Episodes

  • Episode 54: Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith

    Episode 54: Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith
    May 5 2024
    Sam Macdonald of Garphill Games discusses his religious journey and board game philosophy. Sam explores the connections between board game design and religious faith, especially in the areas of community, self-expression, rules, fun, and the joy of discovery. We also take a stab at potential games based on Biblical stories. Takeaways Game design can reflect the heart of God by promoting fellowship, agency, following rules, and having fun. The Art of Discovery in games, with hidden gems and Easter eggs, can create a sense of enjoyment and excitement for players. Game design can provide opportunities for players to express themselves creatively and explore different strategies. Following rules in games and in life can lead to a more peaceful and joyful experience. The intersection of games and faith offers unique opportunities for exploration and growth. Finding new strategies and paths to victory in board games can be a fun and rewarding experience. The Bible contains hidden meanings and connections between passages that can be discovered through deep reading and study. Games can facilitate fellowship and problem-solving, providing a safe environment to solve problems and feel a sense of mastery. The art of discovery can also be found in reading scriptures, where the Holy Spirit can illuminate truth to the reader. Designing biblical-themed games can be challenging, as it's important to balance creating enjoyable experiences with conveying a message. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 53: The Spirit of Play

    Episode 53: The Spirit of Play
    Apr 21 2024
    The conversation explores the idea that faith is often associated with restrictions and limitations, but it should actually set us free. The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. The conversation also touches on the article 'Play and Freedom, Patterns of Life and the Spirit' by Simeon Zahl, which discusses the tension between law and grace in Protestant Christianity. It highlights the need to understand the freedom that comes with the Spirit and the danger of idolizing past patterns of faith. The conversation also delves into the popular notion of destiny and how it can hinder the freedom of the Spirit. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the concept of play and its relationship to grace and work. They explore the idea that play is an attitude and an activity that brings joy, freedom, and creativity. They emphasize the importance of play in living a meaningful life and how it can help us overcome the burden of seriousness and unrealistic expectations. They also announce a transition in the podcast to focus on the intersection of play and meaning, with the new name 'Play Saves the World.' Soundbites "What if the point of faith is to set us free for something better?" "The Spirit of God makes freedom a reality through play and games." "Is grace something that removes us from the law or empowers us to keep the law?" "The spirit is playful, meaning that it causes joy and delight." "Play is grace that expresses itself through play." "Play is the overcoming of unnecessary obstacles." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Faith and Freedom 07:30 The Tension Between Law and Grace 13:25 The Freedom of the Spirit 27:56 The Spirit of Play and Freedom 34:17 The Unimportance of Play's Goals and Purposes 45:45 Play as an Attitude to Life Takeaways Faith should set us free rather than restrict us. The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. There is a tension between law and grace in Protestant Christianity. Idolizing past patterns of faith can hinder the freedom of the Spirit. The popular notion of destiny can limit our understanding of the freedom of the Spirit. Play is an attitude and an activity that brings joy, freedom, and creativity. Play helps us overcome the burden of seriousness and unrealistic expectations. Play is an essential part of living a meaningful life and being fully human. The concept of play can be applied to various aspects of life, not just board games. The podcast will transition to focus on the intersection of play and human flourishing, with the new name 'Play Saves the World.'
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    57 mins
  • Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting

    Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting
    Apr 7 2024
    We explore the concept of seasons in the context of board gaming and life, and discuss the origins of the phrase "this too shall pass" and its relevance to the changing nature of emotions and experiences. Daniel and Kevin share their personal gaming stages and how their approach to board games has evolved over time. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of selectivity and finding contentment in the games we already own. We discuss their evolving gaming preferences and the stages of faith. We explore the enjoyment of lighter and quicker games, the appreciation for simple solo games, and the adaptation to changing gaming preferences. We also draw parallels between stages of faith and stages of gaming, reflecting on the journey from zealousness to a holistic approach. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the continued enjoyment of games and the avoidance of jadedness. Takeaways Gaming preferences can evolve over time, with a shift towards lighter and quicker games. Simple solo games can provide a peaceful and meditative experience. Adapting to changing gaming preferences and finding enjoyment in different types of games is important. There are parallels between stages of faith and stages of gaming, with a journey from zealousness to a holistic approach. Continued enjoyment of games requires avoiding jadedness and appreciating the role of play in the larger human experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:01 The Origins of the Topic 03:02 The Concept of Seasons 04:22 The Story of "This Too Shall Pass" 06:21 The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes 09:17 Personal Gaming Stages 12:22 Discovering Board Game Geek 13:34 The Magic of Board Games 15:17 Rediscovering the Magic 24:16 Transition to Selectivity 28:02 Realizing the Need for Selectivity 30:12 Preference for Lighter and Quicker Games 30:57 Enjoyment of Simple Solo Games 33:18 Adapting to Changing Gaming Preferences 36:18 Appreciation for Game Setup and Learning 37:35 Stages of Faith and Stages of Gaming 46:15 Connecting Games to Life and Faith 49:07 Reflections on Becoming the Person You Once Judged 53:08 Continued Enjoyment of Games and Avoiding Jadedness 57:13 Upcoming Episode: Book Club and Special Announcement Daniel's stages/approaches of gaming Trusting - You just trust what others tell you (games are for kids) Zealous - You dig deep into the particular details and embrace them and defending them as world-defining. (Tell others about types of games.) Sectarian - This thing unites and defines your particular people. (You find your peeps and you celebrate what makes your group unique.) Personal - You own this thing for yourself. You question it, make it your own. (Finding your own gaming style; doesn't have to be like others.) Connecting - You see how this thing is connected to other things. It doesn't exist in a vacuum. (How do games relate to other things in life.) Holistic - This thing is just part of a larger whole. (Gaming is part of a the larger mystery of life) NEXT TIME - Book Club: Simeon Zahl Article, "Play and Freedom: Patterns of Life in the Spirit" CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    59 mins
  • Episode 51: Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club)

    Episode 51: Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club)
    Mar 24 2024
    In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development. Takeaways We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life. Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations. Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others. The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops. There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery. There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence. The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world. Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation. Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool. Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life 01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith 12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games 15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games 27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre 28:22 The Comfort of Murder 29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment 32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction 33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence 34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games 36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life 40:10 The Geopolitical Implications of Role-Playing Games 41:28 The Therapeutic Potential of Role-Playing 52:09 The Role of Religion as Role-Playing 54:05 The Intersection of Gaming and Faith 55:11 Upcoming Episode: Seasons of Life and Gaming CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) - Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    56 mins
  • Episode 50: Why Pastors Need to Play, with Casey Sigmon

    Episode 50: Why Pastors Need to Play, with Casey Sigmon
    Mar 10 2024
    In this episode, Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon, Professor of Preaching and Worship at St. Paul School of Theology, discusses the importance of play and imagination in combating burnout and enhancing preaching. She shares her background in film and theater and how it influenced her approach to worship. Casey also introduces the Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal, which focuses on providing rest and healing for pastors. The conversation highlights the power of well-preached sermons and the need for pastors to prioritize their own well-being, the importance of taking a leap of faith in preaching, and the connection between imagination and play. The conversation explores the resistance to play and the counter-cultural nature of play. Casey shares her favorite games, Killer Bunnies and Cards Against Humanity, and discusses shows that are not good until they're suddenly good. Takeaways Burnout is common among those in caring roles, and play can be a transformative tool to combat it. Imagination is a crucial aspect of preaching and worship, allowing for creativity and connection with the audience. The Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal provides a space for pastors to rest, heal, and develop new habits for preaching and pastoral care. Well-preached sermons that engage the imagination and connect with the human condition have a greater impact on listeners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Burnout and the Power of Play 03:14 Special Episode Milestones 06:43 Guest Introduction: Casey Sigman 08:03 Casey's Background and Journey 13:14 Influence of Film and Music Videos 21:39 The Creation of the Paws Play Center 25:06 The Importance of Imagination 27:31 The Impact of Well-Preached Sermons 29:25 The Importance of Taking a Leap of Faith in Preaching 33:04 The Connection Between Imagination and Play 37:25 The Pause Play Center and Its Offerings 44:32 Resistance to Play and the Counter-Cultural Nature of Play 49:07 Why People Are Unaware of Their Need for Play 53:02 Favorite Games: Killer Bunnies and Cards Against Humanity 56:03 Shows That Are Not Good Until They're Good 57:45 How to Connect with Casey and the Pause Play Center
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    1 hr
  • Episode 49: Book Club: 4,000 Weeks

