Tabletop SportCast

Keywordstabletop sports, historical replays, Sports Sim Magazine, American Grid Zone League, tabletop gaming, sports history, replay games, sports simulation, podcast, gaming communitySummaryIn this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his approach to building a list of historical replays for 2026, reflecting on past projects and the evolution of his tabletop gaming experience. He also provides an overview of Sports Sim Magazine's latest issue, highlighting key articles and contributions from the community. The episode emphasizes the importance of planning and adapting strategies for future gaming projects, while engaging with the tabletop sports community.TakeawaysJames Cast shares his annual process for creating a historical replays list.The importance of adapting past strategies for future projects is emphasized.Sports Sim Magazine's Issue 21 features various articles and free games.Community contributions play a significant role in the magazine's content.James reflects on the highlights of his American Grid Zone League season.He discusses the significance of firsts, lasts, and underdog stories in sports history.Planning for 2026 involves a focus on diverse sports events.James aims to include a mix of games in his historical replays.The podcast encourages listener engagement through social media and email.Future episodes will delve deeper into specific projects and gaming strategies.TitlesExploring Historical Replays in Tabletop SportsInside Sports Sim Magazine: Issue 21 OverviewSound bites"Norfolk wins 45-38 to the final.""I recapped my 1980 PGA Grand Slam.""He has offered his nail biter football."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Historical Replays10:46 Overview of Sports Sim Magazine Issue 2119:09 Planning for 2026 Historical Replays41:03 Wrap-Up and Future Plans43:30 NEWCHAPTER

KeywordsTabletop Sports, Q3 Retrospective, Audience Growth, Game Projects, Sports Games, Podcasting, Tabletop Gaming, Game Design, Community Engagement, Q4 PlansSummaryIn this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the third quarter of 2025, discussing audience growth, engagement metrics, and various tabletop gaming projects. He highlights significant projects undertaken during Q3, including a boxing project focused on the 1940s, a PGA Grand Slam replay, and a Major League Baseball tournament. The episode also covers new games explored during the quarter and concludes with a look ahead to plans for Q4, including ongoing projects and upcoming tournaments.TakeawaysThe Facebook page has seen a 95% increase in views.The podcast has reached 55,438 downloads all time.Engagement on Patreon has increased with 46 total members.The 1940s boxing project included 25 championship fights.The 1980 PGA Grand Slam project replicated historical outcomes.The 1981 MLB tournament concluded with the Yankees winning.New games explored included On Deck Baseball and Tecmo Bowl.The podcast continues to grow with more interviews planned.Community engagement is crucial for podcast growth.Future projects include a 2011 NFL tournament and a 1993-94 Rangers playoff replay.TitlesQuarterly Retrospective: Q3 Highlights and InsightsExploring Tabletop Sports: Q3 Review and Future PlansSound bites"The Rangers are up 2-0 in that series.""I think it was just luck of the draw.""Looking ahead, still more projects on the horizon."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Q313:22 Quarterly Retrospective: By the Numbers21:14 Project Highlights from Q338:17 New Games Explored in Q339:44 Podcast Highlights and Upcoming Plans47:43 Conclusion and Looking Ahead to Q450:15 NEWCHAPTER

KeywordsTabletop Sports, Game Design, Powder Blue Sports, John Turnbull, Drive Time Football, Baseline Basketball, Red Ice Hockey, Quick Play Games, Sports Simulation, Community EngagementTakeawaysJohn Turnbull shares his journey into tabletop sports.The importance of simplicity in game design.Quick play games cater to time-constrained players.Community feedback is vital for game development.The balance between realism and playability in sports games.John's games focus on delivering a fun experience first.The evolution of game mechanics over time.Engaging with the community enhances game design.Future projects include baseball and boxing games.The significance of nostalgia in sports gaming.SummaryIn this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews John Turnbull, the creator of Powder Blue Sports. They discuss John's journey into tabletop sports, his design philosophy, and the games he has created, including Drive Time Football, Baseline Basketball, and Red Ice Hockey. John shares insights into the challenges of game design, the importance of community feedback, and his future projects, including a baseball game and a boxing game. The conversation highlights the significance of simplicity and engagement in creating enjoyable tabletop sports experiences.TitlesExploring the World of Tabletop SportsJohn Turnbull: The Mind Behind Powder Blue SportsSound bites"I want to make things as simple as possible.""My games are free to download.""I do it for others and not myself."Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Turnbull and Powder Blue Sports05:52 John's Journey into Tabletop Sports17:40 The Evolution of Game Design23:30 Designing Quick Play Games30:05 Challenges in Basketball Game Design36:01 Creating Red Ice Hockey42:06 Community Engagement in Game Design45:20 Design Goals and Game Mechanics45:44 Season Availability and Future Plans48:01 Adapting Games for Different Sports50:20 Community Feedback and Personal Stories51:24 Game Mechanics and Player Interaction53:51 Favorite Game Mechanics56:55 Origins of Powder Blue Sports58:25 Future Developments in Game Design01:01:17 Exploring New Sports and Game Concepts01:05:19 Personal Favorites and Historical Seasons01:10:11 Upcoming Projects and Community Involvement01:16:04 NEWCHAPTERhttps://www.powderbluesports.com/

