D&D 4th Edition. Through the Player's Handbook, we see the goal to broaden the appeal of the game without sacrificing the core that has attracted gamers for the last 30+ years. In the Dungeon Masters Guide, we see a thorough how-to for the new GM, including different player-types and how to involve them productively in the game. The Monster Manual has a wide-range of challenging critters and creatures to engage the players. Sadly, though, we also noticed that there is a distinct lack of rabid chipmunks in said Monster Manual. However, even with that disappointing realization, the organization and layout of the new books are incredibly user-friendly, and the artwork, with one notable exception, is beautiful and evocative.

We discuss a preponderance of elves, and get a little in-depth into the new additions of Dragonborn and Tieflings.

Links:

Check out D&D Insider at D&D Insider


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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

From Carol: So the bleeding edge of the Dresden Files didn't happen due to personal issues, but I plan on at least beta'ing. I swear work won't completely eat my soul...

We're back from a short hiatus. We've hit our fifth episode! In one take even!

We discuss Conventions, and really get into the guts of what they are, and what goes on at one.

What can you do at one? Scheduling your time around gaming, panels, volunteering, filking, jam sessions, room parties, navigating the huckster room, the art shows, guests, kid-friendly programming tracks, hanging with your friends and avoiding the undesirables. The practical matters of conventioning: booking your hotel room, pre-registering, who are your con-mates? What about food, drink, and what if you bring the kids? Just on the edge of a PG-14 rating on this one...some language.

We need feedback, people! We haven't really heard much from our listeners lately. Let us know you're out there, and what you want to hear us discuss.

Conventions:

Conglomeration
MarCon
Origins
GenCon
DragonCon

Check out Jennifer Byrd's MadCat Creations and order a SockCthulhu! Jennifer also designs tile pendants, check them out!

Gallery pages: http://www.myspace.com/madcatcreations
Store: http://www.madcatcreations.etsy.com/

RenFaires in the area:

Kentucky Ren Festival
Pennsic
The Ohio Ren Festival


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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

In this episode we discuss our experiences with the end of campaigns. Both the one that Jacqui and Carol ended recently, and other games we've been in. Planning is a good thing. Epic isn't always the answer, but done right it's wickedly cool.

And yes, the Changeling game is finally over... a 7 year legacy and its super epic (eh, not quite) ending...

Going from Endings to Beginnings - Carol will be delving into bleeding edge alpha testing into the Dresden Files RPG being developed by Evil Hat Productions. Check out the Rolemonkeys who are already running sessions as well.

The Dresden Files RPG
The Rolemonkeys

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You can email us at:

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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.

From Carol: Sorry this is so late. Totally my fault.

This episode we discuss in-character relationships. Player-character / Non-player character, player-character / player-character, and even Non-player character / Non-player character (hey - it's entertainment for the PCs at least).

Why are they good for the game? When are they not good for the game? How do you extract your character from one? How do you inject a relationship into the game? We discuss our own experiences and comfort levels in having our characters interact with other characters in a romantic way.

Warning: We do discuss levels of relationships that are considered fairly mature. We also talk about darker plot points that we think should be avoided. Both may not be suitable for younger listeners.


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You can email us at:

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Intro music is "Made of Fiction" by Anemo located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.
End theme is "Jedi Girl" by T. Randolph Scott located on PodShow Podsafe Music Network.