Gaining Advantage Wyrmworks Publishing
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- Lazer
Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?
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University of Chicago Uses #DnD to Teach English
In this episode, we explore using tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for language learning. Shane Dunkle, a Language Pedagogy Specialist at the University of Chicago, shares his research on assessing English proficiency through board games and TTRPGs like D&D.
Discover how these games create an engaging environment for practicing real-world communication skills, from mastering idioms to navigating social cues. Shane reveals strategies for convincing skeptical faculty and his vision for embracing TTRPGs as a mainstream educational tool.
0:00 Opening0:10 Exclusive Charity Offer Reveal - How Your Purchase Can Change Lives2:49 Meet the Gamer Turned Innovative Educator Revolutionizing Language Learning4:06 Traditional vs Game-Based Teaching: The Authenticity Showdown18:26 From Munchkin to Murderhobo: Navigating the RPG Classroom Transition21:31 Mastering Real-World Interactions Through In-Game Role-Play28:34 Student Resistors vs Faculty Skeptics: Overcoming Unconventional Hurdles33:51 Three Wishes to Transform Language Education Worldwide35:45 The Recipe for Educators: Embracing Unorthodox Methods That Work40:47 Convincing the Naysayers: A Manifesto for Embracing Gaming in Academics42:34 Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Pedagogical Playground Projects44:47 Your Doorway to Immersive Language Learning Resources
Wyrmworks Publishing: https://wyrmworkspublishing.com
Rio Grande Flood Charity Bundle: http://rio.inclusiverpg.com
University of Chicago English Language Institute: http://esl.uchicago.edu/
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing -
Is D&D a Secret Architect of Global Culture?
This episode explores the cultural significance and far-reaching influence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) through an insightful interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal, editors of the book "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons." It offers insights into how the iconic tabletop RPG has influenced various aspects of global culture, from gaming and entertainment to education and beyond.
The discussion covers D&D's historical roots, examining its evolution from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon. Sidhu and Zagal shed light on the game's unexpected crossovers with diverse fields, such as interactive storytelling, solo journaling, and educational applications.
Key points covered include:
The book's approach to celebrating D&D from a scholarly yet accessible perspective
Surprising insights into the game's evolution, such as the progression of combat systems
D&D's influence on other media and how it has been influenced by culture in turn
The game's potential in education and fostering critical thinking
Speculative discussions on D&D's future, including the role of AI and emergence as a mainstream entertainment genre
Links
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing
Wyrmworks Publishing Nexus: https://books.inclusiverpg.com
Fifty Years of D&D: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547604/fifty-years-of-idungeons-and-dragonsi/
Get it at the Wyrmworks Publishing Nexus & support the show: https://bookshop.org/a/103322/9780262547604
University of Utah’s Division of Games - https://games.utah.edu/
José Zagal Academic Profile - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=a4a3GTMAAAAJ&hl=en
Seeing Red: Nintendo’s Virtual Boy - https://bit.ly/3UIHvmb
Premeet Sidhu Academic Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WGI4GlUAAAAJ&hl=en
Premeet Sidhu Twitter: https://twitter.com/premeetsidhu
0:00 Introduction
0:19 Wyrmworks Publishing Updates
03:18 Interview with Premeet Sidhu and José Zagal
06:12 "50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons" Book Overview
10:41 Insights and Revelations
15:58 D&D's Cultural Influence
18:33 Future of D&D
36:01 Upcoming Projects
43:57 Patreon Showcase & Closing
Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.
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Toxic Masculinity & TTRPG Culture
We explore the connections between language, masculinity, and tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) experiences with sociologist Dr. Steven Dashiell. He studies language in male-dominated spaces like gaming conventions.
We discuss how language use, rules lawyering, gamesplaining, and off-topic conversations (metadiscourse) at gaming tables can create barriers. These reinforce masculine norms and potentially alienate players from underrepresented groups. Dr. Dashiell shares research on gendered speech patterns, the historical invisibility of women TTRPG players, and the challenges that women face asserting themselves without seeming overly aggressive.
The conversation also covers the benefits of increased gender diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Dashiell explains how bringing your authentic self enriches the gaming experience for all. He offers insights for designers to create more welcoming, inclusive spaces.
Whether new or experienced with TTRPGs, this episode provides a valuable perspective on building a more equitable gaming culture.
