In this special live episode recorded at Gen Con 2024, I share key lessons from my 20 years in the game industry, including insights from working with industry legends like Richard Garfield and designing major games like Ascension, Shards of Infinity, Bakugan, and SolForge Fusion. Here are some key takeaways:

* Emotional Impact: Pay close attention to how games make players feel. Player experience is the most important metric for a game.

* Set Deadlines: Setting deadlines and doing your best to hit them will change your life—deadlines are magic.

* Core Design Loop: Focus on regular iteration and refining ideas.

* Community: Building solid relationships with other creators is essential for growth. Always ask what value you can add, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.

If these ideas resonate with you, join my Think Like A Game Designer Mastery Course to receive hands-on guidance and turn your game ideas into reality. You'll have the opportunity to pitch your game to real publishers, work with a creative community, and receive expert feedback as you bring your designs to life. Sign up now!

Ethan Mollick joins us today to share his insights into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Ethan is an associate professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in innovation and entrepreneurship. He also co-directs the Generative AI Lab at Wharton, which focuses on developing prototypes and conducting research to explore how AI can help humans thrive while reducing risks. His body of work includes the book Co-Intelligence, a New York Times bestseller that delves into AI's current state and future, as well as numerous published papers in top academic journals.

In this episode, Ethan takes us through his journey from working at MIT's Media Lab with AI pioneer Marvin Minsky to becoming a leading voice on the impact of AI on work and education. He shares practical advice on how creatives, including game designers, can wield AI to enhance their work while navigating its ethical complexities. Ethan and I reflect on co-designing the Breakthrough Game, which has been used by organizations like Google and Twitter to boost innovation and creativity. There’s a lot to learn from this episode, so get those notebooks out—Enjoy!

About Jane Chung Hoffacker

Jane Chung Hoffacker, an Emmy Award-winning producer for the acclaimed "Arcane" series based on League of Legends, is an incredibly accomplished jack-of-all-trades. She graduated from the Wharton School of Business with a degree in economics and then went on to get another degree in Game Design. She’s worked on everything from indy games to huge IPs like League of Legends and Guitar Hero. As CEO and Co-Founder of Incredible Dream Studios, she has channeled her passion into creating a game studio dedicated to bringing together communities through shared adventures. She’s an inspiration to me and I’ve waited a long time to have this conversation!

In this episode of "Think Like A Game Designer," we discuss the art of developing intellectual properties, thinking like you’re in a writer's room, founding an animation studio, and exploring the concepts of "Red Ocean" and "Blue Ocean" strategies. Get ready for an episode brimming with insights—you’re about to fill your notebook from the first page to the last!

C. Thi Nguyen is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah and the author of the incredible book "Games: Agency as Art." In this episode, Thi delves into his theory of games as an art form that revolves around agency. His website, Objectionable.net, showcases an extensive collection of published papers on games, the philosophy of technology, and other intriguing topics. My conversation with Thi digs into the essence of games—exploring their power, addictiveness, and how game concepts can be applied to enhance your daily life. Don't miss this episode for a thought-provoking journey into the philosophy of games with Thi Nguyen.

Visit http://justingarydesign.com/ for show notes, game design lessons, and more!

Maxine “MJ” Newman joins me to chat about her leap from lawyering to senior game designer at Fantasy Flight Games. As a game designer at Fantasy Flight, MJ serves as the co-lead designer for the popular Arkham Horror card game and is also a developer on the Lord of the Rings card game. We discuss everything from her dad sparking her game design love to the Arkham Horror card game and its teamwork-boosting twists. Outside of her work, MJ is also a self-published novelist and contributing writer to publications like Dragon magazine. MJ discusses the creative differences between her career as a game designer and her work as an author, comparing the solitude of book writing to the team effort of game creation. If you're into stories of passion projects turning into careers, storytelling within card games, and how game jams can spark creativity, you'll love this talk. Tune in to hear how she's making her mark in the gaming world and beyond. Enjoy!

