Blog Posts

‘AndHe’ Games interview with legendary designer Bruno Faidutti

This week I read a wonderful article, an interview with Bruno Faidutti (Citadels, Red November, The Queen’s Necklace, the list is enormous) by ‘AndHe’ Games. Bruno answers with such honesty in his replies to the interviewer questions, and I just can’t get his final statement (about life not being a game, but a mess) out […]

Are we about to ruin our board game with this idea?

Some of you may already know that the three of us are working on Ghostel. It’s Bevan’s design but Me and Tony are helping him out with development. We’re getting ready for the Kickstarter campaign and got onto the subject of this blog post: Game Art So naturally, with 3 people working on a project you’re eventually […]

TT #20 – Board Gaming Etiquette, The Bespoke Geek and More Beeps Than Ever!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_20.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:17 — 73.5MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn this episode Gino and Bevan discuss the Dos and Don’ts of board gaming etiquette! Also Bevan interviews Kara Gander about her Kickstarter campaign ‘The Bespoke Geek’ for geeky clothing, and we give you a Ghostel update.

399 Days of a Kickstarter Campaign – A Ghost Story

This infographic may be useful to people planning a board game Kickstarter campaign. For everyone else it’s an interesting look at the timeline for fulfilling a campaign like ours. On January 26th 2016 we launched the Kickstarter Campaign to produce our game Ghostel. We set ourselves a deadline of fulfilling all pledges by the end […]

TT #10 – Kickstarter leaving Amazon, Holiday Gaming and The Clumsy Cat and the Radiator

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_10.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:29 — 28.8MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 10 of Talking Tinkerbots: 0:26 – Kickstarter is leaving Amazon 13:40 – The games we played/got over the holidays 15:50 – The clumsy cat and the radiator

TT #4 – The Jumanji Question and an Interview with Jon Adams (Cartography)

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Talking%20Tinkerbots%20Ep4_1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:18 — 37.8MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSAll three tinkerbots are joined by game designer and kickstarter campaign runner Jon Adams of Cartography! Also on this episode: – Board Game Mashup follow up – The best of the suggested mashups from our listeners. – Feedback – The […]

TT #5 – A Woozling Magic Moment, The Apprentice and Ignoring First-Time Designers

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_5.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:08 — 39.5MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSThis week is brought to you by Gino and Bevan! On this episode: – A Board Game Magic Moment about Christmas games for Niblings (Feed the Woozle: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/130624/feed-woozle) – Bevan tells us about an episode of The Apprentice all about Board […]

TT #15 – Exciting News and Interviews: Tabletop Day Special (Hi Steve!)

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_15.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:52 — 57.6MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 15 of Talking Tinkerbots: 0:24 – Finding Tony 1:02 – Follow-up: Luck in board games 5:08 – Why tweets are 140 characters 14:48 – Exciting news! 21:35 – Tabletop Day 25:10 – More things speeled wrong 26:25 […]

S3E1 – We’re Back! Season 3 Starts Here with special guest Mike Barnes

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_27.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:58 — 53.1MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSBevan and Gino host with special guest Mike Barnes from Who Dares Rolls. They discuss BGG ratings, Who Dares Rolls and Gino talks about the power of Thumbnails for Kickstarter Campaigns on our new section Getting Kicked!

TT #0 – Board Game Magic Moment (Pilot)

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Podcast-Magic-Moments-Ep-0.m4aPodcast: Play in new window | Download (8.2MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn this pilot episode Gino talks about Board Game Magic Moments – Moments where something has happened in the board game related world which makes you smile. Gino talks about his favourite Board Game Magic Moment when a father has gone to […]

TT Bonus Episode – Ghostel Kickstarter Final Days

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_26.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:56 — 25.6MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSBevan solo-hosts for this super-special bonus episode of the podcast. He first gives an update of the campaign (spoiler: it’s mega-close!), then rolls into an interview with Rachel Dobbs, the graphic designer who has put together all the art […]

TT #7 – Games you can’t get to the table, Taking your money and a Marriage Magic Moment

