In episode 40 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Jeff Chin and Andrew Nerger about their game Canvas which was a component first design. Inspired by translucent cards Jeff and Andrew worked to get creative prototyping this beautiful entry-level game that is now being distributed globally. Even the game box being designed to look like a hanging painting was considered when manufacturing this game. Learn tips on prototyping unique components, finding artists on Reddit and resources on how to run a Kickstarter from the co-founders of Road to Infamy Games.

Check out their current Kickstarter for Globetrotting at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/roadtoinfamy/globetrotting?ref=profile_saved_projects_live

Featuring: 

Jeff Chin - Guest

Andrew Nerger - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 39 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Chris Rio the designer of Cheer Up! published by Cheer Up Games. He talks about designing a creative way to make a word game that removes the flaws of the games he saw already on the shelf. Also, how he’s made his branding pop out compared to its competitors. He touches on culling the words on the cards as times change as well as avoiding pop culture references to avoid aging the game.  

Featuring: 

Chris Rio - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 38 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Josh Kaplan a youtube reviewer and abstract game designer. Josh discusses having a game in print and selling out in a month and what happens to your game when a publisher’s company hits hard times. Plus, tips on how to pitch to publishers you already have a relationship with on the media-side of the industry.

Featuring: 

Josh Kaplan - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 37 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Christopher Ryan Chan, one of the co-designers and the illustrator of the Night Cage published by Smirk & Dagger Games. We discuss creating a narrative when designing a horror themed board game using mechanics and art to create a feel that adds to the gameplay. Also, knowing who your demographic is can help shape your game design.

Featuring: 

Christopher Ryan Chan - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 36 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Randy Flynn about his design Cascadia published by Flatout Games. This tile-laying puzzle  game of building habitats and expanding your wildlife has become so popular that it has been printed in various languages. Randy talks about his experience developing the game with Flatout’s Collab program and growing as a designer through it. 

Featuring: 

Randy Flynn - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 35 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Mary Flanagan about her co-design Phantom Ink published by her company Resynom Games. She speaks about her experience starting on the video game side during the “.com boom” in the early 90s to transitioning to tabletop games. Mary is an artist, designer, business owner and so many more things. She designs based on feel which compliments her co-designer who focuses on the mechanics first to build fun games like Phantom Ink and others. She also talks about her experience being a woman in a male dominated industry and how she intentionally hires female artists and others in order to add more diversity to her games and the industry as a whole.

Featuring: 

Mary Flanagan - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 34 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Amelie Le-Roche a co-designer and artist of Synchronized published by her company Zerua Games. Amelie talks about how they took a suggested theme and turned it into a game. How the “fun” was there from the initial playtest which motivated them to continue working on the game and using Kickstarter to make it a reality. Learn about this uniquely themed memory game and how to get the most out of your box design! 

Featuring: 

Amelie Le-Roche - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 33 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Emerson Matsuuchi the designer of Century: Spice Road, Century: Eastern Wonders, Century: A New World and the Golem Editions published by Plan B Games. Emerson talks about one lighting in a bottle game Century: Spice Road, plus designing two follow up games that were both standalones as well as could be combined into a heavier weighted game. This design challenge was something that was both difficult and rewarding for him. See how he introduced new players to popular mechanics in his Century games. 

Featuring: 

Emerson Matsuuchi - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 32 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Ryan Courtney the designer of Pipeline published by Capstone Games. Ryan created an amazing business simulation about the refinement of oil and how it has been a part of the government-controlled energy sector. He talks about making his design incredibly thematic but needing to refine the design to get the time and difficulty down to make it into the product you can currently purchase. Also, how it took many no’s from the publisher before they decided to sign Pipeline. This game went through a lot of changes to become the success that it is now so check it out!

Featuring: 

Ryan Courtney - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

In episode 31 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Move38's Founder & CEO Jon Bobrow about the Blinks System. His system was created as a mash-up between a toy, video game and board game using electronic hexagon tiles that each hold a single game. Each tile will train the others in the system to learn that specific game. Jon has worked with outside designers and his internal team over the past 2+ years to create tons of fun games that can be played using this system. Their most recent Blinks Party Pack will be on Kickstarter starting February 22nd as well as another print run of their initial system. Go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/move38/blinks-party-games/ to back their Kickstarter! 

If you’re interested in designing your own game for the Blinks system, consider coming to a Game Jam hosted by Move38 in partnership with Tabletop Gaymers on Saturday, March 12 from noon to 6pm in Long Island City, NY. Or purchase a development kit on their website!

Featuring: 

Jon Bobrow - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host