In this episode of the GOGGS podcast, the hosts delve into the world of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) with special guest Arvind Sundar.
They discuss Arvind's journey into TTRPGs, the challenges faced in the Indian gaming scene, and the importance of Game Masters.
The conversation also touches on the integration of Indian mythology into RPGs, highlighting the rich storytelling potential it offers.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the need for community support and awareness to grow the TTRPG culture in India.
In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in India, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity, personal experiences, and the burgeoning community.
They discuss the significance of TTRPGCon.in as a platform for new players and seasoned veterans alike, explore various TTRPG systems beyond the mainstream, and share insights on homebrewing and cost-effective gaming.
The conversation culminates in aspirations for creating immersive gaming experiences rooted in Indian culture, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the gaming community.
GAMX x TTGDA Panel (with Jeff Engelstein, Rob Daviau, Tony Tran)
This panel discussion brought together celebrated international designers—Jeff Engelstein, Rob Daviau, and Tony Tran—to share insights with the Indian tabletop game design community.
Jeff Engelstein – Designer, educator at NYU, author of game design books, and co-founder of the Tabletop Game Designers Association.
Rob Daviau – Co-owner of Restoration Games, known as the “king of legacy games,” designer of Betrayal Legacy, Unmatched, and many more.
Tony Tran – Community builder and designer from Tennessee, active in organizing design groups and conventions.
Advice for New Designers
Your first designs won’t be perfect—refinement takes time.
All games are “bad until they’re good.” Persevere, test, and improve.
Define design goals early to avoid scope creep.
Don’t overcomplicate; most first-time designers add too much.
Playtesting
Physical playtests are more valuable than digital, because body language, frustration, and engagement are observable.
Stack the deck when pitching—show the exciting parts early.
Early playtests can be “workshops” rather than full sessions.
Feedback is valuable, but don’t chase every single suggestion.
Pitching & Publishing
Don’t pitch until you believe your game is “ready.”
Publishers care about marketability (audience, price point, expansions, theme, etc.).
Giving up control is part of publishing—sometimes a publisher improves your game, sometimes not.
Self-publishing gives control but comes with major logistical and financial burdens.
Indian Context & Opportunities
India has huge potential as the birthplace of historic games (chess, snakes & ladders).
The key challenge is visibility—Indian designers struggle to reach global publishers.
Suggested solutions:
Build local conventions (like Tokyo Game Fair helped Japanese designers).
Create platforms for publishers to scout games in India.
Push for government support (e.g., India Pavilion at global cons).
Persistence: get as many eyeballs as possible via online channels, local publication, or international showcases.
Cultural Themes
Games don’t have to be Indian-themed, but local culture naturally influences design voice and can make games unique.
A breakout Indian hit could define an “Indian style” of games for global audiences.
AI in Game Design
Panelists use AI lightly—for brainstorming names, filler content, or math checks.
They do not rely on it for design, because AI tends to produce generic ideas.
Future potential: simulation for balance testing, but not yet practical.
Challenges in the Industry
Tariffs, inflation, and supply chain issues are destabilizing the market.
Small box games may be rising in popularity due to affordability and ease.
Even established publishers are facing uncertainty, with sales down significantly.
Young Designers & Education
No need for formal degrees in game design—making games and learning by doing is the best path.
Books and courses can help you progress faster but aren’t mandatory.
Focus on keeping designs simple and approachable.
Indian designers should design passionately, refine patiently, and push games into the world by any channel possible.
Building local strength (indie publishers, conventions) while inviting global interest is the dual strategy needed.
The community is still young, but global experts see immense promise in India’s designers and games.
Summary
In this episode of the GOGGS Podcast, the hosts delve into the vibrant world of tabletop gaming, featuring guests who share their personal journeys, insights into the board game community, and the evolution of gaming culture in India and Thailand.
They discuss the challenges faced by the Indian board game scene, the growth of game collections, and the importance of community building.
The conversation also touches on the role of board games in education and highlights exciting new games and trends in the industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the world of board games, discussing their personal journeys in game publishing, the impact of board games on focus and decision-making, and the importance of community engagement.
They explore new game mechanics, share recommendations, and reflect on the integration of games into academia.
The discussion also touches on the future of board gaming in India, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and the excitement surrounding upcoming events and innovations in the industry.
Summary:
In this episode of the GoGGs podcast, the hosts delve into the vibrant world of board game communities, discussing their growth, the importance of game design, and the challenges of building a welcoming environment for new players. They share recent game highlights, explore the dynamics of community building, and reflect on the role of game rentals in introducing newcomers to the hobby. The conversation emphasizes the significance of genuine passion for board games and the impact of word-of-mouth marketing in fostering a thriving gaming culture.
In this conversation, the participants discuss various aspects of board game rentals, community building, and the challenges of hosting game meetups. They explore the importance of safety deposits, the benefits of renting games, and strategies for introducing new players to the hobby.
The discussion also covers collaboration with cafes for hosting events, the significance of building relationships within the community, and the latest trends in the board game industry, including upcoming releases and recommendations for new players.
In this engaging conversation, the panel of gaming enthusiasts discusses their experiences and insights into the world of board gaming. They introduce themselves, share their backgrounds in community building and game hosting, and explore the evolution of tabletop gaming in India.
The conversation highlights recent games they've played, trends in the industry, and their experiences at Gen Con 2025, emphasizing the importance of community and education in promoting the hobby.
In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences at Gen Con, highlighting the excitement around new games and the growth of the Indian board game community. They share insights from industry leaders, explore the challenges and opportunities in the board game market, and emphasize the importance of community engagement.
The conversation also touches on upcoming events and the evolving landscape of board gaming in India.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Guild of Gaming Gurus Podcast
02:03 Meet the Panel: Community Builders in Gaming
04:49 The Journey into Tabletop Gaming
07:10 Exploring Game Mechanics and Community Engagement
10:06 Current Games and Experiences
12:53 Diving into Game Recommendations
15:35 The Witcher and Gwent: A Thematic Exploration
18:13 Favorite Games and Family Engagement
18:50 Classic Games and New Discoveries
21:07 The Rise of Pocket-Sized Games
22:29 Experiences at GenCon
27:33 Networking and Community Engagement
33:12 The Scale and Organization of GenCon
36:35 Future Game Trends and Personal Favorites
40:36 Exploring New Energies in Gaming
42:11 The Rise of Indian Board Games
43:14 Community Building in Bangalore's Gaming Scene
45:07 Shifting Trends in Board Gaming
49:37 Industry Insights and Economic Shifts
55:02 Ethics and Representation in Game Design
57:36 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
The GoGGs Podcast, short for the Guild of Gaming Gurus Podcast, is created by Indian tabletop gaming enthusiasts. This podcast focuses on board games, card games, and related topics, offering a platform for fans to explore the world of tabletop gaming. Each episode includes discussions about life and banter, games the hosts have played or anticipate, current industry news, and responses to listener inquiries. The show invites listeners to join them as they engage with various aspects of the hobby.