Fun Problems

By AJ Brandon and Peter C. HaywardLeisure Games

Fun Problems episodes

February 07, 2022 #23 Brain Chemistry Part 2
Today we talk about how Serotonin and Oxytocin work, and how to make designs maximize these feel good chemicals!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

Taskmaster clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UgSDcHPgCc&t=257s
Discord stream server link; https://discord.gg/P584nGEU

[email protected]
Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 7 min
December 17, 2021 #22 BONUS Inhuman Conditions
Today we have a very special episode where we play Inhuman Conditions, AJ's favourite game!!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]
Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 min
December 07, 2021 #21 Robotopia Design and Development Lessons
Today we talk about how Robotopia was designed and developed, and all the lessons Peter learned along the way!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]
Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 27 min
November 15, 2021 #20 Brain Chemistry, The Bedrock of Fun (Part 1)
Today we talk about how to generate dopamine, and how it affects us! What we call "fun" is just the release of chemicals in the brain, so let's dig deep today! Join us for a deep dive on this exciting new lens!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

Eric Martins BGG post: https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/124590/choice-and-bias-why-new-games-top-bgg-rankings
Peter's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/peterchayward
Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
AJ's sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-knzJeDExmxYs7rpfq7lGYhxuMsBiNxz_X4pRZdrHPY/edit?usp=sharing

Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr
November 02, 2021 #19 Structure VS Content
Today we talk about the dichotomy between a games structure, and it's content! Join us for a deep dive on this exciting new lens!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 28 min
October 18, 2021 #18 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 2)
Today we talk about Peters new model for creative endeavors IN PERSON! Hook is what catches an audiences interest, craft is the quality of their experience, and spirit is what stays with them afterwards. Join us for a deep dive on this exciting new lens!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
44 min
October 01, 2021 #17 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 1)
Today we talk about Peters new model for creative endeavors IN PERSON! Hook is what catches an audiences interest, craft is the quality of their experience, and spirit is what stays with them afterwards. Join us for a deep dive on this exciting new lens!

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 4 min
September 16, 2021 #16 Interview with Shannon McDowell (Puzzle and Escape Room Design)
Today we are talking to Shannon McDowell about her experience designing puzzles and escape rooms, and her research on cultural biases in games.

Shannon's website: Shannonmcdowell.ca
The Con she mentioned: Realityescapecon.com
A video on her research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3aubBtvYU

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 12 min
September 02, 2021 #15 Interview with John Brieger (Developing and solo modes)
Today we are talking to John Brieger about his experience developing games and designing solo modes. Developing games takes a strong design and tunes it into a great final game.

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)
[email protected]

Johns Website: https://briegercreative.com/

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 10 min
August 16, 2021 #14 Board Game Strengths and Weaknesses (of the medium)
Today we are talking about the strengths and weaknesses of the format/medium of board games, when compared to video games, RPGs, movies, etc. There are some areas that board games can take great advantage of, and others that you should be wary of when designing.

Jennifer's Twitter thread; https://twitter.com/Gaohmee/status/1396874873859756032

Peter's Sudoku; http://peterchayward.com/sudoku.html

If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)

[email protected]

Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod

Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/

A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 hr 14 min

About Fun Problems

From the publisher's feed

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.