Thanks for doing this AMA! As a fan of the Detroit Red Wings (formerly of the Western Conference), I just want to say... GO KINGS GO! Would love to see the Kings finish off the other CA teams and take a run at The Cup!
After the release of a couple really short educational videos, I've received numerous comments suggesting that I look like you. I think it's the beardedness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzjhHNfFQW0
And last, what do you think about Corey Perry and his antics: http://imgur.com/x4WvEcz ?
My instinct when I saw Perry do that was that he was being a douche, but then I found out that he and Carter are friends, so I thought it was actually pretty cool.
Have you seen his new tatoo? He's clearly a closet Wings fan.
ಠ_ಠ
Hey Wil! Big fan from Norway here. Just wanted to say that when you and Patrick Rothfuss converse on Twitter it makes me really happy for some reason. Also, the Big Bang episodes with you in them are the best!
My question is: How is it to play yourself vs playing a character? Do you have a say in how 'you' are portrayed on The Big Bang Theory?
Do you have a say in how 'you' are portrayed on The Big Bang Theory?
Occasionally, Steve Molaro will ask me if I've had an experience in my real life that would sort of inspire them to do something with my character on the show. Probably the best example of that sort of thing is when he asked me if there was anything in my real life that could help them develop my conversation with Sheldon after he finds out he has to retract his discovery.
During "The Russian Rocket Reaction," it seems that your character transitioned from Evil Wil Wheaton to something closer to your real-life self. Was that something that Steve Molaro or someone else with the show chose to do, or was that by your request?
That was something the writers decided to do. They told me that they loved Wil Wheaton being a nemesis to Sheldon, but it was basically the same joke each time, so they reworked the character a little bit so I can do more things on the show.
I really love working there, so I'm delighted and grateful that they did that, and now I get to work with them more often.
Yes, over here, n'hey, n'hey. In episode BF12, you were battling barbarians while riding a winged Appaloosa, yet in the very next scene, my dear, you're clearly atop a winged Arabian. Please do explain it.
Obviously, it's a sort of magical horse. I mean, even a child could have seen that.
Wil! My question is about BEER: Stone Farking Wheaton wootstout 2.0 to be more specific, do you know if this will release in stores around the same time as hop con? I missed out on wootstout last year, I am hoping to not make that mistake this year.
To alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
I don't know exactly where it will be released, but I know Stone plans to do nationwide, as far as the laws will allow. Last year, we weren't allowed to distribute in Ohio or Utah because the ABV was too high.
wootstout
I love this beer! Any chance you could give us the recipe? I'd like to try to make some.
I'm going to be doing a homebrew version with Northern Brewer very soon.
Two questions, and a thank you.
First—I love your audiobook work. Both Ready Player One and Fuzzy Nation are amongst my favorite listens. Can you tell us about any more that you have recently completed or will be doing soon?
Second—there are some Nissan commercials on iTunes radio that sound very much like your voice, except they're lower pitched as if slightly slowed down. Is that you, or just someone trying very hard to copy your delivery?
Third—I owe you a huge thanks. A couple years ago, a guy wearing a t-shirt I made met you at a con, and you tweeted a pic of him wearing it, which got my site a huge amount of attention. I’ve been hoping to send you one as a thank you, but haven’t been able to figure out how. If you want one, please let me know how to get it to you.
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6893934/il_570xN.334495708.jpg
I recorded an audiobook on Monday, but I don't think I can say what it was or when it will be released.
I'm not part of the Nissan commercial, and I seriously doubt anyone would ever want to copy me, when there are, you know, good people worth copying.
I love that shirt. Clever is my Kryptonite, and that shirt is damn clever. Good work, sir.
A new Scalzi book? Neat!
But really, all of your work with his books really made the experiences so much more than just reading. Your reading of Fuzzy nation was so moving during Pinto's scene as well as the court scenes.
Thank you. I had a hell of a good time doing that book.
There are many questions I would love to ask but I will contain myself.
Have you heard of the Hard Science Fiction Tabletop RPG called Eclipse Phase?
When might we get to hear you on the Nerdist Podcast once more? Ooh ooh or “Making it With Riki Lindhome”, or “You Made it Weird”. I would love to hear you on any of those, although your rapport with one Chris Hardwick makes that my preference.
I've heard of Eclipse Phase, but I've never played it. I love science fiction, but I've never been that into SF RPGs for some reason.
Hardwick and I have planned to have me on the podcast soon, we're just figuring out the schedule.
Do you wear socks with your sandals?
Only when I'm wearing shorts.
Black socks for extra style points.
Duh.
I think we should stay focused on Rampart you guys.
YES! Thank you. Finally, someone who gets it.
Rampart without trackballs is not Rampart.
I wanted to like that game so much, and it just destroyed me whenever I tried to play it. I don't think I've gotten past the first level, ever.
You have been on reddit for 8 years? Holy shit.
What are your favorite subreddits?
How do you feel about the latest reddit censorship drama concerning /r/technology and /r/worldnews?
I'm more concerned about the blatant political agenda of the mods in /r/politics and how they're attempting to turn it into a FOX News subreddit.
Hi Wil,
This is Alli the "not a crazy stalker chick" that made your bowling shirt.
First I just want to say how awesome it is for me that you actually wear that shirt. I was watching a Dr Who special and it showed a clip of you bowling with some of the DW cast in the shirt. Very awesome.
My question is when is Wootstock coming back to northern CA? That was a great show. I'd love to see another one.
