Glass Cannon Network: the choice to avoid D&D

Glass Cannon Network (GCN), a prominent network in the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) actual-play space, has carved out a unique position since its founding in 2015 in a relatively young industry of about 10 years old. With a focus on sharing the fun of tabletop games, GCN chose to take a bold path by avoiding Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).

Founding and early years

Glass Cannon Network founder Troy Lavallee explains that the decision to avoid D&D was crucial to their success. "We started with the idea: let's just play, in our case Pathfinder, the game we know and love. If we share our joy for this game, listeners—whether they play the game or not—will listen," Lavallee says. That approach has built a loyal fanbase, with many listeners not even interested in actually playing tabletop games.

The impact of the pandemic

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GCN decided to broaden its horizons and explore different TTRPGs. "We thought, 'Let's see if we can play other games,'" says Lavallee. That marked a shift in GCN's programming, with the network adding other games to its lineup alongside Pathfinder. From Blades in the Dark to Traveller and the Dune RPG, GCN has developed a wide range of shows spanning different genres and play styles.

Taking it to the audience

To raise awareness of GCN, the network decided to take its new show Call of Cthulhu Live on tour. This TTRPG, based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft and known for its focus on survival and sanity, offers an exciting prospect for fans. Lavallee notes that Call of Cthulhu does not feature a traditional victory condition, but instead is about surviving cosmic horror.

The adventures of Call of Cthulhu

The Call of Cthulhu Live show, with Lavallee also serving as Game Master, promises exciting and unpredictable adventures. The show's dynamic sees players creating new characters who are confronted with bizarre and unexplained events from their past. "The best games are when characters aren't heroes, but ordinary people coming together to face the unknown," Lavallee explains.

As the tour rolls on, new characters and stories will emerge as the cast changes. The show emphasizes creativity and improvisation, with each player taking on a role that can range from a simple cashier to a radio DJ asked to investigate the supernatural.

Future outlook

At the same time, GCN acknowledges that standing out in the crowded tabletop podcast market remains a constant battle. Lavallee puts it this way: "The gap between us and those at the top is huge. Even in our position, it's an ongoing struggle to get attention, and that's very difficult given the competition." Despite the challenges, GCN remains committed to its mission of sharing the joy of tabletop games with a wider audience.

Tickets for Call of Cthulhu Live are still available for those interested. For those not near the tour route, they can still enjoy other GCN shows, such as Get in the Trunk, which uses the Delta Green system and spans seven thrilling seasons.