Harold on Games

Latest Episodes:

American Revolution 250 - Great Games of the Revolution Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

I'm Harold Buchanan, Chairman of SDHist. Tonight we're gathering a few friends of SD Hist to talk about one of the greatest topics in gaming; the American Revolution. Through our upcoming online Am Rev con on June 27, as we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, we're celebrating not only the history itself, but also the games that have helped us explore it. Joining me are Alexander and Grant from The Players' Aid, whose reviews and interviews have introduced numerous gamers to new experiences, and of course legendary designer Volko Ruhnke, whose work has changed the way many of us think about historical game design. Tonight is a conversation among gamers about our favorite American Revolution games, what makes them memorable, and why this period continues to inspire designers and players alike. So let's talk about the Revolution. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2cpZNjlpT0 SD Hist online Am Rev Con REGISTRATION: https://tabletop.events/conventions/sdhist-online-2026-amrev-con

Harold Interviews Cole Wehrle about ARCS Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

In this epidode, I interview the prolific Cole Wehrle about his sci fi game ARCS published by Leder Games. Rules etc at bottom of this page link: https://ledergames.com/products/arcs https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/359871/arcs We discuss the development process, integration of art, mechanics and whether Cole is coming to the next SD Hist Con in November.

Podcast #51 - Volko Ruhnke - What's he bringing to SD Hist upcoming events May 19, 2024

Show notes

I speak to Volko Ruhnke about his newest design works in progress and what he is planning to bring to the Hunt for Blackbeard Coast Watchers Drachen

Podcast #50 - Mark Herman - What's he bringing to SD Hist upcoming events May 02, 2024

Show notes

Mark and I discuss what he working on and what he is bringing to SD Hist events in 2024. He discussed Rebel Fury, Army of the Potomac and the associated system. In addition, he is talking about his upcoming game Defiance ion the opening days for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.

Podcast #49 - SDHist at the USNWC 2 of 3 Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

This is the second of the three podcasts including discussions with Museum Currator Rob Doane, Designer of GMT Games Battle of the American Revolution - Mark Miklos, Designer Volko Ruhnke and YouTuber Mike "Zilla Blitz" Smart. We have produced for your enjoyment a three-part series of discussions on the August 2023 Event by San Diego Historical Games Convention at the US Naval War College Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. The event was three days of historical tours and gaming including tours of the Battleship USS Massachusetts, various sites that were part of the Battle of Rhode Island, Tours of the Museum at the Navy War College and Tours of the Navy War College itself. The tours were conducted by historians, game designers and professional wargamers to add to the color and background. Gaming at the Museum was incredible as we played, flanked by torpedoes, models, historical documents and displays of items of historical significance to the US Navy. The convention was attended by a host of designers, professional gamers, hobby gamers and other interested parties. Of course, the museum is on base but our evenings and lunches were spent in the picturesque and historical town of Newport Rhode Island. We had such a great time; we are planning our return in 2024.

Podcast #48 - SD Hist at the USNWC 1 of 3 Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

This is the first of the three podcasts including discussions with Peter Pellegrino of the US Navy war College as well as an interview with Mark Herman. We start with Peter Pellegrino who is participating in one of our 8 pre-convention meetings where we discuss people and topics that will enhance our visit to the convention. We also run a Discord server exclusive to the convention where participants can get to know each other, schedule games and trade ideas and plans. We have produced for your enjoyment a three-part series of discussions on the August 2023 Event by San Diego Historical Games Convention at the US Naval War College Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. The event was three days of historical tours and gaming including tours of the Battleship USS Massachusetts, various sites that were part of the Battle of Rhode Island, Tours of the Museum at the Navy War College and Tours of the Navy War College itself. The tours were conducted by historians, game designers and professional wargamers to add to the color and background. Gaming at the Museum was incredible as we played, flanked by torpedoes, models, historical documents and displays of items of historical significance to the US Navy. The convention was attended by a host of designers, professional gamers, hobby gamers and other interested parties. Of course, the museum is on base but our evenings and lunches were spent in the picturesque and historical town of Newport Rhode Island. We had such a great time; we are planning our return in 2024.

Podcast #47 Interview of Matt Calkins discussing Sekigahara and motivations in design Dec 03, 2022

Show notes

An interview with the Designer of Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan (2011)(#5 Wargame on BGG) Matt Calkins. He discusses his vision while designing the game as well as what is next.

Podcast #46 Interview of Mark Herman discussing exercise, game on Ukraine, and upcoming book Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

A discussion with icon and award winning game designer Mark Herman. In this episode Mark tells us about his workout regimen (including 100 sit ups and 50 pushups), Pacific War game history, SD Hist Con, an upcoming Ukraine game and a new book on wargame design.

Podcast #45 Uwe Eickert Interview Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

An interview with Uwe Eickert who is a game designer and the founder and owner of Academy Games.

Podcast #44 Jay Little Designer of Star Wars: X Wing and RPG Star Wars Edge of the Empire Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Designed Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game and the roleplaying games Star Wars: Edge of the Empire and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (3rd Edition), along with Blood Bowl Team Manager: The Card Game and several other games.

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