In today’s episode, Monica and Rai sit down to discuss the concept of the hard bargain – a social refusal mechanic that can improve any game. We talk about what they are, how to use them, and how to implement them in your homebrew or professional design.
Tag: storytelling
BXP 05×04-DEEP DIVE: Core Systems Loop
D joins Monica for another Deep Dive! We discuss the concept of a “core system” loop, aka what central concepts make a game’s system tick. We go in-depth into the mechanics of a handful of our favorite games to demonstrate.
BXP 05×03-BXP Talks D&D 4e (feat. David Castro)
In today’s episode, Monica is joined by David Castro of Ink Stained Studios to talk D&D 4e: the good parts, the bad parts, its history, and its impact on current design.
BXP 05×02-Forever GM or Game Ambassador?
Today Monica and Rai tackle the thorny subject of always being stuck in the GM seat. Is that a good thing? A bad one? Neither? We discuss the ups and downs of being the game facilitator and how to feel less anxious about stepping into the role yourself.
BXP 04×11 – Teeth are the Naughty Bones
We discuss Rai’s harrowing mouth experiences, what we’re GONNA talk about next time, and that feel when a snake beats you in the gubernatorial race for Elysium.
BXP 04×10 – Build a Better One-Shot
In today’s episode we discuss the art of the one-shot, including: games that are suited for short play, how to MAKE a game suited for short play, and how one gets ideas for short games anyway.
BXP 04×09 – BXP Reads: Dragonhearts
In today’s episode Monica and Rai review Dragonhearts, a Firebrands hack about playing shapeshifting dragons who fight and kiss. It’s extremely our shit.
BXP 04×08 – Rules for Smoochin
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai tackle a subject near and dear to our weird, little horny hearts: romance in games!
Despite that particular framing, we discuss how emotional conflict is important, and being emotionally intimate and vulnerable with other characters in your games can improve the experience.
BXP 04×07 – June, In Review
In this introductory episode, Monica and Rai give a hearty shout out and thank you to all our Patrons and run down what’s new for the upcoming season 4 of BXP.
BXP 4×06 – Game Writing is Fiction Writing
In this introductory episode, Monica and Rai give a hearty shout out and thank you to all our Patrons and run down what’s new for the upcoming season 4 of BXP.