Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
@giantbrain.co.uk
Game writer, freelance critic, and podcaster. Host of the Brainwaves Tabletop News Podcast. Writer for Tabletop Gaming Magzine. Host of Cult of the Old. Find all my work here https://linktr.ee/thegiantbrain
Pinned
The Giant Brain
Tabletop Game Reviews, Interviews, and Criticism
giantbrain.co.uk
Hello new followers! I'm Iain McAllister and I post about games of all persuasions. You'll find all my written work over on my site. I have a particular focus at the moment on trying tabletop RPG criticism in different ways. Links in Bio, podcasts included.
giantbrain.co.uk
giantbrain.co.uk
The latest episode "But Why Vikings" is out now? This time around @timclare.bsky.social and @ava.foxfort.net think about hyperfixating on games and how it can affect your relationships as well as the potential benefits of gaming solo.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ReW...
open.spotify.com/episode/1ReW...
A lazy susan of interest cakes
open.spotify.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The latest episode "But Why Vikings" is out now? This time around @timclare.bsky.social and @ava.foxfort.net think about hyperfixating on games and how it can affect your relationships as well as the potential benefits of gaming solo.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ReW...
open.spotify.com/episode/1ReW...
This piece by my friend @malcolmcraig.bsky.social is very much worth your time. Really excited to see where this research goes next. It's free to read.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
When You Say, “Thermonuclear War,” I Think You Mean “the Call to Adventure”! The Twilight: 2000 Tabletop Role-Playing Game and the Postapocalyptic World’s Imaginary Spaces | Journal of American Studie...
When You Say, “Thermonuclear War,” I Think You Mean “the Call to Adventure”! The Twilight: 2000 Tabletop Role-Playing Game and the Postapocalyptic World’s Imaginary Spaces
www.cambridge.org
November 30, 2025 at 8:44 AM
This piece by my friend @malcolmcraig.bsky.social is very much worth your time. Really excited to see where this research goes next. It's free to read.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
How was everyone's #dragonmeet? I had a lovely time catching up with folk and seeing some new bits and pieces from various vendors. However the event itself felt a bit odd to me. In a transitional phase for sure. Will write up a piece soon.
November 30, 2025 at 8:30 AM
How was everyone's #dragonmeet? I had a lovely time catching up with folk and seeing some new bits and pieces from various vendors. However the event itself felt a bit odd to me. In a transitional phase for sure. Will write up a piece soon.
Finding Dragonmeet a little annoying to navigate. Having the map be numbered and alphabet coded is great. Not having that anywhere on booths or the floor in order to use the map is terrible.
November 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Finding Dragonmeet a little annoying to navigate. Having the map be numbered and alphabet coded is great. Not having that anywhere on booths or the floor in order to use the map is terrible.
Kaiju controlling RPG anyone on the @uktin.bsky.social stand.
November 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Kaiju controlling RPG anyone on the @uktin.bsky.social stand.
Picked up Lovecraftesque from @beckyannison.bsky.social. They were good enough to send me a PDF earlier in the year but I haven't gotten around to it. Been looking at more self contained RPG experiences for coverage. #dragonmeet
November 29, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Picked up Lovecraftesque from @beckyannison.bsky.social. They were good enough to send me a PDF earlier in the year but I haven't gotten around to it. Been looking at more self contained RPG experiences for coverage. #dragonmeet
Cool idea. It's a GM screen and tile bag so you build the place as you explore and the descriptions are on the GM screen. #dragonmeet
November 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Cool idea. It's a GM screen and tile bag so you build the place as you explore and the descriptions are on the GM screen. #dragonmeet
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
Do you want to have the chance of winning great board games and also support UK #foodbanks as the weather is getting colder? Then answer a simple question and get yourself some #raffle tickets.
More info and enter here: raffall.com/403887/enter...
Also, please reshare. 🙂👍
#boardgames #charity
More info and enter here: raffall.com/403887/enter...
Also, please reshare. 🙂👍
#boardgames #charity
November 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Do you want to have the chance of winning great board games and also support UK #foodbanks as the weather is getting colder? Then answer a simple question and get yourself some #raffle tickets.
More info and enter here: raffall.com/403887/enter...
Also, please reshare. 🙂👍
#boardgames #charity
More info and enter here: raffall.com/403887/enter...
Also, please reshare. 🙂👍
#boardgames #charity
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
My games are going to be on sale along with a host of other Indie creators' works at the @uktin.bsky.social stand at Dragonmeet tomorrow!