Wootstock is, for the near future, only happening at SDCC, just because it's so hard to get the four of us in the same place at the same time. We occasionally do sketchfest, but it's called "founder's night" because we don't have any guests join us. I had to miss it this year because of work, but hopefully we can do it again next year.
Hey Wil,
Have you heard of Storium? It's an online storytelling game-a little more free form than normal tabletop roleplaying. What do you think of it?
I love Storium! My friends created it, and I'm proud to be a backer.
Could you explain in detail your emotions during the Kings first round?
Pick pretty much any .gif from /r/nonononoyes and you'll have a good idea.
Hi Wil, I'm so happy you're doing an AMA! I always get all giddy and squee! when you're on Big Bang.
I'm a huge board game geek, and I struggle with striking the balance between games that are quick to teach and understand, and games that are excessively complicated and have thousands of pieces. My question is - Are there any games that you'd love to do a show on, but are too complicated to explain quick enough to make the show entertaining. (I'm thinking Arkham Horror).
PS - Can you make an episode of Big Bang where you make out with Sheldon? It would be adorable!! Maybe bring it up to the writers?
Are there any games that you'd love to do a show on, but are too complicated to explain quick enough to make the show entertaining. (I'm thinking Arkham Horror).
Most of the longer games like Arkham and Eclipse just won't work, which is a shame because I love them.
Those games, though, aren't exactly good introductory games, and one of the prime directives of Tabletop is to showcase games that are an easy introduction to our hobby.
Wil,
As a follow up which of the more advanced board games would you recommend as a next step from myself and my friends if we been playing things like Dominion and some of the stuff on your show?
Show is great keep it up!
Thanks!
I'm not sure I can give good advice based on this limited information. I suggest you go to Board Game Geek, look up a game you like, and see what it recommends in the "if you liked this, you'll like /[game] section.
Instead of Arkham, would you ever consider doing Eldritch Horror? It's basically the same thing, but much more streamlined and can be played in much less time.
I haven't played it, but I'll take a look.
I know you might have a bit of Bias being a Kings fan, but which division do you think is going to be more competitive over the next 5 years, the Pacific or the Central?
As an Avs fan I'm mostly happy we might be relevant again, and I'm looking forward to the Western Conference domination of the East to continue for a while!
Oh and TableTop is awesome and I can't wait for the RPG show!
I hope it'll become the Central, because the Pacific is so freaking tough right now, I feel like we're in the playoffs all year long.
Also, when I'm boss of the universe, we're getting the proper division names back. #TeamSmytheDivisionForLife
So I've started playing Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassone and all of your video have been a great help. I want to introduce my playgroup to something a bit more involved though. What would you suggest would be a good next step for something more strategy based and less dependent on random factors like dice?
Check out Lords of Waterdeep, Revolution, and Small World.
Smallworld underground is better.
How is it different from Smallworld? I haven't actually played it, yet.
Do ants have lungs?
I'm sorry, that's not a beard question.
Hi Wil, I'm a big fan of Tabletop. Will we see Battlestar Galactica played this season?
I'm not sure. I love that game, but I think it may be just slightly too complex for our format.
I'll playtest it with Producer Boyan, though, and see if we can make it work.
You'll probably want to use some of the re-written rule books on BBG that get rid of some of the more clunky rule sets.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/68433/battlestar-galactica-combined-rule-book
My one consistent complaint about FFG games (and it's the only one, really) is that their rule books tend to be just awful. Whenever I get a new FFG game, I go straight to BGG to see if there's a replacement.
Would you ever do side episodes that were more like reviews/how to play for some of those games you can't find a good fit for on the main show?
Yeah, I do things called Not The Flog where I do exactly that.
Hi Wil. Will TableTop Season 3 be available anywhere else besides YouTube?
Yes. We'll have it in as many different places as we can, which is one of the huge benefits of being completely independent.
Will we get to see Seasons 1 and 2 on other platforms eventually?
I think so, yes.
Are we going to have some livestream special episodes?
Probably not. The technology to do that isn't in our budget, and we really need to stay focused on making the best show we can.
A G&S Roku channel would be pretty awesome.
That's a great idea. I don't know what we have to do to make that happen, but I'll mention it to G&S.
What other benefits are there? I saw your appeal to be crowd-funded and I understand why you were asking for the amount you were, but I didn't get why you wouldn't just stay with Google/YouTube.
Google/YouTube ended the program that we were part of, and we wanted to keep making the show.
Which site would you prefer we watched it at?
I don't care. I just want as many people as possible to watch and enjoy it.
Have you considered dressing up like Jonathan Frakes to conventions now that you have the beard for it?
You know, I hadn't until just this moment. I think that's a thing that needs to happen. I'll do the walk and everything.
What you gotta do is that awesome chair thing he does.
If you watch one of the Big Bang Theory episodes I did this year, you'll see that I did The Riker when I sat down.
Nah, man. The leg has to go over the back of the chair to be a full Riker move. Like the chair isn't even there.
This is true, but I had to modify it so it would slip past the network.
You're older now than when JF had the beard.
<drops mic>
<pics up mic> HEY YOU KID DON'T YOU DROP YOUR TRASH ON MY LAWN! <shakes mic> <massages hip>
I figured you had to do it because you require greater dong clearance than Frakes.
Well, that too ... but I don't like to brag.
"Welcome to sunny Jamaica. Have a nice day."
Hi Wil. As someone who has also never seen Rampart do you think I should?
