The reality series Tabletop Deathmatch is a no-holds-barred, drama-packed throw-down between 16 aspiring boardgame designers trying to get their projects approved by a ruthless panel of judges who are basically the game design “Shark Tank.” OK, it’s not as misanthropic as I made it sound. But what we do end up with is a smart, fun, articulate, and down-to-earth discourse on boardgames. And the best part is that one new and likely very high quality boardgame will come into the world because of this, as the show is offering the winner a first printing of their game and a booth at the tabletop gaming convention Gen Con. 

The first episode is below. Check for round 2 next week.