
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

Mar 22, 2015 • 1h 25min
Ludology Episode 100 - A Ryan Shame
For their 100th episode, and Ryan's last, the guys take a look back at their favorite moments from the show.
Duration: 1:25:13

Mar 15, 2015 • 7min
GameTek Classic 99 - Allan Calhamer
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the legacy of Allan Calhamer and his game, Diplomacy.
Duration: 07:02

Mar 8, 2015 • 1h 22min
Ludology Episode 99 - The Game of (real) Life
Ryan and Geoff talk about Gamification, the application of gaming techniques to real world tasks. Why do it? What are some good and bad examples?
Duration: 1:21:30

Mar 1, 2015 • 38min
GameTek Classic 98 - Solving Poker
In this ALL NEW GameTek, Geoff interviews Dr. Michael Bowling of the University of Alberta. Mike and his team put together computer hardware and software to 'solve' Heads-Up Limit Texas Hold'Em. So how does it work? And what does 'solve' really mean in a game with so much hidden information?
Duration: 38:00

Feb 22, 2015 • 1h 31min
Ludology Episode 98 - Gathering the Magic
Ryan and Geoff are thrilled to welcome Richard Garfield, designer of Magic: The Gathering, Robo Rally, Netrunner, King of Tokyo and more, along with bonus guest Mike Fitzgerald, whose latest designs include Diamonds and Baseball Highlights: 2045.
We discuss Richard's design philosophy, the origins of Magic, types of gamers, and much more.
Please also visit our geeklist to share your memories of Ludology for our 100th episode spectacular!
Duration: 01:31:23

Feb 15, 2015 • 5min
GameTek Classic 97 - Rules Lawyers
In this classic GameTek, Geoff looks at a curious incident at Johns Hopkins University.
Duration: 04:14

Feb 8, 2015 • 1h 31min
Ludology Episode 97 - Rules of Thumb
Ryan and Geoff discuss heuristics, and the way they are used in games. How can designers shape a game's heuristics to increase both depth and accessibility?
Duration: 01:30:34

Feb 1, 2015 • 6min
GameTek Classic 96 - Chess Cheating
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the many instances of people cheating in chess tournaments.
Duration: 05:52

Jan 25, 2015 • 1h 27min
Ludology Episode 96 - I Have A Theme
Ryan and Geoff revisit the topic of theme. Specifically how is theme expressed and integrated in games?
Duration: 01:26:58

Jan 18, 2015 • 6min
GameTek Classic 95 - Game Security
In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at how the physical aspects of a game can be designed to deter or prevent cheating.
Duration: 05:39