Fun Problems

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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Today is part 2 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.  Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me 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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me 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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me 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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me 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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me 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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

In this episode, Peter and AJ dive deep into the essence of game design, focusing on the core principles that make a game fun and engaging. They explore the concept of "striving games" versus "accomplishment games" and emphasize the importance of incentivizing fun behaviors in game design. Peter shares his theory that game design is fundamentally about identifying what's compelling and then incentivizing that behavior. They also discuss the Magic Circle, the balance between fun and efficiency, and how to ensure players are having the most enjoyable experience possible. Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Today we talk about Foundational Games; what games are so foundational to the craft that all game designers need to play them. funproblemspodcast@gmail.comFacebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPodFun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we talk about How to get your game to the table FAST!   funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPodFun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we talk about The absolute best way to prototype either of has found-component studio! We talk about the strengths (and weaknesses) of the program, and why you should be using it.  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPodFun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An unedited, one-take, no intro or outro episode! Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we talk about when you need to cut rules, when the rules exceptions are worth it-as well as scarcity mindset and a bunch of other stuff! funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPodFun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we talk about Game State; how and when to track it, and how to consider it's use in game design. funproblemspodcast@gmail.comFacebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPodFun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened to Fun Problems?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we talk about the difference between kids games and kid friendly games, and the dos and don'ts for both! Breakout Con: https://breakoutcon.com/ If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

Today we talk about the design and development of Peters recent time travel abstract strategy hit "That time you killed me". If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

Today we interview Alex Horne about how he designs the tasks in Taskmaster! There are many insights he has that directly apply to game design. 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 funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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 funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com 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.

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. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.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.

Today we are talking to Jeff Fraser about his experience codesigning Cartouche, and touch on many other topics, such as rule book writing, the psychology of numbers, and more! Cartouche is coming to KS Aug 3, sign up to get notified when it launches here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peterchayward/cartouche You can try Cartouche right now for free on TTS here; https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2545396343  If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  Contact Jeff here; jwfraser.ca funproblemspodcast@gmail.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.

Today we are talking about how to think about genres from new angles by considering the core of what makes games tick. We hope you enjoy! Cartouche TTS mod - https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2545396343 0 Player game - https://youtu.be/N-BbgqOjIqk MDA original - https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/MDA.pdf Extra Credits has a great breakdown of aesthetics and added the "dominance" aesthetic to the original list here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uepAJ-rqJKA If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.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.

Today we are talking about how to keep depth in your game without overwhelming players with complexity. We hope you enjoy! Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ Pitch Meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhKOV3nImQ Newsletter - https://jellybean.games/funproblems/ Toby Macguire in the MCU (AJ's 3 favourite clips) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F91UO9xmwo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR-OSmOgPr4 https://youtu.be/p_fm-Cf8qDc?t=469 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about naming games. Specifically we work through naming an upcoming title! This is a bonus episode so it's a bit shorter and won't follow our usual format. We hope you enjoy! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking about onramping; how to get new players into playing and having fun as easily and quickly as possible. Our topics include everything from scenario design to rulebooks to component design and more! Jeff Fraser - jwfraser.ca If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. Extra Credits https://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraCreditz Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/pubs/MDA.pdf The Characteristics of Games https://amzn.to/3v3zc56 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. Peter's talk on the "shape" of the game: https://genesisoflegend.podbean.com/e/episode-181-the-shape-of-your-game/ Peter's talk on "blind/cold" playtesting: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/the-secret-sauce-of-game-design-with-peter-c-hayward/ Output/Input Randomness thread: https://twitter.com/peterchayward/status/1140663740804861952?s=20 The thread Peter referenced about verb based design:  https://twitter.com/coilingoracle/status/1237931019153674240  Here are all the books we referenced: 1984: https://amzn.to/3sNJh4z The Princess Bride: https://amzn.to/3dRvGVH Fifth Business: https://amzn.to/3dP1sTc The Uploaded: https://amzn.to/2QUUMtH S.: https://www.amazon.ca/S-Doug-Dorst/dp/0316201642 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about "elevator pitches" that members of the community have sent in. What they get right and where they can improve. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Noah "Angels" clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbkjkJzREd4 A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Sen-Foong Lim's talk on feedback. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XW73yLRU14 A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Here is our email. Send us your hooks to review, ask us a fun question, or email us if you are just feeling a little lonely. :)  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Shut up and sit down playing a megagame; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN71v9H_gg8 Shut up and sit down;  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86pIbGeBJPQ Board Game Design Lab featuring Peter talking about the two types of co-ops (It's a must listen to!-AJ) https://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/the-two-types-of-cooperative-games-with-peter-hayward/ So Very Wrong about Games (A.J.'s favourite board game reviewers) https://www.stitcher.com/show/so-very-wrong-about-games A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we discuss the inception of board games. What the advantages are of different starting points and what pitfalls to watch out for.  We also touch on designing board games as a product, designing for early prototyping and how to know if your game is going in the right direction. A.J.'s talk on why your (Good) game won't sell; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXxCIUiSMJk&t=37s Kevin Wilson IP games; https://twitter.com/KevinWilson42/status/999170580929802240?s=20  Disney imagineering talk; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX0Dw-RL_EU We would love to hear from you! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and email us your questions and comments! A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.