Casey Yano, a true innovator in gaming, discusses game design, marketing strategies, and challenges faced during the launch of the hit game 'Slay the Spire.' They explore the importance of exploring different aspects of the gaming industry, the concept of lurp animation, conducting build reviews, designing encounters and room navigation, and the challenges and failures in game marketing. They also touch on the design of their company, the significance of UI/UX in game design, and translating physical board games into digital formats.

Renowned historical fiction author Steven Pressfield discusses overcoming creative resistance, his surprising success with the game Ascension, and the connection between games and life. They also dive deep into his new book, The Daily Pressfield, a guide to conquering resistance and achieving dreams.

Tim Hutchings is a unique voice in the world of game design, known for his innovative approach that blends his rich background in fine arts with interactive storytelling. Hutchings' journey from the world of high art to game design is marked by his acclaimed creation, 'Thousand Year Old Vampire,' a solo-RPG game that exemplifies his talent for crafting deeply emotional and immersive experiences. As a professor of game design, Hutchings imparts both practical and theoretical wisdom, guiding his students through the exploration of games in innovative and thought-provoking ways. It was a joy to have him on the show to discuss the art and philosophy of game design. Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Borys, an expert in interactive design and storytelling, discusses creating immersive gaming experiences for major brands like Disney and Warner Brothers. He delves into the challenges of blending storytelling with interactive design, crafting alternate realities, and exploring augmented reality in gaming. Borys also shares insights on creating compelling immersive storytelling experiences and his latest tabletop game project, The Arkham Asylum Files.

Delving into the world of creativity with renowned DJ Morgan Page, the podcast explores the impact of music on emotions, the intersection of creativity and technology, embracing imperfection in creative pursuits, and strategies for maintaining creativity while traveling. Discover the transformation of cliches in artistic work and how gamification with cue cards can enhance the creative process and foster collaboration.

About Mark OteroIn this episode, join us for an insightful discussion with Mark Otero, a true innovator in the gaming sphere. Starting with his humble beginnings founding KlickNation, an entity that caught Electronic Arts' attention, Mark's journey is one of risk, innovation, and striking success in game design. His unique perspective on community engagement, in-game economics, and narrative-driven experiences has reshaped how we think about interactive environments. Dive into a conversation exploring the challenges and triumphs that have defined his career, and glean invaluable wisdom from one of the industry's pioneering minds. Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Join us in this episode as we chat with the legendary Reiner Knizia, the mastermind behind over 700 games. With a Ph.D. in mathematics, Reiner transitioned from banking to establish one of the most recognized and enjoyed brands in the gaming world. From his early titles like Gold Digger and Desperados, his influence spans collaborations with global licenses such as The Lord of the Rings, LEGO, and Star Wars. With over 13 million sales worldwide, standout titles include his acclaimed auction and tile-laying trilogies. It was an absolute pleasure to explore his game design philosophy! Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Stefan’s journey in game design has been nothing short of exceptional. Hailing from Supercell, the creative force behind hits like Hay Day and Clash of Clans, Stefan’s career has defied genre boundaries. As a Game Designer on the Clash Royale team at Supercell, Stefan immerses himself in every facet of game design. His primary focus revolves around gameplay balancing, crafting the intricate game economy, and shaping the game’s systems to perfection. With a passion for creating unforgettable gaming experiences, Stefan Engblom brings his unique insights and expertise to the table. Join us for an awesome discussion with Stefan Engblom on this episode of Think Like A Game Designer. Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio’s founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part one of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson. Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Think Like A Game Designer at justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe