Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
@tzartzam.bsky.social
Editor, father, feminist, writer, capoeira, boardgame designer (Samphire Games: Poll & Write) (he/him). Bristol, UK. https://linktr.ee/samphiregames
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
WE WON! After 42 days of striking we have a tentative agreement in hand that protects our existing 4 day work week, establishes a minimum salary, and adds protections against AI replacing jobs at our workplace!
![Graphic with multiple picket signs that reads "[up arrow] Minimum Salary", "4 day Work Week", and a big cancel sign over "AI Replacing Jobs" and so much more. Go to kickstarterunited.org to see it all!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gdife25rfr5drwr2nhncr3rf/bafkreidfgv3xytmgta3x35mjze22ojok7lwh3vlhgrcfbcwr7hjg6bb6eu@jpeg)
November 12, 2025 at 10:54 PM
WE WON! After 42 days of striking we have a tentative agreement in hand that protects our existing 4 day work week, establishes a minimum salary, and adds protections against AI replacing jobs at our workplace!
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
This is a genuinely intolerable reality…
November 10, 2025 at 11:01 PM
This is a genuinely intolerable reality…
It's remembrance day so I'm sharing some pictures of my grandfathers that my sister posted.
This is one generation of ordinary people made to become warriors.
I remember asking grandpa about the war and the planes but he - a botanist - was more interested in telling me about the trees.
This is one generation of ordinary people made to become warriors.
I remember asking grandpa about the war and the planes but he - a botanist - was more interested in telling me about the trees.
November 9, 2025 at 1:26 PM
It's remembrance day so I'm sharing some pictures of my grandfathers that my sister posted.
This is one generation of ordinary people made to become warriors.
I remember asking grandpa about the war and the planes but he - a botanist - was more interested in telling me about the trees.
This is one generation of ordinary people made to become warriors.
I remember asking grandpa about the war and the planes but he - a botanist - was more interested in telling me about the trees.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Let’s go!
Very excited to share this with folks. If you like the idea of a duelling game like Magic or Flesh and Blood, but played with a standard poker deck, then I implore you to hit that get notified button.
Very excited to share this with folks. If you like the idea of a duelling game like Magic or Flesh and Blood, but played with a standard poker deck, then I implore you to hit that get notified button.
youtu.be/ciIa0usT7wM?...
FIGHT WITH PLAYING CARDS. Introducing 52 Duels, a 1 or 2 player duelling game coming to kickstarter next month.
Sign up to get notified when we launch! www.kickstarter.com/projects/pos...
FIGHT WITH PLAYING CARDS. Introducing 52 Duels, a 1 or 2 player duelling game coming to kickstarter next month.
Sign up to get notified when we launch! www.kickstarter.com/projects/pos...
52 DUELS - A fight with playing cards for 1-2 players
YouTube video by Roll Them Bones
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Let’s go!
Very excited to share this with folks. If you like the idea of a duelling game like Magic or Flesh and Blood, but played with a standard poker deck, then I implore you to hit that get notified button.
Very excited to share this with folks. If you like the idea of a duelling game like Magic or Flesh and Blood, but played with a standard poker deck, then I implore you to hit that get notified button.
Voted? Download Poll & Write USA while you wait for the results (pay what you like!)
samphiregames.itch.io/poll-write-u...
samphiregames.itch.io/poll-write-u...
Poll & Write USA by samphiregames
Draft dice to claim voters in the 2024 US presidential election.
samphiregames.itch.io
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Voted? Download Poll & Write USA while you wait for the results (pay what you like!)
samphiregames.itch.io/poll-write-u...
samphiregames.itch.io/poll-write-u...
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
God knows how many times this has happened: Zero.
Much like Vance lying about Haitian immigrants eating people's pets, this is 100% racist bullshit being spewed by an unabashed white nationalist.
Congrats to everyone who patronizes the Nazi bar he runs.
Much like Vance lying about Haitian immigrants eating people's pets, this is 100% racist bullshit being spewed by an unabashed white nationalist.
Congrats to everyone who patronizes the Nazi bar he runs.
Elon Musk, "These lovely small towns in England, Scotland and Ireland, they've been living their lives quietly. They're like hobbits"
"And so one day, 1,000 people show up in your village of 500 and start raping the kids"
"This has now happened, God knows how many times in Britain"
"And so one day, 1,000 people show up in your village of 500 and start raping the kids"
"This has now happened, God knows how many times in Britain"
November 2, 2025 at 8:37 PM
God knows how many times this has happened: Zero.
Much like Vance lying about Haitian immigrants eating people's pets, this is 100% racist bullshit being spewed by an unabashed white nationalist.
Congrats to everyone who patronizes the Nazi bar he runs.
Much like Vance lying about Haitian immigrants eating people's pets, this is 100% racist bullshit being spewed by an unabashed white nationalist.
Congrats to everyone who patronizes the Nazi bar he runs.
I snuck Dwarf Union into @northstreetgames.bsky.social
last night and managed to get a playtest in!
Went very well, with a 3-player set up that hadn't been tried before: Owner, Union, and Thane.
last night and managed to get a playtest in!
Went very well, with a 3-player set up that hadn't been tried before: Owner, Union, and Thane.
October 29, 2025 at 10:10 AM
I snuck Dwarf Union into @northstreetgames.bsky.social
last night and managed to get a playtest in!
Went very well, with a 3-player set up that hadn't been tried before: Owner, Union, and Thane.
last night and managed to get a playtest in!
Went very well, with a 3-player set up that hadn't been tried before: Owner, Union, and Thane.
A little publishing editor's hack for the age of AI:
Working with a new author, ask them to drastically delete stuff, eg "scrap this whole section."
If they say yes without qualms, I bet they've used AI to generate it. Real authors care about the words they've sweated over.
Working with a new author, ask them to drastically delete stuff, eg "scrap this whole section."
If they say yes without qualms, I bet they've used AI to generate it. Real authors care about the words they've sweated over.
October 28, 2025 at 11:56 AM
A little publishing editor's hack for the age of AI:
Working with a new author, ask them to drastically delete stuff, eg "scrap this whole section."
If they say yes without qualms, I bet they've used AI to generate it. Real authors care about the words they've sweated over.
Working with a new author, ask them to drastically delete stuff, eg "scrap this whole section."
If they say yes without qualms, I bet they've used AI to generate it. Real authors care about the words they've sweated over.
Londoners in general don't really get how much non-Londoners rely on cars, to the same degree us non-Londoners don't really understand how normal it is to take the train every single day.
Always fascinating watching people underestimate the size of London vs other UK ciries.
On an average weekday, more journeys are made on JUST the Elizabeth line than the ENTIRE population of Liverpool.
If the Tube was a city, its average daily passengers would make it the 2nd largest in the UK.
On an average weekday, more journeys are made on JUST the Elizabeth line than the ENTIRE population of Liverpool.
If the Tube was a city, its average daily passengers would make it the 2nd largest in the UK.
October 28, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Londoners in general don't really get how much non-Londoners rely on cars, to the same degree us non-Londoners don't really understand how normal it is to take the train every single day.
This is actually a great format for writing down boardgame ideas:
[Basic premise]
HOWEVER [Twist]
[Basic premise]
HOWEVER [Twist]
October 27, 2025 at 1:52 PM
This is actually a great format for writing down boardgame ideas:
[Basic premise]
HOWEVER [Twist]
[Basic premise]
HOWEVER [Twist]
Daytime playtesting in Bristol this Friday! 🎲✂️
Join us with a design of your own, or just as a playtester (those are VERY welcome!) - more details on meetup 👇🏼
meetu.ps/e/Pz5F2/Zm5X...
Join us with a design of your own, or just as a playtester (those are VERY welcome!) - more details on meetup 👇🏼
meetu.ps/e/Pz5F2/Zm5X...
Bristol Daytime Playtest meetup, Fri, Oct 24, 2025, 10:30 AM | Meetup
If you're working on a game, whether it's an early idea or almost done, we want you! Board games, card games, puzzle games, silly or serious, short or long, any kind of gam
meetu.ps
October 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Daytime playtesting in Bristol this Friday! 🎲✂️
Join us with a design of your own, or just as a playtester (those are VERY welcome!) - more details on meetup 👇🏼
meetu.ps/e/Pz5F2/Zm5X...
Join us with a design of your own, or just as a playtester (those are VERY welcome!) - more details on meetup 👇🏼
meetu.ps/e/Pz5F2/Zm5X...
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Seems there’s more folk finding their way to Bluesky lately. If you like board games and graphic design then I’ve got just the starter pack for you.
go.bsky.app/AcBC6R8
go.bsky.app/AcBC6R8
October 21, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Seems there’s more folk finding their way to Bluesky lately. If you like board games and graphic design then I’ve got just the starter pack for you.
go.bsky.app/AcBC6R8
go.bsky.app/AcBC6R8
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Ohhhh does that mean a Molly House review is still on the way? I ADORE it but obviously it’s laser targeted at me. All the cis folk I’ve got in front of it have loved it too but my goodness the way that game sings with a table of trans/queer players is undeniable.
October 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Ohhhh does that mean a Molly House review is still on the way? I ADORE it but obviously it’s laser targeted at me. All the cis folk I’ve got in front of it have loved it too but my goodness the way that game sings with a table of trans/queer players is undeniable.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
would you like to own two of the best games yet made? yes. and you can.
We are now live! If you want to grab a copy of the new printings, now's your best chance.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/col...
This is also a bit of a strange campaign for us. To be honest, I don't even think I've ever been as nervous about a launch. I suppose that needs some explaining 🧵
www.kickstarter.com/projects/col...
This is also a bit of a strange campaign for us. To be honest, I don't even think I've ever been as nervous about a launch. I suppose that needs some explaining 🧵
John Company & Molly House Reprint
Two of the most evocative historical board games are back for a new print run.
www.kickstarter.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
would you like to own two of the best games yet made? yes. and you can.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
finally got a chance to play John Company this past weekend and it's really something special. can't wait to get my hands on both of these!
