The Next 10 Years | Episode 100, The Covenant Cast

[@lukebagdarrel]

Hey fellas, commenting to answer your question. What drew me to your youtube were the live plays and learning videos. I then became a subscriber to product and have also bought tokens and such from you. I live in MD so i can't really support your local store other than those two ways but I say keep the live plays and learning stuff coming. Keep on keeping on!

[@20cainsworth]

Congrats to TC for hitting 100! I'm one of those casual gamers who found TC and immediately gained so much value from your content. Shortly after igniting a passion for gaming (specifically X-Wing 1.0 & Destiny), I was able to find a local group and continue playing and building connections with other players. Thanks for continuing to promote this endeavor across the world. One thing I would love for TC to consider would be to "host" events like Covenant Masters digitally. Although the in-person experience is definitely the best, it may not be feasible for some to travel to Tulsa to play. Perhaps if local groups could create a way to join the event streaming at their local FLGS or even out of their homes, we could connect across the globe in a new, meaningful way. Just dreaming with y'all! Thanks for everything!

[@teamcovenant]

Thank you Chris - for the kind words and the thoughts!

[@davidk3843]

#askcovenant I grew up playing chess, risk, backgammon, etc. Once I hit adulthood, I fell away from tabletop. Then I had 2 children, and naturally I started by teaching them those same games that I grew up with. But after watching them get pulled into video games, KZbin, and just too much total screen time, I found BGG. My mind was blown. I had no idea that tabletop had exploded so much. I purchased and taught my kids how to play what I would call "modern" games like Dominion, Pandemic, Memoir '44, 7 Wonders, and many more. Eventually we got addicted to Star Wars Destiny (my first CCG), and that's how I found Team Covenant. I literally started giving copies of the 2-player Destiny game to my kids friends as birthday presents in hope of building interest in Destiny. I was hoping to get my kids friends talking about something other than Fortnite. Unfortunately it hasn't gone very well. We've had limited success teaching a few tabletop games to their friends when they come over to our house, but mostly we play tabletop among our family at our kitchen table. Yet, when I talk to other parents they say "Wow, you play board games? Good for you! THAT'S GREAT!" Listening to their reaction, I sense a genuine longing for them to get their kids off screens and playing tabletop too. I explain BGG to them, and I suggest a few titles for them to purchase. But for whatever reason, tabletop doesn't seem to make a significant dent in all that screen time for most families. I took my son to a couple local game stores, but the experiences weren't very memorable. We drove 1 hour each way to a store that advertised "Star Wars Destiny" on its calendar, but when we arrived nobody else was playing Destiny. What a waste. We spent a couple hours at the store learning how to play Splendor and Keyforge at our own table, but each table basically kept to themselves. I'm not going to drive 2 hours for a hot pretzel. Alamo made movies cool. Bowlmor made bowling cool. They provide memorable experiences worth talking about. Every time. Not so much at our local game stores. So I agree that the opportunity for growth in tabletop is huge. As a parent, I found BGG. I found Dice Tower. I found Miniature Market and Cool Stuff. I found Team Covenant. I educated myself and learned the difference between CCG and LCG (who knew? mind blown again.) I researched games on BGG, bought appropriate games, and I taught them to my family so we now have a thriving gaming community among the 4 of us at our kitchen table. How can we help more new players in the community play what I would call "modern" tabletop? I wish I knew. I wish the industry knew. The desire is there, and the games are there. But somebody needs to connect the dots.

[@Impulse411]

Congrats on your 100th episode! Your episodes are consistently high quality and I appreciate hearing your thoughts on the industry and all that entails. I think your approach to the local community is a solid one and hope that others follow suite. I think the number of possible games and cannibalizing of different communities is a struggle for most - building communities is hard...maintaining them even more so...but I would like to think it is possible and worthwhile in the long-run. Keep up the great work!

[@tywhisenhunt2375]

I really like your comments/perspective on role of the customer. There is no 4th tier. I frequent BGG a lot, and have read sentiment around customer "responsibility" to prop up and support FLGS, and it makes me tilt my head sideways like a dog. From my perspective, any business that adopts a position that customers owe them something (pay more money, be more loyal) or relies on customers to artificially bypass natural market levers to succeed... simply won't exist in the future. I like your stuff, and wish you much success!

[@mikloslipcsey7923]

Congratulations for reaching episode “C” (to use the Roman vernacular). Your videos are always informative and give a different perspective of tabletop games industry from a retailers point of view rather than reviewings/unboxings of which there is a plethora. And from being afar (Australia), i am fascinated with similarities and differences with two markets.

[@louisdesroches]

Congrats on 100! Listened to all of them - hope you guys keep going strong for another 100 at least.

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks, Louis! It's great to hear from you.

