Rob Harper
@harperrob.bsky.social
Player and designer of board games, doer of some other things also.
He/him
He/him
Pinned
Rob Harper
@harperrob.bsky.social
· Apr 2
Grab Bag Jungle
THE GAME
Embark on a thrilling jungle adventure with friends and family in this immersive animal rescue game!
Together, you'll race against the clock to save jungle animals by reaching into the Grab...
gibsonsgames.co.uk
Woohoo! The game I co-designed with @mikeharrisonwood.bsky.social is now officially released. You can get it from the publisher's website, or a small but growing number of other places. Here we go...! 😁
gibsonsgames.co.uk/collections/...
gibsonsgames.co.uk/collections/...
Reposted by Rob Harper
Non-substack version now on my personal blog: davidallengreen.com/2025/11/the-...
November 12, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Non-substack version now on my personal blog: davidallengreen.com/2025/11/the-...
Reposted by Rob Harper
I LOVE this:
"There exists a paradox in game design. You are simultaneously the most knowledgeable and least knowledgeable person about your game..."
🎲✂️(1/4)
"There exists a paradox in game design. You are simultaneously the most knowledgeable and least knowledgeable person about your game..."
🎲✂️(1/4)
November 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I LOVE this:
"There exists a paradox in game design. You are simultaneously the most knowledgeable and least knowledgeable person about your game..."
🎲✂️(1/4)
"There exists a paradox in game design. You are simultaneously the most knowledgeable and least knowledgeable person about your game..."
🎲✂️(1/4)
Reposted by Rob Harper
Depending on how history turns out, this could be one of those texts that school kids read in the future. Let's hope it's not. I'm sharing screengrabs here because the original is not visible in the UK. Scroll up the thread that this is part of to see a link to the original.
That seems ... absurd. Perhaps an image will work?
November 12, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Depending on how history turns out, this could be one of those texts that school kids read in the future. Let's hope it's not. I'm sharing screengrabs here because the original is not visible in the UK. Scroll up the thread that this is part of to see a link to the original.
After some time away from the project, @alcannon.bsky.social
and I have got back to The Artifact, which probably needs a new working title. New theme, same core structure, different trappings. Hefty balance issues right now, but that's fine, and we actually enjoyed playing it. Let's goooo... 🎲✂️
and I have got back to The Artifact, which probably needs a new working title. New theme, same core structure, different trappings. Hefty balance issues right now, but that's fine, and we actually enjoyed playing it. Let's goooo... 🎲✂️
November 11, 2025 at 9:42 PM
After some time away from the project, @alcannon.bsky.social
and I have got back to The Artifact, which probably needs a new working title. New theme, same core structure, different trappings. Hefty balance issues right now, but that's fine, and we actually enjoyed playing it. Let's goooo... 🎲✂️
and I have got back to The Artifact, which probably needs a new working title. New theme, same core structure, different trappings. Hefty balance issues right now, but that's fine, and we actually enjoyed playing it. Let's goooo... 🎲✂️
Reposted by Rob Harper
New game design 🎲✂️ just gone on Kickstarter! This is my super quick no-frills Christmas KS. I have a puzzle treasure hunt kit for kids, and a story-based cold case puzzle for teenagers/adults. The puzzle hunt can also come as PDFs only!
Delivered in the UK by 1 December. Yes, really.
Delivered in the UK by 1 December. Yes, really.
November 11, 2025 at 1:28 PM
New game design 🎲✂️ just gone on Kickstarter! This is my super quick no-frills Christmas KS. I have a puzzle treasure hunt kit for kids, and a story-based cold case puzzle for teenagers/adults. The puzzle hunt can also come as PDFs only!
Delivered in the UK by 1 December. Yes, really.
Delivered in the UK by 1 December. Yes, really.
So, here I am, cooking a nice stew for dinner and deciding to add dumplings. Grabbed a pack of Atora suet and, as I don't do this all the time, checked the pack for their recommended recipe. They say 60g suet to 100g flour. The pack is 200g. WTF?!
November 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
So, here I am, cooking a nice stew for dinner and deciding to add dumplings. Grabbed a pack of Atora suet and, as I don't do this all the time, checked the pack for their recommended recipe. They say 60g suet to 100g flour. The pack is 200g. WTF?!
Just listened to this and really enjoyed it - some really thoughtful and entertaining discussion.
And I giggled out loud at Tim's "kill jester" reference.
[i_understood_that_reference.gif]
And I giggled out loud at Tim's "kill jester" reference.
