Ammon Anderson talks Gnome Hollow, Twinkle, Twinkle, and Space Potato?—Tabletop Throwdown S1E13

In this episode of Tabletop Throwdown, Mike Dunn, Mark Julian, and guest Ammon Anderson discuss their recent gaming experiences, including a charity event for children’s hospitals, the success of Ammon’s game Gnome Hollow, and the upcoming release of Twinkle Twinkle. They delve into the intricacies of game design, collaboration with publishers, and the evolution of production quality in board games. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in game preferences and the humorous aspects of game design, culminating in the announcement of Ammon’s new game, Space Potato. The discussion shifts to the challenges of running a Kickstarter campaign, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster it entails. They explore the current state of Kickstarter, particularly for small creators, and the impact of larger companies on funding opportunities. The conversation also touches on manufacturing challenges, especially in light of potential tariffs, and the importance of accessibility in board games, emphasizing community support for colorblind players.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Extra Life Event Recap
05:49 The Success of Gnome Hollow
11:58 Collaboration in Game Design
18:03 The Evolution of Game Production Quality
24:01 Announcing Space Potato
31:58 The Chaos of Board Games
41:32 The Essence of Fun in Game Design
46:55 Playing Games: The Joy of Experience
55:43 Upcoming Releases and Collaborations
01:03:00 The Current State of Kickstarter and Small Creators
01:09:52 Accessibility in Board Games and Community Support