Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
Game writer, freelance critic, and podcaster. Writer for Tabletop Gaming Magzine. Host of Cult of the Old and But Why Vikings? Find all my work here https://linktr.ee/thegiantbrain
Pinned
Iain McAllister
@giantbrain.co.uk
· Jan 21
The Giant Brain
Tabletop Game Reviews, Interviews, and Criticism
giantbrain.co.uk
Hello new followers! I'm Iain McAllister and I post about games of all persuasions. You'll find all my written work over on my site. I have a particular focus at the moment on trying tabletop RPG criticism in different ways. Links in Bio, podcasts included.
giantbrain.co.uk
giantbrain.co.uk
Reposted by Iain McAllister
So expect to see plenty from me about them, the things they do, and the events coming up throughout the year. You can read lots more about this partnership and the things they do, here - punchboard.co.uk/roll-the-dic...
Roll The Dice x Punchboard - New beginnings
I'm delighted to say that we've agreed a partnership, and moving forward Punchboard and Roll The Dice will be working together.
punchboard.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 8:08 PM
So expect to see plenty from me about them, the things they do, and the events coming up throughout the year. You can read lots more about this partnership and the things they do, here - punchboard.co.uk/roll-the-dic...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
The next stretch goal is @fromthemorgue.bsky.social, who will be looking into the comics scene of Doskvol in '68. Very excited for it.
morgue is a pillar of the #kiwirpg community, an amazing game designer, AND the designer of a|state (amongst many other things) from which large parts of B68 come!
morgue is a pillar of the #kiwirpg community, an amazing game designer, AND the designer of a|state (amongst many other things) from which large parts of B68 come!
February 11, 2026 at 11:21 PM
The next stretch goal is @fromthemorgue.bsky.social, who will be looking into the comics scene of Doskvol in '68. Very excited for it.
morgue is a pillar of the #kiwirpg community, an amazing game designer, AND the designer of a|state (amongst many other things) from which large parts of B68 come!
morgue is a pillar of the #kiwirpg community, an amazing game designer, AND the designer of a|state (amongst many other things) from which large parts of B68 come!
Wrapping Triangle Agency up tonight. Review likely next week. I have a lot to say.
February 11, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Wrapping Triangle Agency up tonight. Review likely next week. I have a lot to say.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Want a #solorpg dungeon crawler designed to make use of all the neat graffiti in your area?
Want a #zinequest / #zinemonth project that I made with my WIDDLE HANDSIES?!
Back Vandal Eyes today! The Cardinal will know if you don't!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/pea...
Want a #zinequest / #zinemonth project that I made with my WIDDLE HANDSIES?!
Back Vandal Eyes today! The Cardinal will know if you don't!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/pea...
Vandal Eyes
A singleplayer dungeon crawler where you gain power from the graffiti you find around you in the real world.
www.kickstarter.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Want a #solorpg dungeon crawler designed to make use of all the neat graffiti in your area?
Want a #zinequest / #zinemonth project that I made with my WIDDLE HANDSIES?!
Back Vandal Eyes today! The Cardinal will know if you don't!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/pea...
Want a #zinequest / #zinemonth project that I made with my WIDDLE HANDSIES?!
Back Vandal Eyes today! The Cardinal will know if you don't!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/pea...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Last few hours to back **The Thunder Perfect Mind**
- Untangle yourself from the toxic nostalgia of a past that never was!
- Resist a future which wills us towards our doom!
- Break the illusion of power: here and now!
- Untangle yourself from the toxic nostalgia of a past that never was!
- Resist a future which wills us towards our doom!
- Break the illusion of power: here and now!
The Thunder Perfect Mind
An Occult Action Thriller Tabletop RPG
www.kickstarter.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Last few hours to back **The Thunder Perfect Mind**
- Untangle yourself from the toxic nostalgia of a past that never was!
- Resist a future which wills us towards our doom!
- Break the illusion of power: here and now!
- Untangle yourself from the toxic nostalgia of a past that never was!
- Resist a future which wills us towards our doom!
- Break the illusion of power: here and now!
