In this special holiday edition of "Fun Problems," host Peter C. Hayward takes center stage to delve into the cultural nuances and underlying assumptions of beloved games like Go, Dominion, and Wingspan. Peter explores how culture and timing influence game success, challenging the popular notion of universal game design truths.

This engaging episode also includes personal stories, playful banter with co-host AJ, and a light-hearted discussion on the pet peeves of gamers and game designers alike. From frustrating player behaviors to the intricacies of rulebook design, this episode provides an entertaining deep dive into the world of tabletop gaming, offering both laughter and valuable insights.

Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Email: [email protected]

Today is part 3 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. 

Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Email: [email protected]

Today is part 2 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. 

Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Email: [email protected]

Today is part 1 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. 

This episode includes the importance of elegance in design, minimizing complexity, and understanding the social aspect of board games. 

Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Email: [email protected]

Join hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon as they delve into the art of creating effective sell sheets for board games. This episode steps away from the usual design principles to tackle an essential aspect of game publishing.

Using real examples from Peter's own collection of sell sheets, they illustrate what works and what doesn't, offering practical tips for creating a sell sheet that effectively communicates the essence of your game.

Back of Boxes: https://tinyurl.com/y7jtsrr3

Sell sheets: https://imgur.com/a/fE3c14D

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

In this episode, we delve into the importance of numbers and their impact on gameplay. We explore how the concept of fidelity, or granularity, influences the design and experience of both board games and video games.

Our discussion kicks off with a comparison between games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, highlighting how different number systems create unique player experiences. We also examine the role of numbers in scoring systems, using examples like Lost Cities, and how small changes can significantly affect gameplay.

We touch on the concept of "knobs" in game design, which allow designers to tweak various elements such as cost, attack, health, and abilities, to create a balanced and engaging game. The conversation expands to the advantages and challenges of low and high fidelity games, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful number management to avoid cognitive overload for players.

The episode also explores video game adaptations of board games, like Slay the Spire, and how they manage numbers to maintain balance and excitement. We conclude with insights into the strategic planning required in resource management games and the significance of ensuring manageable numbers for players.

Removing Math From Games: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/removing-math-from-games-with-dan-peterson/

Robotopia is now on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bean-games/robotopia-a-strategic-eurogame-of-robot-revolutionaries?ref=89xwyv

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter and AJ explore the concept of genre within board games, comparing it to the well-defined genres found in films and novels. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional genre theory to board games, which often rely on mechanisms rather than genres to define them.

The conversation touches on the importance of genre in other media, highlighting how it helps creators meet audience expectations and allows consumers to find similar content they might enjoy. Peter and AJ examine how board games currently lack clear genre definitions and the impact this has on both designers and players.

Show Notes

Robotopia is now live on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bean-games/robotopia-a-strategic-eurogame-of-robot-revolutionaries?ref=89xwyv

For the one person who cares; AJ's look alike is Mathew Gray Gubler.

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

In this milestone episode, Peter revisits his popular theory on cooperative games, originally discussed on Gabe Barrett's Board Game Design Lab. He introduces a new type of co-op game that has emerged in recent years, expanding the original framework of limited communication and against-the-game co-ops.

Peter and AJ delve into the intricacies of this third type, the cozy cooperative game, characterized by open communication and score-based objectives. They also explore the role of victory points in game design, offering insights for both seasoned designers and enthusiasts.

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Show Notes

The Two Types of Co-op Games (BGDL): https://tinyurl.com/32sf8bhf

Virtual Playtesting: https://discord.gg/js3RXMuz

In this episode, we're bringing you "unhelpful" advice on how to navigate the world of game development. Join us as we discuss our experiences, insights, and the quirks of the industry.

Discover why having a brand as a designer matters, the significance of player interaction, and the importance of finding joy in the design process. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, our candid discussion provides a fresh perspective on the Fun Problems of game creation.

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

This episode marks our first-ever video recording, allowing you to see our smiling faces and quirky backgrounds: https://youtu.be/CpqWAOtR5z4

Today we discuss Play Patterns from a number of different angles. What makes a fun play pattern, how to encourage them and more!

Email: [email protected]

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!