The Game Mechanic

By Mike

A podcast about tabletop games, their design mechanics, interactions, and flaws, and my recommendations to fix and fine tune them to peak enjoyment performance.

My name is Mike, and I'm your friendly... more

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FAQs about The Game Mechanic:

How many episodes does The Game Mechanic have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.

The Game Mechanic episodes:

August 14, 2020 Season 0, Episode 5 - Game Balance: Why Is It So Damn Important To Everyone?
In this episode, Mike talks about the nebulous concept that is game balance and how it works for symmetric and asymmetric games.

Also, Mike apologizes for the odd sound quality of late. He's still learning, folks.

He doesn't apologize for these descriptions, however, and I think that's criminal.
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14min
August 14, 2020 Season 0, Episode 4 - Game Mechanics: What Are You Doing?
Mike describes some of the most common game mechanics out there.

No, not... like, the name of this podcast or Mike the Game Mechanic. Like, what you are doing while playing a board game.

...no, not eating pizza or gossiping with your friends. The actual things you do to try and win the game.

You know what? Just listen to the podcast. He explains it better.
...more
13min
August 14, 2020 Season 0, Episode 3 - Game Progression: How Does a Game Move From Start to Finish?
Mike talks about how game progression progresses a game.

Games mentioned: Bosk (Floodgate Games, 2019); Century: Spice Road (Plan B Games, 2017); Betrayal at House on the Hill (Avalon Hill, 2004).

...Really? That's what you're going with for a description? Folks, I'm starting to think he's not taking this episode description thing as seriously as he takes his podcast content.
...more
13min
August 14, 2020 Season 0, Episode 2 - Negative Play Experience: What is it, does it actually exist, and if so what can be done about it?
Mike talks about what he does and does not consider to be a Negative Play Experience. Listen once, and then never listen to this episode again. Or do. I'm just the description. I have no authority to tell you what you should or shouldn't do in your life.
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8min
August 14, 2020 Season 0, Episode 1 - The Game Mechanic: Who am I and why should you care?
The very first episode ever! Meet Mike, your friendly neighborhood game mechanic, and learn a bit about his past and passion for board games.
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19min

FAQs about The Game Mechanic:

How many episodes does The Game Mechanic have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.