No, watch Akira again instead.
Wil, you're a handsome man but the photo currently at the top of your Wikipedia page does you no justice. You look like you've just eaten a spicy California burrito; all sweaty and flatulent.
Do you have a favorite photo of yourself? This picture has got to go.
Woah, that's not the most flattering thing in the world, is it? I think I should get a new picture there, but whenever I try to do anything with Wikipedia it turns into the most annoying edit war in the history of life, and I just don't have time for that BS.
This would be a huge improvement over the other picture.
Make it happen, Internet.
Is that bozo the clown on that sweater?
No, that's a bozo wearing a clown sweater.
Hi Wil,
Thrilled to see Tabletop season 3 and the RPG spinoff are being so robustly funded on IndieGoGo. Do you think the show has a future beyond season 3, and if so, do you have any ideas about making it self-sustaining going forward, or do you think it will be crowd-funded from here on out?
Crowdfunding season three was an amazing experience, because it showed us in a very tangible way how much Tabletop means to people all over the world, but it was also a little weird for me. I'm very self sufficient in every aspect of my life, and if I could afford to fund it myself, I would. At every step of the way, I had to remind myself that this isn't about me, it's about the community of Tabletop gamers who love this show and want to see more of it. When I remembered that I wasn't doing this for me, but was doing it because it's so important to so many people, it felt less weird to me.
I don't know if we'll go beyond season three (we need to finish season three first, and who knows what's going to happen in the Mysterious Future) but if we do, I hope we can make it self-sustaining in some way that lets us maintain our independence, and keep the production values as awesome as they are now.
I'm very self sufficient in every aspect of my life, and if I could afford to fund it myself, I would.
As a contributor, it brings as much joy to me to contribute to your unique and awesome projects as it must feel for you to bring them to us. Never forget that!
My partner is a massive Catan geek, and Tabletop sparked my interest back into board games and brought her and I closer than ever as board games are back into our weekly lives.
When I found out you were crowd funding, I literally jumped at the opportunity to back you as it's the least I can do to return the thank you and the joy that you and the team have brought back into our lives.
Thank you :)
virtual high five
Oi! Where is mine? I am a contributor, too :P
HIGH FIVE!
Mr. Wheaton. I wanted to let you know that your blog is one of the best things I have read. Being the parent of two young step boys and trying to be the best father I can be to them when they have a tough situation with their bio mom reading what you post and knowing you have been down that road before me lets me know that it can and will be better, even if it sometimes gets hard. Thank you for doing all you do not only with gaming, and the culture, but for the things other not always comment on.
stepdad fistbump
Remember that they're in pain, and it's hard for them to have the tension and drama in their lives that comes with your situation. Never speak badly about their bio mom, and make sure they know you love them. It's a hard road, and it can feel like the entire world's against you at times, but when they grow up to be the awesome people you know they can be, it's all worth it.
So I'm going to meet up with some online gaming buddies and I'm taking some tabletop games with me. Should I take D&D board game or Pathfinder?
I know you have said you started out with D&D but if Pathfinder leads to a more interesting experience I would rather take that.
The D&D boardgames are more self contained and lend themselves to one or two evening's of play, so if you only have a weekend, I'd do that ... unless you want an RPG experience, then maybe put together a Pathfinder one shot and roll with that.
To build off that, if you want to split the difference (board game simplicity with a campaign feel), check out the Pathfinder Adventure card game. It's a kinda-sorta deckbuilding game that does a really good job of recreating the feel of a roleplaying game session, and you play through scenarios and take your "character" (your deck" from one adventure to the next as you collect new cards.
I freaking LOVE that game. My friend designed it, and he calls it "the slowest deck-building game you'll ever play". I can't wait until I have time to play a proper campaign.
Wil, I had the pleasure of playing a table top game with you last year when I won a contest at Kansas City Planet Comicon last year. My daughter hasn't ever seen you in anything and didn't know know who you were, but she really took to you. I've always gotten the impression that you are a sincere and friendly person. You invented Wil Wheaton's law. But there was a moment it seemed to me that you weren't following your own law. On your Weakest Link appearance, you came across a bit like a dick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHmgYRoVSSM
At the very least, Roxann Dawson wasn't very happy with you.
Where you a different person back then? Do you think you just didn't come off well in that episode? Is there not friendship and fraternity amongst cast members of different Star Trek shows?
Edit: Don't mean to be a jerk with the hardball question. Just always curious. BTW, I do love Table Top and I backed the new season!
Oh man, that thing. So it was a deliberate joke that Roxann and I planned together, and coordinated with the producers of the show. We did it so well, the audience completely believed that it was real.
I guess you could say that it was the first time I decided to play Evil Wil Wheaton on television!
Did...did Wil Weaton publicly admit to throwing a game show?
Oh, no. I played as well as I could, and I did my best to win. I'm just saying that I made a choice to be even more rude and cheeky than the host, because I thought it would be fun.
Hey Wil, just wanted to say thanks for being one of the most awesome people ever.
I was wondering: which side do you come down on in the cake vs pie debate?
PIE FOREVER.
And now a question for you: losing your wedding ring in the ocean vs. not losing your wedding ring in the ocean?
I'd say only if you also dump wine on your new wife, her step mom and break a few things over the course of the day as well.
Yes! Do all of those things, and you almost have a bingo!
I guess it'd be worse if he stepped on a sea urchin or something
BINGO!
Hi! So among Pandemic, Settlers of Catan, and maybe Netrunner, what game do you think should be a staple in everyone's Game Cabinet?
