Troy Goodfellow

Oh we know we're open for business... Just not sure what business we are in yet.

There is a lot of debate about this, but I think CK2 is most approachable of the big Paradox games because it is so intimate and the goals are quite clear and limited. EU3 is pretty friendly if you start in certain situations as a newcomer (France in the 1500s for example.) But in general, I would recommend CK2.

That's about right, Chris. There is a loyalty to the line and less to the 'leader'. However, it's hard to break the habit of identifying with whomever you are playing. Take the issue of Seniority succession - sometimes relatives will fight you to instate a succession law where the eldest family member takes over. (It's great for uniting titles that have been scattered). Technically, no matter who wins this war, the dynasty still continues and it might make your dynasty stronger and more united. But I find that I still like being in control of my plans - impossible in this game, really - and I resist these civil wars with all my might, when I could easily just surrender. This is where the role playing side of the game comes most to the for; you have your heir in mind and that might not be an aging uncle.

The Religion show is a little tough for me to listen to - it's a great show, and it was a topic that I suggested, but I couldn't be on it because I had to rush home to New Brunswick to deal with a death in the family. But when I did listen that first time, it marked the point where I think 3MA became bigger than just my idea. (I'd missed a show before, but only one. Many since because of my new job.) It was the show that established that strategy games and all games with the right panel can be talked about with a maturity and civility. And then the next week we can call each other idiots and make fun of developers and gamers alike. It's a special show. Glad you all appreciate what Bruce, Julian and Tom did there. I've been blessed by collaborators.

Thanks for the kind words, guys. We're very happy to be a part of the new whatever this is. When Sean asked for sample podcasts to highlight it was not easy, since the show has changed quite a bit in its run. We elected to stick with shows that reflect a lot of what we are now, though I am very proud of many of the theme shows we did in our first year: Religion, Strategy Gender Gap (Lara and Jenn have each returned many times since), The Snowball Effect in strategy game design... As a show we like to pick one topic (maybe two) and stick with them, and this is what we thinks set us apart in the early going. That will not change. Anyway, there is a mostly up to date list on my blog at the moment, but it's kind of hideous, so anything the Idle Thumbs team to make it look less like a list and more like a piece of magic, the better. We're looking forward to having a proper forum where our listeners can plan MP games, talk about stuff they've discovered and remind us how stupid we can all be.