[@youperguy]

What a wonderful podcast! You said so many things that I have said about this industry for years. I love games, but I don't have time to play at a game store. I play around my kitchen table with my family. Covenant subscriptions are critical to my enjoyment of the hobby. Thanks for all that you do and for being leaders in the field.

[@teamcovenant]

That is great to hear, thank you so much for letting us know!

[@somethingbrad]

#askcovenant congratulations on the 100! It’s hard to ask more from you all when you already do so much for the community but I’m going to try. An emphasis on streams. Something that pulled me into what you guys do is how in the delivery of your message, as concise as it is, there are nuggets of thrill and excitement that may not have been planned, but are authentic. It is fun to watch/be a part of that. This can be Steven admiring L5R card art in a how to video that’s recorded at a quiet space in the shop, Robert getting so excited about learning how to play the Arkham Horror LCG at a crowded GenCon he can’t read the cards fast enough (READ THE CARDS PEOPLE!), or a Destiny event where we see new cards revealed and played on stream. Production of the video/audio for all these situations vary due to the circumstances in which they are set but in all instances I can tell care was put into how the message would be delivered and it’s nice being able to interact with everyone at the same time in real time. A lot of us wish we had a Team Covenant store close by but that’s not the case (for now?) and streaming is a nice way to “meet up” and maybe capture some of those genuine moments of thrill and excitement together. I dig the new website and appreciate the little Covenant thank you notes in the packages I order. Here’s to 100 more episodes. All the best. -Brad

[@teamcovenant]

Thank you for the kind words Brad, and for the streaming proof! We are starting a new show soon that will, hopefully, fill the gap that our livestream left. In the meantine, we are devoting more time to Instagram and using the stories there to create a more behind-the-scenes feel. Thank you again for watching and letting us know how you feel.

[@Kurufinwe_Fayanaro]

End question: Open other stores. Lead the charge and be the change. Start small with one, iron out all the kinks for several years, and then copy/paste. Suddenly there's a Covenant in every town and it becomes The Place to Go.

[@1979ce]

The developer should put out a demo video to stores of a new game two weeks before they print it. In those two weeks stores get to ask questions and put in orders. The developer then had a better idea of how many to print.

[@teamcovenant]

That could be a great solution. We need more ideas like this. It's great to hear from you, Chris!

[@joehout24]

Great conversation, congrats on 100

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks, Joe!

[@DavidVejil]

#AskCovenant How many casual players do you need to make up for one competitive player in revenue? A competitive person might buy three boxes but how many packs will a casual player buy? Great cast, your industry shows are interesting and helpful! I love how you applied the tough questions to yourself, holding yourself to the highest of standards. Much respect guys! What Jamey is doing makes since in theory, it's like you guys banning a troublemaker from your store. But in practice it's a lot different. To carry the analogy, you guys would ban someone from a store to protect a different customer or the community. His ban is to protect himself. What this means is that it is nearly impossible to execute this well. What he sees as lies or false information, others will see as tough criticism. It's his own interpretation so he will be biased and he will probably be pretty upset when he is making the judgment call. It's like calling your own fouls in the NBA finals game. Banning people for criticism comes across as heavy handed at best and tyrannical at worst, which could actually hurt his brand.

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks for the question David!

[@andyhutchinson987]

Congrats on 100 and YES!!! no T-Swift. Apologies for not using the hash tag when you searched for a question, but to be honest it was mainly just a bit of feedback. One clarification. The Amazon comment was in regard to the ability to absorb cash pre-purchase loss for want of a better term. For example if I walk into TC tomorrow and order a game due in 6 months, then I shouldn't expect you to fund that purchase. And hence the customer having some responsibility. As to Stores providing benefit to publishers lets just examine my buying history. Coming from a miniatures background, X wing was a spur of the moment Saturday purchase. Few minutes internet search for X wing found the TC videos. Which led to.... Every X wing expansion...including 3 Millennium Falcons (1 bought to convert using the Hayes manual) and show me a list that has 6 TIE Interceptors, don't ask, and I've got it covered. The complete set of LOTR LCG...still sourcing some of the nightmare packs. Arkham Horror LCG, complete. Mansions of Madness. Arkham horror board game 3rd edition. Imperial Assault, approx 75% Armada, everything including multiple ships, including two core sets after Amazon screwed up their pricing. Ashes, rise of the Phoenix born, I'm not sure how much that lot is in cash terms and I really don't want to contemplate that. :-) but a lot of those purchases can be put at the door of you lot and your videos. And this is from a store not even in the same country. EDIT and I forgot...Star Wars LCG, Conquest, Netrunner and Destiny. The games that got packed away to save space. And last but not least Keyforge.

[@peteshirey9816]

Congrats on the 100 episodes! Great topics and thoughtful discussion. Here is to the next 100 episodes!