[i_understood_that_reference.gif]
My new podcast with Ava Foxfort & Iain McAllister is up on Apple podcasts & Spotify. It's called BUT WHY VIKINGS? & we answer listener queries, dilemmas & big philosophical questions about tabletop games. New episodes fortnightly. Would love you to be involved:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
Deranged in my Promiscuity
Podcast Episode · But Why Vikings? · 10/31/2025 · 1h 34m
podcasts.apple.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Just listened to this and really enjoyed it - some really thoughtful and entertaining discussion.
And I giggled out loud at Tim's "kill jester" reference.
[i_understood_that_reference.gif]
And I giggled out loud at Tim's "kill jester" reference.
[i_understood_that_reference.gif]
Reposted by Rob Harper
Hi, I hate doing self promo so I'll just say that this indie board game coverage channel that could is about to hit a milestone of sorts.
There is no skeet that can summarize who we are or what we do, but we do cool work and you should check us out. www.youtube.com/@NoPunIncluded
There is no skeet that can summarize who we are or what we do, but we do cool work and you should check us out. www.youtube.com/@NoPunIncluded
November 5, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Hi, I hate doing self promo so I'll just say that this indie board game coverage channel that could is about to hit a milestone of sorts.
There is no skeet that can summarize who we are or what we do, but we do cool work and you should check us out. www.youtube.com/@NoPunIncluded
There is no skeet that can summarize who we are or what we do, but we do cool work and you should check us out. www.youtube.com/@NoPunIncluded
Reposted by Rob Harper
Hey, in case you haven't checked it out yet, the first episode of my new podcast with Ava Foxfort & Iain McAllister, BUT WHY VIKINGS? is up for listening. We answer listener questions about tabletop games, deep or frivolous, expert or absolute beginner. I hope you like it:
lnns.co/v2FZGVzb-d_
lnns.co/v2FZGVzb-d_
Deranged in my Promiscuity - But Why Vikings? (podcast)
01:34:17 -
Welcome to the very first episode of “But, Why Vikings?”. Each episode your hosts will answer a variety of tabletop related questions sent in to th…
lnns.co
November 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Hey, in case you haven't checked it out yet, the first episode of my new podcast with Ava Foxfort & Iain McAllister, BUT WHY VIKINGS? is up for listening. We answer listener questions about tabletop games, deep or frivolous, expert or absolute beginner. I hope you like it:
lnns.co/v2FZGVzb-d_
lnns.co/v2FZGVzb-d_
Reposted by Rob Harper
Ai art sucks for many reasons but its ubiquitousness is the one that gets me. No art director worth their salt would ever specify a style that generic and un-ownable. Yeah, you might have saved some money, but you’ve also torpedoed your chance at being memorable.
November 3, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Ai art sucks for many reasons but its ubiquitousness is the one that gets me. No art director worth their salt would ever specify a style that generic and un-ownable. Yeah, you might have saved some money, but you’ve also torpedoed your chance at being memorable.
Reposted by Rob Harper
Last chance to enter the board game raffle in aid of Trussell, the UK food bank charity. Tickets are £1 and you need to correctly answer a question to be in the draw. Bundles are available. For more information and to enter, go here: raffall.com/393165/enter...
#charities #raffles #FoodBanks
#charities #raffles #FoodBanks
Enter Raffle to Win Board Games and support UK Food Banks (September) hosted by Tabletop Games Blog
By entering this prize competition, you support The Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks in the UK, providing practical support to people who can't afford the essentials...
raffall.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Last chance to enter the board game raffle in aid of Trussell, the UK food bank charity. Tickets are £1 and you need to correctly answer a question to be in the draw. Bundles are available. For more information and to enter, go here: raffall.com/393165/enter...
#charities #raffles #FoodBanks
#charities #raffles #FoodBanks
Reposted by Rob Harper
Okay!! The publisher has given me the green light to make the
✨ *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT* ✨
I worked on an IP-based social deduction game coming out next year!!!!!! And not only that—but it’s based on the Netflix show Wednesday!!! 🦇💀
Cover reveal coming in the future!! 🎲✂️
✨ *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT* ✨
I worked on an IP-based social deduction game coming out next year!!!!!! And not only that—but it’s based on the Netflix show Wednesday!!! 🦇💀
Cover reveal coming in the future!! 🎲✂️
October 29, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Okay!! The publisher has given me the green light to make the
✨ *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT* ✨
I worked on an IP-based social deduction game coming out next year!!!!!! And not only that—but it’s based on the Netflix show Wednesday!!! 🦇💀
Cover reveal coming in the future!! 🎲✂️
✨ *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT* ✨
I worked on an IP-based social deduction game coming out next year!!!!!! And not only that—but it’s based on the Netflix show Wednesday!!! 🦇💀
Cover reveal coming in the future!! 🎲✂️
Reposted by Rob Harper
I've never had a queer or trans person shove their "lifestyle" down my throat.
