

Fun Problems
AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward
Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2021 • 44min
#18 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 2)
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.

5 snips
Oct 1, 2021 • 1h 4min
#17 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 1)
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.

Sep 16, 2021 • 1h 12min
#16 Interview with Shannon McDowell (Puzzle and Escape Room Design)
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.

Sep 2, 2021 • 1h 9min
#15 Interview with John Brieger (Developing and solo modes)
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.

4 snips
Aug 16, 2021 • 1h 14min
#14 Board Game Strengths and Weaknesses (of the medium)
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.

5 snips
Aug 1, 2021 • 54min
#13 Jeff Fraser Interview (Cartouche, Codesigning and more!)
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.

Jul 16, 2021 • 1h 7min
#12 Fixing BGG (Rethinking Genres)
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.

Jul 6, 2021 • 1h 12min
# 11 Elegance and Cognitive Load
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.

Jul 1, 2021 • 50min
#10 - BONUS Game Names
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.

12 snips
Jun 15, 2021 • 1h 7min
#9 - Onramping (Designing for the first play)
Jeff Fraser, a designer passionate about crafting enjoyable experiences for new players, and Eduard Matei, a talented musician known for the podcast's theme song, dive into the art of onramping in board games. They explore effective strategies for simplifying rulebooks and component design, enhancing accessibility to create inviting first-play experiences. Topics also include game theory, the importance of clear instructions, and the balance of gameplay mechanics to engage both new and seasoned players seamlessly.