Vox Republica 125: The Impact Of Large Scale Media

Aug. 25, 2016

Episode 125: The Impact Of Large Scale Media

Length: 1:51:00

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Welcome back to Vox Republica, the Cardboard Republic Podcast!

We post new episodes every other Thursday, with each episode being about 45 minutes long.

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DESCRIPTION: This week we turn the lens inward on gaming media itself. After discussing the philosophy behind how often someone should play a game before judging (or reviewing) it, Erin and Ryan then invite on veteran reviewers Michael Fox (Little Metal Dog Show) and Jonathan Wolf (islaythedragon) to chat about the 800 pound Kotaku in the room. As gaming continues to grow, it's attracting attention from non-traditional hobby gaming sites to cover games. With scopes of coverage dwarfing even that of The Dice Tower, we examine the positives - and negatives - that such newcomers have on gaming media and the hobby on the whole.

GUESTS: Michael Fox & Jonathan Wolf

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:36):

• Vast: The Crystal Caverns by Leder Games
• Agility by Two Lanterns Games
• Potion Explosion by Cool Mini Or Not
• Mystic Vale by Alderac Entertainment Group
• Mansions of Madness: Second Edition by Fantasy Flight Games

QUICK TOPICS - (38:23):

• How many times do you have to play a game before being able to render a verdict on it? Erin and Ryan discuss what they feel their ideal number is, both for gamers and for reviewers.
• Ryan also floats his idea for a new vlog.

FEATURED TOPIC - (54:39):

• As the gaming hobby continues to expand, it seems that some entities with sizable readership have decided to get in on the fun. To figure out what that means for the hobby and hobby media, we decided to round up a couple and chat about it. Together with Michael Fox of Little Metal Dog Show and editor Jonathan Wolf of islaythedragon, we dive into how it affects those of us on the content creation side. Topics include:
  • Why are larger entities taking more of an interest in gaming lately? 
  • Was this a natural progression due to growth of the hobby? 
  • What the positive implications that their involvement can have on the hobby itself
  • How their presence impacts 'hobbyist media' and how entities should adjust/cope with that impact
  • Are there any serious detriments to this increased interest from large outlets?

PLUGS - (1:51:00):

• We reviewed Quadropolis!
• We're also raffling off a copy of August Indie Spotlight game Vast!
• We're also also raffling off a copy of Avalanche at Yeti Mountain to a lucky Patreon backer. Consider donating today!
• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos, Instagram pictures, and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [email protected]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.