Fun Problems

The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 4 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter and AJ embark on a journey through the intricacies of royalties, advances, and the challenges of managing income as full-time game designers. With transparency as their guiding principle, they discuss the importance of understanding money, navigating contracts, and planning for financial stability in an unpredictable market. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Welcome to Fun Problems, where we dive into the challenges and joys of game design and podcasting. In this episode, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon are joined by special guest Alex Cutler to discuss the ins and outs of codesigning board games with another designer. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

In this special holiday edition of "Fun Problems," host Peter C. Hayward takes center stage to delve into the cultural nuances and underlying assumptions of beloved games like Go, Dominion, and Wingspan. Peter explores how culture and timing influence game success, challenging the popular notion of universal game design truths. This engaging episode also includes personal stories, playful banter with co-host AJ, and a light-hearted discussion on the pet peeves of gamers and game designers alike. From frustrating player behaviors to the intricacies of rulebook design, this episode provides an entertaining deep dive into the world of tabletop gaming, offering both laughter and valuable insights. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Delve into the art of game design with insights from Daniel.Games. Discover the crucial balance between player feedback and designer creativity during playtesting. Explore the impact of theme and mechanics on player engagement and how interconnected systems elevate gameplay. Unravel the horrors of game mechanics in social deduction games. Enjoy lighthearted discussions on movies, love, and unique Christmas traditions, all while celebrating the animation revolution sparked by Spider-Verse!

Today is part 2 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.  Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Dive into the fascinating world of game design as the hosts critique insights from the influential blog, Daniel.Games. They discuss the significance of elegance and simplicity in design, while navigating the complexities and social dynamics of board games. The conversation highlights the importance of personal experiences over commercial advice, and how understanding market needs can influence successful game creation. Listen in for tips on enhancing player engagement through streamlined choices and effective game flow!

Hosts explore the art of crafting effective sell sheets for board games, shedding light on their vital role in game publishing. They share real examples, providing valuable tips on what works and what doesn't. The discussion dives into balancing gameplay communication and design elements to captivate publishers. Insights on player demographics come from examining a specific game, highlighting visibility issues for designers. The lighthearted banter includes anecdotes about coffee-making skills, adding a humorous touch to the serious topic.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of numbers and their impact on gameplay. We explore how the concept of fidelity, or granularity, influences the design and experience of both board games and video games. Our discussion kicks off with a comparison between games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, highlighting how different number systems create unique player experiences. We also examine the role of numbers in scoring systems, using examples like Lost Cities, and how small changes can significantly affect gameplay. We touch on the concept of "knobs" in game design, which allow designers to tweak various elements such as cost, attack, health, and abilities, to create a balanced and engaging game. The conversation expands to the advantages and challenges of low and high fidelity games, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful number management to avoid cognitive overload for players. The episode also explores video game adaptations of board games, like Slay the Spire, and how they manage numbers to maintain balance and excitement. We conclude with insights into the strategic planning required in resource management games and the significance of ensuring manageable numbers for players. Removing Math From Games: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/removing-math-from-games-with-dan-peterson/ Robotopia is now on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bean-games/robotopia-a-strategic-eurogame-of-robot-revolutionaries?ref=89xwyv   Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter and AJ explore the concept of genre within board games, comparing it to the well-defined genres found in films and novels. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional genre theory to board games, which often rely on mechanisms rather than genres to define them. The conversation touches on the importance of genre in other media, highlighting how it helps creators meet audience expectations and allows consumers to find similar content they might enjoy. Peter and AJ examine how board games currently lack clear genre definitions and the impact this has on both designers and players.   Show Notes Robotopia is now live on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bean-games/robotopia-a-strategic-eurogame-of-robot-revolutionaries?ref=89xwyv For the one person who cares; AJ's look alike is Mathew Gray Gubler.   Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!