And will you ever get around to publishing that book of conversations with your pets?
Of those games you listed, definitely Settlers.
have you ever witnessed Felicia day angry and what is the worst swear word she uses ?
Felicia and I are like brother and sister, and while I know she's seen me at my worst, I've never seen her get angry. She's very focused and super smart, and I think that instead of getting angry, she just gets shit done.
I've never thought about trying to get her to say really offensive swears, but now I think I have to.
If I were Wil, I would call it "Cream of Wheaton": Cherry red ice cream, caramel swirls, and blueberries. ...and if you're wondering how that color combination would look.
I love that. Have some gold, on me.
Ice cream that tastes like nothing called, "Bland By Me".
I don't know why you're getting downvoted. This is hilarious.
Writer, actor, homebrewer and philanthropist? Is there anything you can't do?
I can't dance at all, and I can hardly play any instruments.
Win at board games?
Nailed it.
So I guess I've spent the last 6 months writing the Wil Wheaton 1-Man-Band Musical for nothing then!
For nothing!
Dude, just get Julian Speroni to play in it.
If you had to play against DEATH in a board game (like in Bill and Ted) which game would you choose?
Something where I think I'd have an inherent advantage, because I've played it so much. If I had to choose something right now, I'd probably choose Carcassonne or Takenoko.
Death has eternity to gain skill and prowess at all games though. You'd be better off just challenging him to a coin toss. I'd take a 50/50 chance versus a completely lopsided game any day of the week.
Your math checks out.
Didn't you lose Takenoko when you played on Tabletop? Death probably watched the episode too.
I did, but I'm batting something like .900 in two-player games.
Thanks for introducing me to a world of board games that I never knew existed.
One quick question, if you could re-theme ANY game, what would it be?
Dominion. I love that game so much, but the theme means basically nothing.
wil can we play dominion together pls
i'll love you always
...kill screen coming up .... we gotta kill screen coming up...
Forgive me if i'm wrong, but i don't think you played Dominion in the first round of table top. Was that an oversight, or are deck building games not the visually exciting or easy to keep track of win conditions until the game is good and done.
Unfortunately, deck-building games like that just don't work for our format.
I love that you've made it to the RPG game stretch goal - do you know yet what you're going to play? Do you want WOTC/D&D involved, or specifically not? Your games with AQI got me back into D&D after a long hiatus, and I really have enjoyed Chris Perkins' adventure design, and would love to see him take on a long-form campaign. OR are you planning to DM/GM?
I have a very good idea about what I'm going to play, but I'm not ready to talk about it, yet. I can tell you that it won't be D&D, I am going to GM.
Do you know who's going to be playing yet? I thought the Dragon Age group all had great chemistry; are any of them coming back? (assuming I haven't just derped and missed this info!)
We haven't announced the players, yet, so you didn't miss anything.
I'd love to see you tackle the Dresden files stuff using the FATE system- the world might implode from all the awesome!
I freaking love FATE, but it's just a tiny bit too weird for the audience we're trying to reach.
I hope it goes a little bit more seriously! The last RPG game was enjoyable to watch, but I kept hoping it would get a bit more serious and focused
I imagine that it'll be a mix of humor and seriousness, because it's going to last for an entire season.
If I see you in public, should I offer to buy you a beer, a book, or just give you the thumbs-up-dude?
I'm such a socially awkward penguin in real life, the thumbs-up-dude would probably be the best choice.
True story, at PAX 2012 I saw Wil walking toward me on the street and I said "Hey Wil!" You said back to me "Hey... Guy!" and then we just kept on walking.
I got misty-eyed reading this. Those were good times, random guy on the street.
my wife and I saw you at dinner once in some fancy Laguna beach hotel restaurant on the balcony, i think last year. The one with the fancy football looking dessert. loft at montage, i think?
She squealed "the guy from big bang theory!"
I squealed "the guy from Star Trek!"
to which she looked confused, because to her, star trek is only the jj abrams version.
at any rate, she wanted to stroll on over in the middle of your dinner and get an autograph, but i stopped her.
you owe me
Sincerely: thank you. One of the few times I can get grumpy with people is when I'm clearly in a private(ish) situation, like a dinner or something, and someone interrupts that. I think it's important to let people have their private time.
A friend of mine was at the resort you and Anne stayed at in Australia but he similarly restrained himself from approaching. I was proud of him when he told me the story. And I hope you liked Australia!
That trip to Australia is one of the best trips we've ever taken, and the time we spent at Tangalooma was magical. The best part is that Australia didn't try to kill us even once.
Hey Wil, I am an active duty Soldier and your show has inspired my geeky gaming side. Because of this it got me through some deep PTSD depression and has brought my whole family together like never before. Tabletop was an inspiration and I was happy to contribute to your 3rd season. I hope it can help people in the future like it helped me.
Aw, man ... thank you for sharing this with me. It's so important to me that our show is more than just an entertaining diversion, and it means the world to me when I find out that we're doing some good. Thank you for your service. Keep your head down and come home safe.
Does Felicia Day ever have really bad breath that you can't tell her about, but it makes you want to go sit on the other side of the room, but you can't, because you work together sometimes, so you just breath through your mouth and pray for her to leave? Asking for a friend.
Pretty much like every goddamn time I'm around her. She really needs to lay off the garlic hummus.
do you ever feel like you two are the paris hilton and justin bieber of the geek world
On good days, yes.