[@matthewboles6721]

I like the show and the news you bring to it. I hope you keep up the hard work in showing the business of hobby games.

[@nicogamesnow]

I never mentioned it before, but I love the intro tune of the podcast. It reminds me of a relaxing rainy Sunday, drinking a coffee. Which, coincidentally, it is (and I am). Is this a custom jingle, or taken from a song? Congrats on 100! #askcovenant

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks Nico!

[@ExpectResistance]

#askCovenant So recently I ordered a print run of the new Netrunner Downfall from PlayThruCards based in the US, one of the recommended print on demand services dealing with Nisei. I appreciate this is as direct as can be to Nisei and supports them in continuing their development both in design and community experience, of what I consider one of the best games. Up until this purchase all my Netrunner sets have been bought online from U.K. based stores with exception to my token set which I was lucky enough to get from you guys just before it sold out. My worry is the entry to Netrunner for new players is harder than ever as it’s seemingly only Nisei and immediate community who discuss this game and also the idea of print on demand being still a new customer experience, one I can’t say is particularly filled with confidence. My cards were amazing quality, however this experience reminded me of exactly what Covenant often recall in the cast in early experiences needing to improve and a fundamental reason for setting up Covenant. My question. What is Team Covenants role and position in supporting and improving the experience of print on demand games, such as Netrunner, for customers and community? This seems relevant now with your positioning more away from in store retail in favour of gaming and community experience, to online retail and content and its intrinsic value. Thanks for all you do. I pretty much own all my gaming enjoyment and interest to you.

[@teamcovenant]

Great thoughts here and congrats on Downfall! We will do our best to answer your questions in an upcoming podcast.

[@stevenegley8169]

Happy 100! Here is to another 100.

[@teamcovenant]

Cheers Steven!

[@Stormzbowler]

I would love to see more live streaming of games. I really enjoy watching these videos, because you are all really entertaining to watch and I enjoy watching play throughs of games when I'm not able to be playing.

[@toddadair3651]

Congrats on the big 100! I think I've listened to them all. I've listened on cruises, on flights, in the car, at airports, at work and I'm sure other places. Always excellent!

[@teamcovenant]

Thank you, Todd! Here's to 100 more!

[@falconashek8913]

35:42 Face knuckle jaw crack? I was listening on my headphones, and there was a breaking finger sound. I had to watch the video again to see what it was. I like some of the older videos of box openings. Star Wars LCG and X-Wing ships. I enjoy the interviews with game designers. Congrats on 100!

[@joshestes6427]

#askteamcovenant I think we need to be careful when looking at preorders because part of the reason distribution is cautious is that for every wingspan there are several Seafalls, or First Martian games that fail to generate enough sales and cost everyone money. What I wonder about is how do retailers pick games to order? Do they just attend GAMA, or do they talk directly with publishers, and do they get a chance to play games first, or do they have to order without testing the game?

[@phillosmaster393]

#askcovenant I'm so happy you guy have been slowly traveling down this idea of games being more about the experience and less about the competition. This sort is discussion and shift in content is exactly what I'm looking for from you guys. It's a path I've been going down myself. For example L5R is a world that I love and a game I want to love playing, but the emphasis on competition in that game's OP structure really puts me off. I'm playing in spite of that rather because of it. Though am I trying to swim upstream here? Is a competitive LCG antithetical to a more limited or casual format? I'm starting to feel that so much about the structure of those games cater to the diehard competitive player to the detriment of the casuals.

[@davidrodriguez6129]

#askcovenant What I would be excited to see covenant do in the next 5-10 years is continue to host special events similar to the Destiny Masters series that promote community building, somewhat competitive play, and memorable experiences for a wider variety of games. I understand that Covenant carefully chooses which games it will fully support and host events for, but the response the attendees had at these events was so positive that I hope other game communities can experience something similar with the games they enjoy.

[@teamcovenant]

Great thoughts David! We will do our best to discuss on an upcoming Covenant Cast!

[@catfishparade4757]

#askcovenant What could be the most exciting thing Covenant can do in the next 5-10 years? Open a franchise in Milwaukee, WI!! We need a place that focuses on building strong gaming communities in southeast Wisconsin. Love the podcast and all the content you develop for us in the hobby.

