The Game Design Round Table

Return guest Harrison Pink stops by to catch up with Dirk and David and let us know what he's been up to. Harrison recently moved to a new studio and is working as a world designer on the next Mafia game. He also had the opportunity to travel to China to talk at their GDC conference. He talks about designing for open world games, lessons he's learned about what players want, and his international travels. Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Harrison Pink - @colonialpink, [email protected], blog.harrisonpink.com Episode Outline 0:00:37 - Harrison's new digs 0:02:56 - World designing 0:08:10 - Team culture 0:14:47 - The Mafia series 0:27:42 - Lessons learned 0:30:20 - Other activities 0:36:51 - Talking at GDC China

Dirk, David, and Rob tackle more listener mail in this week's episode. We had a lot of great questions come in from our listeners that cover royalty free assets, distribution for board games, and some more from Dirk on Tesla and Edison.---------------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:01:11 - How do you know when the mechanics are done? 0:10:53 - Not using regular distribution 0:22:25 - Using royalty free assets? 0:33:01 - Do you have any recommendations on finding royalty free assets? 0:41:37 - What are some clever design decisions that were used to cover up flaws? 0:45:50 - Can you comment some more on Tesla and Edison as people? 0:51:12 - Asymmetric design between two players 0:59:40 - Rules-based programming

We're back! Dirk, David, and Rob are here again to talk about game design after a flurry of activity and travel. David is knee-deep in Star Trek Timelines and Rob is pleased with the success of Pandemic Legacy. Meanwhile, Dirk was invited to the laboratory of Thomas Edison thanks to the work he did with his game Tesla vs. Edison.---------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:34 - Star Trek Timelines 0:07:02 - Game pacing 0:17:49 - Risk Legacy and Pandemic Legacy 0:27:48 - Expertise, failure, and learning 0:35:53 - Edison Innovation Foundation 0:47:59 Chronicles 0:48:00 - Disruptor Beam

Dirk and Rob sit down with game designer Isaac Childres to talk about his self-published and Kickstarted game Gloomhaven. Rob seems to have found the game he's been looking for all along and has plenty of questions for Isaac, who has published several games on his own and appears to be looking at a hit with Gloomhaven.--------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Isaac Childres - @cephalofair, cephalofair.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:19 - Gloomhaven 0:06:43 - Retirement mechanic 0:14:06 - Inspirations for Gloomhaven 0:27:40 - Publishing 0:33:12 - Previous games 0:42:51 - Publishing lessons learned 0:50:23 - Upcoming games

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to talk about what happens when the game has shipped and there's still more to do. Post-launch support can come in the form of features that were originally left on the cutting room floor, expansions to existing content, or continuations of a line with new product. All three of our panelists have experience with expansion content across different industries and share their insights with the listeners.-----------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:51 - Content at the end of the game design 0:08:03 - Business models and design 0:23:51 - Expansion design for tabletop 0:31:51 - Who's doing expansions right? 0:38:27 - Map expansions

This week Dirk and David are joined by game designer Alex Kevern. Alex has followed the path from gamer to designer and brought several different games to market with a myriad of publishers. He offers his experiences dealing with different publishers as well as modifying themes for games and working on Kickstarter.-----------------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Alex Kevern -@alexwithideas--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:16 - Alex's background 0:03:54 - Daxu 0:11:17 - Changing themes 0:16:05 - World's Fair 0:24:50 - Kickstarter 0:27:45 - Expansions 0:34:01 - Gold West 0:39:46 - Working with publishers 0:46:12 - Future projects

Rob is back from vacation and it's time for some more listener mail. Is it possible to play a game that is fun but not good? Should you share your ideas with people before publishing your game?-------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:36 - Pitching to publishers 0:16:52 - Fun games that aren't good 0:25:44 - The goals of game design 0:32:18 - How much do you share an idea before publishing? 0:40:47 - How do you take on choices in design?