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast provides an engaging overview of the latest tabletop gaming news, highlights from his recent gaming experiences, and a detailed review of the newly released Tecmo Bowl by Buffalo Games. The conversation covers various aspects of the game, including its nostalgic elements, gameplay mechanics, and overall appeal to both new and veteran gamers. James also shares insights from his ongoing tabletop projects, including baseball and boxing simulations, and discusses the importance of community engagement in the gaming world.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast explores the world of non-sports games, reflecting on his experiences at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop and discussing the growth of non-sports games within the tabletop community. He shares his personal gaming journey, the evolution of board games, and the balance between sports and non-sports games.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast shares updates on his game creation journey, discussing various tabletop games he is designing, including The Bannister Mile, Track the Pack, Calcio, Endure, and Foils. He reflects on the challenges of game design, the importance of playtesting, and the use of AI tools in the creative process.

In this special anniversary episode of the Tabletop SportCast, the host reflects on four years of podcasting, sharing insights from various guests about their experiences in the tabletop sports community. The conversation covers themes of community engagement, the challenges and joys of game design, and the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere in the hobby. Guests share their projects, innovations in game mechanics, and the significance of conventions in fostering connections among tabletop enthusiasts. The discussion also touches on the joy of exploring different sports games, the significance of statistics, and the personal stories that emerge from gaming. Throughout the conversation, the camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for tabletop sports shine through, making it a rich and informative experience for listeners.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reviews the top 10 articles from Sports Sim Magazine, incorporating audience feedback and personal insights. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement in tabletop gaming and acknowledges the contributions of various writers. The episode wraps up with reflections on the impact of Sports Sim Magazine and a preview of future episodes.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast sits down with Joe Cards, a passionate member of the tabletop gaming community. They discuss Joe's early experiences with sports games, the formation of the Staten Island Cards and Dice Club, and the dynamics of organizing gaming sessions. Joe shares insights on the importance of community engagement, his excitement for upcoming events like Gridiron Games, and his favorite tabletop games. The conversation highlights the joy of gaming, the camaraderie among players, and the diverse experiences within the tabletop sports community. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into their shared passion for sports gaming, discussing their experiences with Hall of Fame visits, future gaming events, and the excitement of co-op gaming projects. They reflect on nostalgic replays of classic seasons, share their gaming wishlists, and explore the evolution of sports gaming. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and the joy of discovering new games while reminiscing about past favorites.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast sits down with Arthur Franz, co-creator of Breakaway Football, to discuss the game's development, mechanics, and the upcoming Gridiron Games 2025. They explore the complexities of different teams, coaching strategies, and the historical context that shapes the gameplay. The conversation highlights the importance of community feedback in the game's evolution and the exciting future of Breakaway Football. In this conversation, Arthur Franz discusses the intricacies of team dynamics in Breakaway Football, highlighting beginner-friendly teams and the complexity of others. He shares insights from the ongoing tournament, emphasizing the importance of commitment and narrative in gameplay. Strategies that players often overlook are explored, along with the benefits of solo play versus head-to-head competition. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Gridiron Games 2025 and future developments for Breakaway Football, including new teams and game modes.