Visit http://justingarydesign.com/ for show notes, game design lessons, and more!

This episode is stand-alone, but if you’d like to hear more about the Mega Crit team behind Slay the Spire, check out last week’s episode!

Anthony Giovannetti, the co-creator of "Slay the Spire" and a pioneer in digital deck-building games, joins us for a discussion following our episode with his design partner, Casey Yano. He delves into their early days of game development, emphasizing the importance of completing and learning from projects, regardless of the outcome. Anthony also reflects on balancing work and life during the intense launch of Slay the Spire and discusses the positive impact of embracing fan-made mods like Downfall, which significantly boosted the game's popularity and sales. I highly recommend listening to Anthony’s episode along with Casey’s to glean every bit of wisdom from this incredible design team. Having Anthony on the Think Like A Game Designer Podcast was an absolute blast—enjoy!

Casey Yano is a true innovator in the gaming world, known for his unique blend of creativity and technical skill. As a co-founder of MegaCrit Games and one of the brains behind the hit game "Slay the Spire," Casey's approach to game design is about embracing the grind and paying attention to the little things that make the biggest differences. In this episode, we discuss his early days with game testing and the massive success of "Slay the Spire." It’s a fantastic conversation with someone who's not just shaping games but also shaping the way we think about game design.

Steven Pressfield stands as a titan in the literary world, a master of historical fiction with profound insights into the creative process. He's renowned for works like "The Gates of Fire," which earned him accolades, including Spartan citizenship. His book, "The War of Art," introduces the concept of resistance, offering strategies for artists to overcome this ruthless creative demon. We discuss his days grappling with self-doubt and his triumphs as a legendary author. His stories are not just tales of the past, but lessons in perseverance and the relentless pursuit of creativity. Hosting Steven on the Think Like A Game Designer Podcast holds special significance for me. His books and stories about confronting creative resistance mirror the difficulties I’ve faced in each of my creative endeavors. It's an honor to share this episode with our listeners.

Tim Hutchings is a unique voice in the world of game design, known for his innovative approach that blends his rich background in fine arts with interactive storytelling. Hutchings' journey from the world of high art to game design is marked by his acclaimed creation, 'Thousand Year Old Vampire,' a solo-RPG game that exemplifies his talent for crafting deeply emotional and immersive experiences. As a professor of game design, Hutchings imparts both practical and theoretical wisdom, guiding his students through the exploration of games in innovative and thought-provoking ways. It was a joy to have him on the show to discuss the art and philosophy of game design.

Michael Borys stands out in the game design landscape for his exceptional blend of interactive design expertise and storytelling prowess. He has worked on some of the world's biggest brands, including Disney, Warner Brothers, Microsoft, Activision, Paramount, and Sony. As Vice President of Interaction Design at 42 Entertainment, he led the creation of groundbreaking experiences, earning consecutive Cannes Lions Grand Prix Awards for his innovative Alternate Reality Games. These games, which spanned franchises like Batman and Call of Duty, engaged millions globally. Michael's work covers various mediums, from theme park attractions to cutting-edge augmented reality and location-based entertainment projects. Beyond his design career, Michael is a magician member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood. He is celebrated for his immersive show “The 49 Boxes,” which has captivated audiences across the United States. Borys' dedication to authenticity, magic, and history, combined with his love for storytelling, imbues his creations with a truly unbelievable level of immersion. His newest experience is a tabletop game called The Arkham Asylum Files for the company Infinite Rabbit Holes. Having him share his insights and experiences on the Think Like A Game Designer Podcast was a privilege.

Morgan Page, the renowned DJ and music producer, has etched his mark in the world of electronic music with hits like "The Longest Road" and "In the Air." His influence transcends pulsating beats and catchy melodies, extending into the realm of songwriting, sound design, and even the science of creativity.