Dirk and David talk to game designer David Somerville about his game Trove and experiences publishing his first game. David shares his insights as far as community management, how to hand things over, and pitching your games. Other David shares that he really, really wants to be a cave.----Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron David Somerville - @thisistrove------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:18 - Dave's background 0:02:31 - Trove: The Crystal Caverns 0:13:04 - Staying current while designing 0:15:21 - Getting set up with a publisher 0:26:20 - Earlier games 0:39:18 - Advice 0:51:28 - Pitching your game

We're back! After a brief hiatus due to the craziness of Gen Con the crew is back to tell their stories and get caught up on all the new developments. Dirk, David, and Rob talk about Gen Con, the new collaboration between Dirk and David, and answer a little bit of listener mail.------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:05:48 - Seafall update 0:09:16 - Chronicles 0:22:51 - Star Trek 0:30:26 - Gen Con 0:40:09 - Return on investment vs artistic statement

Dirk and Rob sit down with game designer Daniel Solis to talk about his background with card and microgames. Daniel's games can be played all over the world and he shares his experiences with international publishers as well as crowdfunding and print-on-demand.---------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Daniel Solis - @DanielSolis, http://danielsolisblog.blogspot.com/------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:26 - Daniel's background 0:07:01 - Card counts 0:11:10 - Sharing ideas 0:15:27 - Playtesting 0:18:31 - Kigi 0:22:04 - Publishers in different regions 0:33:39 - International legal matters 0:39:49 - Royalties and crowdfunding 0:53:58 - Upcoming projects

Dirk, David, and Rob are back to answer more listener questions about budget, toolsets, and more.------------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Episode Outline 0:02:12 - Budget for art and assets 0:06:29 - Marketing and Kickstarter 0:21:18 - Meaningful early game moves 0:40:17 - Toolsets for game development 0:49:13 - Feedback for feedback

This week, Dirk and David chat with Meg Jayanth to talk about her experiences as a writer in the games industry. Meg's prose is probably most well known in the story-heavy gameplay of 80 Days on mobile devices and Sunless Sea on the PC. Meg shares her background, what it's like to create oodles of content characters may never see, and the benefits of working in pajamas.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Meg Jayanth -@betterthemask, www.megjayanth.com------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:18 - Meg's background 0:08:17 - Samsara game 0:15:14 - Content that characters may or may not see 0:36:18 - Writing processes 0:42:41 - Working remotely 0:47:16 - Current projects

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to confirm that no person is an island, especially when it comes to game design. Collaborating with others can be challenging but also rewarding, sometimes allowing partners to bring out the best in each other. David describes his collaborations at work while Dirk and Rob talk about collaborating with others and the importance of eating with your coworkers.----------------------------------------------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:01:18 - Collaboration 0:08:10 - Opinions on interface design 0:13:30 - A Dirk/Rob case study 0:22:24 - Working on your own 0:27:10 - Collaboration tools 0:38:42 - Equality in collaborations 0:49:28 - Types of projects that work well with collaboration

Jamey Stegmaier stops by to talk to Dirk and David about his previous games as well as the upcoming and hotly anticipated Scythe. Scythe's evocative art and theme have piqued the interest of the boardgaming community. Jamey fills us in on how the game came about and what the players can expect in terms of mechanics and gameplay.-------------------------Contact Info Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Jamey Stegmaier - http://stonemaiergames.com/, kickstarterlessons.com, @jameystegmaier----Episode Outline 0:01:18 - Making the jump to full-time game designer 0:06:18 - Viticulture 0:14:48 - Kickstarter and content 0:18:09 - Kickstarter and non-US customers 0:21:31 - Treasure chests 0:24:54 - Scythe 0:31:51 - Scythe's art 0:36:58 - New players and describing actions 0:50:22 - Game length 0:56:27 - Combat in Scythe

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to answer questions sent in by you, the listeners!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:26 - What are your thoughts on the 4X genre and game length? 0:06:51 - Have sculpts become a commercial crutch for poor game design? 0:12:38 - Is the popularity of tabletop gaming related to the rise of digital games? 0:17:41 - What board game has replaced another game for you? 0:21:01 - What game has lost its luster as time went on? 0:24:02 - What game do you wish had never been released? 0:27:45 - What's the most glaring flaw you've seen in a game? 0:33:10 - What other podcasts do you listen to? 0:37:01 - What game do you wish you could play more often? 0:38:39 - What are you thoughts on paid beta programs? 0:41:02 - What do you think about game company mergers? 0:42:40 - Dirk, why the new company? 0:44:34 - How have your designs changed through playtesting? 0:51:14 - Should asymmetrical games be clearly marked as such?