Who would be your absolute dream lineup for an episode of TableTop?
Oh I know the answer to this: it's just me and Billie Piper in a game of "let's make out for twenty minutes."
Why Billie Piper?
Because Billie Piper.
If you can have any theme song play when you enter a room (a la WWE), what would it be?
Okay, true and embarrassing story from my childhood:
When I was a kid, I loved WWF. I watched it every Saturday morning, and one of the highlights of my life was when my parents took my siblings and me to see it, live, at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.
So I guess I was probably ten or eleven, and Hulk Hogan was my hero. I got one of my T-shirts out of my dresser, and I cut it up into a Hulkster pattern, with the slashes across the back and everything. Then, I built a wrestling ring out of couch cushions and blankets and stuff in our living room, and decided that I was going to make a huge, grand entrance, just like Hulk Hogan.
I went to my parents records, and took out what was, at the time, a pretty radical record: Starship's Knee Deep In The Hoopla. I put it on the turntable, cranked the volume up, and readied the needle. I said, in my best announcer voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is our title bout for the evening! It is scheduled for one fall! Hailing from Sunland, California, weighing in at 90 pounds, the heavyweight champion of the world .... WIL WHEATON!" I dropped the needle on the record, then ran out of the room as fast as I could, so I could start strutting across the kitchen and into my "arena" as We Built This City On Rock and Roll played.
I was fully committed to the bit, too. I was pointing at the imaginary people in the audience, putting my hand up to my ear just like Hulk Hogan did, and then I tore off my t-shirt while growling and hearing fifteen thousand people scream for me, as I marched around the wrestling ring I'd made out of four couch cushions and some blankets.
And the thing about all of this is that nobody ever knew about it but me until just now, because when I did this stupid thing (that was actually totally awesome according to young me), nobody was in the house but me, and I put everything away before my parents got home.
I, uh, probably wouldn't have a theme song today.
I would have been in deep shit for ripping up a perfectly good tshirt
That's one of the reasons I did it when nobody was home.
What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell your younger self?
I actually wouldn't tell him anything, because I believe that our lives are the result of everything we do, good and bad, joyful and painful, celebrated and regretted. I absolutely love my life right now, and I can look myself in the eye without ever feeling ashamed of myself. I wouldn't want to do anything to change my life or who I am, even though a lot of my younger years were not always awesome.
You have to think short-term then. Whats a recent fuckup that you could fix, without drastically altering reality or your personality?
If I could go back to tomorrow, I would have had one less bourbon before the end of the night.
Your desert island board game? (assuming friends are marooned with you)
That one where you build a working transporter to get you back to civilization.
When it comes to gaming, you mostly only ever talk about tabletops games, which I love.
But I was wondering what, if any, is your favorite classic or modern video game.
I love classic video games, because I grew up during video gaming's golden age. On the 2600, I loved Yar's Revenge. On NES I loved the original Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, Metroid, Blades of Steel, and RC Pro-Am. On Sega, I loved NHL '94 and Mortal Kombat II. On PS3, it was all about Vice City. On Xbox, I currently love Borderlands 2 and will always love Dragon Age: Origins.
I play a bunch of indie titles on Steam, too many to list them all, but highly recommend Dear Esther, The Stanley Parable, Gone Home, and, of course, Civ V.
But... Vice City was on ps2.... HEY! THIS GUY ISN'T ONE OF US AT ALL!
Oh, you're right. Shit. I meant PS2. My favorite game on PS3 is The Last of Us.
I play a bunch of indie titles on Steam, too many to list them all, but highly recommend Dear Esther, The Stanley Parable, Gone Home, and, of course, Civ V.
Oh, wow. You've just pissed off half of forum posters everywhere.
'Those are not games! RAH RAH! Hiking simulators and the gay agenda! RAH RAH!'
They're all awesome though! The games. Not the forum posters.
I'm trying to find a single fuck to give about what random forum posters who get mad about that sort of thing think, and there's just nothing here.
Wil Wheaton,
If you were to take over the world, what tabletop game would you mandate be in everyone's home?
Diplomacy.
For the RPG show, have you thought about whether or not you'll be a player or a DM?
I plan to be the GM.
It's a hint. GM not DM. They are playing Pathfinder.
We are not playing Pathfinder.
Hey Wil, looking forward to seeing your new show! What will differentiate TWWP from shows like Tosh or Attack of the Show? And will we see any tabletop gaming segments?
Also, can you maybe start lobbying SyFy to shange the name again? We all think SciFy is a good compromise.
What will differentiate TWWP from shows like Tosh or Attack of the Show? And will we see any tabletop gaming segments?
I think Tosh is mean, and not very clever. One of our prime directives is that we aren't mean, we don't make fun of our audience, and we're not afraid to make jokes that maybe only 10% of the audience will appreciate because they're that particular kind of geek. I think we'll have some similarities with Attack, just because I loved that show so much, and I think they blazed a great trail for us to sort of follow.
We probably won't see any tabletop gaming segments, because I have that whole other show where we cover that.
Also, can you maybe start lobbying SyFy to shange the name again? We all think SciFy is a good compromise.
Ha. I wish. I get so many angry emails and phone calls from the network when I joke about that, especially when I call it "the network formerly-known as Sci-Fi", because they don't really have a sense of humor about it. I mean, I can't imagine why they'd be sensitive about it. It's not like everyone who is in their core audience felt punched in the face when they did that, or anything...
please don't fire me Syfy I'll be good
Do you own any dogecoin?
