Hey, Good Game

By Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter

Hey, Good Game explores the stories behind your favorite brainy games. Each week, we interview game creators and dig into what it takes to build a successful indie game, how to monetize, and how to ge... more

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FAQs about Hey, Good Game:

How many episodes does Hey, Good Game have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.

Hey, Good Game episodes:

July 30, 2024How to Build a Successful Art Career by Embracing Creative Selfishness
Peter Mohrbacher, creator of Angelarium, emphasizes the importance of creating art for yourself rather than trying to please others or meet market expectations. He argues that the best art comes from a place of "creative selfishness" - following your own obsessions and interests without worrying about external validation. This approach has allowed him to maintain a unique artistic voice while building a successful business around his personal project. However, he acknowledges that this path isn't for everyone, as many artists struggle with the business side of self-publishing and marketing their work.
Check out Peter's Resources:
https://www.angelarium.net
https://angelarium.shop
https://www.patreon.com/angelarium
https://x.com/bugmeyer
https://bugmeyer.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/angelarium
https://www.pinterest.com/petemohrbacher/
--
(00:00) - Introduction to AI Prompting
(00:26) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast
(00:42) - Interview with Peter Mohrbacher
(02:08) - Peter's Favorite Game: Elden Ring
(05:54) - The Art of Angelarium
(19:15) - Challenges of Sharing Art Online
(27:04) - Embracing Creative Obsessions
(28:10) - Balancing Art and Business
(29:00) - Challenges in the Art Business
(32:38) - Gamifying Social Media and Marketing
(35:00) - Corporate Exploitation in the Art World
(37:33) - Venturing into Tabletop RPGs
(41:39) - Navigating Patreon and Crowdfunding
(48:58) - Scams and Online Security
(54:42) - Conclusion and Future Projects

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
55min
July 23, 2024 How to Create a Viral Puzzle Game From Scratch
Greg Karber is the creator of the hit murder mystery puzzle game Murdle. Greg shares the fascinating journey of Murdle's creation, from a simple puzzle made for a friend to a bestselling book series and popular daily online game.
We dive into Greg's influences, how he monetizes Murdle, and the balance between game mechanics and storytelling.

Check out Greg's Resources:
https://murdle.com/
https://murdle.com/book/
https://x.com/gregkarber
https://discord.gg/kmyFvXJ44s
https://www.reddit.com/r/murdle/
https://www.tiktok.com/@gtkarber
https://www.instagram.com/gregkarber/
https://bsky.app/profile/gtkarber.bsky.social
http://killerpartymusical.com/
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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
...more
1h 9min
July 16, 2024How to Design Board Games That People Love
Cole Medeiros' career in game design is driven by passion and authenticity. He started creating games as a child (GUBS in fourth grade) and has successfully transitioned this early interest into a professional career.
His approach emphasizes the importance of genuine enthusiasm for the project, close collaboration with partners (as seen in his work with ConcernedApe), and the ability to balance the creative and business aspects of game development.
Cole's journey showcases how personal passion can lead to successful game creation, from indie board games to working on major titles like Stardew Valley.

Check out Cole's Resources:
https://www.stardewvalley.net/
https://colemedeiros.com/
https://x.com/TheGubsGuy
https://gamemaker.io/en
https://www.tabletopsimulator.com/
Contact
[email protected]
--
(00:00) - Introduction and Career Reflection
(00:13) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:00) - Meet Cole Medeiros: Game Designer Extraordinaire
(01:42) - Discussing Favorite Games and Board Game Design
(04:21) - Designing Games for Different Audiences
(07:23) - Choosing and Developing Game Ideas
(11:30) - User Testing and Publishing Experiences
(13:57) - The Journey of GUBS and Web of Spies
(22:31) - Collaborating on Stardew Valley: The Board Game
(27:32) - Insights on Game Design and Personal Motivation
(37:09) - Current Projects and Future Plans
(39:23) - Conclusion and Contact Information

--
Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
41min
July 09, 2024How to Design Obsessive Games by Breaking the Rules
Zach Gage might be one of the most innovative game designers you've never heard of.
He's the creator of Good Sudoku, Really Bad Chess, and 30+ other games that reimagine classic puzzles for the digital age.
Now he's taking on the New York Times with Puzzmo.com
We spent an hour exploring his creative process and the future of puzzle games.
Check out Zach's Resources:
http://www.stfj.net
https://www.puzzmo.com
https://www.playgoodsudoku.com/
http://www.reallybadchess.com/
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(00:00) - The First Game Creations
(00:48) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(00:59) - Insights from Zach Gage's Interview
(02:26) - Introducing Zach Gage
(04:18) - Zach's Gaming Preferences and Bag Obsession
(10:25) - Zach's Artistic Family Background
(12:16) - Early Exhibits and Creative Opportunities
(15:40) - Designing Good Sudoku
(23:50) - Creating Really Bad Chess
(26:22) - Struggling with Chess: A New Perspective
(27:54) - The Game Design Process
(29:06) - Challenges in Game Tutorialization
(30:38) - Innovative Game Examples
(34:00) - Building Puzmo: From Concept to Reality
(46:56) - The Role of Community and Distribution
(50:19) - Balancing Business and Creativity
(53:53) - Connecting with the Audience

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
56min
June 25, 2024How FreeCell Snuck Its Way Into Millions of PCs
Episode 29: Jim Horne is the creator of Microsoft FreeCell and xwordinfo.com. Jim shares his journey from early programming to joining Microsoft in 1988, where he secretly added FreeCell to Windows.
His passion for crosswords led to writing for the New York Times and developing xwordinfo.com. Jim discusses his time at Microsoft, including sharing an office wall with Steve Ballmer, and the serendipitous nature of his career. He touches on the "unsolvable" FreeCell game and his recent collaboration on "I'm Squeezy." Throughout, Jim highlights the intersection of music and programming, offering insights into early computing, casual games, and the crossword community, demonstrating how pursuing interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Check out Jim's resources:
https://www.xwordinfo.com
https://freecell.org/
Wordplay
https://imsqueezy.com
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(00:00) - Jim Horne and His Musical Background
(01:44) - Jim Horne's Journey to Microsoft and FreeCell
(03:35) - The Creation and Popularity of FreeCell
(05:11) - Jim's Musical Adventures and Microsoft Theater
(06:41) - Jim's Early Love for Games and Programming
(10:30) - The FreeCell Phenomenon and Shareware Success
(19:22) - Blogging and Crossword Puzzles with The New York Times
(22:29) - Creating XWord Info and the Crossword Community
(28:44) - The Legacy of FreeCell and New Ventures
(34:02) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
37min
June 18, 2024Say Yes to Creativity: Tracy Fullerton's 10-Year Project
Episode 28: Tracy Fullerton is a pioneering game designer, educator, and USC Games Program Director emeritus. The conversation covers Tracy's extensive career in game design, her creation of the game 'Walden,' and her unique approach to blending philosophy with gameplay.
Tracy opens up about the decade-long development of 'Walden,' the challenges and joys of translating Thoreau's philosophies into an immersive experience, and her experiences mentoring the next generation of game designers.
We talk about why you shouldn't say "No," the intricacies of player emotional experience goals, and the importance of being a passionate and generous designer.
Check out Tracy's Resources:
https://www.waldengame.com/
https://www.gameinnovationlab.com/
https://www.thenightjourney.com/
https://www.tracyfullerton.com/
https://gameinnovationlab.itch.io/walden
https://www.gamedesignworkshop.com
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast
(01:27) - Meet Tracy Fullerton
(04:01) - Tracy's Early Gaming Experiences
(07:58) - The Birth of Spiderdance
(12:44) - Creating Walden, a Game
(20:01) - Challenges and Persistence
(24:44) - Pricing Strategy and Educational Impact
(29:15) - Launching on Multiple Platforms
(29:28) - Impact of COVID on Game Launches
(30:09) - International Reach and Localization Challenges
(31:47) - Player Feedback and Diverse Audience
(32:22) - Teaching First-Person Game Mechanics
(36:28) - The Night Journey Collaboration
(43:01) - Mentoring and Teaching Game Design
(48:37) - Balancing Passion Projects and Career
(52:48) - Game Design Workshop 20th Anniversary
(57:35) - Conclusion and Contact Information

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
59min
June 11, 2024Sega’s Downfall Was… Sega?
Episode 27: Blake Harris is the acclaimed author of "Console Wars" and "The History of the Future." Blake shares his journey from a struggling screenwriter to a successful author, diving into the intense rivalry between Sega and Nintendo that defined a generation of gaming.
He reveals insights into the internal conflicts at Sega that contributed to their downfall and discusses the revolutionary impact of Oculus and virtual reality on the tech landscape.
Blake also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book about comedy legend Larry David, creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," complete with humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. From the challenges of getting in touch with industry giants like Seth Rogen to the joys and struggles of writing about beloved cultural icons, this episode is packed with compelling stories and valuable lessons on persistence, research, and the art of storytelling.

Check out Blake's Resources:
https://twitter.com/blakejharrisNYC
https://www.amazon.com/Console-Wars-Nintendo-Defined-Generation/
https://www.amazon.com/History-Future-Facebook-Revolution-Virtual/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/author-blake-j-harris-and-the-history-of-the-future/
Console Wars Documentary
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(00:00) - Connecting with Seth Rogen: A Game-Changing Experience
(00:33) - Interview with Blake Harris: Insights and Takeaways
(01:38) - Blake Harris's Journey: From Console Wars to New Projects
(04:22) - The Fascinating World of Sega and Nintendo
(07:34) - From Video Games to Authorship: Blake's Path
(20:35) - Challenges and Triumphs in Writing Console Wars
(29:34) - The Impact of Sega's Internal Conflicts
(33:21) - The Oculus Story: A Mind-Blowing Experience
(34:49) - Challenges in VR: Monetization and Market Penetration
(35:58) - The Evolution of VR Hardware
(36:59) - The Search for VR's Killer App
(40:22) - The Social and Practical Applications of VR
(50:31) - The Impact of Politics on Oculus
(54:15) - Larry David: From Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm
(55:24) - The Joy of Writing About Larry David
(57:59) - Conclusion and Future Projects