Dirk and David are joined by game designer Isaac Shalev of Kind Fortress Games and the podcast On Board Games. Isaac shares some of the insight he has gleaned about the Kickstarter process, publishing games with a cultural story to tell, and how to make players attack each other.

Dirk, David, and Rob talk about all of the primary forms of feedback that developers have at their disposal. Reviews can be educational, helpful, or downright depressing. Playtesters can offer amazing insight or unwanted suggestions. Listen in to find out how to balance the good with the bad.------Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:17 - Feedback and reviews 0:15:57 - The context of reviews 0:21:39 - Previous game reviews 0:27:35 - Guided recommendations 0:33:06 - Feedback from playtesters 0:47:00 - What makes a good playtester

Former host and Game Design Roundtable co-founder Jon Shafer stops in to talk about At the Gates. Jon's been hard at work adding features, taking out features, and polishing the game. Progress moves ever forward as the game becomes the game that Jon set out to make.---------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Jon Shafer - www.atthegatesgame.com, @jonshaferdesign, jonshaferondesign.com, jon.shafer@conifergames.com------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:01:58 - Making changes in development 0:06:56 - Clans 0:11:57 - Developing the clan mechanic 0:14:36 - Other changes to the game's original design 0:19:44 - Storytelling 0:22:57 - Diplomacy 0:26:46 - Romanization 0:36:08 - Test groups 0:39:51 - Food and player pressure

Dirk, David, and Rob take a moment to check in on their respective projects. Rob details his long and illustrious career as the head of marketing for his game company while David checks in with an update on Star Trek Timelines. Meanwhile, Dirk's Kickstarter for Tesla vs. Edison is ready to go live and the question of shipping costs rears its ugly head.--------Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:33 - New York Toy Fair 0:08:22 - New roles and marketing 0:14:38 - PAX and Star Trek Timelines 0:23:24 - Star Trek Timelines demo 0:43:47 - Tesla vs. Edison

Dirk and David talk to Randy Hoyt of Foxtrot games about the art of publishing board games. Randy talks about his preference of publishing over designing, the role a good publisher can play in the success of a board game, and the releases of Foxtrot games.------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Randy Hoyt -@foxtrotgames, www.foxtrotgames.com, [email protected], @randyhoyt------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:15 - Foxtrot Games 0:08:14 - Refining a game's design 0:10:09 - Themes 0:13:01 - Publishing vs designing 0:27:42 - Changing a game's theme 0:32:25 - Getting designs to publishers 0:47:36 - Where Foxtrot fits 0:56:05 - Future projects

Dirk, David, and Rob talk about the current state of Seafall and its latest strides toward completion. Rob is excited about the progress of the game and shares a look at what can happen during a player's turn as the details of the game come into focus.--------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:01:33 - Bill of materials and sizing 0:11:46 - Changes along the way 0:16:46 - A turn in Seafall 0:29:36 - A reader question

Roleplaying game and novel writer Robin D. Laws joins Dirk and David to share his experience as a designer and writer in the gaming industry. Robin shares his methodology, how writing for the two media compares, and his upcoming work.---------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Robin D. Laws - @robindlaws, kenandrobintalkaboutstuff.com------------------Episode Outline 0:00:24 - Robin's background 0:03:11 - The Gumshoe system 0:11:59 - Establishing a voice 0:20:20 - Gumshoe licensing 0:26:03 - Recommendations on systems 0:28:46 - Robin's novels 0:36:26 - Design process 0:38:59 - King of Dragon Pass 0:44:38 - The future of D&D

