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The Hot Seat is back with its fourth episode, continuing to bring together some of the most passionate and insightful voices in the strategy gaming world. Hosted by Marco Minoli, the show once again offered an engaging mix of news, reflections, and in-depth conversations with developers who are shaping the future of our favourite genre.
This month’s guests were Martin Leidel, co-founder of Triassic Games, and James Parker, Game Director at Ground Shatter - two creators with very different approaches, but a shared dedication to innovation and quality in strategy design.
Martin Leidel shared the long development journey of Sea Power, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of working in Early Access. He discussed how his team balances authenticity with accessibility, ensuring the game remains fun while respecting military realism. Leidel also emphasized the crucial role of modding communities in extending a game’s life and creativity, and shared insights on keeping an audience engaged over years of development.
James Parker joined the show to discuss how Ground Shatter carved a unique space in the strategy landscape with Fights in Tight Spaces and its successor Knights in Tight Spaces.
He explored the studio’s philosophy of blending deck-building, tactics, and cinematic style into a distinctive experience. Parker also spoke about evolving design systems, visual clarity, and how both games attracted a dedicated following through smart gameplay and genre innovation.
As always, the episode concluded with The Tabletop Corner, this time journeying through the world of The Lord of the Rings. Paolo showcased several games inspired by Tolkien’s universe, from the fast-paced Duel for Middle-earth to the epic War of the Ring and the newly released Adventure to Mount Doom. A fitting conclusion to another episode celebrating the endless variety and creativity of strategy gaming.
Episode 4 was another showcase of talent, insight, and passion for the art of making strategy games. If you missed it live, you can watch the full episode on our official channels.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars: the next and final episode of 2025 will air on November 26th.