I have a little, yeah, but I don't fully understand the whole cryptocurrency thing, so I haven't paid very close attention to it.
What went through your mind when Anne slammed the table on the Ticket to Ride episode of TableTop? Your face was priceless! (btw, I only just started reading her blog. She's a fantastic writer and her "Panic Button, Pushed" post was a really compelling read.)
What went through your mind when Anne slammed the table on the Ticket to Ride episode of TableTop
"Fffffffuuuuuuuuuuuu"
BTW, when my wife and I play games with friends, if anyone bumps the board/table now, it is referred to as "pulling an Anne".
Your wife is beautiful and I'm sure she is lovely, but she has a legacy now.
This is actually fairly common in the tabletop gaming community, now. It makes me furiously happy.
Thanks for being such a down-to-earth awesome guy and sharing so much of your time.
The Tabletop campaign has been huge...you've gotten two donations from me for ALL the games and the lootcrate. Did you give any consideration for saving for Season4 or making more episodes versus the added production value? Depending on how much more is raised, I think I'd love to see you PLAY MORE GAMES. (Granted who knows how awesome the extra funds will make the shows, but I have a feeling there's a point of limited return on investment.)
Thanks again!
Edit: to actually make question sound like a question
the added production value?
We just talked about this today. The plan is to make the show as awesome as we can, so that's where it will go.
It's not about anything you listed to ask you about, but any idea when you'll be back on @midnight? I absolutely loved the episode you were on.
YES! I'm talking with the gang over there to set up a show in July.
Hi Wil, I was wondering how you deal with/respond to the people that criticize you for being on The Big Bang Theory? I know Reddit's opinion of the show in general is fairly low so I imagine a lot of the criticism would be centered here, but I'm just curious about what you say to people who do try to tear you down for being on the show.
On an unrelated note, what's your brewing process and favorite beer you've ever created yourself?
Keep up the good work :)
was wondering how you deal with/respond to the people that criticize you for being on The Big Bang Theory?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I'm not required to listen or respond to it.
Which main character actor or actress was the biggest jackass while you were Wesley on TNG and why?
Probably me, because I was an obnoxious and annoying teenager who was trying his hardest to not be lame, and usually failing.
I hate the TNG episodes with you in them.
Edit: Ok, ok, I don't hate any episode of TNG. Mr. Wheaton pissed me off with some of the things he said about MRAs and I don't feel like confronting him about it right now. I'm being childish, leave me alone.
Lucky for you, there are entire Star Trek series that I'm not even in!
Were you ever awkwardly attracted to Gates McFadden in your scenes together?
Nope. I had a massive crush on Marina, but Gates was more like a mom to me, so ... no.
I was a kid when TNG aired, and I thought it was so cool that a kid like me was on the bridge of the Enterprise. It definitely helped hook me on a show I still consider to be one of my favorites of all time.
Looking back now, were you always given the best scripts? No. Was anyone? Do we not remember "NO TASHA YAR!"? You were great, Wesley was great, he had the same good and bad stuff every character had in the first two seasons.
TL;DR Wesley Crusher rocks. Fuck the haters. You know, politely.
Thank you :)
How is your meemaw?
I don't have any conventions coming up before Comicon, so she's doing fine, thank you.
I'm wondering: Why an octopus for a tattoo?
Because I have loved cephalopods my whole life, and Octopodes, especially. They're beautiful animals, and when I decided that I wanted to get a tattoo to go with my wife's heartbeat on my other arm, it was an easy choice.
Excluding Star Trek, what has been the project that you have enjoyed the most? What was it like to work on "Leverage?"
We haven't shot anything for The Wil Wheaton Project, yet, but I love working with my writers and producers. When we get into the writer's room to work out our jokes, it turns into this really wonderful game of just trying to make each other laugh, and it's amazing.
When are you and Jeph Jacques just going to get it over with and fuck already?
Hey hey hey settle down. We haven't even been on a proper date, yet.
Hi Wil! Love your work.
I'm really looking forward to The Wil Wheaton Project, but, as often happens with many TV shows, it won't air in my country (Spain), at least in the near future. Since the show is about trending topics and news of the week, I'd like to watch it as soon as possible, but the only way to do that is torrenting it (assuming it's not online and without geographic restrictions). Would you be okay with that? Do you have an alternative solution other than not watching it?
I just want as many people as possible to see the show, so unless and until the network or whoever makes it easy for you (like with global streaming, which I've been pushing for but they can't do because of a huge list of reasons) do what you have to so you can see it.
Hi!
I´m running a small gaming club in the middle of nowhere in Norway. We have accumulated (sp?) a lot of board games, but need more "appetizers", "fillers" and other quick games. What are your recomandations on good fillers?
And "Hei" from us in Norway, we love Table Top, and celebrated table top day for the first time this year.
Quick and easy games like Skull, Zombie Dice, Love Letter, Button Men, and Coup are great for what you need.
Hey Wil. One of my all-time favorite movies is Stand By Me. It was in heavy rotation on our family VCR before cable came to our town. Do you have a particularly fond memory of making that movie you can share? Maybe a story about River? Thanks.
I've written about River on my blog a few times. My clearest memory of him is how kind he was to me, when every other kid in the cast was picking on me because I'm a nerd.
Hey Wil! You seem to be so busy with Tabletop, game design, your new show, cameos, time with your family, etc... Do you have free time for casual gaming anymore? Do you have a core group that you hardcore game with?
