#313 Civilization Series 2
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, David V. Heron
1d ago
Welcome to the second episode of the series on the “Civilization” games, as well as other 4X titles. Continuing from episode one, the pair talk about the phenomenon of “One More Turn”, using overlapping progression paths, and quality life improvements for the genre. They also share their insights on the game “Humankind”, as well as how their attitudes toward real life affect how they act within a 4X game ..read more
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#312 Civilization Series 1
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, David V, Heron, Soren Johnson
2w ago
This episode marks the beginning of a new series focused on the Civilization series of games. Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson to discuss their background with the Civilization games, and how they got introduced to the series. They discuss the development of the earlier games, as well as the broader strokes of Civilization, including the hallmarks of a 4X game, what design space Civ occupies, and where they would like the series to go in Civ 7 and beyond ..read more
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#311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, Kathryn Hymes & Anna Anthropy
1M ago
Dirk and Kathryn Hymes meet this episode to talk with Anna Anthropy, digital and tabletop designer known for her prolific work with non-traditional themes. They discuss Anna’s career in game design, and her path into becoming an educator. Topics include why violence is an attractive game element, dealing with releasing art and it no longer being one’s own, one page games, and the absence of sex as a theme or topic ..read more
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#310 Listener Questions
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, David V. Heron
1M ago
Dirk and David answer another round of listener questions! They discuss how mobile and desktop games differ, what makes a game “broken”, and tips to follow when designing around a licensed property. They also delve into design stagnation and following what was done before you, as well as when to innovate and when to iterate ..read more
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#309 Industry and Loose Leaf with Tanya X. Short
The Game Design Round Table
by Tanya X. Short, Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron
2M ago
Dirk and David are joined by Tanya X. Short, Captain of Kitfox Games. They discuss the balance between appealing to market sensibilities and following one’s own interests, and how to make them work together. They also discuss the difficulty in funding projects with non-normative themes, barriers toward funding indie games, and the unique problems and solutions created while making Loose Leaf ..read more
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#308 Narrative AI with Emily Short
The Game Design Round Table
by Emily Short, Dirk Knemeyer, David V. Heron
2M ago
Dirk and David are joined by legendary interactive fiction writer and creative director of Failbetter Games Emily Short. The trio discuss Emily’s career, her contributions to interactive fiction, and some of her thoughts on both traditional game AI and modern generative AI. Topics include modeling relationships in games, player psychology and how much information to give, and how game AI can be used in non-combat oriented experiences ..read more
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#307 Roundtable with Soren Johnson
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, David V. Heron, Soren Johnson
2M ago
Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson, friend of the show and founder of Mohawk Games. The trio answers questions and design problems from the community, and follow up on recent episodes. Topics include achievements and collectables, the importance of having an art style, when to innovate and when to fall back on convention, and how to integrate community involvement in the design process ..read more
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#306 A Highland Song with Jon Ingold
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer, Jon Ingold, David V. Heron
2M ago
Dirk and David are joined by Jon Ingold, narrative designer and co-founder of Inkle Studios. They discuss Inkle’s newly released video game A Highland Song, centered around exploration, discovery, and engaging the human form within nature. They discuss the mechanics around rewarding and incentivizing players in an exploration game, ways to hide the quantum ogre, and how to utilize elements of randomness within a story-driven experience ..read more
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#305 Thirsty Suitors with Chandana Ekanayake
The Game Design Round Table
by Chandana Ekanayake, Dirk Knemeyer, David V. Heron
3M ago
Dirk and David are joined by Chandana Ekanayake, Game Director of Outerloop Games and long-time designer. They discuss Eka’s newly released Thirsty Suitors, a turn-based adventure game centering around culture, relationships, family, and self-expression. They discuss Eka’s career,  Outerloop’s titles, and what makes Thirsty Suitors so special. Topics include designing in VR, designing the game only you can make, the game’s strengths and weaknesses, and working within budget.  ..read more
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#304 Listener Questions November 2023
The Game Design Round Table
by Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron
4M ago
It’s time for another round of listener questions! In this episode, Dirk and David field questions from the community, discussing a variety of subjects. Topics include the validity and usefulness of player taxonomies, the pros and cons of game jams, and the considerations that go into creating an expansion for physical and digital products ..read more
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