A regular nice roundtable! In the first part this week's episode, Mark leads an examination of how fonts can support gameplay, worldbuilding, and immersion. In the second half, Stephen makes us think—really think—about the benefits of "janky" gameplay. Mark shares some font history facts, Stephen starts his manifesto, and Ellen takes on the case.Mark's new keyboardChel Wong's charity albumPress Reset (new gamedev book) - Jason SchreierWhere to Start with Vlad Taltos (the book series that Ellen mentioned) - Stephen Brust, Tor Books0:09:37FontsHistory and Evolution of TypographyKonstantin Kirilov; Nikolay PetroussenkoFont FabricThe history of fontsPrepressurePopular StandardsISOMini MetroDestinyNight in the WoodsVA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action0:39:52JankBalan Wonderworld is a strange game of furry musicalityMichael McWhertorPolygonBalan Wonderland gameplay video Kinda Funny GamescastYouTubeBullet Witch on SteamGoat SimulatorHuman Fall Flat on SteamL.O.V.E.R.S in a Dangerous SpacetimeINSIDEOvercooked

After a slightly longer than usual hiatus, your nice hosts (along with your nice guest host Dale LaCroix) return to the virtual clubhouse for the first new episode of 2021 to talk about what we did on our winter break!PLUS: Mark is a tax robot, Stephen hopes he’s not fired, and Ellen loves being right.Closed Hands, the interactive fiction game (directed by Dan Hett) that Mark worked on over the last few months, was released this week!Closed Hands at Twin Cities Playtest (January 2021)Show Your Work! - Austin KleonWorking Out Loud - Seth GodinWhat We Did On Our Winter Break (2020-2021)If you missed it, last week we re-ran our Roboston episodes:Roboston! (parts 1 and 2)Roboston: Game RulesRoboston: Development Session NotesYour nice hosts' hiatus "Working Agreement"We brought Roboston to Twin Cities Playtest in January......and again in February.

This Nice Replay is a two-parter!Part one:Roboston! (Live at 2D Con 2020)Part two:Roboston! (part 2)#192Roboston! (Live at 2D Con 2020)Nice Games JamLiveVideo2020.09.17Your nice hosts recorded a live Nice Games Jam episode at 2D Con 2020! You can listen to the edited audio of the recording here!You can find the video of the live recording right here!PromptCreate a game where you are working together to construct a robot, but each player has a secret task they are trying to get the robot to complete along the way.Game typeTabletop gamePlayer count3-8Materials1 Deck of Robot Parts1 Deck of Player Roles1 Deck of Objectives1 DieSetupDeal out an even number of Robot Parts to each player, and one Player Role. Then draw the first card in the Objectives deck for the team's objective.RulesEach player has a Player Role, this is their victory condition. Example roles: Warmonger: have more offensive value than any other value AND complete the objectiveScientist: have more intelligence value than any other value AND complete the objectiveSaboteur: cause robot to fail the objectiveOn each turn, each player places a Robot Part of any type face down. There are limits to how many of each type of Robot Part will fit on a robot (in the episode we went with one body part, one processor and four limbs)Each part is simultaneously revealed once everyone has chosen their card. If each part can be placed with no conflict, start the next turn. If their are some parts in conflict, roll a die to determine who's Robot Part is used.Continue until there are no more available parts to place on the robot. Whoever has completed their victory condition wins!