Links:
Dr. Steven Dashiell at American University: https://www.american.edu/soc/faculty/dashiell.cfm
Dr. Dashiell's Research and Papers: https://american.academia.edu/StevenDashiell
Accessible Character Sheet: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/476978/Accessible-Character-Sheets-for-DD-Players-with-Print-Disabilities?affiliate_id=2455077&src=GainingAdvantage37
Ready-to-Roll: Fairweather Friends Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/ready-to-roll-last-minute-no-prep-dandd-5e-adventure-1?ref=c7371z
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing?utm_source=gaining_advantage&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=037
Show Outline:
00:00 Welcome and intro00:21 Accessible character sheet for print & reading disabilities00:56 Ready-to-Roll: Fairweather Friends D&D adventure Kickstarter01:29 Interview with Dr. Steven Dashiell sociology of language04:57 Gender representation in TTRPG spaces06:24 Metadiscourse and inside references07:21 Masculine language and behavior in gaming08:18 Rules lawyering and excluding players12:14 Gamesplaining14:51 Historical gender erasure of women gamers16:12 Benefits of diversity in tabletop RPGs18:26 Murderhobo25:08 Charisma in D&D and its effect on inclusion28:36 Male dominance in D&D31:33 Bringing your authentic self to gaming table41:40 Designing more inclusive TTRPGs50:32 Gendered guilt when missing game sessions52:01 Jerks and toxic behavior study57:31 Support Inclusive Gaming -
A Game-Changing Education Revolution
In this thought-provoking episode, Dale sits down with Dr. Dave Eng, an expert in using board games for educational purposes. Dr. Eng shares his groundbreaking insights on how tabletop games can revolutionize the learning experience. From cooperative classics like Pandemic to the innovative "Matrix Games" that leverage words over numbers, this episode dives into the benefits of interactive gameplay in classrooms. Discover how board games can foster critical thinking, teamwork, and experiential learning in ways traditional lectures cannot. Learn about Dr. Eng's inspiring work and his mission to bring gaming literacy to educators worldwide.
Plus, Dale reveals Wyrmworks Publishing's pioneering effort to introduce the first-ever braille ruleset for tabletop RPGs, making the hobby more accessible than ever before.
0:00 Introducing Braille to the TTRPG hobby
06:49 Interview: Dave Eng, EdD on gamifying education
42:16 An invitation to change the world
Links:
Wyrmworks Publishing http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/
Braille System Reference Document for D&D 5E on DriveThruRPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/472156/5e-SRD-51-System-Reference-Document-Braille-Transcription-and-Tutorial?affiliate_id=2455077
Dr. Dave Eng https://davengdesign.com/
UniversityXP https://universityxp.com/
Banditos Gaming https://www.banditosgaming.com/
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing
Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.
Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice! -
Minimal Minority Meeples: Researcher Reveals Lack of Diversity in Board Gaming
We speak with Dr. Tanya Pobuda, an expert on issues of representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. She shares insights from her groundbreaking research on gender and racial representation in contemporary board gaming.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pobuda provides data-driven perspectives on the false narrative that "diversity doesn't sell" and highlights positive shifts that are possible when inclusive practices are embraced.
0:00 Introduction: Braille in TTRPG01:50 Interview: Dr. Tanya A. Pobuda52:49 Patreon Showcase & closing
Manually captioned. Transcript available in the feed and at our website.
Links:
Dr. Tanya Pobuda's Twitter: https://twitter.com/PobudaTanya
Dr. Pobuda's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tanyapobuda
Our Family Plays Games YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/OurFamilyPlaysGames
Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com
Ready-to-Roll: Feyweather Friends adventure on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmworkspublishing/ready-to-roll-last-minute-no-prep-dandd-5e-adventure-1?ref=dqmst7
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing
Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice! -
Learn about Other Cultures through D&D with Rob Martin
Discover new worlds and perspectives through TTRPGs! In this episode, we explore how D&D and other TTRPGs can teach us about different cultures. Dale talks with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Filipino mythology-inspired Bukana setting and Kickstarter campaign.
00:00 Holiday bundles and gift ideas04:13 Interview with Rob Martin of Secret Garden Games about his Bukana setting inspired by Filipino and Indonesian mythology41:06 Patreon updates and appreciation
Links:
Wyrmworks Publishing Gift Cards: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/wyrmworks-publishing-gift-cards/
Wyrm's Workshop: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com/product/wyrms-workshop/
24 for $24 Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/460567/The-RPG-Advent-Calendar--24-Books-for-24-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=2455077&src=WyrmworksPubPodcast
75% Off Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/461941/Fantastic-Adventures-Mega-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=2455077&src=WyrmworksPubPodcast
Bukana Bestiary on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pineboxllc/bukana-bestiary-a-5e-wakesong-supplement
Secret Garden Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretgardengames/
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing
Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!
Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.