I have been playing with the same group of friends since high school. We try to get together twice a month, but we haven't had time for a full game day since the beginning of the year.
I recently discovered your tabletop series and have been completely addicted to it. My wallet hates you right now.... Definitely looking forward to season 3! But anyway what would you say is your all time favorite game?
I love so many games from so many different eras, it's hard to say. At the moment, I love Agricola and Takenoko, but when I was in high school I loved Car Wars and 40K.
You said Agricola geeeeeeyyaaaaaaoooomG! It's my fav. Fistbump.
If you haven't played it, All Creatures Big And Small is the 2-player version of Agricola and it is awesome.
I talked with Miranda over at Steve Jackson Games and they brought Scott Haring on to lead the development of a new edition of Car Wars.
[HEAVY BREATHING]
What is your opinion on J.J.Abrams' Star Trek restart?
I think he did a brilliant job of translating Star Trek into a language and style that is relevant to my kids' generation. Hopefully, the Millenials will see this version of Star Trek, get interested in the older series, and become full-on Trekkies.
THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME RIGHT NOW. Last day of finals and I'm still powering through season 2 instead of studying.
WHAT THE HELL?! Get off Reddit, turn off Tabletop, and study for your finals! All this other stuff will still be here when you're done. Now: go kick ass. I'm counting on you, so don't let me down.
Wil - I just wanted to thank you for taking a really balanced approach to your internet outreach. You speak openly about your views and experiences as well as being an active participant. You use the web to build up your presence but it doesn't feel like you use it solely as a tool to 'sell yourself.'
Anyways. Thanks.
Question: As a long-time member of Reddit do you feel like the community has changed for the better, worse or hasn't really changed since it has become more popular? What do you think we should do to improve Reddit?
My Reddit experience hasn't changed very much over the years. People are generally decent to me, and when someone's a dick, RES makes sure I never have to see them again.
I also believe that people tend to treat you the way you treat them, so I do my best to be decent to people, and I stay out of the subs that tend to attract dickwagons.
In general, I think Reddit needs what the Internet needs: the understanding that there's a human being on the other side of your screen, and not being able to see them doesn't make them any less human, so treat them the way you'd like them to treat you.
Hello, I just wanted to thank you and your team for table top. I have an awesome 10 year old little girl and she loves table top. I work a lot and because of your show we started a family night playing games. My wife even got into it after we got ticket to ride. I know it sounds corny but your show has brought my family closer. I think all of you guys deserve a certificate of awesome! We're all looking forward to season three and the RPG tabletop. Thanks again You Rock Mr. Wheaton!
Awesome!! One of the things we're doing in Season 3 is a game specifically for kids and families.
What are your thoughts that the Season 3 contributions have topped $1,180,000.00. Are you going to release a video like you did for the earmarks of $750,000?
Yeah, we shot a video today that may go out tonight, if our editors can turn it around that quickly.
Wil just want to shout out right quick, you did a FANTASTIC job narrating Ready player one, but I have to ask are you coming back to narrate any more books, namely Armada by Ernest Cline?
I would love to narrate that book, so if they ask me, I'll do whatever I can to fit it into my schedule.
Can we go back to your early work (like Stand By Me and TNG) and do a remastered version where we add a beard to your characters?
I'm pretty sure that this has to happen, now.
"I'm sure you're tired of hearing Star Trek questions but Whoopi Goldberg, you ever hit that?"
Please don't talk to me when I'm bowling. I need to stay focused.
Wil, I'm in LA and. I'm just getting into homebrewing. I was wondering where you do your local homebrew shopping.
Thanks.
I love Eagle Rock Homebrew Supply. Just don't go there when the ponytail guy is working, because he's really a jerk for some reason. Greg and Kevin, who own it, are usually there on the weekends, and they're awesome.
When you look back at your accomplishments - anything particular come to mind?
Personally, I think this speech is the best thing you've ever done.
Edit: If you see this, pat yourself on the back for doing good in the world.
Thank you. I just do my best to be the change I'd like to see in the world.
Hi Wil, is it true that you are a Cumberbitch? y/y
so much yes.
And why is it Tank 7?
Because Tank 7 is amazing, and we can't get Milk Stout Nitro or anything from Revolution in Los Angeles.
Hey Will cool that your doing an AMA, anyways what do you think of YouTube and youtubers? do you think that its the new form of entertainment that will take over tv?
In general, I love what the YouTubers are doing. I'm especially excited that younger people who have creative ideas are able to broadcast them to the world in a way that just wasn't possible when I was their age.
For example, I adore Hanna Hart, and I know that MDK would never have had a chance to exist, even on cable, so because of YouTube, one of my favourite people in the world is kicking ass all over the place.
Hi Wil. Congrats on everything!
Let's pretend you have a friend who works in the RPG industry and wants to send you books for potential inclusion on a future episode of your new TableTop RPG spinoff. To where should those be directed?
I would save my friend the postage and tell him that I've already got one.
I am working and therefore can't linger in your AMA until probably too late. But... I wanted to say hi. Thanks. And how did you get so lucky to find a gal like Anne? I wish I were half as awesome as she is and it's nice to see how much you support each other.
Pretty much every day of my life, I take a moment to be grateful that I met Anne and tricked her into marrying me. She's my best friend in the world, and the best partner I've ever had in anything. We are such a wonderful team, and we truly bring out the best in each other.
Wil, What food do you find best compliments your own Homebrew?