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_7.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:24 — 35.2MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 7 of Talking Tinkerbots: – We’ve had even more feedback, including a new Magic Moment! – My cat gets stuck in my laptop – Someone we know won a thing! – We discuss games that we don’t get to the […]

TT #18 – Hate Mail, Bananas & Interviewing Cool People

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:28 — 48.0MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS0:08 – We read out hate mail 2:40 – Tiger-grrs 3:30 – Bananas 7:15 – The UK Games Expo review 20:00 – XCOM competition winner! 23:20 – Tinkerbot Spanner of Approval 25:18 – John Robertson of The Dark Room interview 30:35 – […]

TT#22 – A look back to 2015, a look forward to 2016 and the 2015 TT quiz!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_22.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:20 — 56.2MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSThe whole gang is back! We have a look at the awesome year of gaming that was 2015, Bevan puts Gino and Tony through their paces with a 3 round quiz on the industry in 2015 and we finish […]

TT #12 – Sorry Huw, Being on The Dice Tower and a Board Game Cafe

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_12.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:40 — 30.8MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 12 of Talking Tinkerbots: 0:30 – Feedback and follow-up about The Game Crafter’s Crowd Sales system 7:15 – We were on The Dice Tower! 8:40 – Sorry Huw… 9:45 – Tony’s Board Game Magic Moment 11:50 – Tinkerbot […]

TT #1 – Halloween Games and Magic Moments

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Talking-Tinkberbots-Ep1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:45 — 25.4MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSThis episode features all three tinkerbots: Bevan, Gino and Tony. In this first full episode Gino tells of a listener submitted Board Game Magic Moment (Moments where something has happened in the board game related world which makes you smile) […]

S3E3 – Geeks in Wales and Escaping!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TT-Episode-3-Season-3-FINAL.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:31 — 45.3MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSBevan and Gino are joined by guest host Jamie Gibbs from Geeks in Wales, where we talk about escape rooms and the escape room style board games now in vogue in the industry, and Jamie’s work in promotion of […]

TT #8 – Tinkerbot Awards, Christmas Party and Waggle Dance

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_8.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:38 — 17.1MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 8 of Talking Tinkerbots: – We went to a Christmas party and won stuff! – We played Waggle Dance and loved it! – We want you to nominate someone who has made the biggest contribution to the board game industry this […]

Tinkerbot Games are launching the Helperbots Network!

Howdy! If you’re reading this, you’ve made the first step to becoming a Helperbot. The helperbots are a group of like-minded board gamers looking to join our little community and help out with play testing, conventions and other promotional work. Each time we have something exciting to do, the Helperbots will be offered a chance […]

TT #2 – Saving $7500 from your production costs

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Podcast-2_1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:30 — 15.1MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn this episode Gino introduces a new segment about board game design “From Design to Delivery”. Gino first explains the design background of each of the Tinkertbots and then relays how one simple question to a board game manufacturer […]

TT #9 Xmas Special – Tinker Tactics (Free Microgame!), The Board Game Quiz, Xmas Games and Top Contributors of 2014

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_9.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:03 — 60.5MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 9 of Talking Tinkerbots: 1:45 – Bevan recommends games to play at Christmas 12:40 – Gino explains the Camel Up/Cup thing 20:15 – Christmas Boardgame Quiz 40:20 – Tinker Tactics (Free Microgame!) 50:30 – Top Contributors to the […]

TT #19 – A MONSTROUS interview with Kim Brebach

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_19.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:19 — 46.1MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn this episode Gino interviews Kim Brebach about his Kickstarter campaign for tactical dexterity game MONSTROUS. Take a listen if you’re interested in commissioning artwork, making critical funding decisions and more lessons about running a successful campaign.

