E 176. Can you design a community?

E 176. Can you design a community?

The conversation delves into the world of game design, community, and the challenges faced by designers. It explores early board game experiences, the impact of colorblindness on gaming, and the importance of accessibility in board game design. The transition to game design and publishing is discussed, along with the struggle of idea generation and the vulnerability in playtesting. The founding of the Board Game Proto Hype Group and its membership and global reach are also highlighted. The conversation covers topics such as overcoming imposter syndrome, the role of content creators, trends in UK board gaming, and the legacy and impact of game publishing. Evan Wilcock shares insights on community building, motivation, and the challenges of game publishing, providing valuable perspectives for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts. Takeaways * The importance of community and support in the world of game design and publishing. * The challenges and opportunities in creating accessible and inclusive board games. Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge for new game designers. * Content creators play a significant role in promoting and supporting game designers. * The UK board gaming scene is seeing a trend towards smaller, travel-friendly games. * The legacy of a game designer is defined by the impact and enjoyment their games bring to players. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Game Design and Community * 07:22 Accessibility in Board Game Design * 17:25 The Struggle of Idea Generation * 22:38 Vulnerability in Playtesting * 30:00 Membership and Global Reach * 44:55 The Role of Content Creators * 56:52 Trends in UK Board Gaming * 01:03:29 Legacy and Impact

E175. Meeple 2 KoreanMeeple

The conversation delves into the childhood and family influence on the guest's board game journey, the discovery of the modern board gaming hobby, building a brand around the Korean Meeple, misconceptions about board gamers, the importance of finding the best in every game, engaging non-gamers in the hobby, and the psychology of player color choice. The conversation delves into the significance of color in revealing playstyles, the impact of content creators on game exploration, and the value of exploring new and obscure games. It also discusses the disappointment of popular games, the unexpected enjoyment of doubted games, and the lasting impression of impactful games. Additionally, it highlights underrated game publishers, the excitement for upcoming gaming events, and provides advice for aspiring content creators. The conversation concludes with an invitation to connect with the Korean Meeple on Instagram and participate in deep-dive interview series, emphasizing the importance of playing more games and being kind to one another. Takeaways * Board games as a bonding experience * The importance of finding the best in every game Play for fun, not just to win * Exploring game mechanics and themes is more important than winning * Don't live by comparison, focus on enjoying what you do * It's okay to take a break or quit if it's no longer enjoyable Chapters * 00:00 Favorite Player Color and Psychology of Color Choice * 37:29 Influence of Content Creators * 49:14 Games That Stick with You * 55:59 Looking Ahead to Origins * 01:05:05 Connecting with the Korean Meeple

E174. Who's your Cardboard Cousins?

The conversation covers the introduction of Board Game Bruh, childhood memories of board games, the transition to modern board games, the journey of The Board Game Bruh, and misconceptions about board games. The key takeaways include the importance of diversity in the board game community and the accessibility of modern board games. The conversation covers the challenges of explaining board games to non-gamers, personal board game experiences, preferences, and tattoos, favorite board games, specific board game discussions, building and balancing online and local board game communities, authenticity and humor in content creation, and games loved and hated. The conversation covers various topics related to board games, content creation, and personal experiences. It delves into the disappointment of overproduced games, the concept of multiple paths to victory, advice for content creators, and the idea of a throwback Thursday series exploring board game history. Takeaways * Diversity in the board game community * Accessibility of modern board games Talking to non-gamers about board games can be challenging * Authenticity and humor are important in content creation Content creation advice * Exploring different paths to victory Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Board Game Bruh * 13:18 The Journey of The Board Game Bruh * 20:40 Challenges of Explaining Board Games to Non-Gamers * 25:52 Favorite Board Games and Memorable Experiences * 32:11 Building and Balancing Online and Local Board Game Communities * 40:43 Critter Kitchen and Overproduction * 49:30 Inspiration for Content Creation * 55:42 Connecting with the Audience

B06. 4th Anniversary

The conversation covers the celebration of the podcast's four-year anniversary, the anticipation of the UK Games Expo, the use of AI in work and gaming, the evolution of the podcast and content creation, and the discussion of favorite games and collection management. The conversation also highlights the community and hobby evolution, as well as the adaptation to change. The conversation delves into the rediscovery of classic games, the appeal of trick-taking games, the enjoyment of older games, and the evolution of board games over time. It also explores the accessibility of The Gallerist and the enjoyment of Menaph, highlighting the themes of classic games, trick-taking games, and the evolution of board games. The conversation covers PJ Oubre's top four games of the last four years, each with unique mechanics and themes. The discussion also includes podcast recommendations and insights into the UK Games Expo. Takeaways * Community and Hobby Evolution * Adapting to Change Classic games revisited * Trick-taking games * Older games embraced Diverse Game Selection * Game Mechanics and Themes * Podcast Recommendations Chapters * 00:00 Favorite Games and Collection Management * 28:05 Rediscovering Classic Games * 34:25 The Gallerist and Accessibility * 39:25 Menaph and Game Enjoyment * 46:12 The Evolution of Board Games * 01:10:14 2026: Nippon by Crowd Games

E173. How many horses are in your stable? Ft. @kristenmottgaming

The conversation with game designer Kristen Mott covers her theme-first approach to game design, the influence of her children on her game designs, the educational and thematic aspects of her games, the importance of playtesting and feedback, and the evolution of game concepts from initial inspiration to final design. The conversation delves into the impact of stable times, game development challenges, the importance of theme and mechanics, ludo-narrative assonance, mechanical overhauls, approach to game design and collaboration, finding the right design partner, solo vs. co-designing games, the community of game designers, player experience and takeaways, evolution of game design approach, and future game releases and themes. Takeaways * Theme-first approach * Influence of children on game design * Educational and thematic game design * Playtesting and feedback * Evolution of game concepts Theme and mechanics should seamlessly mesh together * Collaboration with co-designers can lead to innovative and diverse game designs Chapters * 00:00 Stable Times: Evolution of Game Concept * 56:43 Future Game Releases and Themes