Soren is back with forum member and early Offworld Trading Company playtester Scott Hamden to talk with Dirk about the current state of the game. Offworld Trading Company is taking form as it prepares for early access on Steam and a wider user base for even more feedback.--------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Soren Johnson - @sorenjohnson, designer-notes.com, offworldgame.com, idlethumbs.net/designernotes Scott Hamden - indczn@gmail.com------------------------------------------------------------- Episode Outline 0:00:22 - Current state of the game 0:03:04 - Scott's experience with OTC 0:05:38 - Stages of alpha and graphics 0:09:31 - Soren's involvement in the art process 0:13:59 - Watching the process as a fan 0:20:15 - Tweaking game values 0:34:53 - Buying and selling of stocks 0:42:39 - Multiplayer games 0:48:38 - Feature count 0:57:13 - Playtesters and forum interaction 1:04:19 - Upcoming milestones

Dirk and David are joined this week by Chelsea Howe, game design veteran and current employee at EA. Chelsea brings her experience to the show after working in a wide range of environments from large publishers to small game jams and independent projects.---------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Chelsea Howe - @manojalpa, www.manojalpa.net--------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:17 - Chelsea's background 0:08:16 - The mechanics of humor 0:10:52 - IP opportunities 0:13:43 - Why F2P big license games may not work 0:29:37 - Video gaming demographics 0:31:29 - Game james 0:34:50 - Quality and quantity of games 0:40:04 - Working at different sized companies 0:48:37 - Are we all designers?

Dirk, David, and Rob are back to answer more of your questions! This week's questions cover digital integration, international design decisions, and the role of 3D printing.-----------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:52 - How do you feel about apps integrated with board games? 0:19:50 - What possibilities would you like to see in those games? 0:22:33 - Will this lead to un-playtested games? 0:29:08 - What about a hybrid microgame? 0:33:44 - What roles will exist for people with international experience? 0:42:18 - Do you think game companies will become more global? 0:43:45 - What impact do you think 3D printing will have on tabletop? 0:49:44 - How have you seen asymmetry done in games?

Dirk and David are at the helm this week to talk about all things Star Trek. David's upcoming game uses the Star Trek universe to tell a wide variety of stories with a wide cast of characters. But with a fan base as enthusiastic and demanding as Trekkies (or Trekkers), how do you respect the source material while making a game fun?------------------------------------------------------Contact information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron--Episode Outline 0:00:45 - Star Trek roots 0:06:23 - Differing Trek series and fans 0:19:28 - Building a game for every captain 0:32:38 - The Star Trek story 0:39:39 - User research 0:53:18 - Alpha testing 0:56:02 - Star Trek appeal

Dirk, David, and Rob look back at 2014. Rob's Kickstarter leads the way with a great success story and a view into just how crazy his life became this year. Dirk and David share their big moves from the year and look ahead to what's coming. Finally, Dirk says some nice things about Michael Hermes, who may or may not be writing these show notes (and sounds like a swell guy).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:53 - Rob's Kickstarter 0:08:10 - Dirk's Kickstarter 0:15:19 - David's move 0:27:16 - Dirk's year in review 0:35:10 - Seafall 0:41:07 - David's board games 0:45:21 - Rob's teaching 0:50:03 - Conquistador Games 0:51:54 - The Game Design Roundtable

Dirk and David sit down with game designer and writer Erin Hoffman to talk about her extensive background in game design for education,interacting with the users, and some deep talks on the role of art in games.----------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Erin Hoffman - [email protected], @gryphoness--------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:17 - Erin's background 0:01:50 - Umberto Eco and art 0:16:44 - Interfacing with users 0:20:59 - Staying connected 0:28:34 - Designing for kids 0:33:56 - Lessons learned 0:41:05 - Learning styles 0:48:59 - Sense of Wonder

Is there a formula for fun? Nicole Lazzaro joins Dirk and David to talk about what makes games fun, deliver a brief dive into neuroscience, and compare the concept of fun and gaming addiction.----------------------------------Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Nicole Lazzaro - @nicolelazzaro, www.4k2f.com-----------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:01:34 - The four keys to fun 0:13:18 - Depth 0:29:22 - Tabletop 0:39:32 - A primer on neurology 0:50:50 - Free to play

