Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
@tzartzam.bsky.social
Editor, father, feminist, writer, capoeira, boardgame designer (Samphire Games: Poll & Write) (he/him). I believe in letting people flourish. Bristol, UK. https://linktr.ee/samphiregames
Pinned
Welcome new follower!
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
#OtD 9 Feb 1932 clashes broke out during an unemployed demonstration in Bristol. The march of 2000-3000 unemployed people had been blocked by police who attacked both demonstrators and bystanders. More info, sources, and a map here: stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/1343...
February 9, 2026 at 11:40 AM
#OtD 9 Feb 1932 clashes broke out during an unemployed demonstration in Bristol. The march of 2000-3000 unemployed people had been blocked by police who attacked both demonstrators and bystanders. More info, sources, and a map here: stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/1343...
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
My next project is all about the twists and turns of collective life in a dwarven mine.
It's an asymmetric economic game with high interaction: play as the mine owner, the dwarven mineworker's union, the Thane who rules the mine, or the radical who wants a better life for all the dwarves.
It's an asymmetric economic game with high interaction: play as the mine owner, the dwarven mineworker's union, the Thane who rules the mine, or the radical who wants a better life for all the dwarves.
February 8, 2026 at 10:20 AM
My next project is all about the twists and turns of collective life in a dwarven mine.
It's an asymmetric economic game with high interaction: play as the mine owner, the dwarven mineworker's union, the Thane who rules the mine, or the radical who wants a better life for all the dwarves.
It's an asymmetric economic game with high interaction: play as the mine owner, the dwarven mineworker's union, the Thane who rules the mine, or the radical who wants a better life for all the dwarves.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
"I remember when Labour was floundering under Corbyn."
"Oh my god what was that like? Did you loose a election in Wales for the first time in 100 years?"
"Oh my god what was that like? Did you loose a election in Wales for the first time in 100 years?"
February 8, 2026 at 7:24 PM
"I remember when Labour was floundering under Corbyn."
"Oh my god what was that like? Did you loose a election in Wales for the first time in 100 years?"
"Oh my god what was that like? Did you loose a election in Wales for the first time in 100 years?"
I'd not thought about this before, but over HALF the parliamentary Labour party is the 2024 intake. Over 200 MPs.
They're going to be feeling very vulnerable to the polls. I'm not sure how this plays out in a leadership contest/triggering one. They haven't had lots of time to organise as a group.
They're going to be feeling very vulnerable to the polls. I'm not sure how this plays out in a leadership contest/triggering one. They haven't had lots of time to organise as a group.
February 8, 2026 at 7:11 PM
I'd not thought about this before, but over HALF the parliamentary Labour party is the 2024 intake. Over 200 MPs.
They're going to be feeling very vulnerable to the polls. I'm not sure how this plays out in a leadership contest/triggering one. They haven't had lots of time to organise as a group.
They're going to be feeling very vulnerable to the polls. I'm not sure how this plays out in a leadership contest/triggering one. They haven't had lots of time to organise as a group.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
This was my long way of making the distinction between "boardgame design" and "boardgame development". 🎲✂️
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
February 8, 2026 at 7:27 AM
This was my long way of making the distinction between "boardgame design" and "boardgame development". 🎲✂️
Welcome new follower!
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
February 8, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Welcome new follower!
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
I am Sam: a father, a publishing editor in education, a capoeirista, a boardgame designer.
I make games, I edit rules for people and help with marketing copy for your boardgame.
I like a good cup of tea and I do not tolerate the intolerant.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
February 8, 2026 at 7:13 AM
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
I've been sleeping on this game by Kev, but it looks wonderful! I'll be buying a copy at Airecon next month!
I’m thrilled that One for Sorrow has received multiple awards in this year’s BGG 2025 In-Hand Game Design Contest! It’s been a fantastic journey, and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s played, tested, or encouraged it along the way.
#OneForSorrow #SoloGame #InHandGame #PnP #BGG #CardGame
#OneForSorrow #SoloGame #InHandGame #PnP #BGG #CardGame
February 8, 2026 at 8:55 AM
I've been sleeping on this game by Kev, but it looks wonderful! I'll be buying a copy at Airecon next month!