In this episode, we unravel the layers of Morgan's creative endeavors, delving into his artistic pursuits and insights into harnessing one's creative juices. Whether you're a budding game designer, musician, or someone seeking to inject creativity into your daily life, this conversation promises a treasure trove of knowledge. Tune in and Enjoy!

About Mark Otero

In this episode, join us for an insightful discussion with Mark Otero, a true innovator in the gaming sphere. Starting with his humble beginnings founding KlickNation, an entity that caught Electronic Arts' attention, Mark's journey is one of risk, innovation, and striking success in game design. His unique perspective on community engagement, in-game economics, and narrative-driven experiences has reshaped how we think about interactive environments. Dive into a conversation exploring the challenges and triumphs that have defined his career, and glean invaluable wisdom from one of the industry's pioneering minds.

In this episode of "Think Like a Game Designer," I take a different approach by presenting a solo discussion without any guests. Here, I focus on a concept I introduced in a previous episode with Stephan Brissaud: the CORE Attributes. These attributes became very popular among listeners, so much so, that I thought it worth expanding upon in a new episode.

I'll be elaborating on these core attributes, which I believe are essential for success: Curiosity, Obsession, Resilience, and Empathy. My goal is to provide a deeper understanding of these attributes in your life, offering insights and practical advice.

CORE Attribute References:

Summary of CORE Attributes:

* Curiosity: The spark that drives learning and exploration. Stay curious and keep exploring.

* Obsession: The focus and dedication needed to dive deep into a subject. Find something you're passionate about and dive in, blocking out all distractions.

* Resilience: The ability to overcome challenges and use setbacks to fuel growth. Learn from your failures and keep pushing forward.

* Empathy: This point is about understanding others and adding value to people’s lives. Our creative work has to serve others to be truly meaningful and we need to enroll others into our projects by understanding and speaking to their needs.

These attributes have been crucial in both my personal and professional life. In this episode, I share personal anecdotes and practical exercises to help you cultivate these traits.

I’d love to hear your feedback and engage with you through my Substack and Twitter. I'm incredibly grateful for this community and the opportunity to share these insights with you.

Game Links:

* Ascension Legends

* You Gotta Be Kitten Me

* SolForge Fusion

Join us in this episode as we chat with the legendary Reiner Knizia, the mastermind behind over 700 games. With a Ph.D. in mathematics, Reiner transitioned from banking to establish one of the most recognized and enjoyed brands in the gaming world. From his early titles like Gold Digger and Desperados, his influence spans collaborations with global licenses such as The Lord of the Rings, LEGO, and Star Wars. With over 13 million sales worldwide, standout titles include his acclaimed auction and tile-laying trilogies. It was an absolute pleasure to explore his game design philosophy!

Stefan’s journey in game design has been nothing short of exceptional. Hailing from Supercell, the creative force behind hits like Hay Day and Clash of Clans, Stefan’s career has defied genre boundaries. As a Game Designer on the Clash Royale team at Supercell, Stefan immerses himself in every facet of game design. His primary focus revolves around gameplay balancing, crafting the intricate game economy, and shaping the game’s systems to perfection. With a passion for creating unforgettable gaming experiences, Stefan Engblom brings his unique insights and expertise to the table. Join us for an awesome discussion with Stefan Engblom on this episode of Think Like A Game Designer.

Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio’s founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part one of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson.

Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio’s founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part one of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson.

Jon Barry is the founder of Forged Gaming, a renowned game accessories company. Jon has dedicated himself to creating a plethora of products that enhance the gaming experience, such as dice and game master screens. His pursuit of excellence and deep passion for gaming have driven him to push the boundaries of the industry, establishing Forged Games as a leader in the gaming accessory market. For those eager to learn about game accessory creation, this episode offers a wealth of invaluable lessons and insights.

As a member of the Stone Blade team, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Gary Arant since the company’s earliest days. Gary has played a crucial role in every game we’ve ever made, including Ascension, Ascension Tactics, Shards of Infinity, and SolForge Fusion. I was honored to speak with Gary on an episode of Think Like A Game Designer. I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a talented and dedicated colleague in the field. Gary’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the games we create at Stone Blade, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the future.

