Ludology

Ludology returns for 2020, with our annual tradition of bringing on board game industry veteran Stephen Buonocore from Stronghold Games/Indie Game Studios to discuss the state of the industry. 2020 will be an interesting year for board games. What challenges await us? Is it smooth sailing? Doom and gloom? Somewhere in-between?

In this episode recorded at BGG.CON, Scott and Gil tell Emma all about Tabletop Network, a convention about the theory behind game design that happens right before BGG.CON. We gush about our favorite talks, and tell you what makes Tabletop Network so unique.

Scott gives us a history of the classic social deduction game Mafia, from its origins in a Russian high school classroom to its transformation beneath a full moon into Werewolf. 

Haley E.R. Cooper and J. Cameron Cooper, co-founders of Strange Bird Immersive, dive into the captivating world where escape rooms meet immersive theater. They discuss their innovative work, 'The Man From Beyond,' shedding light on how immersive theater enhances storytelling in games. The duo explores audience engagement, decision-making dynamics, and the importance of personal agency in these interactive experiences. They also address challenges like accessibility in immersive theater, making for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of storytelling.

Back in Ludology 185, Geoff brought up a thought experiment. What if someone rethemed Incan Gold to a firefighting game? Would people play any differently?  Dr. Stephen Blessing (@cognitive_gamer) of the University of Tampa took up the challenge, and with the help of research assistant Elena Sakosky, designed and ran the experiment that Geoff proposed. In this GameTek, Dr. Blessing and Sakosky join Geoff to discuss their findings. Did players take more risks if they felt, thematically, that lives were on the line? If you'd like to hear more of Dr. Blessing's work, listen to his podcast, Cognitive Gamer: http://cognitivegamer.com/

Dive into the fascinating world of narrative in games with discussions on how storytelling can enhance player engagement. Explore the difference between embedded and emergent narratives, and uncover the challenges of integrating storytelling into gameplay. Discover how narratives can emerge from simple events and the significance of context in shaping player experiences. Plus, insights on how tech advancements, like AI, are transforming narrative design in gaming. It's a captivating look at the future of storytelling!

In a lively panel discussion, the hosts dive into their early game designs, sharing both amusing mishaps and unexpected successes. They reflect on the challenge of crafting engaging mechanics, highlighting a psychic-themed twist on rock-paper-scissors. The journey of creating 'Wag the Wolf' sheds light on aligning themes with gameplay, while insights into playtesting reveal the balance between aesthetics and core mechanics. The exploration of achievement versus mastery in gaming unveils the rich tapestry of player preferences and experiences.

Emma and Gil welcome mass-market game and toy inventor Kim Vandenbrouke to the show. How is "inventing" a mass-market game different than "designing" a hobby game? Why is the toy/mass-market industry so much more secretive? And how does one deal with all the publisher rejection? You can read Kim's writings on the toy and mass-market game industry here: https://www.thegameaisle.com/kim-vandenbroucke/

Cameron Browne, a digital archaeoludologist and associate professor at Maastricht University, dives into how AI and machine learning can unpack the rules of ancient games like Senet. He discusses 'ludemes'—the building blocks of games—and their role in reconstructing gameplay. Topics include the strategic depths of connection games like Hex, the historical evolution of chess from Chaturanga, and innovative game design methods. Browne invites listeners to engage with the Digital Ludeme Project and explore new gaming possibilities.

Michael Lee, founder of Panda Game Manufacturing, returns to explore the evolving landscape of tabletop game design. He discusses how high-quality components enhance player experiences and the impact of Kickstarter on accessibility in game development. The art of game components is highlighted, showcasing how tactile materials and unique designs elevate gameplay. Lee also shares innovative ideas like triple-sided cards that could transform mechanics, emphasizing the creativity and collaboration in the industry.