#185"Empty the bucket."Roundtable2020.07.28Your nice hosts are tired, then get energized. Stephen is thinking about it, Mark brought a few unlikely examples, and Ellen is also thinking about it.Here's a fun new thing: We've recently started a Discord channel for listeners to discuss the show with each other. It's part of the Twin Cities Gamedev Discord server, but you don't need to be a Twin Cities gamedev to partisipate! Get directly to the Nice Games Club discussion channel via https://nicegames.club/discordBurnout0:06:43Stephen McGregorIRLBurn-out, an "occupational phenomenon" - World Health OrganizationTeacher Burnout: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How You Can Prevent End-Of-Yea… - WaterfordToxic management cost an award-winning game studio its best developers - Megan Farokhmanesh, The VergeAsynchronous and Asymmetric Gameplay0:46:39Mark LaCroixGame DesignAsynchronous Multiplay: Futures for Casual Multiplayer Experience - Ian Bogost, Georgia Institute of TechnologyRelaxed Hardcore: Why Asynchronous is the Next Big Thing in Core Gaming - Ian Hardingham, GDCWhy an Asymmetric Board Game Pissed Off Me and My Friends - Kyle Rogacion, Goomba StompAre Asymmetrical Multiplayer Games Becoming a Major Trend? - Micah Shapiro, GameRant

#170"Stephen, his arms wide!" Roundtable2020.04.14Ellen Burns-Johnson joins us once again in the virtual club house to discuss Redundancy and Arcades! Ellen teaches us about how we learn, Mark balances the game, Martha only plays the best character, and Stephen has a revelation.Photo Credit: Michelle Bruch, from this Southwest Journal Article about the DonutronRedundancy0:13:01Mark LaCroixGame DesignUI / UXThe Forgetting Curve hypothesis by Hermann Ebbinghous - WikipediaThe Distributed Practice learning strategy - WikipediaArcades0:50:39Stephen McGregorGamingIRLWhy You Can't Call It a "Barcade" - Brenna Houck, EaterDino Dash -  Abdel Shahied, YouTubeThe 'Donutron' Arcade at Glam Doll Donuts in Minneapolis

#176Gamedev in the PhilippinesInterview2020.05.26Your nice hosts interview Ryan Sumo, Art Director and CEO of Squeaky Wheel Studio, an independent developer and publisher based in the Philippines. Topics include community building, conferences, becoming a publisher through serendipity, and the benefits of being transparent with your development practices. Plus jokes!Gamedev in the PhilippinesMisc.The Top 50 mobile games of 2006 - Stuart Dredge, Pocket GamerSpacechem - SteamGDAP (Game Developers Association of the Philippines)IGDA Philippines ManilaESGS conference on InstagramBit Summit conference (Japan)Level Up conference (Kuala Lumpur)Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder  - SteamRyan's posts on Gamasutra - Ryan Sumo, Game DeveloperRyan SumoGuestRyan Sumo co-founded the studio Squeaky Wheel. Visit their site at http://www.squeakywheel.ph/ and follow them on social media (links below). Follow Ryan on Twitter @ryansumo and check out Squeaky Wheel's upcoming game Academia: School Simulator. Squeaky Wheel is also getting into publishing with the title Ruinarch, an "evil overlord" game by developer Maccima.External linkSqueaky Wheel on TwitterSqueaky Wheel on FacebookSqueaky Wheel on LinkedInSqueaky Wheel on YouTube