Jamey Stegmaier is the CEO of Stonemaier Games and the creator of games such as Scythe and Viticulture. He is a prolific content creator and thought leader in the Kickstarter and game design space, who’s spent years making videos and writing articles on nearly every aspect of running a game company. To be fair, Jamey probably interviews me just as much as I interview him, and we end up discussing everything from creating games to content generation to crowdfunding—so much knowledge is packed into this episode that it would be hard to list it all here! Enjoy!

Matt is easily the most punk rock game designer I’ve ever interviewed, and it’s no wonder because their professional life is rooted in collectivism, art, nerdery, social justice, and DIY punk rock. He is the Creative Director of Forever Stoked Creative, a studio they founded over a decade ago. Matt also owns Elm City Games, a game shop/library in New Haven, Connecticut. They founded the New Haven Game Makers Guild, organized Fantasticon, and do consulting across the game industry as well as for corporate, NGO, and institutional clients like Netflix and Yale. In this episode, we discuss the world of indy games and have a fantastic time!

About Jonathan Tweet

Jonathan Tweet joins us today to share his 25-year journey through the gaming industry. His impressive portfolio includes titles such as Ars Magica, Over the Edge, Everway, and Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition. In addition to his work in game design, Jonathan is also a successful children's book author. His book Grandmother Fish is the first designed to teach evolution to preschoolers, blending his game design expertise with educational storytelling. In this episode, Jonathan takes us through his beginnings, from self-publishing Ars Magica in 1987 to freelancing for games like RuneQuest and Call of Cthulhu. He provides insights into the development of Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition, explaining the open gaming license and its impact on the RPG industry. Jonathan also shares a personal story about a live event game he designed that significantly influenced my life. I can’t wait for you to dig into this episode—Enjoy!

Isaac Vega has been designing board games for over a decade. Isaac has sold over 500,000 copies of his games worldwide and is an award-winning designer. He co-founded Rose Gauntlet Entertainment and is the designer of the hit game Dead of Winter. There are so many awesome lessons in this episode. Let’s get started!

Sean K. Reynolds is a prolific writer and game designer who’s worked on hundreds of supplements for various RPGs, including Dungeons & Dragons. Sean and I met years ago when we were both working for Upper Deck, where Sean was an IP developer. From there, he left to develop the Pathfinder RPG at Paizo. He currently works for Monte Cook Games, where he just finished the Kickstarter for the Planebreaker RPG alongside legendary RPG designers Bruce R. Cordell and Monte Cook. Sean is an awesome guest with lots to share!

Ben Brode worked for Blizzard for 15 years, working his way up from a low-level position to become one of the lead designers of the monstrously successful game Hearthstone. He is now the Chief Creative Officer at his own game studio called Second Dinner, which created the digital collectible card game for Marvel called Marvel Snap. This episode was super-fun to record, with some great stories and many great lessons about creating some of the biggest digital card games on the planet!

Alex Watkins is the head of organized play for SolForge Fusion, but before joining our team, he had years of experience running organized play for games like Keyforge and X-Wing. We're super excited to have him on the show today, discussing how organized play systems are developed, the relationship between organized play and game design, and what organized play will look like for SolForge Fusion.

John D. Clair is the designer of Mystic Vale, which was awarded the ORIGINS Award and Gamer’s Choice award in 2017. His other titles include Downfall, Rumble Pie, Custom Heroes, Space Base, and Edge of Darkness. He is a fantastic designer with a lot of wisdom to share. In this episode, we discuss learning from mistakes made in previous designs, handling legal protections for new designs, and making the most of game components to make your games more fun and exciting.