Reposted by Iain McAllister
We are one week into the campaign for Rise, Wizards! by @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social so it’s time for a big update!
Featuring a sneak peek at some new art from @seaexcursion.itch.io 👀
Featuring a sneak peek at some new art from @seaexcursion.itch.io 👀
Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair Project Update: 1 Week Down! - Stretch Goals & More
We are officially 1 week into the campaign!
And we are off to an incredible start. We have funded and smashed through our first stretch goal - more art for both games!
With...
www.backerkit.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:42 PM
We are one week into the campaign for Rise, Wizards! by @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social so it’s time for a big update!
Featuring a sneak peek at some new art from @seaexcursion.itch.io 👀
Featuring a sneak peek at some new art from @seaexcursion.itch.io 👀
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Today I emailed publishers about a concerning practice a board game media creator engaged in. This will likely become public, so I'm providing the details here to give the full context of what I shared.
1) Document: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8ovt...
2) Video: youtu.be/fHXGWflPj4c
1/2
1) Document: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8ovt...
2) Video: youtu.be/fHXGWflPj4c
1/2
www.dropbox.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Today I emailed publishers about a concerning practice a board game media creator engaged in. This will likely become public, so I'm providing the details here to give the full context of what I shared.
1) Document: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8ovt...
2) Video: youtu.be/fHXGWflPj4c
1/2
1) Document: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8ovt...
2) Video: youtu.be/fHXGWflPj4c
1/2
My latest review is out now!
One day we will build bases on the moon. We will live there in harmony with our robot companions. They will be 100% safe. Probably.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
Bad Moon Rising - The Giant Brain
Moon Colony Bloodbath challenges you to build your ideal base on the lunar surface, only to have it torn apart by Robots!
giantbrain.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
My latest review is out now!
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Gamers! There's a big bundle of games on sale on Itch.io to support the Immigrant Law Center of Minneapolis.
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
Download the latest indie games
itch.io is a simple way to find, download and distribute indie games online. Whether you're a developer looking to upload your game or just someone looking for something new to play itch.io has you co...
Itch.io
February 9, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Gamers! There's a big bundle of games on sale on Itch.io to support the Immigrant Law Center of Minneapolis.
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
One day we will build bases on the moon. We will live there in harmony with our robot companions. They will be 100% safe. Probably.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
Bad Moon Rising - The Giant Brain
Moon Colony Bloodbath challenges you to build your ideal base on the lunar surface, only to have it torn apart by Robots!
giantbrain.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 1:34 PM
One day we will build bases on the moon. We will live there in harmony with our robot companions. They will be 100% safe. Probably.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
I'm going to be at Tabletop Gaming Live this coming weekend. Any followers going to be there? I'll be running the pub quiz alongside Flav from @hachettebguk.bsky.social and taking part in a live D&D game alongside the usual playing of lots of games!
February 8, 2026 at 4:56 PM
I'm going to be at Tabletop Gaming Live this coming weekend. Any followers going to be there? I'll be running the pub quiz alongside Flav from @hachettebguk.bsky.social and taking part in a live D&D game alongside the usual playing of lots of games!
One day we will build bases on the moon. We will live there in harmony with our robot companions. They will be 100% safe. Probably.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
Bad Moon Rising - The Giant Brain
Moon Colony Bloodbath challenges you to build your ideal base on the lunar surface, only to have it torn apart by Robots!
giantbrain.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 1:34 PM
One day we will build bases on the moon. We will live there in harmony with our robot companions. They will be 100% safe. Probably.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/08/b...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
Prototypes arrived!!!
February 8, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Prototypes arrived!!!
Reposted by Iain McAllister
a response to the @rascal.news article on yazeba's bed & breakfast, clarifying some misunderstandings and (hopefully) providing a clearer explanation of what happened
possumcreek.medium.com/a-response-t...
possumcreek.medium.com/a-response-t...
February 7, 2026 at 1:49 PM
a response to the @rascal.news article on yazeba's bed & breakfast, clarifying some misunderstandings and (hopefully) providing a clearer explanation of what happened
possumcreek.medium.com/a-response-t...
possumcreek.medium.com/a-response-t...
