If we examine the way game systems handle death, we can learn a lot more about how the game wants you to play it, the influence the system is exerting over your stories, and how to harness that knowledge to create better campaigns.

The other night in my Blades in the Dark game, the players were looking for information and trying to fill a clock to reach their next clue. I asked one of the players what they wanted to do, and they clearly described an action their character wanted to take, but I could not see how […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/GC_248_What-Systems-ask-for.mp3 Join Ang along with Josh and JT as they talk about how a game’s system informs the stories we tell with that game. Understanding the intentions behind a game’s design can help us both run and play games better, so let’s dive in! Links: United Wizards of the Coast – CWA Hope Dies Last […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/GC_247_Problem-proofing-One-Shots.mp3 Join Ang along with friends of the show Andy Jaksetic and Carl Lehmann as they talk about some of the problems you can head off at the pass before they reach your table for your convention one-shots. You can’t foresee every potential problem, but you can be prepared for quite a bit. Links: Matinee […]

Do you know how to take notes? I’m not talking about transcribing the events at your table verbatim, or jotting down panicked phrases from random sessions that may or may not be in chronological order. I’m talking about actual, useful, player notes.

A few weeks ago, I sensed that my group was nearing the end of our Blades in the Dark campaign. Wanting to finish the campaign on a high note, I spoke with my group about how to do so. We then picked a date, leaving us with 6 more sessions, reserving the last for an […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GC_246_Scheduling.mp3 Join Ang, Chris, and Josh as they talk about the greatest foe that any gaming group faces: SCHEDULING! They talk about why it’s such a struggle and offer some ideas on how to defeat this particular BBEG. Links: Questing Beast’s Survey U-Con Gaming Convention Philadelphia Area Game Expo Running GAGG Buckeye Game Fest Tabletop […]

I asked a number of people who GM very little or not at all what they would want to know if they were going to start GMing. This was one of the responses. What are the key points to decide and write first to build the storyline around? Do I decide on a main antagonist? […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GC_245_Pitching-Games.mp3 Join Ang and Tomas as they have a conversation about how to pitch campaign ideas to your players. What’s the information you need and other things you should keep in mind? Give a listen and they’ll let you know what they think… LINKS: Rush & Punch The Art of the Convention Game Description

You cannot create without consuming. In particular, if you’re gonna make a good story, you need to experience good stories in return.