Luke has done a lot of incredible work as a game designer, working on indie games like Miskatonic School for Girls all the way up to massive games like Bakugan. He’s worked for a lot of awesome companies (Games Workshop, AEG, SpinMaster, Wizards of the Coast) in a variety of different positions and knows the industry from top to bottom. In today’s episode, we talk a lot about how the game design mindset applies to not just the game industry but also to business and life—Enjoy!

Phil has a great origin story because it is one that represents what it’s like for most designers to make it in the industry. His most popular game, Sushi Go!, has sold over a million copies and has been translated into 20 languages. Phil specializes in games that are easy to learn, and that can be played by people of all ages. In the Think Like A Game Designer course, I often use Phil’s games like Gizmos and Sushi Go!, as examples of elegant distillations of core principles. There are some amazing lessons in this episode—Enjoy!

Alan Phan and his team recently launched a million-dollar Kickstarter for a trading card game called The Grand Archive. What’s amazing is that he and his friends had never made a trading card game before, so today we’re going to learn a little bit more about Alan and his story. Enjoy!

Richard Bartle is a legend among game designers. He has a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence and is the co-creator of the first virtual world ever to exist, a game called Multi-Use Dungeon or M.U.D. Richard authored the book Designing Virtual Worlds and his most recent book is How to be a god: A Guide for Would Be Deities, in which he examines the history, ethics, structure, and technology of MMOs. His research on player personalities and what’s called the Bartle Test had a significant impact on my designs, which is why I’m so excited to interview him today. This episode is a fascinating one, that focuses on virtual worlds: past, present, and future!

Jeff Engelstein joins us today to share his expansive journey in the gaming world. An award-winning tabletop game designer, Jeff has crafted acclaimed titles such as Space Cadets, The Fog of War, Pit Crew, and Super Skill Pinball. Beyond game design, Jeff is an adjunct professor at the NYU Game Center, where he imparts his deep knowledge of game mechanics and theory. He has contributed extensively to the Dice Tower podcast series on the math, science, and psychology of games and has hosted the Ludology podcast, diving into the intricacies of game design. With a degree in physics and electrical engineering from MIT and leadership roles at companies like Mars International, Mind Bullet Games, and Navar Engelstein Associates, Jeff brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and creative insight to his work. In this episode, Jeff discusses his origin story, the impact of psychology on gameplay, and the evolving tools and techniques that shape game design today. Tune in to uncover the depth of Jeff Engelstein’s expertise and his contributions to the games industry.

Brotherwise Games, headquartered in Los Angeles, was established in 2012 by the dynamic duo, Chris and Johnny O’Neal. Over the years, the "Brothers Wise" have carved a niche for themselves, emerging as one of the most notable indie success stories in the tabletop gaming arena. In today's episode, we delve into the intricacies of collaborating with family, effective game marketing strategies, the art of partnering with influencers, and insights into what publishers seek in games. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge, and I'm so excited to bring it to you. Dive in and enjoy!

JT Smith started designing games when he was in high school and wanted an easier way to prototype his game. His drive to find a better way to prototype led him to found the company Game Crafter, a company that allows you to print prototypes and even produce your game on a small scale. In addition to Game Crafter, JT has programmed a number of incredible tools for creating card prototypes, migrating your physical games to programs like Tabletop Simulator, and even running entire conventions. Thanks to JT this episode of the Think Like A Game Designer will, no doubt, make your game design life easier. 

Richard is the creator of Magic: The Gathering, KeyForge, Netrunner, Vampire: The Eternal Struggle, Battletech(CCG) and a lot more. He is a pioneer in the collectible card game genre and one of the most well-known game designers in the world. In this episode of the show, we discuss his life in game design, the development of Magic: The Gathering and KeyForge, and a variety of topics dealing with the challenges of creating collectible card games. This episode is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable episodes I’ve recorded for Think Like a Game Designer – grab a notebook and take a listen!

