Think Like A Game Designer Geoff Engelstein — Game Design Wisdom, Educational Insights, and Industry Advocacy (#68)
Jun 20, 2024
Award-winning tabletop game designer Geoff Engelstein discusses his journey in game design, psychology's influence on gameplay, and evolving design tools. Topics include passion and perseverance in game design, empowering the next generation of designers, bridging theory and practicality in game design, and creating specific player experiences.
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Summer Camp Game Origin
- Jeff Engelstein discovered hobby games at summer camp when a kid crushed him at Panzer Blitz and left, which sparked his curiosity rather than discouraging him.
- That defeat pushed him to learn complex rules and dig deeper into gaming culture over years.
Pitch Failures Aren't Final
- Treat early pitch failures as data, not identity; follow up and keep relationships open with publishers after a bad meeting.
- Aim to be someone publishers enjoy working with so rejection becomes an opportunity for future at-bats.
Quitting Burger King With A Game
- In high school Jeff taught himself programming from The Big Book Of BASIC Computer Games and learned assembly to make Apple II games.
- One royalty check covered his gas and let him quit Burger King after his game published locally.