Craig Shipman
TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars
Do you love tabletop gaming? This is your podcast. Who are the creatives behind your favorite games and content? How do they approach their work? I sit with designers, developers, artists, writers, and creators and learn how they approach their work. I try to understand their process, inspiration, and methods for crafting their creations. Craig digs deep into the work and uncovers the origins of your favorite tabletop games and the creative process that brought them to life.
Author
Craig Shipman
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 22, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
Parker Barrows: Malifaux Deep Dive with Cody and Manuel - ep.135 18.08.2021 1:25:50
Join Craig and his guests, Cody and Manuel, as they break down Parker and the Bandit crew for Malifaux. Check out Cody's great pod here: https://anchor.fm/swampfiends Please support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars Check out our live streaming content on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thirdfloorwars Don't miss our battle reports, painting tutorials, and gaming content on You...
Erik Granström (Forbidden Lands) - ep.134 10.08.2021 1:25:48
Join Craig as he talks with author Erik Granström, creator of the setting for the RPG Forbidden Lands from Free League Publishing. We discuss his approach to writing novels and gaming material. He explains his unique take on the fantasy setting for Forbidden Lands. You can get Forbidden Lands here: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/store/?collection_id=84541866032 You can get EVERYTHING in the...
Lynne Hardy (Children of Fear, Actung! Cthulhu) - ep.133 09.08.2021 1:30:05
Join Craig as he talks with Lynne Hardy about her career and creations for the tabletop role playing industry. They discuss her game Cogs, Cakes & Swordsticks, Actung! Cthulhu, and everything she has produced with Chaosium. Grab her great works for Call of Cthulhu here: https://www.chaosium.com/search.php?search_query=Hardy Check out her game here: https://www.modiphius.com/cogs-cakes--swordstick...
Colin Young (Battle Systems) - ep.132 03.08.2021 1:37:23
Join Craig as he talks with Colin Young of Battle Systems. They discuss how the company was formed, the process of making their terrain, and their new boxed miniature game CORE SPACE. Pick up Core Space here: https://battlesystems.co.uk/product-category/core-space/ Check out their amazing games, accessories, and terrain here: https://battlesystems.co.uk/ Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreo...
Nate Wolf (Freelance Writer, Wyrd Games) - ep.131 27.07.2021 1:15:28
Join Craig and freelance writer Nate Wolf as they talk about the joy and challenges of writing in the tabletop industry. They discuss Wyrd Games' Malifaux setting, the reality of being freelance, and Nate offers amazing advice for any writers out there. Check out all of the great stuff for Malifaux here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=malifaux&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=...
Michael Konas (Dog Might Games) - ep.130 20.07.2021 1:36:26
Join Craig and Micheal Konas of Dog Might Games as they discuss the craft, creativity, and challenges behind some of the best gaming accessories available. What led him to found the company? How do they go from concept to final product? WOW they make cool stuff: https://www.dogmight.com/ Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogmight?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor...
Robin D. Laws (GUMSHOE, Feng Shui, Hillfolk) - ep.129 08.07.2021 1:21:06
Join Craig and designer Robin Laws as they talk about his process for creating innovative games. How did Robin get his start in the RPG industry? What are the origins of Feng Shui and GUMSHOE? YELLOW KING on Bundle of Holding: https://bundleofholding.com/presents/YellowKing Index to the GUMSHOE system: https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/gumshoe-general/ Hamlet's Hit Poi...
Meguey and Vincent Baker (Apocalypse World, Lumpley Games) - ep.128 06.07.2021 2:20:13
Join Craig, Meguey Baker, and Vincent Baker as they discuss their creative process and approach. Where did the seeds of Apocalypse World first appear? What do they think of the PbtA explosion? What are they working on now? Check out their work: https://lumpley.games/ Their Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lumpley Twitter: https://twitter.com/lumpleygames?lang=en and https://twitter.com/NightSky...
Mike Wallace (writer for Wyrd Games, "Death Dealers") interview- ep.127 22.06.2021 1:02:24
Join Craig, and his guest Mike Wallace, as they discuss how he became a published author. They talk about his work for Wyrd Games and how he has contributed to the lore of Malifaux. They finish going over his first novel, "Death Dealers," and what it takes to write a book. Get Mike's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092JPZH23?fbclid=IwAR19o05mrDEg_fSZYRcamI8FLSZsvtGN99deMtTnk-9CKMLvq70KZfkI...
Malifaux Deep Dive: Reva - ep.126 15.06.2021 1:30:16
Join Craig, and his guests Bryan Bauer and Ewan Bailey-Thiele, as they break down Reva and her keyword. What does she do on the table? What are good models to hire into her crew? How do you counter her? Please support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars The best tokens are at Customeeple.com - use the promo code ThirdFloorFriend for a 5% discount on everything...
Robert Schwalb (D&D 5e, Shadow of the Demon Lord) - ep.125 10.06.2021 2:15:28
Join Craig, and his guest Robert Schwalb, talk about Robert's career from Green Ronin to Wizards of the Coast to creating his own games. Check out his website: https://schwalbentertainment.com/ Grab his work on DriveThru here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8782/Schwalb-Entertainment Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars The best tokens are at Customeeple.com -...
Tom Greenway (Moonstone) - ep.124 07.06.2021 1:40:04
Join Craig and Tom from Goblin King Games as they discuss Moonstone. It is a miniatures skirmish game in a fantasy world. Stick around until the end when Tom reveals some of the plans for the setting. 'The Arising' Kickstarter Campaign Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goblinkinggames/moonstone-fantasy-skirmish-game-the-arising Website: https://www.moonstonethegame.com Shop: https://sho...
