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
Slugblaster is a an absolutely fantastic game and you can get it and a bunch of other games and supplements in this bundle.
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
Slugblaster Bundle for Teen Mental Health 4 by Wilkie's Candy Lab and 14 others
Slugblaster Bundle for Teen Mental Health 4: up to 15 items starting at $10.00
itch.io
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Slugblaster is a an absolutely fantastic game and you can get it and a bunch of other games and supplements in this bundle.
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
Star Vaders is in Humble Bundle this week. I loved it. You can read all about it.
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
Invade This! - The Giant Brain
StarVaders is a mash-up of deckbuilding, tactical combat, and space invaders. Yep you heard me right. It is fantastic.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Star Vaders is in Humble Bundle this week. I loved it. You can read all about it.
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
All good things must come to an end. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with excellent folk and speak to fascinating people in the industry over the years.
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 3, 2026 at 7:07 PM
All good things must come to an end. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with excellent folk and speak to fascinating people in the industry over the years.
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...
I take mine to the local Conventions bring & buy. That helps get rid of most of them. Any review copies I receive go in prize pools for quizzes j run.
February 2, 2026 at 8:50 PM
I take mine to the local Conventions bring & buy. That helps get rid of most of them. Any review copies I receive go in prize pools for quizzes j run.
We will get right on that. Probably.
February 2, 2026 at 8:48 PM
We will get right on that. Probably.
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??
Would be lovely to see you
February 1, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Would be lovely to see you
You going to Airecon Harrogate?
February 1, 2026 at 7:11 PM
You going to Airecon Harrogate?
Is the 'unbiased reviews' chat going around again?
February 1, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Is the 'unbiased reviews' chat going around again?
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
Yeah this is a good one. I have thoughts.
February 1, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Yeah this is a good one. I have thoughts.
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...
I've started some groups so have opinoins on this, though not quite in the same circumstances as you are mentioning. On the list it goes
February 1, 2026 at 8:35 AM
I've started some groups so have opinoins on this, though not quite in the same circumstances as you are mentioning. On the list it goes
I have so many opinions on this subject! Can we answer questions for ourselves? Is that too meta?
February 1, 2026 at 8:32 AM
I have so many opinions on this subject! Can we answer questions for ourselves? Is that too meta?
Nice question. It is always tricky isn't it? How far do you push? When do you give up? I'll put it in our list.
February 1, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Nice question. It is always tricky isn't it? How far do you push? When do you give up? I'll put it in our list.
This is a great question. Can I recommend The Score to you by @add-hawk.bsky.social which talks a lot about how we get captured by gamification and sometime lose sight of why we engage with certain hobbies and pasttimes in the first place.
February 1, 2026 at 8:24 AM
This is a great question. Can I recommend The Score to you by @add-hawk.bsky.social which talks a lot about how we get captured by gamification and sometime lose sight of why we engage with certain hobbies and pasttimes in the first place.