    Episode 49: Book Club: 4,000 Weeks
    Feb 25 2024
    Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (2022) is our pick for our monthly book club. We loved how it made us think about our modern drive to master time and efficiency, and how this debilitates human happiness. Rethinking our lives and our use of time means more time for flourishing, games, and play, even if we don't get everything done (because we never will). We explore the concept of time and our relationship with it, highlighting the illusion of time management and the artificiality of modern time. We also discuss the idea of embracing our limits and the futility of trying to battle against time. Overall, the book challenges the notion that we can control time and encourages a deeper reflection on how we spend our limited time on Earth. It delves into the flawed attempts to be efficient and the instrumentalization of time in modern society. The conversation also highlights the importance of living in the present moment and the dangers of constantly living for the future. It discusses the measurement of time and how it contributes to impatience and restlessness. The conversation draws from various spiritual traditions and emphasizes the need to let go of future expectations. It explores the joy of settling and the joy of missing out, as well as the pressure to choose a path and the depth of commitment. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of focusing on the next step rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. We emphasize the need to make time for play and challenge societal expectations that prioritize work over play. We explore the idea that play is an end in itself and can resist the Protestant work ethic. We also discuss the value of hobbies and the role of play in grounding us in the present moment. Finally, we reflect on the importance of using our time and talents well to make life more luminous for others. Takeaways Embrace the nature of time and avoid trying to make it something it's not. Beware of the dangers of efficiency as an idol and the instrumentalization of time. Learn to live in the present moment and let go of future expectations. Develop a curiosity and openness towards challenges and problems. Settle and commit to a path, finding joy in depth and commitment. Break down projects into smaller steps and focus on taking the next right step. Make time for play and challenge societal expectations that prioritize work over play. Recognize that play is an end in itself and can resist the Protestant work ethic. Engage in hobbies and embrace the value of weird and unique interests. Use your time and talents well to make life more luminous for others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Battle with Time 03:13 Lent and Time 08:23 Animals and Time 11:27 The Illusion of Time Management 13:29 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals 19:36 The Artificiality of Time 21:20 The Battle with Time 22:43 Embracing the Nature of Time 23:19 The Flawed Attempt of Efficiency 24:26 The Instrumentalization of Time 25:33 Living for the Future 26:37 The Present Moment 27:31 The Measurement of Time 28:38 Impatience and Restlessness 29:52 Expectations and Frustrations 30:50 Drawing from Spiritual Traditions 31:47 Letting Go of Future Expectations 32:28 The Joy of Settling 35:20 The Joy of Missing Out 36:42 The Pressure to Choose a Path 39:38 The Depth of Commitment 40:55 Focusing on the Next Step 41:47 Taking the Next Right Step 42:21 Breaking Down Projects into Smaller Steps 43:04 Making Time for Play 43:35 Play as an End in Itself 44:02 Letting Go of Societal Expectations 45:18 The Importance of Hobbies 46:16 The Present Moment in Play 47:26 Resisting the Protestant Work Ethic 48:37 The Value of AT-like Activities 49:24 Embracing Weird Hobbies 56:56 Using Time and Talents Well CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) - Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 48: Death in Gaming