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
1h 5min
June 04, 2024Building Games at the NY Times: Interview With Jeff Petriello
Episode 26: Jeff Petriello, a game producer at the New York Times and a game design educator at NYU Game Center, shares his unique journey from producing movies to producing games played by millions of people.
Go behind the scenes at the New York Times, learn what it's like to shepherd hits like Wordle, and create games from scratch like Strands.
Working closely with the New Games Squad and the Gameplay Squad, Jeff shares what inspires him, his teaching experiences, and the significant role of games in building social connections.
This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts alike.
Check out Jeff's Social and Resources:
https://www.thebeff.com/
https://www.thepastatarot.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetriello/
https://gamecenter.nyu.edu/faculty/jeff-petriello/
https://thebeff.itch.io/self-portrait
https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:39) - Jeff Petriello's Journey to Game Production
(02:43) - Jeff's Current Gaming Favorites and Insights
(05:44) - The Personal Impact of Games on Jeff's Life
(10:44) - Transitioning from Philosophy to Game Design
(24:33) - The Evolution of Teaching Game Design
(30:32) - Jeff's Path to the New York Times
(35:35) - The Evolution of NYT Games: From Crosswords to Wordle
(35:56) - Joining the NYT Games Team and Developing New Hits
(36:36) - The Creative Process Behind NYT's Newest Game, Strands
(39:04) - The Art of Puzzle Creation: A Blend of Technology and Creativity
(40:19) - The Impact of Games on NYT's Subscription Model
(46:43) - Exploring the Buy vs. Build Strategy in Game Development
(56:53) - The Personal Journey: Career Advice and Side Hustles
(01:01:47) - A Tarot Reading to Close: Insights and Reflections

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
1h 7min
May 28, 2024Aaron Tried To Buy Wordle
Right before the New York Times announced they acquired Wordle in the low-mid seven figures, Aaron attempted to buy Wordle, and wordle.com. Listen to Aaron's story on why he started building games, and how that led to his attempt to purchase the popular daily word game that took the world by storm.
How close did he get? Listen and find out!
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:17) - The Unstoppable Rise of Wordle
(02:12) - Aaron's Journey into Game Development
(06:38) - The Evolution of Online Game Monetization
(13:24) - The Attempt to Acquire Wordle
(29:14) - Reflections and the Future of Daily Brainy Games

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
33min
May 21, 2024How Canuckle Became a Canadian Favourite
Episode 24: In this episode, explores the journey of Mark and Jeff Rogers, creators of Canuckle and Canoku games, inspired by Wordle. It delves into their background, game development process, hiatus, renewal with added features, community engagement strategies, collaborations with other game creators and notable organizations, partnerships for sponsorships and merchandise, future plans, and potential partnerships with entities like the New York Times' Wordle. The discussion also includes their use of AI, philanthropic endeavors, and lessons learned in promoting their games.

Check out Mark and Jeff Rogers' Games and Resources:
Canuckle: www.canucklegame.ca
Canoku: www.canoku.ca
X/Twitter: x.com/canucklegame
FB: www.facebook.com/CanuckleGame
IG: www.instagram.com/canucklegame
Merch: merch.canucklegame.ca
Collaborations:
Waffle: waffle.canucklegame.ca
Squaredle: squaredle.canucklegame.ca
Nerdle: nerdle.canucklegame.ca

Reach out:
[email protected]

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(00:00) - The Genesis of Canuckle: A Wordle-Inspired Creation
(00:38) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast
(00:53) - Insights from Canuckle's Creators: Collaboration and Breaks
(02:05) - Introducing Canuckle and Kanoku: Canadian-Themed Daily Games
(02:42) - The Creators' Gaming Backgrounds and Inspirations
(03:47) - The Competitive Spirit Behind Canuckle's Creation
(07:13) - From Concept to Launch: The Journey of Canuckle
(08:12) - Challenges and Triumphs in Developing Canuckle
(13:38) - Fostering Community and Engagement Through Canuckle
(15:26) - The Evolution of Canuckle: From Launch to Revamp
(20:52) - Exploring Merchandise and Monetization Strategies
(23:05) - Future Plans and Monetization Insights
(24:28) - Exploring the CIRA Partnership and Monthly Puzzles
(26:27) - Creative Sponsorship and Game Design Insights
(27:08) - Expanding the Game Portfolio with Canadian Themes
(30:22) - Leveraging Partnerships for Cross-Promotion and Growth
(38:36) - Innovative Use of AI and Exploring New Technologies
(41:16) - The Decision Against Mobile Apps and Embracing Web Accessibility
(43:11) - Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement
(46:58) - Giving Back Through Canuckle and Future Plans

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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com
...more
50min

FAQs about Hey, Good Game:

How many episodes does Hey, Good Game have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.