Dirk and David are joined by game designer Susan McKinley Ross, creator of Qwirkle and other well-received board games. Susan shares her expertise in color and tactile game design, the process of writing rules, and how she came to be an award-winning designer.------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Susan McKinley Ross - @ideaduck, www.ideaduck.com--------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:15 - Susan's background 0:01:54 - Tactile elements and color 0:07:15 - Qwirkle 0:24:55 - Design and development 0:39:22 - Illustrations and rules 0:41:40 - Susan's process 0:49:30 - Other projects 0:54:16 - Working with a spouse

Dirk, David, and Rob are on hand to talk about two topics this week. First, the progress of Rob's current Kickstarter: Funemployed 2nd Edition. He reviews how the Kickstarter is going as well as steps he took on the front end. Next, Dirk and Rob talk about their time at Boardgamegeekcon, a convention put on by the website of the same name. Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Episode Outline 0:00:13 - Rob's Kickstarter 0:09:12 - Setting up a Kickstarter 0:14:26 - Boardgamegeekcon 0:21:58 - Acquire 0:27:47 - Red7 0:34:15 - Hypoborea 0:38:47 - Tragedy Looper 0:45:57 - Mysterium 0:49:33 - Tesla vs Edison 0:56:27 - Artemis

Amy Jo Kim joins Dirk and David to talk about cooperative gaming and the move away from zero-sum game mechanics. Social and online gaming have shown time and again that players want to cooperate and work together rather than kill each other and constantly compete. Amy Jo offers her experience and insight into what makes cooperative fun, and how designers can make it compelling.-------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Amy Jo Kim - @amyjokim, www.shufflebrain.com, www.mvpdesignhacks.com----------------Episode Outline 0:00:26 - The cooperative revolution 0:04:35 - Amy Jo's background 0:13:14 - Zero-sum games 0:23:28 - Mobile and free to play 0:35:48 - Balancing feeling special and teamwork 0:54:43 - Powerful mechanics in co-op 0:57:10 - Steps for a new designer

This week it's a regular-sized show about micro-sized games when designer Chris Handy comes on to talk about his foray into the micro games market.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Chris Handy - @ChrisHandy, packogame.com---------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:01:05 - Micro games 0:07:54 - 20 Themes 0:14:10 - Traditional and Euro games 0:16:00 - Mobile and social games 0:30:00 - Trends in micro games 0:35:47 - Business aspects

Dirk, David, and Rob Daviau are answering questions this week on topics about board game design, publishing, translations, and more!-------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:43 - What existing game do you wish you had designed? 0:04:02 - What can Eastern and Western developers learn from each other? 0:09:37 - What game design phrases make you cringe 0:15:48 - How will designers grow if creators are not from the dominant culture 0:19:31 - Can you expand on the concept of player empowerment? 0:24:31 - Should I sell my game to a publisher? 0:32:36 - What are some examples of board games with great digital versions? 0:40:45 - How do you find the right artist at the right rate? 0:44:52 - Should I be worried about someone stealing my idea? 0:47:48 - When is the right time to reach out to a big-name developer? 0:50:59 - At what point do you translate your game?

Dirk and Soren are joined by strategy games enthusiasts Julian Murdoch and Dr. Bruce Geryk to talk about the current state of Offworld Trading Company. Julian, Bruce, and Dirk have all had time with the game and offer Soren feedback, ask a few questions, and figure out just what that robot voice is saying.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Soren Johnson - @sorenjohnson, designer-notes.com, offworldgame.com Bruce Geryk - @spacerumsfeld, www.wargamespace.com-------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:33 - The latest changes in OTC 0:03:44 - Impressions from Bruce and Julian 0:11:31 - Competition and fun 0:21:44 - The wargamer's perspective 0:27:13 - New influences 0:31:34 - Belter 0:40:38 - Speed and the endgame 0:47:44 - Early access 0:50:39 - Innovative games 1:06:19 - Dates

It's just Dirk and David today as the hosts catch up on each of their own projects. David has made some big changes and moved on to a new company in a new town, and Dirk details all of the different irons he has in the fire. Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Episode Outline 0:00:25 - David's big changes 0:09:35 - Future plans 0:18:05 - Working face to face 0:21:34 - Moving to Boston 0:33:37 - War Stories 0:42:48 - Fútbol Strategy 0:55:05 - Tesla vs Edison 0:56:31 - Dirk's mystery projects