    Episode 48: Death in Gaming
    Feb 11 2024
    You might think death and gaming are not connected. But loss is always a part of games as pieces and elements are lost. Some elements of games are fairly abstract (Uno cards or chess pieces), but other elements can be very personal, such as a character you've played for years in D&D or in a legacy type game such as Gloomhaven. Games also address death through theme and content: One Night Werewolf has players killing each other; Village has meeples age and die, to be moved to the graveyard; Endurance face nearly certain death even as a miraculous escape remains possible (Shackleton achieved it, after all!). Such gaming experiences give us vital ways of thinking about and discussing death and grief, as well as suggesting ways of facing our own mortality. How is death represented in games? * It is the nature of games to abstract reality. How to abstract death? * Simplest example perhaps is chess - the piece is removed from the board for the rest of the game * The state is permanently changed for the rest of the game * But we don’t care about chess pieces - we care about humans and living creatures (maybe trees?), so games that evoke humanlike characters make us feel loss in powerful ways A word about grief * Grief is a natural & important and unavoidable response to loss * This is not a look at grief, except perhaps tangentially. Interesting examples of death in games * Village - cemetery, legacy * Werewolf - you are out of the game and watch what is happening to everyone else * Games that poke at death in a humorous or horror way - Zombies, etc. * Legacy games where the state is permanently changed even from one game to another * Art games (like the kind Alice Connor enjoys) that represent the emotions of death? Train and Endurance. How do we feel about death in games? When we die or kill off another player? Lessons of faith from death in games * The importance of being present to the moment * Parent and child with potentially fatal cancer playing games together during treatments. Forgetting the treatments. The gift of games is to anchor us in the present. * The permanence of death - Ways of coping when states permanently change * On the other hand, the impermanence of death - Perhaps what Buddhists call the illusion of death?? Life continues. Another wave forms on the ocean. * Reminder of John Glynn * How easily we can become numb to death—precisely by abstracting it—in real life. Another discussion of each in games from the “Two Wood for a Wheat” podcast - https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/135031/death-board-games 00:00 Introduction: Death in Gaming 12:12 Lightening the Mood with Wordplay 13:12 Abstracting Death in Games 18:20 Games that Deal with Mortality 23:04 Examples of Death in Games 26:54 Village: Generations and Legacy 29:30 ISS Vanguard: Memorial Wall 31:51 Death and Remembering 32:27 The Changing Nature of Funerals 34:08 Using Games as a Eulogy 35:33 Art Games and Emotional Impact 36:16 Legacy Games and Permanence 39:36 Lessons of Faith from Death and Games 48:19 The Importance of Memory 49:21 Death as a Doorway 53:28 The Ocean and Impermanence 56:36 Wrapping Up CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ) - Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    58 mins
  • Episode 47: A/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the World

    Episode 47: A/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the World
    Jan 25 2024
    We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community. The conversation explores the themes of belonging in the family of God, the importance of vulnerability and shared burdens, earning the right to belong in a community, the logistics and planning of Wasteland Weekend, the value of sacrifice in building community, the role of community in houses of worship, the experience of shared vulnerability in authentic community, the cost of community and the risk of getting hurt, the value of grace and the cost of investment, the fascination with post-apocalyptic themes, the ancient origins of apocalyptic literature, the hopeful and revealing nature of post-apocalyptic stories, exploring human nature in post-apocalyptic narratives, poking at our fears and meditating on who we are, the Book of Revelation as an ancient apocalyptic narrative, the connection between survival and being a decent human being, the importance of kindness and decency in survival, the symbolism of burying the dead in post-apocalyptic stories, the sublime and ridiculous nature of post-apocalyptic themes, and expressing hope and excitement for creative and community-building endeavors. Corrected link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW6EYmRX7wk&t=3s Takeaways Surviving in a post-apocalyptic world requires different skills and mindsets. Playing the wrong game can prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying the present moment. Community is not free, but it is worth the investment of time and energy. Games can teach us valuable lessons about life, including the importance of strategy and being present. Belonging in a community requires vulnerability and shared burdens. Authentic community is built on sacrifice and investment. Post-apocalyptic themes fascinate us because they reveal our fears and explore human nature. Survival in post-apocalyptic stories often involves acts of kindness and decency. Creative and community-building endeavors give us hope and excitement. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to our newsletter https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/ Interact with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/ Discord us Discord https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    56 mins