You'll be able to find:
- Scribe
- The Kingdom of Prester John
- Neonderthals
You'll be able to find:
- Scribe
- The Kingdom of Prester John
- Neonderthals
November 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
My games are going to be on sale along with a host of other Indie creators' works at the @uktin.bsky.social stand at Dragonmeet tomorrow!
You'll be able to find:
- Scribe
- The Kingdom of Prester John
- Neonderthals
You'll be able to find:
- Scribe
- The Kingdom of Prester John
- Neonderthals
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
It's Dragonmeet today!
Come and see the whole @allrolledup.bsky.social team on our must-see stand at G1 – G5 (near the "Exit" on the event map).
Dice, accessories, games... and me 🤣
Come and see the whole @allrolledup.bsky.social team on our must-see stand at G1 – G5 (near the "Exit" on the event map).
Dice, accessories, games... and me 🤣
November 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
It's Dragonmeet today!
Come and see the whole @allrolledup.bsky.social team on our must-see stand at G1 – G5 (near the "Exit" on the event map).
Dice, accessories, games... and me 🤣
Come and see the whole @allrolledup.bsky.social team on our must-see stand at G1 – G5 (near the "Exit" on the event map).
Dice, accessories, games... and me 🤣
I'll be starting my train ride to #dragonmeet soon. Do come and say hi if you see me around. I'll be touring the whole hall looking for the weird and wonderful over the course of the day. Here is what I will look like
November 29, 2025 at 7:17 AM
I'll be starting my train ride to #dragonmeet soon. Do come and say hi if you see me around. I'll be touring the whole hall looking for the weird and wonderful over the course of the day. Here is what I will look like
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
1) By coincidence, I've recently finished writing my scenario pack for @fromthemorgue.bsky.social's FiveEvil. It's called Glasshouse and draws upon many of my own pet obsessions and some of my favourite horror films!
November 28, 2025 at 1:14 PM
1) By coincidence, I've recently finished writing my scenario pack for @fromthemorgue.bsky.social's FiveEvil. It's called Glasshouse and draws upon many of my own pet obsessions and some of my favourite horror films!
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
Dark Season is upon us, so time to have a sale.
Dark Season Sale! by Tanya Floaker
A bundle by Tanya Floaker, $35.00 for 7 games
itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Dark Season is upon us, so time to have a sale.
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
🦃🎮 Creator Day returns this Friday with the start of our Black Friday 2025 Sitewide Sale. For 24 hours we'll waive our free on all transactions. Over 15,000 projects to be on sale from this Friday through December 3rd. More details here itch.io/blog/1124058/creator...
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
🦃🎮 Creator Day returns this Friday with the start of our Black Friday 2025 Sitewide Sale. For 24 hours we'll waive our free on all transactions. Over 15,000 projects to be on sale from this Friday through December 3rd. More details here itch.io/blog/1124058/creator...
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
I have two copies of The Depths Of This Forest that I accidentally bled on when setting up.
There’s only 5 total left in existence, so three unblooded and two blooded.
Come to stall K8 at Dragonmeet tomorrow and ask for “A Forbidden Blood Copy” and I will sell it to you for the price you name
There’s only 5 total left in existence, so three unblooded and two blooded.
Come to stall K8 at Dragonmeet tomorrow and ask for “A Forbidden Blood Copy” and I will sell it to you for the price you name
November 28, 2025 at 5:52 PM
I have two copies of The Depths Of This Forest that I accidentally bled on when setting up.
There’s only 5 total left in existence, so three unblooded and two blooded.
Come to stall K8 at Dragonmeet tomorrow and ask for “A Forbidden Blood Copy” and I will sell it to you for the price you name
There’s only 5 total left in existence, so three unblooded and two blooded.
Come to stall K8 at Dragonmeet tomorrow and ask for “A Forbidden Blood Copy” and I will sell it to you for the price you name
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
Qualifying rounds for the 2026 Swedish Annual Game design Awards will take place January through April. Prizes include a prototype print run, SAZ benefits, and more.
saga.boardgamedesign.se/sida/home.html
saga.boardgamedesign.se/sida/home.html
SAGA Session - SAGA 2026 with Daniel Olai
YouTube video by Swedish Annual Game-design Awards
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Qualifying rounds for the 2026 Swedish Annual Game design Awards will take place January through April. Prizes include a prototype print run, SAZ benefits, and more.
saga.boardgamedesign.se/sida/home.html
saga.boardgamedesign.se/sida/home.html
Strong nostalgia vibes with Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.
November 28, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Strong nostalgia vibes with Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
Good morning! Meg and I just added community copies to all of our games on Itch.
I always say "if times are tight," but we all know that times are tight.
lumpley.itch.io
I always say "if times are tight," but we all know that times are tight.
lumpley.itch.io
Meguey & Vincent Baker, et al
lumpley.itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Good morning! Meg and I just added community copies to all of our games on Itch.