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to talk about things that bug them. Whether is the interplay of turns, the depth of a game, or the wine served at a chain restaurant, some things just aren't fun.------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:01:08 - Rob's adventures 0:03:03 - First person shooters 0:09:55 - Simultaneous play board games 0:18:58 - Asymmetrical turn lengths 0:23:51 - Light games 0:34:07 - New games in a group setting 0:36:19 - Backing up a turn 0:42:17 - Failure, loading screens, and tutorials 0:54:36 - Staying organized 0:57:04 - The need for persuasion

Dirk and David are joined by Kristín Guðmundsdóttir of Kvasir Games to talk about board and digital game development. Kvasir is a team of developers based in Denmark but pulled together from across Europe to build unique games designed in a game jam-style environment.----------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Kristín Guðmundsdóttir - @kristingud, @Kvasirgames, www.kvasirgames.com------Episode Outline 0:01:30 - The Nordic Game Jam 0:08:38 - Forming Kvasir Games 0:13:22 - Flexible game rules 0:23:43 - Other games and Wanted Igor 0:27:15 - Team talents and resolving conflicts 0:31:31 - Hulder 0:35:17 - Kristín's day job and freelancing 0:47:45 - Marketing

Alexis Kennedy and Liam Welton from Failbetter games join Dirk to talk about their dark games set in the world of Fallen London. With a background that goes from free-to-play web games to more traditional PC games, Failbetter has learned many lessons on design and business on their way to their latest game, Sunless Sea.-------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Liam Welton - @LiamWelton, [email protected] Alexis Kennedy - @alexiskennedy, alexis@failbetter.com------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:26 - Failbetter Games 0:06:24 - The world of Fallen London 0:25:22 - Fallen London development 0:40:18 - Design challenges 0:52:39 - Business models 0:54:31 - Failbetter's design process 1:01:24 - Future projects

Sometimes a game design just goes off the rails. Scope creep, overly-ambitious ideas, a loss of focus… these can be devastating to any project. Dirk, David, and Rob Daviau talk about how a game can get off the right path and what can be done to get it back on track.----------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:17 - Seafall 0:03:38 - Design by committee 0:18-14 - Assessing the state of a game 0:32:25 - Big games vs small games 0:42:23 - Patching and hot fixes 0:50:38 - Examples 1:00:03 - Advice for getting out of the ditch

The title of "writer" can span from creating conceptual direction to creating dozens of iterations of the same lines of character dialog. Guest developer Harrison Pink joins Dirk and David to talk about the role in the gaming world.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Harrison Pink - @colonialpink, [email protected], blog.harrisonpink.com----------------Episode Outline 0:00:55 - The role of a writer 0:14:54 - Expectations of game writers 0:26:29 - Writing for tabletop 0:37:56 - Writing a pitch 0:47:20 - Writers and marketing 0:52:58 - Board games

Dirk and David are joined by Karla Zimonja of the Fullbright Company to talk about Gone Home, the challenges and benefits of working on a small team, and the transition of going from AAA game development to a small, independent studio.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Karla Zimonja - @zusty, www.fullbright.company----------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:31 - Fullbright Company history 0:02:51 - Gone Home development 0:09:59 - Plot and setting decisions 0:20:58 - Karla's background 0:38:14 - Gone Home's team 0:42:50 - Workflow

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to talk about conventions. Gen Con is the star of the show as the trio talk about tips for both gamers and game designers. Everything is covered from talking with publishers to packing your bags the smart way.-------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:01:12 - Gen Con 0:23:55 - Tips for attending conventions 0:41:45 - The big hits at Gen Con 0:53:41 - Favorite conventions

This show is all about the listeners! The mail bag is full and it's time for Dirk and David to answer your questions on game design, the industry, and the types of games they love the most.------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron @DavidVHeron--Episode Outline 0:00:46 - Do you see Eurocentric themes as a problem in game design? 0:09:27 - What games have made you feel empowered? 0:13:54 - What are the advantages and disadvantages of fantasy themes? 0:18:46 - What are you top five games to play? 0:25:25 - Do you consider player action rate during design? 0:31:54 - What is the status of female game designers? 0:54:42 - What's your ideal, unlimited-budget game? 0:56:58 - Should I patent my rules?