In this week's episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast sits down to discuss the classic Sports Illustrated game Decathlon with Tom McHugh. In addition to discussing the original game, the two discuss the Centennial Edition rules created by Tom, and shared in various issues of Sport Sim Magazine. Tom has created additional charts for Decathletes and Heptathletes for use with his game.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast delves into the world of sports board games with a countdown of the top 10 out-of-print sports board games. James shares his personal wish list, highlighting games that are rare finds and discussing their unique features and historical significance. From golf to hockey, and even wrestling, this episode is a nostalgic journey through games that have left a lasting impact on the tabletop sports community. Tune in to discover which games made the list and why they hold a special place in the hearts of sports gaming enthusiasts.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast dives into the thrilling world of "Heroes of Short Track Racing" by Van's Games. Discover the intricate game mechanics that capture the essence of short track racing, from qualifying rounds to intense lap-by-lap action. James shares his firsthand experience with the game's high-quality components and optional rules that add depth and narrative to each race. Whether you're a seasoned tabletop gamer or new to the scene, this episode offers valuable insights and a comprehensive review of this collectible card racing game. Tune in to learn how you can create your own fictional racing world and enjoy the excitement of short track racing on your tabletop.Van's Games WebsiteThe Solo Promoter Overview

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast reflects on the second quarter of 2025, discussing various gaming events, podcast metrics, and personal gaming sessions. He highlights successes in completing gaming sessions and engaging with the community, while also addressing challenges faced, particularly in content creation for YouTube and historical replays. Looking ahead, James outlines plans for the third quarter, emphasizing the importance of scheduling and focusing on new games.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast shares his experiences and insights from Plaay-Dot-Con 2025, emphasizing the importance of community, connections, and the joy of gaming. He discusses the highlights of the event, including the beautiful setting of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the showcasing of his game development projects, and engaging with fellow game designers. The episode also covers day-by-day highlights of the convention, including social events and a panel discussion on social media in the gaming community.Check out this link to see what Calcio Storico is all about.

In this episode of Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses his favorite Facebook groups related to sports gaming. He shares insights on various groups, their membership, and the community dynamics within the tabletop sports gaming world. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Plaay-Dot-Con event and the importance of community engagement in promoting sports games.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses beginner projects in tabletop gaming, offering insights on how to effectively plan and execute these projects. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, setting realistic goals, and choosing games that players love. The episode also includes a recap of current tabletop projects and provides various project ideas suitable for beginners, such as replaying championship series and holding small tournaments. James encourages listeners to track their progress and maintain motivation throughout their gaming endeavors.

In this episode, the Tabletop SportCast hosts S.T. Patrick for their annual preview of the upcoming Plaay-Dot-Con event. They discuss various topics including the latest issue of Sports Sim Magazine, the development of The Squared Circle game, and the importance of community events in tabletop gaming. The conversation also touches on the future of the hobby, the role of technology, and the significance of nostalgia in attracting new players. S.T. Patrick shares insights into the challenges of game development and the evolving landscape of tabletop sports games. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolution of wrestling shows, the rapid release of college football sets, and the challenges of creating NFL sets. They emphasize the importance of community feedback and thematic sets in college football. The discussion also covers game design challenges, the role of AI in game development, and the balance between creating games for passion versus marketability. The joy of collaborative conversations in game design is highlighted as a key aspect of the hobby.Sport Sim Magazine Facebook PageMatch-Up College Football Facebook PageThe Squared Circle Facebook Page

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast discusses the importance of sports-themed games in the tabletop gaming community. He explores how these games can attract new players who may not be interested in traditional simulation games. The conversation covers various popular sports-themed games, their mechanics, and how they can serve as a bridge to engage a wider audience in the sports gaming community.

In this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Bob Hansen, a notable member of the tabletop sports community. They discuss Bob's latest game, Futti, a fictionalized five-on-five soccer game that emphasizes simplicity and quick gameplay. The conversation covers Bob's fictional league format for multiple sports, including unique elements like banner raisings for last-place teams. Bob shares insights into game mechanics, player strategy, and future projects, including a basketball game and an indoor cricket game. The episode highlights the importance of community in tabletop sports and the creative process behind game design.Futti Github Site (to download game)Link to previous episode with Bob Hansen