What started as one gamer wanting to talk about his love of a game grew into a podcast network. Ryan founded what would become the Know Direction Podcast network with Jason "Jay" Dubsky, his friend and fellow 3.5 enthusiast. They and their game group moved on to Pathfinder, and the Know Direction podcast network was born.
Now married and a father, Ryan continues to serve the network as the director of logistics and co-host of Upshift podcast, dedicated to the Essence20 RPG system he writes for and helped design.
You can find out more about Ryan and the history of the network in this episode of Presenting: http://knowdirectionpodcast.com/2021/01/presenting-ryan-costello/
Welcome to the inaugural Essential Builds, the blog that turns PCCs (pop culture characters) into EPCs (Essence20 Player Characters). I’m Ryan Costello, one of the designers of the Essence20 system and an author on the G.I. JOE, Transformers, and...
In episode 68 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Corey Andalora and Donnie Coleman about their asymmetric space themed co-op game Mission Control: Critical Orbit. What started as a game design challenge inspired by the...
Ryan and Jason breakdown the design and development of the crossover adventure included in the Field Guide to Action and Adventure as well as this year’s Free RPG Day adventure, Cobra/Con Fusion. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part...
In episode 67 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we kick off season 4 with Julie Ahern the designer of BarBEARian Battlegrounds: Tales of BarBEARia. The reason she chose this design in particular is because it was a...
Every week, Now You Know recaps the Know Direction content of the past week, previews the Know Direction content of the week to come, as the director of operations, Ryan Costello, shares his thoughts on the state of the...
Get answers about the games you love from the people who make them! Paizo staff will be on hand to field your questions from the Twitch chat. Listen Now! (mp3) The Know Direction Network’s PaizoCon Online 2023 seminar coverage...
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? They can be great to include in roleplaying games, but sometimes, the search for clues can derail the best-laid plans of even the most talented GM. In this panel, we’ll discuss techniques on...
Get an in-depth look at the upcoming Starfinder Enhanced book from the people who made it! Learn about the new enhanced core classes and get previews on new class content, new species, new feats, and a whole lot of...
Dig deep beneath the surface of Golarion to find the wonders, dangers, and mysteries of life below. Join us for a discussion of the Darklands and how they tie into the upcoming Lost Omens Highhelm book, the Sky King’s...
Ryan and Jason go over how the ultimate Essence20 crossover sourcebook came to be in this in depth look at the Field Guide to Action and Adventure. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar....