Explore every episode of the podcast Fun Problems
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #33 - Play Patterns | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:47:21 | |
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! | |||
| #32 - Fundamentals of Game Design and the Magic Circle | 20 Jul 2024 | 00:54:33 | |
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! | |||
| #25 That Time You Killed Me Design Diary | 20 Jun 2022 | 00:55:35 | |
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. | |||
| #24 Alex Horne Interview! The Design of Taskmaster | 17 Apr 2022 | 01:24:27 | |
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. | |||
| #23 Brain Chemistry Part 2 | 07 Feb 2022 | 01:06:15 | |
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. | |||
| #22 BONUS Inhuman Conditions | 17 Dec 2021 | 00:30:30 | |
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. | |||
| #21 Robotopia Design and Development Lessons | 07 Dec 2021 | 01:26:55 | |
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. | |||
| #20 Brain Chemistry, The Bedrock of Fun (Part 1) | 15 Nov 2021 | 00:59:29 | |
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. | |||
| #19 Structure VS Content | 02 Nov 2021 | 01:27:47 | |
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. | |||
| #18 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 2) | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:43:48 | |
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. | |||
| #17 Hook, Craft, Spirit (Part 1) | 01 Oct 2021 | 01:03:33 | |
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. | |||
| #16 Interview with Shannon McDowell (Puzzle and Escape Room Design) | 16 Sep 2021 | 01:11:30 | |
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. | |||
| #31 - Foundational Games | 18 Jun 2024 | 01:14:41 | |
Today we talk about Foundational Games; what games are so foundational to the craft that all game designers need to play them. 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. | |||
| #15 Interview with John Brieger (Developing and solo modes) | 02 Sep 2021 | 01:09:23 | |
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. | |||
| #14 Board Game Strengths and Weaknesses (of the medium) | 16 Aug 2021 | 01:13:52 | |
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. :) 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. | |||
| #13 Jeff Fraser Interview (Cartouche, Codesigning and more!) | 01 Aug 2021 | 00:53:57 | |
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 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. | |||
| #12 Fixing BGG (Rethinking Genres) | 16 Jul 2021 | 01:07:20 | |
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. :) 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. | |||
| # 11 Elegance and Cognitive Load | 06 Jul 2021 | 01:12:05 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #10 - BONUS Game Names | 01 Jul 2021 | 00:49:34 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #9 - Onramping (Designing for the first play) | 15 Jun 2021 | 01:07:22 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #8 - Board Game Terminology (Part 3) | 02 Jun 2021 | 01:04:04 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #7 - Board Game Terminology (Part 2) | 15 May 2021 | 01:07:37 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #6 - Board Game Terminology (Part 1) | 25 Apr 2021 | 01:00:30 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #30 - Minimum Viable Prototype | 31 May 2024 | 01:13:19 | |
Today we talk about How to get your game to the table FAST! Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! | |||
| #5 - Community Submitted Pitches/Hooks | 15 Mar 2021 | 01:09:34 | |
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. :) Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #4 - Design Space | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:59:32 | |
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. :) 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. | |||
| #3 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 2) | 02 Feb 2021 | 00:54:21 | |
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. | |||
| #2 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 1) | 12 Dec 2020 | 01:22:26 | |
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. :) 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. | |||
| #1 - Ideas | 22 Oct 2020 | 01:41:21 | |
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. | |||
| #29 - The absolute best way to Prototype | 02 May 2024 | 01:16:26 | |
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. 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. | |||
| Intuitive Rules – Peter solo episode! | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:24:37 | |
An unedited, one-take, no intro or outro episode! Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #28 - Cutting Rules and Rules Exceptions | 18 Aug 2023 | 01:22:43 | |
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! 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. | |||
| #27 - Game State | 29 Jul 2023 | 00:30:43 | |
Today we talk about Game State; how and when to track it, and how to consider it's use in game design. 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. | |||
| RIP | 09 Jul 2023 | 00:07:36 | |
What happened to Fun Problems? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| #26 Kids Games and Kid Friendly Games | 09 Jul 2022 | 01:15:55 | |
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. | |||