@lovethynerd
Love Thy Nerd
Love Nerds + Engage Culture + Build Community

RPG Rundown 41 | The TTRPG Learning Curve

SHOW NOTES

Seth and Jeff wrap up their Critical Review series by breaking down the final letter: Learning Curve. In this episode of The RPG Rundown, they discuss how a TTRPG’s learning curve affects both players and GMs, from rules density and character creation to onboarding tools, terminology, combat complexity, and long-term campaign play. Using examples like Traveler, Daggerheart, Draw Steel, City of Mist, Dragonbane, Cosmere RPG, Avatar Legends, and Star Wars RPG, they explore what makes a system easy to teach, hard to master, or just right for a specific table.





Episode Hosts

Seth Glenn
Seth has always enjoyed great games and great story telling; growing up reading Narnia, Lord of the Rings, BattleTech, and Star Wars to name but a few. Little did he know that the worlds he and his friends created with Legos would foster his love for TTRPGs! God has used gaming throughout Seth's life to build relationships and share His love with others. Seth is supported by his loving wife and his two sons with whom he enjoys sharing his passion and creativity for gaming.
Jeff Evans
Jeff grew up playing board games, card games, and Nintendo with his parents. From a young age he developed a love for TCGs, starting with Pokémon, then Yugioh, to MTG. As a kid, Jeff spent hours dreaming up different universes, unaware that games existed that could bring them to life. After spending years playing MMO's, Jeff's mind was blown when Seth introduced him to TTRPGs, opening his eyes to endless possibilities. Now, as a full-time youth and teaching pastor, Jeff balances his passion for gaming with ministry. Teaching nerds like Him that Jesus loves them regardless of their hobbies. Jeff also enjoys gaming with his wife and two kids, who share his passion for exploring new worlds and embarking on adventures, both in games and in life.

Episode Producer

Seth Glenn
Seth has always enjoyed great games and great story telling; growing up reading Narnia, Lord of the Rings, BattleTech, and Star Wars to name but a few. Little did he know that the worlds he and his friends created with Legos would foster his love for TTRPGs! God has used gaming throughout Seth's life to build relationships and share His love with others. Seth is supported by his loving wife and his two sons with whom he enjoys sharing his passion and creativity for gaming.
Jeff Evans
Jeff grew up playing board games, card games, and Nintendo with his parents. From a young age he developed a love for TCGs, starting with Pokémon, then Yugioh, to MTG. As a kid, Jeff spent hours dreaming up different universes, unaware that games existed that could bring them to life. After spending years playing MMO's, Jeff's mind was blown when Seth introduced him to TTRPGs, opening his eyes to endless possibilities. Now, as a full-time youth and teaching pastor, Jeff balances his passion for gaming with ministry. Teaching nerds like Him that Jesus loves them regardless of their hobbies. Jeff also enjoys gaming with his wife and two kids, who share his passion for exploring new worlds and embarking on adventures, both in games and in life.


Episode Discussion

Related Content

Save & Continue 21 | The Cost of Entertainment

Steve and Kyle discuss child actors, exploitation in entertainment, parasocial relationships, reality TV, fandom, and how Christians can enjoy pop culture without losing sight of the people behind it.

CBG 51 | Torchbearers: Faith, Board Games & Being Present

Joe and Ray talk Gen Con, relational ministry, sharing the gospel through genuine connection, Ray’s latest movie experience, and the trick-taking game Torchlit on the Christian Board Gamers Podcast.

Bible Thump 181 | When Faith Feels Like a Fight (w/ Radio Matt)

Radio Matt explores Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32 and what the story teaches Christians about doubt, anxiety, perseverance, and holding onto faith through difficult seasons.

Pull List 130 | X-Men Casting & Uncanny Faith (Comic Book News & Reviews)

Hector and CJ review this week’s comics, discuss X-Men casting and comic crossovers, break down Batman, Absolute Superman, and Uncanny X-Men, and explore faith, redemption, identity, and prayer through superhero stories.

RPG Rundown 42 | Building Better Gods, Patrons & Pacts (w/ Colby Whittaker)

Jeff Evans interviews Colby Whitaker about The Game Master’s Handbook of Patrons, Pacts, and Pantheons, exploring TTRPG worldbuilding, gods, supernatural patrons, player bargains, divine favor systems, and practical tools for Game Masters.

LTN Pulse 33 | New Recruits, Same Mission (w/ Ethan & Phillip)

Luke interviews Ethan Sommerfeld and Phillip Ponzer about serving with Love Thy Nerd at Gen Con, board game ministry, convention outreach, favorite games, and what they learned from loving their nerdy neighbors through simple acts of service.

Save & Continue | Your Neighborhood Spider-Community (Season 2 Premiere)

Steve and Kyle launch Season 2 by exploring Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Christian community, friendship, isolation, gaming with kids, and the faith themes hidden throughout pop culture.

CBG 50 | New Studio, New Season, Same Chaos (Season 6 Premiere)

Joe and Ray launch a new season of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast with summer updates and reviews of Wondrous Creatures and Dinogenics in their first in-person episode.