S4E1 – Rob Daviau, Emma Larkins and Matt Leacock

https://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/S04E01-Talking-Tinkerbots.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download () | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSRob Daviau, Emma Larkins & Matt Leacock – Game Design & Pitching Panel Discussion Join host Gino from Tinkerbot Games as we hear from our panel of board game design experts as they share their insights and experiences about designing and pitching […]

TT #3 – Board Game Mashups

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Talking-Tinkerbots-Ep3.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:40 — 24.4MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSGino and Bevan talk about Board Game Mashups! The episode begins with our latest board game magic moment from listener Richie Janukowicz. Then we discuss board game mashups – merging multiple games into one super-game! Following on from this Bevan […]

TT #14 – Luck in Board Games and a BIG SCARY Announcement

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_14.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:24 — 35.2MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 14 of Talking Tinkerbots: 1.00 – The best method ever for picking a topic 2:08 – Luck in Board Games 23:45 – Ghostel!

Break the Block

Hi folks! So last week I posted an update which included my unfortunate realisation that at some point in the last few months I’d hit something all designers dread; Writer’s Block. Now this really sucked, but I was super lucky to have a very supportive family and friends around, in particular my wife who helped […]

TT #13 – Aether Magic: An interview with Jeff and Lee of Happy Mitten Games (inc the Jumanji Question!)

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_13.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:50 — 66.7MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 13 of Talking Tinkerbots Gino and Bevan interview Jeff and Lee from Happy Mitten Games about their experiences so far in their Kickstarter campaign Aether Magic. We discuss: A secret campaign update! Hear it here first! Asking […]

TT #11 – Crowd Sales, UK Games Expo, The 5×12 Challenge and a baby!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_11.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:12 — 27.7MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn episode 11 of Talking Tinkerbots: 0:32 – Bevan’s board game magic moment 5:30 – Crowd Sales from The Game Crafter 21:15 – UK Games Expo! 22:20 – Meeting people in real life 24:20 – Jamie’s blog about podcast 25:47 – The Tinkerbots […]

MONSTROUS is (hopefully) going to release the Kraken!

MONSTROUS is a gloriously illustrated deluxe Greek Mythology game from new publishers Good Games Publishing. We reviewed the game and also interviewed designer and publisher Kim Brebach on our podcast. If you hadn’t already guessed, we like the game (we gave it 3 out of 3 approval spanners) and in fact I’ve even backed it […]

Dragons, Gold, Ghosts and Jugglers…it’s the Tinkerbots’ Story of the UK Games Expo 2017

This year was our first time at the UKGE as proper stallholders, we had tables and everything! We tried to make a time-lapse video of setting up the stand but we had to stop halfway through, still, this is what we got. (Note Tony doing the setup while Gino does all the heavy lifting).   […]

TT #6 – Meeple Lovers, Mega Feedback and a Magic Moment

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_6.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:23 — 26.9MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSGino, Bevan and Tony are all present in this episode! This week: – We’ve had the biggest feedback ever and we discuss what we can do to improve our podcast – A magic moment about old friends and new games […]

Ghostel: A Post Kickstarter Campaign Analysis

This post is an analysis of some data from our Kickstarter campaign for Ghostel. It may be useful for future campaign creators. The information we’re going to discuss: Total Backers Total Pledged Average Pledge per Backer And this will be analysed in 3 different areas: Countries Source/Referral Pledge Levels

TT#21 – New Music, Ghostel is coming and Spreading the Love!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_21.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:07 — 8.3MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSIn this short and sweet episode Bevan is going solo! There’s a quick set of updates of all that happening on the upcoming Ghostel Kickstarter campaign, and a few shout outs to a couple of industry chaps and chapettes […]

TT #16 – We’ve got chemistry with John Coveyou!

http://media.blubrry.com/talkingtinkerbots/tinkerbotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Talking_Tinkerbots_Ep_16.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:19 — 47.0MB) | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSThe tinkerbots interview featured guest John Coveyou. John is a successful board game designer and kickstarter campaign runner! He shares with us some excellent insights into running a crowdfunding campaign as well as design tips so if you’re one day hoping […]

Get Your Face In Ghostel Winners Announced!

The Winners Have Been Picked! Yes, that’s right! Do you remember this competition we ran? The one about getting your face into a game? Well here are the winners! What was the plan? Here at Tinkerbot Games we’re currently on the earliest stages of artwork with our artist Tyler Johnson for our board game Ghostel. We’re going to have […]