Jon and Dirk talk to game designer and TGDRT regular Soren Johnson about his upcoming game, Offworld Trading Company. His real time strategy economic game is currently in beta. Soren talks about the state of the game and the challenges he has in front of him.--------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Soren Johnson - @sorenjohnson, designer-notes.com, offworldgame.com Jon Shafer - atthegatesgame.com, [email protected], @jonshaferdesign-------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:02:56 - "The Sid Way" 0:08:59 - The inspiration for OTC 0:20:41 - Gameplay 0:35:35 - Sound design 0:39:15 - The exploration phase 0:47:04 - Current challenges

Ananda Gupta joins Dirk and Soren to talk about Dynamic campaigns. Series like Total War and XCOM merge tactical battles with larger strategic campaigns - what do these games do well, and what challenges seem to be omnipresent?------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] Soren Johnson - @sorenjohnson, designer notes.com, offworldgame.com Ananda Gupta - @agauntpanda-----------------Episode Outline 0:00:28 - Ananda's background 0:04:38 - Dynamic Campaigns 0:08:05 - Crusader Kings II 0:10:35 - Pacing 0:15:40 - XCOM 0:31:54 - Wargame 0:35:57 - Rise of Nations 0:46:49 - Offworld Trading Company 0:52:11 - Rise of Legends 1:06:34 - Imperial Struggle

Dirk, David, and Rob get together to talk about the betrayal as a game mechanic. Betrayal can bring out the worst in people - yelling, table flipping, and even physical violence. So why does it still get into so many games, and what makes it a compelling mechanic?---------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Rob Daviau -@RobDaviauGamer, [email protected] Outline 0:00:28 - Betrayal! 0:04:41 - The mechanics 0:12:34 - Betrayal at House on the Hill 0:29:46 - Risk 0:36:36 - The most dastardly of betrayals 0:43:39 - Bang! and Werewolf 0:54:40 - Seafall

Friend and co-founder of The Game Design Roundtable Jon Shafer stops by to talk about the status of his game At the Gates. Learn about the importance of tribes, one of Jon's new features that adds replayability and personality to the game. Dirk, David, and Jon talk about how far the game has come and what's coming up in the future.----------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Jon Shafer - atthegatesgame.com, [email protected], @jonshaferdesign--------Episode Outline 0:01:15 - Impressions of At the Gates 0:03:58 - Recent changes 0:17:16 - Player choice and game duration 0:21:16 - Clans 0:34:44 - Unit health and healing 0:43:01 - Personality 0:50:23 - Migration

Dirk, David, and Harrison Pink get together to reminisce about the games that they enjoyed in their youth. Check out the extensive list below - how many did you play?---------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Harrison Pink - @colonialpink, [email protected], blog.harrisonpink.com----------------Episode Outline 0:00:37 - Monopoly 0:08:56 - The Game of Life 0:13:18 - Risk 0:23:11 - Crazy Eights 0:26:03 - Clue 0:30:14 - Scotland Yard 0:35:40 - Mastermind 0:39:25 - Mousetrap 0:41:50 - Fireball Island 0:47:27 - Dark Tower 0:48:54 - Trivial Pursuit 0:52:24 - King's Quest 0:59:19 - Ultima Online

Dirk and David are joined by game designer Matt Leacock of Pandemic fame. Cooperative games are the topic of the day as Matt goes through his experiences building on the Pandemic franchise.------------------------------------Contact Information Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer, www.artana.com, [email protected] David Heron - @DavidVHeron Matt Leacock - www.leacock.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Outline 0:00:32 - Matt's Background 0:06:43 - Gaming with the family 0:11:43 - Pandemic as a brand 0:19:27 - The future of Pandemic 0:30:36 - Playing with power gamers 0:45:45 - Thunderbirds 0:51:19 - Going full time