It depends on what I'm drinking. Spicy foods go great with my IPAs.
Hi Will... I really want to know... what in your home your wife has NOT put googly eyes on?
The cat. But not for lack of trying.
Hey Wil! Saw a video of you talking to a little girl about being bullied and made fun of for being a nerd. An incredibly touching moment indeed, but I'm wondering, how can "nerd culture" come out to fight injustice? What can we do to try to make the world a better place?
This will seem corny, and it feels corny to say it, but it's true: a wise human being once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
On a scale of 1 to 10, how fun is it to send Warren Ellis questions on tumblr about his beard?
Easily 15 out of 10.
Do you not fear reprisal?
I am scared to even frown at Warren Ellis's Tumblr.
That is a wise man's fear.
As a celebrity what is the worst thing? Paparazzi? Repetitive questions? Annoying fans? No one getting your highly intellectual jokes?
I'm very lucky in that I'm not someone those shitbag scumfuckers the Paparazzi care about, but I once was, and it was awful. I don't particularly enjoy talking to the press, especially the entertainment press because it's so goddamn vapid, but that's part of my job at times, so I just deal with it.
Honestly, though, I have a wonderful life, and the few small things I have to endure because of my job are entirely worth it.
I am super excited by all the topics for the AMA, but I am worried brewing is going to get missed, so any ambitious homebrew projects coming up?
I've had a porter kit in my office for a month that I haven't had time to make, but maybe this weekend that will finally change.
Favorite Kings player of all time? Favorite Current Kings Player? How much do you love Gaborik?
Team Gabbo For Life.
Hey Wil!
What is your favorite protein to put on a burrito?
Follow up: What is the best non-protein topping for a delicious burrito?
Follow up to the follow up: What style of beer should I brew next? I have ingredients for an IPA, Oatmeal stout, or a Boulevard Pale ale clone.
Thanks! Keep up the amazing work! (Go Kings)
What is your favorite protein to put on a burrito?
I like chicken, the spicier the better.
Hey, Wil, I once read that when you were young you dated Christa Denton, the young actress who played the sister in the movie "The Gate". What was it like dating her? I always thought she was cute.
This is the first time I've ever heard of this, so ... i think you got bad intel.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. Man, so much I would like to ask, but the one thing I keep coming back to is, are we ever going to get Memories of the Future Volume 2?
It's something I'd like to do, because I have about half of it finished, but realistically it wouldn't happen until next year, at the soonest.
what is your 2nd favourite nhl team?
Whoever is playing the Ducks.
Are there plans for a Cards Against Humanity Tabletop sometime in the (hopefully near) future?
Yes. We're going to do a very dirty "Tabletop After Dark" episode in season three, in which we will play Cards Against Humanity.
Ok Wil. This is a simple question. Where do you go for #BurritoWatch? You always talk about them being so damn good, and well, I want to try them.
Tapatio on San Fernando and Alameda in Burbank, and Casitas, on Victory and Magnolia in Burbank are my current favorites.
Thanks for doing this, Wil!
Very simple question for you: do you have a favourite flag?
Yes.
Really looking forward to The Wil Wheaton Project, especially since you said you'll be making fun of the awful Paranormal/Ghost TV shows. Will bullshit science like that be a prominent/frequent topic? Would greatly enjoy to see Ancient Aliens, Finding Bigfoot, Dead Files, Ghost Adventures, etc satire on TV for once.
Every one of those shows is on our list, and we've already done some really funny stuff based around them. I think you'll be pleased with what you see.
If you told 8 year old you all about your life now, what would he find the coolest/weirdest?
He'd be pretty excited about all the games he gets to play.
Random story time: A few years ago, Stone Brewing released a mint chocolate stout. I was thrilled. I ran down to my local chain liquor store (BevMo) in the San Fernando Valley and asked the clerk where it was. He laughed and said, "Man, I'm sorry. We're holding the case for Wil Wheaton." I said that you (Wil) wouldn't miss one bottle, to which they replied, "Yeah, but he's pretty important. Who are you again?"
Every time I go there and the guy who told me that (think his name is Christian) is working, I've made sure to mention, "Hey, if Wil Wheaton comes in, tell him I said he can go fuck himself and that he's a talentless piece of shit." He laughs and everyone around us thinks I'm a massive turd for talking shit about you since they don't know the context.
If there's ever a beer that's not in stock at that store, my immediate response is, "Seriously? Did that fucking asshole Wil Wheaton buy them all?" Still get nothing but dead stares with that one.
I have no idea if the clerk ever relayed my sentiment to you over that incident. I was hoping it would instill a paranoia in you that would make you hesitant to ever purchase a full case of beer from a retail joint ever again, or that you'd think I was some kind of supervillain hell-bent on getting to the good beer in town before you. Alas, I'm assuming that never happened.
It's now boiled over to other liquor stores too. Every time something I want is out of stock at any store whatsoever: "Wil Wheaton bought it, didn't he? That motherfucker! One of these days!" Still just dead stares, but with a lot more confusion.
But it's all in jest. I think you're a dope dude who does a lot of good in the world.
But anyway...how was that Stone mint chocolate stout?
OMG this is hilarious. He never relayed your message to me, and that's a bummer. I hope that you'll begin blaming me for everything from missing a stoplight to running out of milk.
I did have that stout, and it was the only mint chocolate stout I've ever had that I enjoyed ... and the bottle that you wanted was the best of them all.
Are you Wil?
I LOVE THIS GUY!
