The Game Design Round Table

Dirk is joined by Daniel Hand, therapeutic counselor and author of “Role-playing Games in Psychotherapy: A Practitioners Guide”. Together, the pair discusses Daniel’s journey into TTRPGs and his process of introducing them into his practice, and eventually designing his own game for therapeutic purposes. Topics include adjusting crunch, the benefits and difficulties of using games in therapy, what kinds of issues they can help with, and what the future of this treatment modality might look like.

Join digital game designer Jon Shafer, co-founder of the show and veteran of Civilization V, as he dives into the buzz around Civilization VII. He discusses innovative elements like contextual nested menus and the evolution of gameplay mechanics. Jon shares insights on balancing accessibility for new players while keeping deep strategies for veterans. He also highlights the impact of visuals in the gaming landscape, and the unique challenges small developers face, all while maintaining optimism for future innovations in strategy games.

Civilization 7 has been unveiled, sparking excitement with new mechanics and the potential addition of RPG elements. The hosts dive into multiplayer challenges and counterpicking strategies, all while analyzing city mechanics in the new hex-based system. Historical influences on urban planning create a rich backdrop for strategic depth. They also discuss how innovations in trade and diplomacy could redefine gameplay dynamics, leaving fans buzzing about the future of the series.

Dirk is joined this week by Andrew Shouldice, creator of isometric action-exploration game Tunic. They discuss the journey of developing Tunic, and the lessons learned from a lengthy production. Topics include Andrew’s attitude toward storytelling, how to manage a project long-term, how to focus on what’s important, and knowing when you need help.

In this episode, Dirk and David welcome Rob Daviau, known for creating legacy board games. They discuss what Rob has been working on, the process of designing legacy games, staying true to the original, and the future of the company's vision.  

Will Thompson, an instructional game designer and the creator of Winter Rabbit, joins to discuss integrating Indigenous technologies and values into gaming. He highlights the importance of cultural representation, showcasing how Cherokee artists influence his work. The conversation dives into the unique governance systems of Indigenous cultures, challenging existing game frameworks with the Four C's—conservation, continuation, cultivation, and competition. They also explore the rich history of Mississippian culture and its implications for modern gaming narratives.

Join Dirk and David as they dive into the Civilization series, offering fresh insights on Civilization 6. They discuss the challenges of its interface and early game dynamics, while exploring the Terra map's gameplay strategies. The hosts debate the evolution of city-states and the need for innovative technology progressions. They also highlight the importance of impactful district mechanics and advocate for a deeper integration of religion in 4X games. Expect engaging discussions on map designs and enhancing player experiences!

Join us for another round of listener questions! David and Dirk discuss topics such as whether and how to avoid game-breaking synergies, what impact finances has on the love of design, and balancing strategy and role play mechanics.

Dirk and David are joined by Pam Punzalan, known for her work on personal projects such as Navthem’s End and A Rising Tide, as well as commissioned pieces for Dungeons and Dragons, Blades in the Dark, and Starfinder. Together, the trio discusses the differences between producing hired work and indie projects, as well as the importance of RPGSEA. Topics include how her cultural background affects her work, queerness and race as themes, the processes surrounding commissioned games and working with an editor, tactics games, and being a working TTRPG designer.

Dirk and David are joined by Andrew Navaro, creator of open-world board game Earthborne Rangers. They discuss how Earthborne Rangers was developed, and the lessons learned from the project. Topics include the making of an open-world board game, diverging story paths, expansions, and when to stop supporting an ongoing game.