
Ludology
Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the how’s and why’s of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, and discusses game history, game design and game players.
Ludology is part of The Dice Tower Network, the premier board game media network.
Latest episodes

Dec 15, 2019 • 55min
Ludology 215 - Table Topics
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.

Dec 8, 2019 • 9min
Biography of a Board Game 214.5 - Mafia/Werewolf
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.

Dec 1, 2019 • 1h 10min
Ludology 214 - Escape from Reality
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.

Nov 24, 2019 • 34min
GameTek 213.5 - The Incan Gold Experiment
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/

Nov 17, 2019 • 54min
Ludology 213 - Your Humble Narrator
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!

6 snips
Nov 10, 2019 • 58min
Ludology 212.5 - Naked Baby Photos
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.

Nov 3, 2019 • 1h 8min
Ludology 212 - Inventing Play
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/

Oct 27, 2019 • 23min
GameTek 211.5 - Cameron Browne
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.

5 snips
Oct 20, 2019 • 56min
Ludology 211 - Pandamonium! Redux
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.

Oct 13, 2019 • 17min
Biography of a Board Game 210.5 - Wings of War
Scott covers the lineage of games that began in 2004 with Wings of War: Famous Aces. The "Flight Path" system that appeared in this game spawned follow-up titles Wings of Glory, Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Card Game, Star Trek: Attack Wing, D&D: Attack Wing, and Battlestar Galactica: Starship Battles.