Peter Adkison is not just a cornerstone of the gaming industry; he's the force behind revolutionizing it. As the founder of Wizards of the Coast, he introduced the world to phenomena like Magic: The Gathering and reinvigorated Dungeons & Dragons, shaping modern gaming. Now, as the owner of Gen Con and the creative mind at Chaldea Studios, he's melding gaming with filmmaking. In this episode, we explore Peter's unparalleled journey, insights from founding to selling a company, and his continual passion for innovation.

Elizabeth Hargrave’s games are known for breaking the thematic mold. In her first game, Wingspan, you play as bird enthusiasts out to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. The game is wildly popular and won the 2019 Kennerspiel des Jahres. In this episode, we discuss designing, playtesting, and pitching these groundbreaking games.

Jason Charles Miller is a multifaceted artist, best known for his accomplished music career and significant voice acting roles. As a musician, Miller has released numerous albums, both as a solo artist and with his band, and has shared stages with prominent names in the music industry. Transitioning to voice acting, he has lent his voice to a variety of characters across video games and animated series, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. In addition to music and acting, Jason is an avid live streamer, engaging with fans through platforms like Twitch where he shares stories, plays music, and even collaborates on songwriting. With his undeniable passion and wide-ranging talents, Miller continues to leave an indelible mark on every medium he touches. It’s awesome to have him here to tell his amazing stories!

Bruno Faidutti is the legendary creator of Citadel and Knightmare, two games that have inspired me throughout the years along with 40+ additional published games. In addition to game design, Bruno has studied law, economics, and history, and knows an awful lot about unicorns. This episode is full of lessons on design fundamentals, rules creation, and drafting games, in particular. Enjoy!

Rodney Thompson has been designing games professionally for over 15 years. He has worked on some of the industry’s most significant properties, including Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, Lords of Waterdeep, Tyrants of the Underdark, and Dark Sun. He’s currently a designer for the Destiny franchise at Bungie and develops his personal projects at Scratchpad Publishing. This episode has a detailed deep dive into building worker placement games and roleplaying games. If you love these games, you’ll love this episode.

About Stephan Brissaud

Stephan Brissaud joins us today to explore his extensive career in navigating the gaming industry. With his roots beginning at Nintendo, Stephan has tackled roles from COO of Iello to President of the Game Manufacturers Association and Senior Director of Games at Funko. He’s not just a veteran; he’s a strategist and consultant who has mastered the art of bringing games from concept to consumer hands, navigating marketing strategies, distribution channels, and retail complexities. In today's episode, Stephan discusses how game design intertwines with marketing and expansion, sharing insights that creatives can't afford to ignore. Tune in to discover the depth of Stephan Brissaud’s impact on the games industry and the lessons from his journey that could redefine your approach to game design and creativity.

Want to support the podcast and get more design lessons?

Paying subscribers enjoy an abundance of extra game design content and an exclusive newsletter with new lessons, archive access, videos, and more! By opting for a free or paid subscription, you can get the latest articles delivered to your inbox and support this podcast!

John Zinser is the CEO of Alderac Entertainment Group. His game design career started over 30 years ago, with Shadis Magazine and the CCG Legend of the Five Rings. In this episode, he tells one of the most entertaining and educational origin stories on the podcast. He’s a great storyteller and an even better teacher. 

Monte Cook is a legend among roleplaying game designers. Monte has worked on hundreds of roleplaying products. He is probably best known for his work on the 3rd Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Planescape, Ptolus, and Arcana Evolved. In addition, his own games Numenera, the Cypher Systems, and Invisible Sun, have won numerous awards. In this episode, we’ll discuss Monte’s philosophies on developing roleplaying games, the importance of clear rules and good writing, and what it takes to bring new people into strange and wondrous worlds. Enjoy!

Rob Daviau pioneered the legacy game genre, starting with Risk: Legacy. In addition, he’s worked with a variety of beloved titles: Star Wars, Axis & Allies, Pandemic, Betrayal at House on The Hill, just to name a few. In this episode, we go into detail about Legacy Game development and how to successfully work with beloved properties.