#180Dark StarNice Games Jam2020.06.30No, your nice hosts aren't pitching an adaptation of the 1974 film of the same name, but returning guest host Sarah Seember Huisken counts it as an inspiration for the solo-play tabletop RPG we workshopped in this episode. Immerse yourself a galaxy of corporate factions, fluid allegiances, and space pirates!Scum and VillainyThe 5 best solo board games - Rafael Cordero, PC GamerPromptWorkshop existing solo-play TTRPG concept.Game typeTabletop gamePlayer count1 -?MaterialsPlayer dossier (player character/ship sheet, notes)Dice (how many? which type? we didn't figure that out!)Module booklet (includes blank pages for journaling/recordkeeping)SetupSarah's draft ship systems sheet:RulesEach adventure module is an "assignment," which consists of a multi-page booklet.Page 1 - Summary: Provides the “goal” for the player as defined by “quest-giver.”  Page 2 - Assignment parameters:Player reward (and possible advance payment)Assignment type (Cargo, Escort, Espionage, Assassination, etc.)Constraints (time budget, stealth requirement, equipment restrictions, etc)Supplies (mission-specific resources such as maps, documentation, etc)Risks and Opportunities: These are facts about the assignment's setting and characters that will impact the player differently depending on their alignment, ship condition, and other stats.  Pages 3+ - Story ActsGenerally, each act should fit on one booklet page, providing all the narrative and mechanical information required to play though it. Acts may have alternate versions, each with its own page.Act I: A introduction/setup to the story, giving the player hints they can use to make preparations for the assignment. The player can spend actions in this act to tune their ship / Equip thier character / recruit NPC pals/crew, etc. Story events may include NPC conversations, skill checks, or other light gameplay. This act may be wholly different depending on which "class" the player is aligned with.Act II: A conflict or mechanical gameplay sequence, usually related to ship functions. Examples include ship battles, navigational challenges, serious malfunctions, etc. The outcome of the sequence changes the narrative ending of this act, expanding or limiting the player's options. The outcome of this act will also frequently alter ship stats, player inventory, etc.Act IIIa, Act IIIb (c, d?): The player character must make a choice in the narrative, which determines which scene will end the story. The outcome of Act II may inform or limit this choice. Each scene plays differently, one might be a daring escape, while the other might be a diplomatic resolution.  Final Page - "To Be Continued In...": A list of other modules/assignments for the player to choose from in order to continue their character's story. Options may be limited depending on the version of Act III selected, the player's stats, Act II outcomes, class alignment, or other factors.Example Assignment: “The Asset”Summary: Email from corporation: “Take this large crate from planet Kittytail to planet Puppydog in time for the big corporate gala. Don't be late, and don't look in the crate!"  ParametersReward: Standard rate, no advance!Assignment type: CargoConstraints Time limit: Must reach destination without taking too many actions. NDA: can't run with other players or NPCs, can't stop for supplies.Supplies “Papers” needed to pass planetary customs. Fuel stipend (whatever you don’t use, you can keep)Risks: Planet Puppydog is not friendly to scruffy types. Certain player stats might cause issues/delays at customs.Opportunities: Access to future assignments on planet Puppydog (only available to “good dogs”).  Act I: "Pick up the cargo" Learn a bit, experience some glitches, spend/waste some timeSome random events, die roll checks  Act II: "Oh no, it's pirates!" Battle type: targeted attack, pirates intend to board your ship, not destroy itPirates attack random(?) stat, over a certain number of turns (5?). Player can react with actions, depending on stats and prep actions. Actions spend the player's time budget. Can attack, evade, etc.Can call for help, but if your comm stat is low, your general distress call might violate your NDA.On battle failure (some stat threshold): Pirates board your ship Player can choose to hide, reveal, or protect cargo, costing actions.If pirates discover the cargo, they open the box!If they are fended off, player can get curious, and open the box!The cargo: “It’s clearly important…” but you don’t have any idea. It’s some kind of mysterious artifact maybe?  Act III-A: "Deliver the cargo" Did you arrive on time? No? Corp docks your payGotta get though customs. Conversation/diplomacy mechanic. Audited for inspection? If you don’t have a lot of time, you can make risky moves to speed things along.Once you get though, you deliver the cargo to secret folks in bio-suits. Oooo, mystery vibes that will pay off in a future module, no doubt!Story ends at the gala! Enjoy a cocktail at the expense of the corp!  Act III-B: "Steal the cargo!" Escape the system with the mysterious cargo! Stealth check!Get caught? It's time for a second battle!Make it out of the system? Story ends with a tease: what is this thing and what do I do with it?Get caught by the corp? Go to corporate jail. Do not pass GO.  Possible "To Be Continued" modules:Check out the Puppydog job board!Investigate the artifact by following your mysterious client to a hidden lab on planet Puppydog.Escape with the artifact and take it to this crackpot scientist you met once.Corporate jail break!

