Jeff Widderich, President of Syndicated Puzzles, discusses the importance of spatial thinking, the competitive nature of puzzles, and the potential for multi-solution puzzles in the puzzle industry. He emphasizes creativity in puzzle design, the struggle to break through in the game industry, and offers insights on the Sudoku industry. Widderich also expresses the need for new energy and innovation in the puzzle market.
Importance of spatial thinking in game design highlighted by Jeff Widderich.
Innovation and competitive nature crucial for puzzle industry growth according to Widderich.
Deep dives
Jeff Wooderich's Negotiation with Investors
Jeff Wooderich entered a negotiation with investors seeking $50,000 but ended up securing $150,000 after intense back-and-forth discussions. The investors kept raising the price initially proposed, illustrating the negotiation process's challenges.
Jeff's Spatial Approach to Game Design
Jeff Wooderich's background in architecture heavily influences his game creation process as he focuses on spatial characteristics and the spatial connections within games. He shared how he views games more from a spatial perspective rather than a numerical or mathematical one.
Challenges with Puzzle Publications
Despite Jeff Wooderich's innovative Straits puzzle game, publications often rejected it, citing existing Sudoku dominance and reluctance to embrace new puzzles. Jeff expressed frustration at the lack of interest from newspapers and puzzle editors in adding fresh, unique puzzles like Straits to their offerings.
The Importance of Competition in Puzzle Design
Jeff Wooderich emphasized the significance of creating puzzles that foster competition and multiple solution possibilities to engage players. He highlighted the importance of competitiveness in games to maintain player interest and encourage ongoing engagement.
Episode 15: In today's episode features an interview with Jeff Widderich, the president of Syndicated Puzzles, who discusses his background, experience on Dragon's Den, game creation, the challenges faced in the puzzle industry, and the future of game design. Widderich shares insights on the importance of spatial thinking, the necessity for new and innovative puzzles, the competitive nature of puzzles, and the potential for multi-solution puzzles. He emphasizes the need for game designers to remain independent and the significance of creativity in puzzle design. Additionally, he addresses the influence of trends, the struggle to break through in the game industry, and his perspectives on the Sudoku industry. Widderich also discusses geographic influences on his business and expresses his desire for new energy and innovation in the puzzle market.
Check out the games and resources from this episode: