Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
Game writer, freelance critic, and podcaster. Writer for Tabletop Gaming Magzine. Host of Cult of the Old and But Why Vikings? Find all my work here https://linktr.ee/thegiantbrain
Pinned
Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
· Jan 21
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
This is a great thread from Tim on how graphic design and layout can speak to your readers.
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
February 3, 2026 at 9:26 AM
This is a great thread from Tim on how graphic design and layout can speak to your readers.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
February 3, 2026 at 1:31 AM
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
Reposted by Iain McAllister
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Brainwaves Special - All Good Things - The Giant Brain
All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together every host for a farewell show.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
TODAY IS THE DAY! Just THREE HOURS until the launch of the campaign for Rise, Wizards! By @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social
Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
From moreblueberries - Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
www.backerkit.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
TODAY IS THE DAY! Just THREE HOURS until the launch of the campaign for Rise, Wizards! By @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Brainwaves Special - All Good Things - The Giant Brain
All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together every host for a farewell show.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Less than one week until the campaign for Rise, Wizards! by @captainkrail.bsky.social & All's Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social launches on BackerKit! Have you pre-saved??
Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
From moreblueberries - Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
www.backerkit.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Less than one week until the campaign for Rise, Wizards! by @captainkrail.bsky.social & All's Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social launches on BackerKit! Have you pre-saved??
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Actually, you know what. I'd really like some questions about how to be a good role player or GM. I'm in no way an expert but my brain is fizzing with ideas from playing with so many different people this week.
"But Why Vikings?" is a tabletop agony aunt column I do with @ava.foxfort.net and @timclare.bsky.social. We need your engagement to keep it running. Got questions about etiquette at the table? Philosophy of play? The best game to fit in pockets? Send them our way!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
But Why Vikings?
Games Podcast · Updated fortnightly · Any unanswered questions at your gaming table? Ava Foxfort, Tim Clare, and Iain McAllister mull over tabletop conudrums: from etiquette at the table to recommenda...
podcasts.apple.com
February 1, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Actually, you know what. I'd really like some questions about how to be a good role player or GM. I'm in no way an expert but my brain is fizzing with ideas from playing with so many different people this week.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Get this occult action thriller ttRPG for 1-7 people. Perfect if you enjoy playing powerful undead revenants embroiled in breakneck action, interpersonal drama, and occult investigation. Soundtrack by @mollynoise.bsky.social and human-made art by @stregawolf.art. Jump in now for early bird deals!
Coming soon: The Thunder Perfect Mind
An Occult Action Thriller Tabletop RPG
www.kickstarter.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Get this occult action thriller ttRPG for 1-7 people. Perfect if you enjoy playing powerful undead revenants embroiled in breakneck action, interpersonal drama, and occult investigation. Soundtrack by @mollynoise.bsky.social and human-made art by @stregawolf.art. Jump in now for early bird deals!
I finished reading this recently. It's a fascinating insight into how gamification can capture us, and the benefits and drawbacks of the larger systems we are all.subject to. Written by @add-hawk.bsky.social and published by @penguinpress.bsky.social
February 1, 2026 at 4:46 PM
I finished reading this recently. It's a fascinating insight into how gamification can capture us, and the benefits and drawbacks of the larger systems we are all.subject to. Written by @add-hawk.bsky.social and published by @penguinpress.bsky.social
Latest Newsletter is out now with a larger than normal industry news section amongst all the highlights of games I have been playing and other work I think you should check out. Behind the Scenes for paid patrons only but the rest is for all members including free
www.patreon.com/posts/januar...
www.patreon.com/posts/januar...
January 2026 Newsletter | The Giant Brain
Get more from The Giant Brain on Patreon
www.patreon.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Latest Newsletter is out now with a larger than normal industry news section amongst all the highlights of games I have been playing and other work I think you should check out. Behind the Scenes for paid patrons only but the rest is for all members including free
www.patreon.com/posts/januar...
www.patreon.com/posts/januar...
"But Why Vikings?" is a tabletop agony aunt column I do with @ava.foxfort.net and @timclare.bsky.social. We need your engagement to keep it running. Got questions about etiquette at the table? Philosophy of play? The best game to fit in pockets? Send them our way!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
But Why Vikings?
