The Digital Dive and the Dungeon Dive's Future
Hey all! I wanted to run this by my supporters.
I'm thinking of doing more Digital Dive episodes. The few I've done on the channel have performed better than I expected, and on each I've received a number of very positive comments expressing interest in seeing more.
That's one of the reasons I want to do more.
Another is the rising costs of board games. Tariffs are, IMO, killing the table top board game industry. I've received five tariff bills in the last couple of months, and, frankly, I'm not going to pay them (for a number of reasons, many being political, and I'll keep those reasons to myself). I've already ran into issues of designers wanting to send me things from overseas, but the cost and red tape is now insurmountable.
There is also now a tariff of 130% on goods from from China. That is, quite simply, something I will not be paying.
Not to mention the fact that reports are now coming in that UPS is simply destroying packages sent to the United States because they don't want to deal with them.
That is another reason why I want to do more Digital Dives.
If I do more Digital Dive episodes, they will be focused on the kinds of games I've done already. Smaller, indie games that, IMO, totally fit in with the kinds of table top games I cover, the kinds of games so many of us already love, just in a digital space.
Honestly, with the cost of everything now I probably wouldn't even be able to afford a new PC that could run the latest and greatest AAA games even if I wanted to cover those kinds of games.
I like playing the big AAA games, but that's what I have a PS5 for.
Video games are also, frankly, easier to cover. I don't have to spend hours reading rules and learning to play. I just load the game, press start, and immediately have fun.
Video games are also WAY more affordable!
I also believe that with my experience and knowledge of TT games, I will be able to cover video games in this space in a different way than other channels.
With all that said, I envision the future of the Dungeon Dive to be a combination of smaller TT games, more solo RPGs, more things I can order from places like DriveThru and Itch and Gamecrafter, even fewer big box, crowdfunded games, and more Digital Dive episodes.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you!
Comments (37)
I think this is a great idea. There are so many hidden gems out there that are digital.. for example Umbra+ and Umbra Stations
do what makes the most sense for you and brings you the most joy. i'm a video gamer as well, so Digital Dive content would be right up my alley... but even if it wasn't i'd still watch your stuff because i enjoy your videos regardless of the subject. :)
Sounds great. I’ve been mainly playing video games too lately for a variety of reasons. Can’t wait to see what games you dig up!
I play board and video games so it's a win for me! I don't really know a way to find out about cool indie video games so that's something I would be into.
Will there still be a (semi) focus on vintage fantasy books like what you did in your All Fiction Is Fantasy channel? I recalled you t wind up that channel and being book discussions into the dungeon dive?
Yes - when I come across something I have something to talk about, for sure. Lately I've been reading a lot of comic books, and I did recently do a video on a couple of Superman comics I loved.
Do the things you love and we'll continue to watch, man.
Thank you.
TBH I've found myself playing way more video games than board games lately. I think it really just boils down to time and effort, as well as the fact that I usually have to play solo. I'd love to see you do some stuff on current and upcoming CRPGs. Solasta 2's EA is apparently launching late this year or early next, so that could be something fun to keep tabs on. I really enjoyed the demo.
1. Tariffs are a moving target. Those could drop to 10% or go away completely in several months. Maybe not. Just saying I wouldn't close the door. Supporters can send you copies (I'll send you stuff for sure), we can pitch in to pay the up-charge. Or you can just shift focus for now, and come back around. 2. CRPGs in particular would be a great add. Especially if you do crossover with books and games. Ex. Pool of Radiance retro has a novelization. The code wheel, etc. Or Planescape crossover into the RPG setting. GW board / Video game crossovers. US Target and Walmart exclusive games is another option. So many ways to go, even old games like Citadel of Blood. 3. I think you've always done best when you document your passion, and when you keep the video lengths on the shorter side. As long as you keep that core of dungeon crawlers and adventure games, you can traverse any medium or genre, and you'll do just fine as long as you are following your passions within the hobby.
No doors being closed, for sure! Just opening new doors, and keeping some in check. :)
Yesterday I watched your He Is Coming video in my garage on one tv while playing Madden 98 on the Genesis on another TV. I thought “I could watch Daniel play games like this all day”. You are very good at explaining the game, keeping things moving, explaining your motivation while playing, and your choice of games to play is exciting and fresh. Fully support your efforts in this direction. And happy to contribute more each month via Patreon if needed. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you! Really appreciate it.
I agree with a lot of what you wrote here…. Not entering into the details either. In addition I really enjoyed the lastest video you did, as im always on the lookout for inspiration for indie games to play on my steam deck ! As always, full support Daniel !
I don't see any reason to avoid the digital stuff. I imagine most fans of DD play both at the table and on either console or PC. I do my solo gaming on PC and tabletop gaming is 95% 2 player coop.
