Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication

GDU 123 - Art Society

In episode 123 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with game designer Mitch Wallace about how a wide range of hobbies and a YouTube rabbit hole led him into game design. He shares how his curiosity sparked idea after idea, and how the original concept for Art Society evolved through rounds of feedback to find a balance that’s not too much or too little, but justtttt right.

We explore the power of the two-sentence “elevator” pitch when approaching publishers, the importance of aligning game mechanics with theme, and how playing a wide variety of games can elevate your design skills. Mitch also talks about learning to reset, rethink, and refine your ideas, being open to feedback, and staying confident in finding the right publishing fit.

We also touch on using inserts as part of the gameplay (not only to organize), multipurpose components, the suspense of waiting for your game as publishers get it to influencers and reviewers first, the joy of a convention launch, and the challenge of coming up with tiebreakers.

Featuring: 
Mitch Wallace - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 122 - License to Krill

In episode 122 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication, we talk with owner of MaKa Games and designer of License to Krill, Matthew Kambic, about how a pun inspired his debut game — and how he brought it to life with a custom plushie component.

Matthew shares how his engineering background, early love of games, and deep dive into research (contrary to popular belief, he’s not a marine biologist!) helped shape the project. We talk about the trials and tribulations of manufacturing, Kickstarter strategies, building crowdfunding communities through comments, and the importance of critical but constructive feedback from playtesters outside your inner circle.

We also discuss the details of the surprisingly complex manufacturing process behind the plushie (including some unusual state-specific laws!), the importance of building strong vendor relationships, and the financial realities of quantity pricing and investment.

Featuring: 
Matthew Kambic - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 121 - Shifting Stones

In episode 121 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication, J. Evan Raitt shares how an infamously frustrating game first sparked his interest in design, which eventually led to a make-your-own-game elective in college and most recently to the creation of Shifting Stones.

We talk about the theme being inspired by his fascination with traditional Mayan glyphs, how other types of designers or artists can fill creative gaps, the importance of player options in abstract games, clever touches like dual-sided reference cards, collaborating closely with fast-paced publishers, and how casual conversations can turn connections in the industry into real opportunities.

Featuring: 

J. Evan Raitt - Guest

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 120 - CHEW

In episode 120 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Pete Petrusha of Imagining Games about adapting the Eisner award-winning Image comic series, CHEW, into a Forged in the Dark foodie crime drama TTRPG!

 

They discuss several delicious topics including the concept of meeting needs and answering questions with your game designs (what’s something I can play in the hallway with my friends at PAX right now?), obtaining the rights to use ALL the art from the entirety of the comic, incorporating an IP into an RPG - in this case, adapting and building within a pre-existing RPG system to make unique mechanics for the theme - winning an ENNIE award, and more.

 

So take a breather from our clucked up world for a second and listen to some fantastic food for thought!

 

Featuring: 

Pete Petrusha - Guest

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 119 - Cretaceous Rails

In episode 119 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Ann Journey about what inspired her to create a game about going back in time to see the dinosaurs, rather than bringing them here to the modern day and age. (Because that never goes well!)

 

They talk about revisiting and combining concepts and mechanics from previous game designs to make something new, the value of friendly local game stores and in-person playtesting groups, bringing a developer on board (more brains are better than one), gamer love for upgraded components, and the importance of great graphic design when it comes to multi-use components.

 

They also take a look at how Crustaceous Rails ended up being a completely local production, the trials and tribulations of producing colored miniatures, and the team’s use of marketing to tackle hidden challenges that surfaced after launch - in this case creating a colorful game about dinosaurs that people started to assume was for kids at a first glance.

 

Featuring: 

Ann Journey - Guest

Danielle Reynolds - Host

 

GDU 118 - Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game

In episode 118 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Pat Marino, game developer and Director of Hobby Games for The Op about capturing the excitement of the Cuphead video game in a unique tabletop experience that resonated with existing fans and the board game community.

They explore what it takes to work with licensed IPs including navigating the approval process, scouting at licensing expos, and creating contract terms and timelines. Pat also breaks down the importance of designing for different player types (completionists, story-driven players, challenge-seekers, etc.), and how offering multiple gameplay options can make a game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Featuring: 
Pat Marino - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 117 - Please Don’t Burn My Village

In episode 117 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Simon Weinberg about his journey from reviewing terrible games to realizing just how tough it is to make good ones. He shares lessons from navigating the publishing world like understanding a company's catalog before pitching, being patient during the long evaluation process, and the importance of building friendly, professional relationships with publishers.

 

They also discuss waking up from dreams of complete game ideas, defining your goal as a designer, how card and dice games are easiest to iterate (and recruit playtesters for), writing wacky designer diaries, bribing dragons, and that yes - game design is in fact, a real job!

 

Featuring: 

Simon Weinberg - Guest

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 116 - Biome

In episode 116 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer Leonie Grundler about what inspired her nature-themed tableau builder, Biome. 

They discuss how inspiration can come from the worst places - like being laid off from a tech startup and catching COVID - how binge-playing Wingspan sparked the idea for the game, and tough design questions like: Should games aim for perfect balance, or can a few spicy, overpowered cards keep things interesting? They also explore the practical side of choosing to self-publish, finding playtesters in your own backyard, launching Lioness Games, sourcing manufacturers, and being your game's greatest advocate. 

Featuring:
Leonie Grundler - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 115 - Piles!

In episode 115 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with game designer and co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment, Cameron Ring, covering everything from the value of short form video and social media marketing in the tabletop industry, to the importance of making games you find fun.

 

Danielle and Cameron talk about Lost Boy Entertainment's roots as a family business, leaning into the inspiration of classic game mechanics to develop something new, having fun with wacky game themes (Piles! makes laundry fun!), teaching playtesters gaming vocabulary, and bribing your friends and family with food and drinks to test your games.

 

Featuring: 

Cameron Ring - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 114 - The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints

In episode 114 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Ace Ellett, half of Bluefish Games - the company he and his wife Anna founded as a result of their love for escape rooms and puzzles.

 

Danielle and Ace talk about what went into the fictional world of Hincksville and the character Bluefish created as a mechanism to drive their puzzle/mystery series. They discuss how to playtest escape room games, the art of hiding clues in plain sight, the importance of including a balance of different puzzles to keep everyone playing entertained, how to choose materials wisely (and cost effectively), and what makes the perfect “at-home puzzle experience”.

 

The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints is an audiobook mystery, so they also talk about the different challenges to consider that were different when compared to designing a “standard” escape puzzle - although, there are no rules when it comes to escape rooms!

 

Featuring: 

Ace Ellett - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host