The Covenant Cast

Zach, Steven, and Robert question the role of prizes in tabletop events and how they can be used to incentivize dramatically different things. Has the industry been emulating a flawed formula? Robert recovers from the 4th. Steven questions hummus. Zach...plays more Destiny. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter , or  Youtube .Yo...

 Zach, Steven, and Jonathan test their game design skills on the fly - will they create a masterpiece or fail miserably? Prepare to get hungry either way.  If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at  teamcovenant.com Our about page: teamcovenan...

 Jonathan, Zach, and Steven recall their favorite moments from conventions, going all the way back to childhood! Jonathan looks to homestead. Zach plays X-Wing. Steven might be a vegan. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. You can find us at  teamcovenant.c...

 Steven, Zach, and Jonathan explore the power of theme in a game, especially as compared to games like Dominos or Poker. What are the risks, and what are the rewards? Jonathan reads War of Art, Steven worries about Netrunner, and everyone discusses Father's Day. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video...

Jonathan, Steven, and Zach investigate the time-honored archetypes of Johnny, Timmy, and Spike, but then drift from "how" players approach a game to "why". Do "why" archetypes exist, and if so, are they more useful? Steven and Jonathan go to a wedding. Zach keeps playing Destiny.   If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube...

Zach, Robert, and Steven attempt to wrangle in one of the most interesting reflections of player psychology and most important considerations for tournament play. Zach spends a week in Chicago. Robert watches Wonder Woman. Steven grills turkey patties.   If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video version...

Zach, Robert, and Steven ask the real question that swirled around the last episode: how long can a living card game even last? Assumptions are challenged and solutions are proposed. Robert keeps talking about Caipirinhas. Steven watches Interstellar. Zach attends Destiny Weekend. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube...

Recorded right before Destiny Weekend; Lukas Litzsinger (designer of Star Wars: Destiny) joins us to weigh the pros and cons between collectible card games and living card games. Steven tries Robert's newest mixed drink.  If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter...

The lead up to Destiny Weekend has raised a lot of questions about the ways in which we get together to play. Join us for an assessment of the tournament structure, and whether or not it should remain the go-to format for organized play! Jonathan hosts a Eurovision party. Steven and Zach play Guild Ball.       If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Ins...

What a week! Join us for a rundown of Star Wars Worlds 2017, complete with Destiny and X-Wing tournament experiences, a lesson learned from Star Wars LCG, and veterans Daniel and Paul facing off during Imperial Assault. Jonathan praises the X-Wing community. Zach and Steven worry about Spirit of Rebellion. If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagr...

We take time from Star Wars Worlds to examine what the future of tabletop games could be, with special guest Andrew Navaro (Head of FFG Studio). Steven discloses his secret to letting go of old possessions and minimizing. Zach attends Tim's wedding. And Andrew talks about his latest video game experiences.    If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Inst...

Board games are meant to be a source of enjoyment right? We delve into what aspects of games take us out of the experience, and what it means to just have a fun time. Robert finds a nice spot for brunch. Steven discusses his concert experience with The Flaming Lips. And we briefly go over our Reddit AMA.    Our Reddit AMA   If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on...

We dissect the newest living card game, Legend of the Five Rings, and voice our predictions for its success or failure. Zach shares his experiences at Star Wars Celebration and the Coruscant Open, and everyone suggests potential "gateways" into non-Euro games.   Legend of the Five Rings announcement article: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2017/4/19/legend-of-the-five-rings-the-card-gam...

Events are the lifeblood of tabletop gaming, with local and worldwide communities gathering to share memorable experiences face to face. But attending these events, especially for the first time, can be intimidating, exhausting, or downright confusing. Join us for a plethora of tips learned over the past decade that are sure to make your next event more enjoyable than ever!   If you have any quest...

Zach, Steven, and Jonathan remember their week of movies and pre-releases. The purpose and practicality of dice in tabletop are dissected. And Jonathan shares his experience on what it takes to be a good Game Master.   If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You can find video versions of these podcasts on the latter. Y...

Zach, Steven, and Arkham Horror Lead Developer Matt Newman discuss what it takes to create a cooperative tabletop game, and what makes a memorable gaming experience. Zach and Steven talk about their Adepticon trip, and Matt shares one of his favorite gaming moments, as well as answering audience questions.     If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Ins...

Zach, Steven, and Jonathan search for the factors that make physical tabletop games different from their digital counterparts, and ask which format is superior. Jonathan dives into design philosophy, Zach prepares for Adepticon, and Steven rants further about game balance.   If you have any questions for us, leave us a comment with #askcovenant on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Youtube .You c...

Games are living entities, expanding and changing as time goes on. But what happens when something gets out of balance? Zach, Steven, and Robert hunt for the definition of a balanced game and why it is important, and sort through the various tools designers use to restore harmony. Stick around for Zach's take on the recent X-Wing FAQ and a few special memories from past convention trips!   If you...

We kick off the cast with an incredibly hot topic, Fantasy Flight Games' recent announcement regarding Star Wars: Destiny - and everything leading up to it! Zach, Steven, and Robert dive into the weeds of manufacturing, explain how they first got hooked by tabletop gaming, and reminisce about the greatest obstacle faced in the early days of local retail. Read the announcement from Fantasy Flight a...