Elizabeth Hargrave

Elizabeth Hargrave shares insights on designing engine-building games like Wingspan, discussing strategy diversity, balancing winning strategies, creating engaging endings, and maintaining game balance. Exploring the evolution of engine-building games, she highlights the satisfaction of evolving game engines and the importance of crafting engaging conclusions to keep players interested. Strategies, challenges, and tactics in engine building games like Splendor and Terraforming Mars are also discussed, emphasizing the delicate balance required for a cohesive gameplay experience.

Elizabeth Hargrave, acclaimed designer of the popular board game Wingspan, joins the discussion, offering insights from her unique transition from healthcare policy to game design. They dive into the intricacies of creating engaging engine-building games while emphasizing the importance of rigorous playtesting and player engagement. Hargrave also shares fascinating stories about the thematic depth of her games, such as Tussie Mussy, and the historical narratives woven into gameplay, showcasing how games can reflect and influence culture.

Guests Arthur Brooks, Elizabeth Hargrave, Jordan Ellenberg, Mahan Tavakoli, Thi Nguyen, Warren Berger, and Ed Brooks join the Besties to reflect on the best podcasts of 2023. Topics include emotional self-management, prioritizing love and savings, teaching writing and data, financial independence, scoring in games and social media, the value of character, and predictions for 2024.