The Game Design Round Table

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.

Dirk and David meet with Gareth Damian Martin, creator of In Other Waters and Citizen Sleeper. They discuss Gareth’s design journey, as well as the process of creating Citizen Sleeper. Topics include the use of tabletop mechanics in video games, when to obscure probabilities, using literary prose effectively, and how a game of Citizen Sleeper develops as it’s played.

In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive into their experiences with Millennia, the latest 4X game from C Prompt Games and Paradox Interactive. They explore innovative gameplay dynamics that allow for more exploratory strategies. The complexities of age progression, resource management, and the strategic depth across different gameplay aspects are thoroughly examined. The hosts also reflect on the evolving nature of game development and express excitement for future updates and expansions.

Dirk and David interview prolific designer and leader Xalavier Nelson Jr. They discuss Xalavier’s illustrious and busy career, focusing on his philosophy of how to ship a game as well as knowing your own capabilities. Topics include his work and inspiration for El Paso, Everywhere, how he manages to produce so many games, treating staff fairly and with respect, and the benefits of working within your box.

Dive into the addictive allure of 4X strategy games as hosts dissect the 'just one more turn' phenomenon. They reflect on their experiences with Civilization games and the new title, Humankind, emphasizing strategic engagement and pacing. The conversation also touches on how personal values resonate within game choices, while critiquing terminology and themes in game design, shifting towards a more thoughtful gaming language. Plus, explore the balance of cooperation versus conflict and innovative mechanics shaping the future of strategy games.

Soren Johnson, a digital game designer celebrated for his work on the Civilization series and creator of Old World, joins the discussion. They reflect on the profound legacy of Civilization, sharing nostalgic experiences and its impact on gaming. The conversation dives into the essence of 4X gameplay, tracing the evolution from minimalist designs to modern complexity. Excitement builds around anticipated features in Civilization VII, along with challenges in achieving deeper gameplay and addressing competition from emerging titles in the genre.