This was my long way of making the distinction between "boardgame design" and "boardgame development". 🎲✂️
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
February 8, 2026 at 7:27 AM
This was my long way of making the distinction between "boardgame design" and "boardgame development". 🎲✂️
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
February 8, 2026 at 7:13 AM
I've been working on Dwarf Union for about 3.5 years (although a precursor - Dwarf Life - came to life during the first lockdown nearly 6 years ago!).
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Now we enter the endgame. Time to start making all the little decisions that smooth out gameplay. I try to ignore a lot of details during design 🎲✂️
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
I'm sorry the guy changing the rules on the fly is named what
I stand with County Executive Calvin Ball as he signs emergency legislation today prohibiting privately owned buildings from being used as ICE detention centers.
Howard County chose dignity, accountability, and its people. Tune into our event now:
bit.ly/4a2VtHw
Howard County chose dignity, accountability, and its people. Tune into our event now:
bit.ly/4a2VtHw
Redirecting...
bit.ly
February 7, 2026 at 2:34 PM
I'm sorry the guy changing the rules on the fly is named what
Someone's been playing the British map of Ticket to Ride.
Absolutely tremendous work here, no notes.
(Apart from to say that this proposal is by the actual president of RIBA)
(Apart from to say that this proposal is by the actual president of RIBA)
February 7, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Someone's been playing the British map of Ticket to Ride.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
The endless column inches, YouTube videos, podcasts and more given over to the largely non-existent rightwards shift of young men is exhausting.
A small fraction are getting radicalised by the online right. But most young men vote left and liberal! Even more so than millennials did at their age!
A small fraction are getting radicalised by the online right. But most young men vote left and liberal! Even more so than millennials did at their age!
The untold story that is told constantly and isn’t really true
February 7, 2026 at 12:37 PM
The endless column inches, YouTube videos, podcasts and more given over to the largely non-existent rightwards shift of young men is exhausting.
A small fraction are getting radicalised by the online right. But most young men vote left and liberal! Even more so than millennials did at their age!
A small fraction are getting radicalised by the online right. But most young men vote left and liberal! Even more so than millennials did at their age!
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
INCIDENTALLY you can check out that work on the Kickstarter for his
Word Dungeon, and it's in the last few hours:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Word Dungeon, and it's in the last few hours:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Word Dungeon
Print-and-play solo dungeon scrawler where letters become loot. Spell your way through hand-drawn depths and leave with treasure!
www.kickstarter.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM
INCIDENTALLY you can check out that work on the Kickstarter for his
Word Dungeon, and it's in the last few hours:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
Word Dungeon, and it's in the last few hours:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wha...
My friend Joe is exemplary on this point. He "couldn't draw", and so instead of AI-ing it, he taught himself to draw what he needed to in order to make his game. He followed some helpful videos and got some advice from artist friends. He practised. Now he has a game he designed and drew.
Regarding the Discourse, lemme just say that if you can't draw, yes you can.
Everyone can draw, and folks will almost certainly respond more positively to your stick figures than some generic "A.i." slop.
Also, there are LOADS of resources for free images. Like this! 🧵
www.nga.gov/artworks/fre...
Everyone can draw, and folks will almost certainly respond more positively to your stick figures than some generic "A.i." slop.
Also, there are LOADS of resources for free images. Like this! 🧵
www.nga.gov/artworks/fre...
Free Images and Open Access | National Gallery of Art
Free open access image downloads are now available directly from the object pages located on this website. Close to 60,000 images are available for download, and we will continue to add more images fo...
www.nga.gov
February 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM
My friend Joe is exemplary on this point. He "couldn't draw", and so instead of AI-ing it, he taught himself to draw what he needed to in order to make his game. He followed some helpful videos and got some advice from artist friends. He practised. Now he has a game he designed and drew.
This reminds me of a series I used to love in the @theguardian.com about 20 years ago where they had a little feature on writers' rooms. It was a wonderful window into their creative spaces!
If part of your home office or workspace looks like this, you are a boardgame designer 🎲✂️. Focused design and iteration of my latest game, about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, has included not worrying about cleaning up this space as the changes and improvements have been swift.
February 5, 2026 at 7:22 PM
This reminds me of a series I used to love in the @theguardian.com about 20 years ago where they had a little feature on writers' rooms. It was a wonderful window into their creative spaces!