BONUS Drop-In: June is JAM PACKED with Content! 04.06.2021 1:56
Join Craig as he gives a preview of all the content coming out from the Third Floor. Two Kickstarters ending from friends of the show. Two RPG live streams! Four new episodes of the podcast with a Malifaux deep dive and three Insider Insights. Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars Check out our live streaming content on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/third...
Fabrice Massad and James Regan (Redgrass Games) - ep.123 04.06.2021 1:12:08
Join Craig, and his guests, Fabrice Massad and James Reegan of Redgrass Games, as they discuss how their company creates hobby accessories. They discuss the Regrass wet palette, brushes, and paint handle. Stick around to the end for a reveal of their next big project. Check out their Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redgrass/redgrass-wet-palette-2-the-best-painting-tool-fo...
Insider Insights with Isaac Vega and Lindsey Rode (Rose Gauntlet Entertainment) - ep.122 01.06.2021 1:00:31
Join Craig, and his guests, Isaac Vega and Lindsey Rode, as they talk about their careers and latest release. They discuss Dead of Winter, Labryinthos, and Keystone: North America. What is their process for iterating and finalizing games? How did they both come to found their own gaming company? What happens when a game you're making breaks and you need to fix it? Get...
Alyssa Menold (Freelance Artist, Wyrd, Dog Might Games) - ep.121 25.05.2021 1:33:00
Join Craig, and his guest Alyssa Menold, as they talk about Alyssa's career as a freelance artist for tabletop companies like Wyrd Games. How did she break into the business? What tools does she use to create her work? What advice can she offer for other artists? Check out her website: https://alyssamenold.com/ Check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamenold/?hl=en Follow her on...
Jared Logan (Stream of Blood) - ep.119 11.05.2021 1:48:40
Join Craig, and his guest Jared Logan, as they talk about Jared's career as a standup comedian and GM for Stream of Blood. They discuss what makes RPGs so great and Jared gives actionable advice on how to make your games better. Check out the skit he mentions here: https://youtu.be/6yQhMkyDS5s Check out his Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/streamofblood Check out his YouTube channel: https:/...
Malifaux Deep Dive: Perdita and the Family Crew - ep.118 04.05.2021 1:42:10
Join Craig, and his guests, as they breakdown the Malifaux master Perdita Ortega and the Family keyword. Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars The best tokens are at Customeeple.com - use the promo code ThirdFloorFriend for a 5% discount on everything except retail products and playmat. Support us (and get the best mats in the business) at Mats by Mars and get 10% off your...
Rowan, Rook, and Decard (Unbound, Spire, Heart) - ep.117 27.04.2021 1:58:41
Join Craig and his guest Chris and Grant, discussing how they created their RPGs; Unbound, Spire, and Heart. We dig into the company's founding, what inspired these games, and what makes them unique. Stick around for the great advice on running and playing games. Check them out here: https://rowanrookanddecard.com/ Here is the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gshowitt/sin-a-spi...
BONUS Drop In: What we know (and don't know) about the GG2 changes to Wyrd Games' Malifaux 22.04.2021 6:26
Craig shares his thoughts on the most recent changes to Malifaux.
Expert Roundtable: The Rise and Fall of Guildball - ep.116 20.04.2021 1:46:03
Join Craig and his guests, Pete, Michael, and Johnny, as they discuss the beginning, middle, and demise of the tabletop mini-game of Guildball. How did it become one of the most popular competitive games? When did the guests notice it start to stumble? What did they think when Steamforged nuked it? Follow Johnny here: https://twitter.com/_johnnypastrami?lang=en Check out Judgement the...
Keith Baker (Eberron, Adventure Zone:BoB) - ep.115 13.04.2021 2:04:58
Join Craig and his guest, Keith Baker, as they discuss the D&D setting Keith created, Eberron. What makes it such a popular setting? How did the idea come about and how has it changed? They also talk about the newest creation from Mr. Baker, Adventure Zone: Bureau of Balance the card game. Check out everything thing Keith here: http://keith-baker.com/ Grab a copy of his new creation here: https...
Expert Roundtable: Why We Win Tabletop Games like Malifaux - ep.114 06.04.2021 1:54:47
Join Craig and his guests, Greg Piskosz, Bryan Bauer, and Ewan Bailey-Thiele, as they discuss what winning players do to win games like Malifaux. What is their thought process before and during the game? What are ways to think while you play to improve your results? Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/Thirdfloorwars The best tokens are at Customeeple.com - use the promo cod...
Brett Bloczynski (Gaming and BS) - ep.113 30.03.2021 2:01:36
Join Craig, and his guest Brett Blocznski, as they talk about Brett's setting for D&D, The Streets of Avalon, the last 20 years in the RPG industry, and thoughts on what an RPG is. Streets of Avalon Encoded page - http://www.encodeddesigns.com/project/streets-of-avalon/ The Original Streets of Avalon KS Page - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/encoded/the-streets-of-avalon?ref=nav_search&resul...
Expert Roundtable: Competitive vs. Casual Games and Gamers - ep.112 23.03.2021 1:39:30
Join Craig and his guests, Jamie Perkins, James Baldwin, and James Doxey, as they discuss the concept of competitive versus casual games and gamers. Is there a difference? Why does the subject tend to ignite controversy? Should gaming companies cater to one or the other? Check out James Doxey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mythicFOX83 Follow Jamie Perkins on Twitter: https://twi...
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.