Games Podcast · Updated fortnightly · Any unanswered questions at your gaming table? Ava Foxfort, Tim Clare, and Iain McAllister mull over tabletop conudrums: from etiquette at the table to recommenda...
podcasts.apple.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:25 AM
"But Why Vikings?" is a tabletop agony aunt column I do with @ava.foxfort.net and @timclare.bsky.social. We need your engagement to keep it running. Got questions about etiquette at the table? Philosophy of play? The best game to fit in pockets? Send them our way!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
My top 9 in January. Ask me anything. Review of Flip 7 out today. Newsletter out tomorrow as well. Sign up to my Patreon for free to get access.
www.patreon.com/thegiantbrai...
www.patreon.com/thegiantbrai...
January 31, 2026 at 6:31 PM
My top 9 in January. Ask me anything. Review of Flip 7 out today. Newsletter out tomorrow as well. Sign up to my Patreon for free to get access.
www.patreon.com/thegiantbrai...
www.patreon.com/thegiantbrai...
Get your tickets for the Pub Quiz I am running at TTGM Live at Doncaster Racecourse over Valentine's weekend. Going to be a blast!
www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/events/table...
www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/events/table...
Tabletop Gaming - Tabletop Gaming Live 2026: SATURDAY NIGHT QUIZ TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
It’s the perfect end to a Saturday spent with your gaming besties
www.tabletopgaming.co.uk
January 31, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Get your tickets for the Pub Quiz I am running at TTGM Live at Doncaster Racecourse over Valentine's weekend. Going to be a blast!
www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/events/table...
www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/events/table...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Strap on your bearded axe and delve into the forsaken barrow in this 2-player Norse fantasy Soulslike #TTRPG Runecairn.
Available on DriveThruRPG!
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/3856...
Available on DriveThruRPG!
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/3856...
January 31, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Strap on your bearded axe and delve into the forsaken barrow in this 2-player Norse fantasy Soulslike #TTRPG Runecairn.
Available on DriveThruRPG!
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/3856...
Available on DriveThruRPG!
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/3856...
Sometimes simple games get to our tables more often and Flip 7 is one of those for me. Nothing wrong with giving games like this a properp critical shake.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/31/f...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/31/f...
January 31, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Sometimes simple games get to our tables more often and Flip 7 is one of those for me. Nothing wrong with giving games like this a properp critical shake.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/31/f...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/31/f...
This has been great fun. Thoroughly recommend and also check out Tim's free writing courses that he released as a podcast.
All through January I've been setting daily 200 word writing challenges on the Death Of 1000 Cuts Discord. Folks have been sharing their work, & discussing their experiences of trying the different exercises. You can join & work through them at your own pace if you like:
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
Join the Death Of 1000 Cuts Community Discord Server!
Check out the Death Of 1000 Cuts Community community on Discord - hang out with 315 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
discord.gg
January 31, 2026 at 7:49 AM
This has been great fun. Thoroughly recommend and also check out Tim's free writing courses that he released as a podcast.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
All through January I've been setting daily 200 word writing challenges on the Death Of 1000 Cuts Discord. Folks have been sharing their work, & discussing their experiences of trying the different exercises. You can join & work through them at your own pace if you like:
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
Join the Death Of 1000 Cuts Community Discord Server!
Check out the Death Of 1000 Cuts Community community on Discord - hang out with 315 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
discord.gg
January 31, 2026 at 7:42 AM
All through January I've been setting daily 200 word writing challenges on the Death Of 1000 Cuts Discord. Folks have been sharing their work, & discussing their experiences of trying the different exercises. You can join & work through them at your own pace if you like:
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
discord.gg/QB4e7kvwD
I put out a piece at the start of the year trying to bring attention to some of the shortcomings I find in RPGs when it comes to the route to actually getting them played. #selfpromosaturday
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
RPG Resolutions - The Giant Brain
It is the early days of 2026 a time for resolutions and new habits. I have some ideas for you on how to make RPGs a little more accesible.
giantbrain.co.uk
January 31, 2026 at 7:12 AM
I put out a piece at the start of the year trying to bring attention to some of the shortcomings I find in RPGs when it comes to the route to actually getting them played. #selfpromosaturday
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/01/07/r...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Let's get #selfpromosaturday started!
Check out my blog for shizz like this about 5 games you've never heard of burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/06/p...
Show me your gaming and #ttrpg hotness, and remember to reshare and uplift others (no AI though obvs🤖)
#indie #rpg #actualplay #dnd
Check out my blog for shizz like this about 5 games you've never heard of burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/06/p...
Show me your gaming and #ttrpg hotness, and remember to reshare and uplift others (no AI though obvs🤖)
#indie #rpg #actualplay #dnd
Play These Games! 5 TTRPGs You Haven’t Heard Of
As we creep towards the end of the year (Patreon supporters) or look bright-eyed at the possibilities of 2026 before us, I’ve been looking back at my “games played” spreadsheet. I could talk a lot …
burnafterrunningrpg.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:08 AM
Let's get #selfpromosaturday started!
Check out my blog for shizz like this about 5 games you've never heard of burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/06/p...
Show me your gaming and #ttrpg hotness, and remember to reshare and uplift others (no AI though obvs🤖)
#indie #rpg #actualplay #dnd
Check out my blog for shizz like this about 5 games you've never heard of burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/06/p...
Show me your gaming and #ttrpg hotness, and remember to reshare and uplift others (no AI though obvs🤖)
#indie #rpg #actualplay #dnd
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Posting Stone until I find my audience. Dwarven steampunk solo journaling. Ancient halls. Sacred flames. The Great Furnace burns eternal. Solo RPG fans who'd love this exist somewhere. Shares help me reach them. losthavenart.com #ttrpg #indierpg
January 31, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Posting Stone until I find my audience. Dwarven steampunk solo journaling. Ancient halls. Sacred flames. The Great Furnace burns eternal. Solo RPG fans who'd love this exist somewhere. Shares help me reach them. losthavenart.com #ttrpg #indierpg
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Resharing for the weekend crowd - get some Alec Leamas in your TTRPGs!
It was all @malcolmcraig.bsky.social 's fault - three #TTRPG things you can steal from The Spy Who Came In From The Cold!
burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/29/p...
burnafterrunningrpg.com/2026/01/29/p...
Proper Espionage – Three Gaming Things from The Spy Who Came In From the Cold
I read this through a gaming link; Malcolm Craig, game designer and actual cold war expert, rates this as the best background to the Cold City RPG (or at least, he did when we interviewed him for t…
burnafterrunningrpg.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Resharing for the weekend crowd - get some Alec Leamas in your TTRPGs!
Reposted by Iain McAllister
The Bloggies 2026 submissions are closing this Saturday night!
Please submit your favorite blog posts, blog series, and newcomers on this year's official web page:
www.explorersdesign.com/bloggies-2026/
(And please, share this far and wide 🙏)
Please submit your favorite blog posts, blog series, and newcomers on this year's official web page:
www.explorersdesign.com/bloggies-2026/
(And please, share this far and wide 🙏)
The Bloggies 2026
A yearly celebration of blogging in tabletop roleplaying games.
www.explorersdesign.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:47 PM
The Bloggies 2026 submissions are closing this Saturday night!
Please submit your favorite blog posts, blog series, and newcomers on this year's official web page:
www.explorersdesign.com/bloggies-2026/
(And please, share this far and wide 🙏)
Please submit your favorite blog posts, blog series, and newcomers on this year's official web page:
www.explorersdesign.com/bloggies-2026/
(And please, share this far and wide 🙏)
Running some Break!! tonight for review for TTGM.
January 28, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Running some Break!! tonight for review for TTGM.
Am I an influencer now?
5 days until #ZineQuest:
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!
Coming soon: The Thunder Perfect Mind
An Occult Action Thriller Tabletop RPG
www.kickstarter.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Am I an influencer now?
Reposted by Iain McAllister
5 days until #ZineQuest:
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!
Coming soon: The Thunder Perfect Mind
An Occult Action Thriller Tabletop RPG
www.kickstarter.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:46 PM
5 days until #ZineQuest:
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!
I love a good flowchart. So after @giantbrain.co.uk posted about making games more accessible, I squeezed in some rules summary flowcharts into the book and as free downloads.
Follow the KS now for earlybird deals!