I always say "if times are tight," but we all know that times are tight.
lumpley.itch.io
I always say "if times are tight," but we all know that times are tight.
lumpley.itch.io
Hello everyone. Did you know that I have a new monthly newsletter? It is on our Patreon and you can sign up for free to get it! It sums up the last month in my writing and podcasting work, what I've been playing, and work from others I think you should check out.
www.patreon.com/posts/octobe...
www.patreon.com/posts/octobe...
www.patreon.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Hello everyone. Did you know that I have a new monthly newsletter? It is on our Patreon and you can sign up for free to get it! It sums up the last month in my writing and podcasting work, what I've been playing, and work from others I think you should check out.
www.patreon.com/posts/octobe...
www.patreon.com/posts/octobe...
My list of people to see at #dragonmeet is growing. I won't be able to see all the stands so let me know about the cool, weird, interesting games that I can lend my voice to. Turning into a busier trip than expected! (in a good way)
November 28, 2025 at 7:39 AM
My list of people to see at #dragonmeet is growing. I won't be able to see all the stands so let me know about the cool, weird, interesting games that I can lend my voice to. Turning into a busier trip than expected! (in a good way)
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
I've been playing lots of Ayar from @ospreygames.bsky.social @flopiano.bsky.social @mandelafg.bsky.social & @ianotoole.bsky.social . I've really enjoyed it, and written a full review which you can read right now. Head over and see what makes it tick - punchboard.co.uk/ayar-childre...
Ayar: Children of the Sun Review - I have an Inca-ling it's going to be good
Ayar does things differently from its predecessors, but still retains the feel and atmosphere of them while offering something wholly different. I think it might be the best of the bunch.
punchboard.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:20 PM
I've been playing lots of Ayar from @ospreygames.bsky.social @flopiano.bsky.social @mandelafg.bsky.social & @ianotoole.bsky.social . I've really enjoyed it, and written a full review which you can read right now. Head over and see what makes it tick - punchboard.co.uk/ayar-childre...
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
Hey all, do I have any UK based concept artists following me (or who knows anyone) who would be up for a long term 22 month contract working on Dragonwilds at Jagex? Remote with a very occasional day in office in Cambridge. Development experience and fantasy genre work is a must. Mid level role.
November 27, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Hey all, do I have any UK based concept artists following me (or who knows anyone) who would be up for a long term 22 month contract working on Dragonwilds at Jagex? Remote with a very occasional day in office in Cambridge. Development experience and fantasy genre work is a must. Mid level role.
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
November 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
RTs appreciated.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Are there any artists in the ttrpg space who does/has done art in this style? Essentially, images composed of simple geometry, solid colors.
For a game I'm working on. Paid work, of course.
Reposted by Iain McAllister 🔜Dragonmeet
🚨 Warning, Dragonmeet! 🚨
The time is now. #Dragonmeet occurs Saturday, 29 Nov at ExCel London.
Find me at Table M22, as shown on this delightful map by @jogbrogzin.bsky.social.
I'll have Midnight of the Century pre-order bundle, stickers, buttons, shirts, and MORE!
Pop by and say hello!
The time is now. #Dragonmeet occurs Saturday, 29 Nov at ExCel London.
Find me at Table M22, as shown on this delightful map by @jogbrogzin.bsky.social.
I'll have Midnight of the Century pre-order bundle, stickers, buttons, shirts, and MORE!
Pop by and say hello!
November 27, 2025 at 10:12 AM
🚨 Warning, Dragonmeet! 🚨
The time is now. #Dragonmeet occurs Saturday, 29 Nov at ExCel London.
Find me at Table M22, as shown on this delightful map by @jogbrogzin.bsky.social.
I'll have Midnight of the Century pre-order bundle, stickers, buttons, shirts, and MORE!
Pop by and say hello!
The time is now. #Dragonmeet occurs Saturday, 29 Nov at ExCel London.
Find me at Table M22, as shown on this delightful map by @jogbrogzin.bsky.social.
I'll have Midnight of the Century pre-order bundle, stickers, buttons, shirts, and MORE!
Pop by and say hello!
I'm starting my trip to #Dragonmeet today. I'll be there as a punter but eyeing up new releases and future projects for my work with TTGM and for plans brewing for the site. If you see me say hi and tell me about the cool things you are making.
November 27, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I'm starting my trip to #Dragonmeet today. I'll be there as a punter but eyeing up new releases and future projects for my work with TTGM and for plans brewing for the site. If you see me say hi and tell me about the cool things you are making.