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Everyone should watch this
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Everyone should watch this
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
The next Bristol Friday daytime playtesting event is on 27th February! Any type of board game welcome, playtesters with no game even more so. Sign up on Meetup if you want to come along:
www.meetup.com/playtest/eve...
@playtestuk.bsky.social
www.meetup.com/playtest/eve...
@playtestuk.bsky.social
Bristol Daytime Playtest meetup, Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 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
www.meetup.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:09 AM
The next Bristol Friday daytime playtesting event is on 27th February! Any type of board game welcome, playtesters with no game even more so. Sign up on Meetup if you want to come along:
www.meetup.com/playtest/eve...
@playtestuk.bsky.social
www.meetup.com/playtest/eve...
@playtestuk.bsky.social
Just finished Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber which concludes with this
Ridiculous people. One reason *I* advocate a basic income is that I think most people would do *more* productive, interesting, useful work if they didn't have to do useless makework drudgery to survive.
February 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Just finished Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber which concludes with this
Let it be known that my game group has decided on the abbreviation for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Trick-taking Game.
TLOTRTFOTRTTTG shall be know to us as lortyforty.
I look forward to playing lortytorty soon as well.
TLOTRTFOTRTTTG shall be know to us as lortyforty.
I look forward to playing lortytorty soon as well.
February 3, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Let it be known that my game group has decided on the abbreviation for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Trick-taking Game.
TLOTRTFOTRTTTG shall be know to us as lortyforty.
I look forward to playing lortytorty soon as well.
TLOTRTFOTRTTTG shall be know to us as lortyforty.
I look forward to playing lortytorty soon as well.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
It's a Nazi bar with holographic Nazis all around
75% of twitter is bots and the rest are nazis and people who don't mind being on a site full of bots and nazis.
It's not just a nazi bar, but a nazi bar that is 75% empty.
People who stay, trying to sell their queer art there: who the fuck are you selling it to?
It's not just a nazi bar, but a nazi bar that is 75% empty.
People who stay, trying to sell their queer art there: who the fuck are you selling it to?
Reposting with Alt Text added. (Source: Mashable)
February 3, 2026 at 9:41 AM
It's a Nazi bar with holographic Nazis all around
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
This is my view. Luckily point 2 really matters.
1. Trump certainly wants to fully rig elections.
2. He has no actual plausible plan to do so.
3. We should absolutely take the threat very seriously and actively do what's possible to protect elections and democracy.
4. What's actually likely is success or failure at the margins; every bit counts.
2. He has no actual plausible plan to do so.
3. We should absolutely take the threat very seriously and actively do what's possible to protect elections and democracy.
4. What's actually likely is success or failure at the margins; every bit counts.
The last time he started talking like this, his allies minimized the risks and we ended up with January 6. This time we must take him literally and seriously. These comments are a five-alarm fire for democracy. In a functioning republic, he would be impeached and removed from office today.
February 2, 2026 at 9:29 PM
This is my view. Luckily point 2 really matters.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
This Kickstarter is LIVE and has me excited. Isn't this something we need desperately right now:
we&we is a gamified philosophy of living, designed as an open, real-world cooperative RPG focused on awareness, self-improvement, and shared well-being.
we&we is a gamified philosophy of living, designed as an open, real-world cooperative RPG focused on awareness, self-improvement, and shared well-being.
we&we is a game set in our current world. Here and now. We are all playing it. It’s just that some of us don’t know it yet. Every person is a player. You choose who you will be. Death is permanent. Results are real. And the goal is simple.
Find out more in the comments.
Find out more in the comments.
February 3, 2026 at 12:58 AM
This Kickstarter is LIVE and has me excited. Isn't this something we need desperately right now:
we&we is a gamified philosophy of living, designed as an open, real-world cooperative RPG focused on awareness, self-improvement, and shared well-being.
we&we is a gamified philosophy of living, designed as an open, real-world cooperative RPG focused on awareness, self-improvement, and shared well-being.
Reposted by Sam Francis (Samphire Games)
Only just twigged umbrella presumably means 'little shadow' etymologically and damn that's a cute ridiculous word that makes a lot of sense.
Just read someone in the US insisting that in the UK, we call umbrellas "bumbershoots".
February 2, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Only just twigged umbrella presumably means 'little shadow' etymologically and damn that's a cute ridiculous word that makes a lot of sense.