Digital to Dice ep 306: Going Bananas with Derek Jones
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Digital to Dice ep 306: Going Bananas with Derek Jones” inside PodZeus.
In episode 306 of the Digital to Dice podcast, host Dave welcomes guest Derek Jones, a passionate tabletop sports game enthusiast and creator of the free Banana Ball Tabletop Tour game. Derek shares his journey from playing games like NHL Icebreaker and Apple Football to designing his own simulation based on the wildly popular Banana Ball baseball league. Inspired by the entertainment-driven, fast-paced nature of Banana Ball, Derek developed a rules-light, dice-based game that captures the spirit of the real-life league—complete with trick plays, signature walk-up cards, and time-limited innings. He discusses the game’s mechanics, including percentile-based stats, challenge cards, and the unique way it handles the two-hour time limit. Despite not having a print version due to trademark concerns, Derek offers a free digital download through Facebook, YouTube, and Delphi forums, encouraging fans to support Bananas Foster, a nonprofit charity run by the Savannah Bananas. The episode also reflects on the joy of gaming communities, with Derek recalling memorable moments from past Digital to Dice Conventions and the social magic of sharing games with fellow hobbyists. The conversation closes with a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of games that prioritize fun over realism.
Banana Ball Tabletop Tour is a free, digital-only game that captures the entertainment-driven spirit of the real-life Banana Ball baseball league.
The game uses percentile-based stats from real players and incorporates fun mechanics like signature walk-up cards, trick plays, and challenge cards.
Derek Jones designed the game to be simple, fast, and accessible—perfect for casual play while still honoring the quirks of Banana Ball.
The game is not for profit due to trademark restrictions, but Derek encourages players to donate to Bananas Foster, a charity supporting foster families.
Gaming communities like Digital to Dice Conventions offer invaluable opportunities to share, play, and rediscover games with like-minded enthusiasts.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Welcome to Episode 306: Going Bananas with Derek Jones
Host Dave welcomes Derek Jones to the show, introduces the episode's theme of Banana Ball, and sets the stage for a deep dive into Derek's new tabletop game.
Derek's Gaming Journey and Convention Memories
Derek shares his history with tabletop sports games, including his favorite NHL Icebreaker and his experiences at past Digital to Dice Conventions, highlighting the social joy of shared play.
The Birth of Banana Ball Tabletop Tour
Derek reveals how his wife inspired him to design a game, and how the unique rules and stats of Banana Ball sparked the idea for his own simulation.
Game Mechanics and Design Challenges
“I wanted something that could be set apart from the community, be something that would be totally different.”
The Role of Fun, Not Realism, in Game Design
“It doesn't always work. I mean, yeah. There could be some times where a signature walk-up could change a single or a double to a home run.”
“Please consider making a donation to Bananas Foster, which is the nonprofit run by the Savannah Bananas.”
“I wanted something that could be set apart from the community, be something that would be totally different.”
“I would have a seat in the old war memorial, and I would watch them win that Lockhart Cup.”
Host
Guest
Derek Jones
person
Banana Ball Tabletop Tour
media
Dave
person
Savannah Bananas
other
Digital to Dice Convention
other
Bananas Foster
organization
Digital to Dice Podcast
media
NHL Icebreaker
media
Apple Football
media
other
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Digital to Dice ep 306: Going Bananas with Derek Jones” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime