High and Mighty: Episode 491 – Card Games with Josh Richmond

Release Date: November 7, 2024

Hosts:
John Gabris

Guest:
Josh Richmond – Producer of the Gino Lombardo Show, Video Archives Podcast, and creator of the deck-building game Doomsday.

Introduction

High and Mighty kicks off Episode 491 with John Gabris introducing the guest, Josh Richmond, highlighting his multiple appearances on the show and his notable contributions to the podcasting and gaming communities. The episode primarily delves into the expansive world of card games, exploring both traditional and modern iterations.

Notable Quote:
John Gabris [02:40]: "Josh Richmond is a talented fucking weird genius…"

The Evolution of Card Games

Josh and John reminisce about the golden era of collectible trading card games (TCGs) in the late '90s, discussing iconic games like Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars CCG, and Marvel Overpower. They reflect on how these games transformed from simple collectibles to complex strategic experiences.

Notable Quotes:
John Gabris [06:07]: "I remember when the Marvel cards started dropping…"
Josh Richmond [06:36]: "I think first and foremost, they just saw the cash cow of like, look at these people spending hundreds of fucking dollars on these games."

Transition to Digital: Hearthstone and Marvel Snap

The conversation shifts to the rise of digital card games. Josh elaborates on his experience with Hearthstone and introduces Marvel Snap, a fast-paced, mobile-friendly card game developed by the creators of Hearthstone. They discuss the addictive nature of these games and their accessibility compared to traditional TCGs.

Notable Quotes:
Josh Richmond [18:26]: "Marvel Snap is a similar thing because it's from the same developer of Hearthstone… it takes like two minutes per game."
John Gabris [19:15]: "I was gonna say. Is it like a freemium game? Kind of."

Deck Building and Rogue-Like Mechanics

Both hosts explore the synergy between deck-building games and rogue-like elements. They highlight games like Slay the Spire and Monster Train, emphasizing how these titles combine strategic deck management with procedural generation to enhance replayability and player engagement.

Notable Quotes:
Josh Richmond [20:39]: "The number one biggest influence on Doomsday is Slay the Spire."
John Gabris [21:07]: "It's like an hour and a half of deck building and strategy…"

Simplifying Game Design for Broader Appeal

Josh discusses his approach to designing Doomsday, focusing on simplicity to make deck-building games more accessible. He emphasizes reducing complexity to attract both hardcore enthusiasts and newcomers, ensuring the game remains engaging without overwhelming players.

Notable Quotes:
Josh Richmond [43:26]: "I have to keep this simple because… it serves me to really keep this simple."
John Gabris [42:06]: "It has its own look. It really… has its own themed look where it's not like this card is weirdly painted and this card is weirdly like eight bit or whatever."

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

John and Josh share personal stories about their journeys with card games. From childhood experiences with Magic: The Gathering to adult engagements with digital counterparts, they illustrate the profound impact these games have had on their lives and careers.

Notable Quotes:
John Gabris [11:16]: "I absolutely remember looking at my collection and being like, you know, this is going to support me when I'm an old man."
Josh Richmond [27:02]: "Balatro is much more accessible to people who are like, oh, I’ve never even played a dungeon crawler."

Spotlight on Doomsday

In the latter part of the episode, Josh introduces his game Doomsday, detailing its mechanics, artistic style, and availability across platforms. He highlights how the game embodies the discussed principles of simplicity and engaging design, making it an ideal entry point for those new to deck-building games.

Notable Quotes:
Josh Richmond [58:33]: "It's called Doomsday… it’s a mad science game where you’re trying to build a giant Doomsday weapon out of cards."
John Gabris [60:25]: "It is one of a kind… get the game. Open up the show notes right now and get the game."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt endorsements of Josh's projects, including Doomsday and his other podcasting ventures. John encourages listeners to explore Josh's creations and engage with the diverse world of card games.

Notable Quotes:
Josh Richmond [58:50]: "If you’ve never tried a game like this before, I actually think it’s a pretty good gateway drug."
John Gabris [60:53]: "You truly… get the game. Open up the show notes right now and get the game."

Additional Resources:

• Doomsday: Available on Steam for Mac and PC, and on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad. (Note: Steam Deck compatibility is being tested.
• Video Archives Podcast: Hosted by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avery. Listen on popular podcast platforms.

Thank you for tuning into High and Mighty! Stay connected for more engaging discussions and insights into the world of geek culture and beyond.