#186Mental HealthInterview2020.08.06Your nice hosts are joined by nice guest Alanna Linayre, founder of the indie studio Team Toadhouse. Alanna (rhymes with "banana") guides the gaming world towards healthier work practices and personal habits. We asked her a lot of questions about best practices in mental health, and about Team Toadhouse's upcoming game Call Me Cera.Also, Mark has a mission for artists, Ellen names a canary, and Stephen learns about "hustle culture."Mental HealthIRLProductionAlanna’s guidelines on depicting mental illness in games:Ask yourself why you’re putting mental health issues in your game.Make sure to have correct definitions, and not promote stigmas.Try not to use triggering content for the audience you’re serving.Avoid harmful tropes.Mental Illness: The Bio-Psycho-Social Spheres of Influence - Allan Schwartz, MentalHelp.NetI’m a “Spoonie.” Here’s What I Wish More People Knew About Chronic Illness - Kirsten Schultz, HealthlineStoicism - WikiwandRadio calisthenics - WikiwandDaylio mood tracker and micro-diaryYou can get an hourglass similar to Alanna'sAlanna LinayreGuestAlanna (she/her) is very passionate about self care, healthy mental habits, and video games. She's a public speaker on healthy mental habits and discusses her experiences with PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in an effort to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Alanna focuses on sustainable practices to avoid crunch and encourages a healthy attitude about mistakes being a necessary and unavoidable part of improving.External linkhttps://twitter.com/Tybawaihttps://twitter.com/TeamToadhousehttps://twitter.com/CallMeCeraAlanna's "Cozy Streams" on TwitchTeam Toadhouse Discord serverAll the places Team Toadhouse hangs out online!

#179Anarchitects!Nice Games Jam2020.06.16Two architects of wildly different philosophies share an office space and compete to influence the design of their client's latest project. It's an excellent sitcom premise, but it's also the subject of our latest Nice Games Jam!Photo Credit: Ian Samkov on PexelsNewsItch.io Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality ends with a stunning $8.1m raise… - Wesley Yin-Poole, EurogamerFor a major Star Trek fan like Mark, this episode is a rather special, if unusual, milestone. When Star Trek: The Next Generation's episode count surpassed the original Star Trek in its 80th episode, it paid homage by including a subtle reference to the 79th (and final) episode of that series. As Star Trek: The Next Generation itself ran for 178 episodes, it felt fitting to make reference to that bit of TV trivia in this episode, our 179th.MURAL - Online CollaborationList of architectural styles - WikipediaBlack Lives MatterBlack Game Developers directoryThe #drawingwhileblack directory - Abelle HayfordJustice for Breonna Taylor - gofundmePrompt"Make a 2D fighter with no combat."Game typeDesign documentPlayer count2Rules

#182"I will not threaten you with a noogie."Roundtable2020.07.10Guest host Charles McGregor starts the episode by getting REVENGE. The group talks a bit about the state of the growing "serious games" industry and what it's like to work alongside family members. Also, Stephen does a good transition, and... no one mentions Star Trek?!In his intro speech, Charles references episode #37:"Ugly and hard to use."The last days of Mixer - Mikhail Klimentov, The Washington PostTwitch Reckons with Sexual Assault as it Begins Permanently Suspending Streamers - Jacob Kastrenakes, The VergeTwitch bans popular streamer Dr Disrespect - Michael McWhertor, PolygonTwitch temporarily bans President Trump - Jacob Kastrenakes, The VergeSerious Play Conference 20200:16:00Ellen Burns-JohnsonEventsSerious Play Conference Home PageSerious Play Conference ScheduleNew Metaari Forecast for Worldwide 2020-2025 Game-Based Learning Market Shows N… - Serious Play WireStop & Think: Teaching Players About Media Manipulation in Headliner - GDC, YouTubeMDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research (PDF) - Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, Robert Zubek, Northwestern UniversityMDA Framework  - Wikipedia5 Reasons Why Game-Based Learning Should Matter to Organizations - Karl Kapp, Allen InteractionsGamification vs Games-Based Learning: What’s the Difference? - Halden Ingwersen, Capterra BlogWorking with Family0:42:09Stephen McGregorIRLMark mentioned the Nice Games Jam episode that started Reravel (#157):Reravel: A Backwards Storytelling GameEllen and Eric took blacksmithing at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center