The Game Design Round Table

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.

Dirk and Kathryn Hymes meet this episode to talk with Anna Anthropy, digital and tabletop designer known for her prolific work with non-traditional themes. They discuss Anna’s career in game design, and her path into becoming an educator. Topics include why violence is an attractive game element, dealing with releasing art and it no longer being one’s own, one page games, and the absence of sex as a theme or topic.

Discussion on differences between mobile and desktop games, brokenness in game design, approaching licensing partnerships, game genealogies, and balancing innovation and familiarity in game design.

Dirk and David are joined by Tanya X. Short, Captain of Kitfox Games. They discuss the balance between appealing to market sensibilities and following one’s own interests, and how to make them work together. They also discuss the difficulty in funding projects with non-normative themes, barriers toward funding indie games, and the unique problems and solutions created while making Loose Leaf.

Emily Short, legendary interactive fiction writer and creative director of Failbetter Games, discusses modeling relationships in games, player psychology and information sharing, and the use of game AI in non-combat experiences.

Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson, friend of the show and founder of Mohawk Games. The trio answers questions and design problems from the community, and follow up on recent episodes. Topics include achievements and collectables, the importance of having an art style, when to innovate and when to fall back on convention, and how to integrate community involvement in the design process.

Dirk and David are joined by Jon Ingold, narrative designer and co-founder of Inkle Studios. They discuss Inkle’s newly released video game A Highland Song, centered around exploration, discovery, and engaging the human form within nature. They discuss the mechanics around rewarding and incentivizing players in an exploration game, ways to hide the quantum ogre, and how to utilize elements of randomness within a story-driven experience.

Dirk and David are joined by Chandana Ekanayake, Game Director of Outerloop Games and long-time designer. They discuss Eka’s newly released Thirsty Suitors, a turn-based adventure game centering around culture, relationships, family, and self-expression. They discuss Eka’s career,  Outerloop’s titles, and what makes Thirsty Suitors so special. Topics include designing in VR, designing the game only you can make, the game’s strengths and weaknesses, and working within budget.