We are now live! If you want to grab a copy of the new printings, now's your best chance.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/col...
This is also a bit of a strange campaign for us. To be honest, I don't even think I've ever been as nervous about a launch. I suppose that needs some explaining 🧵
www.kickstarter.com/projects/col...
This is also a bit of a strange campaign for us. To be honest, I don't even think I've ever been as nervous about a launch. I suppose that needs some explaining 🧵
John Company & Molly House Reprint
Two of the most evocative historical board games are back for a new print run.
www.kickstarter.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM
finally got a chance to play John Company this past weekend and it's really something special. can't wait to get my hands on both of these!
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Great news! Now computers won’t just flirt for you, they will also go on holiday for you. Next we’re hoping to get them to take on the arduous task of listening to the sound of a loved one laughing with joy.
A new iPhone app, Endless Summer, uses AI to create photorealistic vacation photos starring you — no travel required
Too burned out to travel? This new app fakes your summer vacation photos for you | TechCrunch
A new iPhone app, Endless Summer, uses AI to create photorealistic vacation photos starring you — no travel required
techcrunch.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Great news! Now computers won’t just flirt for you, they will also go on holiday for you. Next we’re hoping to get them to take on the arduous task of listening to the sound of a loved one laughing with joy.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Did a new one
August 7, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Did a new one
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Think we’ve crossed a pretty major threshold – and a very bad one – if a journalist working in the lobby for a major newspaper group can tweet like this without professional consequences.
A mainstream “journalist” calling for a British MP to be deported. Is it because I’m Muslim? Next time, just say it with your chest.
October 18, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Think we’ve crossed a pretty major threshold – and a very bad one – if a journalist working in the lobby for a major newspaper group can tweet like this without professional consequences.
Pantera
Coal Chamber
Human Waste Project
Incubus
Green Day
The Offspring
NOFX
ani difranco
Metallica
Sepultura
Coal Chamber
Human Waste Project
Incubus
Green Day
The Offspring
NOFX
ani difranco
Metallica
Sepultura
What musical artists do you associate with your coming of age or teen years?
Mine, in broadly descending order of poppyness
B52s
Green Day
Descendents
All
Metallica
Anthrax
Warlock Pinchers
White Zombie
Faith No More
NoMeansNo
Front 242
Sepultura
Ministry
Godflesh
Mine, in broadly descending order of poppyness
B52s
Green Day
Descendents
All
Metallica
Anthrax
Warlock Pinchers
White Zombie
Faith No More
NoMeansNo
Front 242
Sepultura
Ministry
Godflesh
October 17, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Pantera
Coal Chamber
Human Waste Project
Incubus
Green Day
The Offspring
NOFX
ani difranco
Metallica
Sepultura
Coal Chamber
Human Waste Project
Incubus
Green Day
The Offspring
NOFX
ani difranco
Metallica
Sepultura
Check out Interstellar Adventures! Escape room style space adventure!
Drop your name suggestion for the newest, unknown specimen in the comments below or tag someone who will know just what to call them!
For more new and exciting creatures and adventures check out Interstellar Adventures.
🔗 www.kickstarter.com/projects/mintynoodles/interstellar-adventures?ref=ar2lu2
For more new and exciting creatures and adventures check out Interstellar Adventures.
🔗 www.kickstarter.com/projects/mintynoodles/interstellar-adventures?ref=ar2lu2
October 14, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Check out Interstellar Adventures! Escape room style space adventure!
I remain an advocate of the importance of focusing on the positive feedback from playtests so you can retain and lean into them! 🎲✂️
Had some lovely feedback including positives of the tax mechanism (part of the Thane's board).
October 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
I remain an advocate of the importance of focusing on the positive feedback from playtests so you can retain and lean into them! 🎲✂️
This week I had the smoothest playtest yet for Dwarf Union. The game actually finished which it rarely has so far (partly because it's quite long including the teach for typical 1.5 hour playtest sessions, partly pacing issues).
October 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
This week I had the smoothest playtest yet for Dwarf Union. The game actually finished which it rarely has so far (partly because it's quite long including the teach for typical 1.5 hour playtest sessions, partly pacing issues).
New essential abbrvs
I just saw someone use the abbreviation “AI;DR” and I’ll be laughing for a while.
October 7, 2025 at 3:53 PM
New essential abbrvs
What UK politics looks like in ten years is genuinely anyone's guess!
Four parties within a 5 point swing of first place and five parties on 12% plus.
This would be pure chaos under first past the post.
This would be pure chaos under first past the post.
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 27% (-2)
LAB: 20% (-2)
CON: 17% (+1)
LDM: 17% (+2)
GRN: 12% (+1)
SNP: 4% (+1)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 5-6 Oct.
Changes w/ 28-29 Sep.
RFM: 27% (-2)
LAB: 20% (-2)
CON: 17% (+1)
LDM: 17% (+2)
GRN: 12% (+1)
SNP: 4% (+1)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 5-6 Oct.
Changes w/ 28-29 Sep.
October 7, 2025 at 10:41 AM
What UK politics looks like in ten years is genuinely anyone's guess!