Fun Problems

Dive into the fascinating world of game design as the hosts explore the crucial balance between structure and content. They discuss how clear rules are foundational before introducing themes using engaging examples. The importance of maintaining structural integrity over complex themes is highlighted with games like Santorini and Terraforming Mars. The conversations touch upon the challenges of marketing games while preserving artistry, and the intricate relationship between mechanics and player experience in both traditional and puzzle games.

Today we talk about Peters new model for creative endeavors IN PERSON! Hook is what catches an audiences interest, craft is the quality of their experience, and spirit is what stays with them afterwards. Join us for a deep dive on this exciting new lens! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts dive into a new model for creativity, focusing on 'hook,' 'craft,' and 'spirit' and their roles in engaging audiences. They share their experiences with board games and the dynamic interplay of friendship and game design. The discussion highlights the importance of a strong hook in creative projects and explores the energy and storytelling in games. Personal anecdotes illustrate how the spirit of a game can elevate its appeal, emphasizing authenticity and emotional resonance in crafting compelling narratives.

Today we are talking to Shannon McDowell about her experience designing puzzles and escape rooms, and her research on cultural biases in games. Shannon's website: Shannonmcdowell.ca The Con she mentioned: Realityescapecon.com A video on her research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3aubBtvYU If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking to John Brieger about his experience developing games and designing solo modes. Developing games takes a strong design and tunes it into a great final game. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Johns Website: https://briegercreative.com/ Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about the strengths and weaknesses of the format/medium of board games, when compared to video games, RPGs, movies, etc. There are some areas that board games can take great advantage of, and others that you should be wary of when designing. Jennifer's Twitter thread; https://twitter.com/Gaohmee/status/1396874873859756032 Peter's Sudoku; http://peterchayward.com/sudoku.html If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking to Jeff Fraser about his experience codesigning Cartouche, and touch on many other topics, such as rule book writing, the psychology of numbers, and more! Cartouche is coming to KS Aug 3, sign up to get notified when it launches here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peterchayward/cartouche You can try Cartouche right now for free on TTS here; https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2545396343 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) Contact Jeff here; jwfraser.ca funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about how to think about genres from new angles by considering the core of what makes games tick. We hope you enjoy! Cartouche TTS mod - https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2545396343 0 Player game - https://youtu.be/N-BbgqOjIqk MDA original - https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/MDA.pdf Extra Credits has a great breakdown of aesthetics and added the "dominance" aesthetic to the original list here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uepAJ-rqJKA If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about how to keep depth in your game without overwhelming players with complexity. We hope you enjoy! Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ Pitch Meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhKOV3nImQ Newsletter - https://jellybean.games/funproblems/ Toby Macguire in the MCU (AJ's 3 favourite clips) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F91UO9xmwo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR-OSmOgPr4 https://youtu.be/p_fm-Cf8qDc?t=469 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about naming games. Specifically we work through naming an upcoming title! This is a bonus episode so it's a bit shorter and won't follow our usual format. We hope you enjoy! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.