[@andyhutchinson987]

Separate comment as this is a bit away from other response. Don't know the ins and outs of this, but you seemed to have done it on a small scale with regards to Wingspan. If the distributors can't supply your needs, why not try it on a limited scale yourselves. Think of all the store owners you have done interviews with and approach them. I'm sure they know people who share the TC ethos. The one thing all the people you interview have in common is they are committed to the hobby and their stores aren't just stores, so they probably know the hobby better than most. Not sure how it would work with some of the big publishers, but if you know Stonemaier is going to be releasing a game in 6 months then get together and get them to add x number of copies to the print run as guaranteed stock for those who want in. Even if it's only those publishers/designers you know have a track record. Define within very tight limits what you are going to consider, known designer for example (has Stonemaier ever produced a game that didn't sell) Get enough store owners together and you might do a better job of forecasting than the distributors. You know the business, the pitfalls etc. But I thought I'd throw it out there just in case it hadn't crossed your minds before. Too lazy to go back through the video lists to get the names of the people you interviewed, but betting they wouldn't laugh in your face. After you left room maybe but not while you're in it, in which case just blame some know nothing from the internet :-)

[@calebvance4083]

#askcovenant I'm most excited for you to rename the podcast 'This Happy Life'

[@teamcovenant]

That's a good name! Cheers!

[@vespesian13]

#askcovenant. I love the podcast, and your Arkham Horror LCG compatible tokens. I was wondering if y'all are planning on making doom tokens for The Circle Undone like you've done for the other cycles.

[@teamcovenant]

Great question Thomas. Thanks for asking, and for using #AskCovenant.

[@IHendricks27]

Expanding into OC and letting me work with you 😏😏😏

[@giannisc.5254]

Are these scribbles behind you on the whiteboard possible designs for a redesigned logo ? :) I like the current one though, why do you feel the need to change it (iirc you said so in a past podcast) ?

[@teamcovenant]

They are! We feel like, over the last several years, we have changed from a fiery leader of "tabletop reborn" to the serene respite from the storm of life, and the Phoenix doesn't represent that. We are always looking to improve, especially internally. Thanks for noticing and asking!

[@giannisc.5254]

@@teamcovenant Wow ! That actually makes sense and it clearly shows from your discussions in the podcasts (the whole "competitive is fine, but we want to build communities where the aim is pure fun and escapism" sentiment). Thank you for your response, you clearly have put a lot of thought not only on the design but what that represents for your team and how it reflects regarding your goals toward the future. Now i am curious to see how the new logo will look like ! :)

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks for noticing! When our new logo goes up you will have to let us know what you think. Cheers!

[@misomiso8228]

#askcovenant Have you ever thought about fully embracing video content, and creating a subscription based service where people can support you in exchange for more videos (similar to Patreon)? In response to your end of podcast question, this is where I would like to see Covenant go, as retail is an INCREDIBLY hard business; unless you're aiming for something like walmart etc it's a huge labour of love, but there is a lot of space on the internet for content producers if you can produce regular content of a reasonable quality. For examples, look at Miniwargaming for 40k, or Starcitygames for MtG. You would need to get to producing A LOT of Battle Reports etc, and maybe have them not as edited as well as some of your earlier stuff, but it could be worth experimenting with. Also clean shaven store assistants do better.

[@jonathanmurray834]

Unboxings of things like x wing were cool but I understand the time aspect of doing that vs other things

[@lefty8957]

#AskCovenant As sad as this might seem, do you think companies like SMG are being held hostage by the retail machine? The fact is, customers expect games at retail, and more importantly retailers expect (perhaps unfairly) that they will be allowed to sell a publisher's game. If SMG takes their games and sells them direct they'll make a lot of retailers very angry, regardless of how much value (possibly none) that they really provide. It's hard to quantify, but an angry mob of retailers can't be good for your bottom line , and for your reputation as a publisher.

[@teamcovenant]

Great question Lefty! Thank you for using #AskCovenant!

[@memorarenz]

The airhorn was way better than Taylor Swift . #Neverforget

[@teamcovenant]

We don't believe you.

[@clarewalker245]

@@teamcovenant I think I'm the only listener who enjoyed the Taylor Swift episode! Haha! You can talk about Taylor Swift again if you like!! :D

[@hybridart6763]

Congrats on 100 episodes, guys! I look forward to the cast every week and love the variety of topics you discuss. Just maybe no more Taylor Swift lol 😉. But keep up the awesome work! Here’s to 100 more!!!

[@teamcovenant]

Thanks for watching, and the kind words! Cheers.

[@hybridart6763]

Oh, and I am one of those listeners you talked about. I’ve been gaming with pretty much the same group for the last 25 years! Best connections of my life, no doubt!

[@teamcovenant]

That is awesome!

[@misomiso8228]

'Loving' my comments dosn't make up for the lack for clean shaven faces and nice suits and ties.

[@ChristopherZubin]

1:30 ...and we are all together? Am I the Walrus?

[@teamcovenant]

It wasn't intentional, but maybe it should be next time! Nice catch Christopher, and thanks for watching.

[@ChristopherZubin]

@@teamcovenant Next time on half-remembered Beatles lyrics

[@misomiso8228]

I havn't even listened to it yet, but you didn't shave and you're not wearing suits!!!!! So disappointed.

[@jaredbellingar8283]

No more air horn plz.

[@teamcovenant]

We'll see what we can do!