I have had AI shoved at me at every fucking turn and I do not like that.
I have had AI shoved at me at every fucking turn and I do not like that.
October 27, 2025 at 5:17 PM
I've never had a queer or trans person shove their "lifestyle" down my throat.
I have had AI shoved at me at every fucking turn and I do not like that.
I have had AI shoved at me at every fucking turn and I do not like that.
Heh! Finally got around to rebuilding my cooperative game, Sympolis, and giving it a quick, 2-player-solo-test. The problem before was that it was too easy. This time, I lost on turn 2! With a planned tweak I would have lasted a couple more, maybe longer if I was smarter! 🎲✂️
October 25, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Heh! Finally got around to rebuilding my cooperative game, Sympolis, and giving it a quick, 2-player-solo-test. The problem before was that it was too easy. This time, I lost on turn 2! With a planned tweak I would have lasted a couple more, maybe longer if I was smarter! 🎲✂️
Reposted by Rob Harper
Thank you, Chicago.
October 25, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Thank you, Chicago.
Reposted by Rob Harper
In today's video I talk about ways to level up as a game designer - practices I have seen in other designers and myself as they become more experienced and improve their craft. Hopefully useful whether you're just starting out, or reflecting on how far you have come!
youtu.be/qPWgQCNkRsM
🎲✂️
youtu.be/qPWgQCNkRsM
🎲✂️
How to level up as a game designer
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
October 21, 2025 at 8:02 AM
In today's video I talk about ways to level up as a game designer - practices I have seen in other designers and myself as they become more experienced and improve their craft. Hopefully useful whether you're just starting out, or reflecting on how far you have come!
youtu.be/qPWgQCNkRsM
🎲✂️
youtu.be/qPWgQCNkRsM
🎲✂️
Reposted by Rob Harper
Did a new one
August 7, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Did a new one
Reposted by Rob Harper
This person is paying OpenAI two hundred dollars a month to have a chatbot gaslight them about making an excel spreadsheet
October 20, 2025 at 2:08 AM
This person is paying OpenAI two hundred dollars a month to have a chatbot gaslight them about making an excel spreadsheet
Reposted by Rob Harper
Don’t make me tap the sign.
October 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Don’t make me tap the sign.
A really cool little case study into a game design process...
I found a Reddit post about “common issues” with chess and if there were modern chess-like games without them... it got me thinking about #Crownfell and how it addresses them.
www.reddit.com/r/boardgames...
Allow me a short thread… 🎲✂️
1/
www.reddit.com/r/boardgames...
Allow me a short thread… 🎲✂️
1/
October 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM
A really cool little case study into a game design process...
Reposted by Rob Harper
The teacher should be fired. They've demonstrated that they are not competent as an educator.
Plus, using AI slop to try and make a point about conserving the environment is just adding insult to injury.
Plus, using AI slop to try and make a point about conserving the environment is just adding insult to injury.
kids teacher just sent this home as part of an assignment he's doing and i want to smash every computer at the school
October 15, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The teacher should be fired. They've demonstrated that they are not competent as an educator.
Plus, using AI slop to try and make a point about conserving the environment is just adding insult to injury.
Plus, using AI slop to try and make a point about conserving the environment is just adding insult to injury.
Reposted by Rob Harper
Some discussion in replies about cock-up vs conspiracy explanations.
So, fwiw, here is how I approach this as a law and policy commentator looking at law and policy messes.
And I have looked at many.
1.
So, fwiw, here is how I approach this as a law and policy commentator looking at law and policy messes.
And I have looked at many.
1.
October 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Some discussion in replies about cock-up vs conspiracy explanations.
So, fwiw, here is how I approach this as a law and policy commentator looking at law and policy messes.
And I have looked at many.
1.
So, fwiw, here is how I approach this as a law and policy commentator looking at law and policy messes.
And I have looked at many.
1.
Reposted by Rob Harper
Today's video was a hard one for me to make - I wanted to talk about my experiences going through burnout in the last year or so as a game designer, and aspects of the wider tabletop industry that contribute to that.
youtu.be/D2rC_8F10R8
🎲✂️
youtu.be/D2rC_8F10R8
🎲✂️
The reality of being a full time game designer
YouTube video by Matthew Dunstan
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Today's video was a hard one for me to make - I wanted to talk about my experiences going through burnout in the last year or so as a game designer, and aspects of the wider tabletop industry that contribute to that.
youtu.be/D2rC_8F10R8
🎲✂️
youtu.be/D2rC_8F10R8
🎲✂️
Reposted by Rob Harper
Great quote from a great long-read comic about + against AI art
October 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Great quote from a great long-read comic about + against AI art