The Game Design Dojo Podcast

The Game Design Dojo Podcast episodes:

• 01.02.2016

  GDD 026 : Limitless Production

  Get more done in less time for lone wolf developers, hobbyists, large teams, and everything in between. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #026

  
• 06.25.2015

  GDD 025 : Virtual Reality Deep Dive

  In this expansive episode Brian and Ike discuss the dream, tech, design, best practices, and market strategies of virtual reality for game developers. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #025

  
• 05.11.2015

  GDD 024 : Design – Metroidvania #1

  In this first Metroidvania discussion Brian and Ike define the popular gameplay style, discuss its history, cite game examples, and explore player motivations. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #024

  
• 04.17.2015

  GDD 023 : Production – Lean Startup Decoded

  How to use the “Lean Startup” method for game development. A discussion and exploration of how and when to use it for your projects. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #023

  
• 02.12.2015

  GDD 022 : Design – Physics Gameplay

  An exploration on using physics as the core mechanic as opposed to just a supporting simulation system. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #022

  
• 12.18.2014

  GDD 021 : Business – Monitizing Your Game

  Brian and Ike dive deep into different ways to monitize your games, and how to tie your monitization strategy with your brand. Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #021

  
• 09.20.2014

  GDD 020 : Puzzle Design

  In this episode, Brian and Ike dive into puzzles and how to implement them in your game design. They compare games using puzzles as their main gameplay or as a feature thrown into the gameplay. They’ll also discuss how they...

  
• 09.05.2014

  GDD 019 : How To Get Contract Work

  Brian and Ike discuss the practicalities of how to get a company off the ground and rolling. If you’re looking for work-for-hire, then this episode provides some useful ways to obtain client work and how to build up your business...

  
• 08.12.2014

  GDD 018 : Deep Thoughts About Death In Games

  Brian and Ike talk about death in video games where the character dies or vehicle explodes at the end of the game loop. They discuss what death brings to a video game and why it may be important to include...

  
• 08.08.2014

  GDD 017 : Audio and Soundtrack for Games – An Overview

  We received an inquiry from a fan and it inspired us to discuss how to use music and sounds in video games. Brian and Ike tackle this topic with great detail using some of their personal experiences. So, enjoy! Today’s...

  
• 07.09.2014

  GDD 016 : When is a Game Done?

  We received a Facebook question from our friend Bradley Erickson asking us “How do you finish and ship the dang thing after months(or years) of iteration and work?” after we published the episode ‘How to turn an idea into a...

  
• 06.26.2014

  GDD 015 : What To Do With $10K?

  There’s a million ways you can spend $10,000 but what would be the best way to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck? Brian and Ike discuss a few different scenarios on how they would handle a...

  
• 05.24.2014

  GDD 014 : How To Turn an Idea Into A Game

  The first step to designing a video game is transforming an idea into something that is playable in three key gameloops.  Brian and Ike explain these loops and give examples. Today’s Developer Diary Brian and Ike are baffled about Flappy...

  
• 04.28.2014

  GDD 013 : PAX East And Kickstarter, Lessons Learned

  Brian shares 15 tips from his experiences at PAX East 2104, the Indie Megabooth, and launching a Kickstarter campaign. Source is live and doing great on Kickstarter! So far it’s 16% funded after about 6 days. The game received an...

  
• 04.12.2014

  GDD 012 : Two Ways You Can Get Funding For Your Game

  Detailed strategies on how you can get publisher funding for your game or go the crowdfunding route. Complete with real world war stories from the trenches. Exciting NEWS!!! “Source” by Fenix Fire is live on Kickstarter! “Source” is not just...

  
• 04.07.2014

  GDD 011 : Beginner’s Guide To Enemy AI

  Crash course in how to set up AI for your game, complete with pro tips from our resident AI programming expert, Ike. GDC 2014 has come and gone, we give a little recap of our highlights of the conference. The...

  
• 03.18.2014

  GDD 010 : Screenshots – Get The Attention Your Game Deserves

  On this episode of Game Design Dojo, Brian and Ike discuss ways to capture the best screenshots for your marketing channels, and may also help guide your game’s production. It’s GDC (Game Developer’s Conference) week and we recommend that anyone...

  
• 03.10.2014

  GDD 009 : How To Add Replay Value To Your Game

  Replay value is one of the most import aspects of creating a compelling video game experience that keeps players coming back again and again.  Brian and Ike explore three ways to pump up your game’s replay value for ultimate publishing...

  
• 01.08.2014

  GDD 008 : How To Make 2014 A Great Year For Game Developers

  Happy 2014! It’s a new year and times are changing fast in our video game industry. It’s important to evaluate your skills and abilities in order to make smart, achievable goals to make your company a success. Packed with insights...

  
• 12.18.2013

  GDD 007 : Camera and Cinematography For Games

  In this episode Brian and Ike discuss camera and cinematography with a focus on the various angles, styles, and uses in game design. How to choose a camera, iterate on it, and reference film cinematography are all covered in this...

  
• 12.12.2013

  GDD 006 : Characters, Control, and Mechanics

  In this episode of Game Design Dojo, we discuss how game characters and gameplay mechanics go hand in hand with level design and control schemes. How many controls do you give the player and why?  Characters and control are the...

  
• 11.11.2013

  GDD 005 : Getting Started With Procedural Level Design

  This episode is an exploration on how to approach creating a procedural level design system for a variety of game styles, and what to look for when it’s up and running. Getting Started With Procedural Level Design Procedural Level Design...

  
• 10.25.2013

  GDD 004 : The Power of Focus Testing

  Brian walks through a recent focus test, his take aways, and how to process the information and feedback he receives. The Power of Focus Testing Focus testing is a great tool for video game designers. Once you have a core...

  
• 10.09.2013

  GDD 003 : Forming an Indie Video Game Studio

  Forming an Indie Game Studio is a BIG decision and often times a scary one. This podcast episode focuses on key points to consider when forming an Indie Video Game Studio and how to gather the best team possible in...

  
• 08.19.2013

  GDD 002 : Self Publishing vs Mobile Publisher Part 2

  Brian and Ike continue to discuss Self Publishing including areas of marketing, user acquisition, and funding. Self Publishing vs. Mobile Publisher Part 2 In today’s video game market, marketing is essential for your video game’s survival and become successful. The debate...

  
• 07.29.2013

  GDD 001 : Show Introduction and Self Publishing vs Mobile Publisher Part 1

  Meet hosts Brian and Ike as they introduce themselves, the Game Design Dojo, and dive right into whether or not to self publish a mobile title. The Game Design Dojo In game design one never truly masters, but is constantly...