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
Nov 12, 2017 • 7min
GameTek Classic 163 - Theme, Mechanics, Experience
In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a different angle on the connection between theme, mechanics, and player experience. Duration: 6:40
Nov 5, 2017 • 1h 7min
Ludology Episode 163 - A Pain In the Asymmetry
Gil and Geoff are pleased to welcome guests Patrick Leader (Vast) and Cole Wehrle (Root, An Infamous Traffic) to discuss asymmetry in games, and the particular challenges it presents to the designer. Duration: 1:07:19
Oct 29, 2017 • 7min
GameTek Classic 162 - Scotland Yard
Scott Rogers is back with another Biography of a Board Game! This time, he talks about the history of Scotland Yard, and early SdJ winner! Duration: 7:25
Oct 22, 2017 • 1h 18min
Ludology Episode 162 - The Ares Project
Gil and Geoff take a deep dive into the design of Terraforming Mars. What makes it tick? What works and what doesn't? Duration: 1:17:52
Oct 15, 2017 • 6min
GameTek Classic 161 - The Inciting Incident
In this classic GameTek, Geoff looks at classic story-telling techniques to see how they might apply to game design. Duration: 05:52
Oct 8, 2017 • 1h 11min
Ludology 161 - What's the Story, Morning Glory?
Gil and Geoff are delighted to welcome Jason Morningstar, designer of Fiasco, The Shab-Al-Hiri Roach, Night Witches, and other innovative RPGs. We discuss how to better integrate story and narrative into games when there is no GM, the social contract that requires, and pitfalls along the way. Duration: 1:10:35
Oct 1, 2017 • 8min
GameTek Classic 160 - Uno
In this Biography of a Board Game, Scott Rogers reveals the secret history of Uno! Duration: 07:45
Sep 24, 2017 • 1h 23min
Ludology Episode 160 - Law and Order
Gil and Geoff take a look at the different ways of controlling turn order in a game. What are the rules of thumb for when to use the different methods? Duration: 1:23:17
Sep 17, 2017 • 5min
GameTek Classic 159 - High Stakes RPS
What would you do if you were playing Rock, Paper, Scissors for $20,000,000? Duration: 04:42
Sep 10, 2017 • 1h 20min
Ludology Episode 159 - Getting Out Scott Free
Gil and Geoff are pleased to welcome Professor Scott Nicholson from Wilfrid Laurier University to discuss Escape Rooms. What are they, how do they work, and what lessons do they hold for game design? If you're not familiar with Escape Rooms, please check out this video from Scott with an overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqnw7g5iIFQ Duration: 1:19:47