Although Brainwaves has come to an end we still talk about the tabletop gaming news over in our Discord alongside the games we are playing and gaming related topics. You are most welcome to join us
discord.gg/Y7kytKTMRv
discord.gg/Y7kytKTMRv
Join the Giant Brain HQ Discord Server!
Check out the Giant Brain HQ community on Discord - hang out with 152 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
discord.gg
February 7, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Although Brainwaves has come to an end we still talk about the tabletop gaming news over in our Discord alongside the games we are playing and gaming related topics. You are most welcome to join us
discord.gg/Y7kytKTMRv
discord.gg/Y7kytKTMRv
What he said
very excited to see this #TTRPG hit! A rich reimagining of one of the great modern [game worlds + game systems]. The vibes are immaculate. Everyone is going to be playing this at cons this year, get ahead of the cool crowd and follow this one
Blades '68 launches Tuesday! This official expansion for Blades in the Dark twists the kaleidoscope of tone and genre.
Subversive spy games, daring heists, and paranormal mindbenders await you under the radiating light of an artificial sun.
Enter the Bluetime:
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
Subversive spy games, daring heists, and paranormal mindbenders await you under the radiating light of an artificial sun.
Enter the Bluetime:
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...
February 5, 2026 at 9:22 AM
What he said
Slugblaster is a an absolutely fantastic game and you can get it and a bunch of other games and supplements in this bundle.
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
Slugblaster Bundle for Teen Mental Health 4 by Wilkie's Candy Lab and 14 others
Slugblaster Bundle for Teen Mental Health 4: up to 15 items starting at $10.00
itch.io
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Slugblaster is a an absolutely fantastic game and you can get it and a bunch of other games and supplements in this bundle.
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
itch.io/b/3496/slugb...
Check out my review if you want the skinny
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/04/12/s...
Star Vaders is in Humble Bundle this week. I loved it. You can read all about it.
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
Invade This! - The Giant Brain
StarVaders is a mash-up of deckbuilding, tactical combat, and space invaders. Yep you heard me right. It is fantastic.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Star Vaders is in Humble Bundle this week. I loved it. You can read all about it.
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
giantbrain.co.uk/2025/06/13/s...
All good things must come to an end. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with excellent folk and speak to fascinating people in the industry over the years.
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Brainwaves Special - All Good Things - The Giant Brain
All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together every host for a farewell show.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 7:07 PM
All good things must come to an end. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with excellent folk and speak to fascinating people in the industry over the years.
This is a great thread from Tim on how graphic design and layout can speak to your readers.
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
February 3, 2026 at 9:26 AM
This is a great thread from Tim on how graphic design and layout can speak to your readers.
Reposted by Iain McAllister
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
February 3, 2026 at 1:31 AM
In celebration of the imminent Blades ‘68 campaign, I thought I’d talk a bit about its graphic design.
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
BUT FIRST let’s compare and contrast with the graphic design of Blades in the Dark, a landmark in the history of RPG layout.
Type nerdery ahoy 🧐
Reposted by Iain McAllister
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Brainwaves Special - All Good Things - The Giant Brain
All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together every host for a farewell show.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Reposted by Iain McAllister
TODAY IS THE DAY! Just THREE HOURS until the launch of the campaign for Rise, Wizards! By @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social
Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
From moreblueberries - Get Ready for Rise, Wizards! & All's Fair
www.backerkit.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
TODAY IS THE DAY! Just THREE HOURS until the launch of the campaign for Rise, Wizards! By @captainkrail.bsky.social and All’s Fair by @superdillin.bsky.social
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
Brainwaves Special - All Good Things - The Giant Brain
All good things come to an end, and so it is with Brainwaves. Richard from ‘We’re Not Wizards’ runs the show as we bring together every host for a farewell show.
giantbrain.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
It's the very last episode of Brainwaves and its a special hosted by @werenotwizards.com and featuring all the hosts from over the years the show has been running. Listen in as we reminisce on the past and speculate on the future of games journalism.
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...
giantbrain.co.uk/2026/02/02/b...