Brooks Barber
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rollplusfun.bsky.social
Brooks Barber
@rollplusfun.bsky.social
Tabletop game designer - mostly historical but not always. Designer of Sykes-Picot from Hollandspiele. Forthcoming games Spindletop and Painkillers.
Spades. Love it and played it multiple times a week throughout most of college. Poker too, especially hold ‘em. Probably also hearts.
December 19, 2025 at 3:11 AM
I have always felt this way too! I think it’s supposed to be in reference to people who ruin casual tings by being overly competitive or for people who do things purely for the acclaim. But it seems to get used generically and I’m like, “so?”
December 13, 2025 at 7:25 PM
It’s easy to burn out. Glad you’re seeing it and looking for rejuvenation! Would love to see whatever you create
December 13, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Ball, D. W. (1967). Toward a Sociology of Toys: Inanimate Objects, Socialization, and the Demography of the Doll World. The Sociological Quarterly, 8(4), 447–458. doi.org/10.1111/j.15... - 1967, and not psychology of toys, but interesting nonetheless.
Toward a Sociology of Toys: Inanimate Objects, Socialization, and the Demography of the Doll World
Published in The Sociological Quarterly (Vol. 8, No. 4, 1967)
doi.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I found a couple interesting options, but nothing perfect.

Vince-Bakonyi, A. Self-made toys in children’s games. IJEC 1, 15 (1969). doi.org/10.1007/BF03... - from 1969, but not necessarily about "psychology of toys" generally.
Self-made toys in children’s games - International Journal of Early Childhood
International Journal of Early Childhood - Le jeu joue un rôle important dans l’éducation préscolaire en Hongrie, tant par le plaisir qu’il procure à l’enfant...
doi.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I know one or two folks in the historical/wargame design space who live in Montreal. I don't know them well, but yes, there are designers there. Not sure what the "scene" is like.
December 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
How long did it take? It seems like the full game would be an epic one.
December 9, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The thing I love about this show is how universal it feels in its specificity. I know I’m missing something many jokes but I also know the feeling of what those jokes are trying to convey. They still tickle that familiar part of my humor, even in my ignorance or their references.
December 8, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Had almost this exact same setup. The pressure of trying to record the radio songs to the cassette deck was so heavy! Had so many songs missing the first three seconds
December 8, 2025 at 12:29 AM
In addition to Amabel Holland, I’d recommend Pam Walls, Ellie Dix, and Liz Davidson (beyond solitaire)!
December 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Not tonight!
December 5, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Obviously the lions
December 4, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Oh I agree and I don’t think it will come to that. I think there are too many established publishers and the appetite in the hobby is strong enough for real human art (both illustrations in games and games themselves) to support more than fringe efforts.
December 2, 2025 at 1:11 AM
This will never happen, in my opinion. There will always be indie folks willing to make games with meaning.
December 1, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Same. Screentop.gg or playingcards.io for me!
December 1, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Big yikes
November 27, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Games: Agency as Art

Cardboard Ghosts

Paper Time Machines
November 27, 2025 at 7:33 PM