Completely agree with you Daniel. Hopefully you will be able to continue with introducing us to the paper and pencil indie TTRPGs too, I am definitely steering more in this direction as I get as much fun from these at a fraction of the cost of a board game. One for you to check out if you haven’t already is Morkin, great game.
Most definitely!
I for one welcome our new video game overlords.
Just to be extra crystal clear, the TT games will NEVER go away, and they will always be the main focus of the channel! :)
We all have to adapt to the new circumstances, and weather the storm. Do what you must, and what motivates you!
As unfortunate as it is (you’ve helped me find so many cool games and media), it’s totally understandable given the cost of things nowadays, but also how well the video did. Someone mentioned Table Top Simulator being a good replacement for board games. That could be fun to watch. Lastly, a suggestion/request is to play a game called Pillars of Eternity. I think you might love that series!
I loved the one you just did -- "He Is Coming." Small, indie, strategic, wouldn't get noticed otherwise. Keep 'em coming!!
Yes! Those are the exact kinds of video games I want to cover.
I share your political sentiments and have also had tariffs from things overseas. I don't really play computer games, but do have a Nintendo switch. I like the idea of the more niche and independent dungeon crawlers and adventure games-especially the small and "effortlessly fun" variety so hope you keep doing that. Maybe you could also cover cool variants and creative use of existing games
Would love to see you do a playthrough of Kingdom Death Monster on their simulator.
That’s a fab idea
I’m 100% aligned with you politically and keep hoping that the tariff issue will eventually resolve before the TT industry crumbles. I don’t think as many people cover the kinds of niche TT and solo RPG games that you do on your channel in a way that’s as engaging as yours. The standard TT YouTube channels seem to be focused on euros and new releases. You’ll rarely ever see them covering something like Shadows & Brimstone or Ker Nethalas, and never a game like Civitas Nihilium (which, by the way, James Bradley said he’s bringing back to Kickstarter with a new reworking of the game). This is a game I never would have owned had it not been for you. The switch to Digital Dive makes sense, but I hope, after the craziness settles down with tariffs, that you might still find time to revisit TT games on occasion.
IT definitely will NOT be a total switch. Just maybe one or two digital dive episodes a month.
I'm sad about all of this. I love the board game medium and hate everything that is happening. My ask is that you explore table top simulator.
Doing something in the intersection of "what you want to do" and "what you can feasibly do" is the only viable plan, and while I'm able, I'll still be supporting your exploration of that space. If you want to shift the focus to a different type of content, go for it. Also reconsider the medium -- livestreaming is, I gather, the more popular-and-thus-profitable angle for content about digital games. It's not my preferred format personally, but it may be where the next "phase" of audience-building needs to happen.
I completely understand and am happy to support whatever direction you take. I think everyone gets different things from the channel, I didn't buy every game you covered but enjoyed their aesthetics. Felt the same way about He is Coming, looks fun and I downloaded the demo. I'm sure there's something to be said about how well the digital dive stuff is performing versus the All Fiction is Fantasy videos or even the board game bits. However, I don't know. Long way of saying, I'm cool with whatever, man. Time and money are sparse, gotta make due with what we have of each.
I also prefer a physical game to a digital game, but definitely include computer games in my list of hobbies, and would appreciate getting a curated overview from you of what's out there 👍
I think as you said before, you have to make the content you want so you don't burn yourself out. I think more digital dive is totally cool, there is absolutely plenty of people that like that stuff (myself included), and there's certainly no shortage of games to try (you may like to check out SKALD: Against the Black Priory). I'd also like to see coverage of more fan expansions and more book/music/art around a genre, a complete vibe video I guess, kind of like your Arkham Horror series. I agree about the board game hobby, the bubble has kind of burst and it's really hard to keep participating in it at the same level. I've taken a big step back too and will probably only back a couple of the most interesting games a year. What I've done instead is look for good deals on old games (picked up the World of Warcraft adventure game and Wrath of the Lich King), and I've been putting a bigger focus on trying fan content for games I already have.
SKALD has been on my list! I tried it on the Steam Deck, but the text is just way too small.
Well, that’s a real bummer… all this tariff crap going on🥹 I totally understand your reasons and moves… I am not that much into the digital world anymore… playing maybe one total a year but maybe this will change in the future as well… and you never know what will happen in the future with the tariff situation. Either way I love to see what’s coming. So whatever road you will travel, I will watch your videos and supporting the channel. 😎🙌
Good luck with the tweaks Daniel - it’s not for me either digital games or video games - I’m much more board game, tactile and ready to play - but can understand your wish to change - being UK most of the import issues we had to deal with years ago so the price is not a thing as such - I’m just more selective 😊
The change would probably mean more like 1 or 2 digital dive episodes a month, rather than a few a quarter. The focus would still be mainly on TT games, but even that will change to cover more small things.