Button Shy Deep Dive

Button Shy founder Jason Tagmire and Narrative Lead Ian Howard, Button Shy Deep Dive guides the audience through the world of 18-card games without losing sight of what’s important: the human connections and emotions that gaming can inspire.

New episode on the first Tuesday of each month.

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/0QzPE6Xai3qD3iaqPCTeLD

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpw4t5EvSA4

Episode 1: Sprawlopolis

We explore one of Button Shy’s most enduring games, Sprawlopolis, with additional commentary from two of the game's codesigners, Steven Aramini and Danny Devine, as well as superfans Laszlo Korossy and Lars Tuft. Hear about the game’s history, how its success impacted Button Shy, the decisions behind the city-building theme, lessons learned from Sprawlopolis, the evolution of the -Opolis line, and more.

Episode 2: SpaceShipped

We cover the solo sci-fi adventure SpaceShipped by designer Lucas Gentry. Our topics include how to handle complex graphic design for multipurpose cards, when to crowdfund a game versus direct release, and whether game-breaking moments are as bad as they seem. Featuring additional commentary from designer Lucas Gentry, illustrator Sara Beauvais, and a trio of superfans (Laszlo Korossy, Matt Upton, and Wes Urschel).



Episode 3: Death Valley 

We discuss the push-your-luck game Death Valley, with additional commentary from designer Kevin Ellenburg, illustrater Fachri Maulana, reviewer Sir Thecos, and Button Shy Playtest Lead Vince Tagle. Learn more about how the illustrations bring the game to life, the elements that contributed to the game's substantial crowdfunding success, and how the development process ended in two distinct play variants.

Episode 4: You Fool

We discuss the circus-themed positional game You Fool with extensive additional commentary from the design team known as Dr. Wictz. Learn more about the history behind the Button Shy Select series and how it relates to overall trends in crowdfunding, what the process of updating an older game might entail, and how the Unpub convention influenced both You Fool and Button Shy Games.