Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication

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

GDU 113 - RESISTOR_

In episode 113 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Nicole Amato about transitioning into tabletop design after starting out as a video game journalist, small local game jams leading to big opportunities and how people choosing to use your innovative game mechanic in their prototype is flattering!

 

They also chat about the "politics" of popular (and extinct) video game conventions and the industry crossover there as well as their hack of using magic recording pens to help take notes. Listen to the rise of the "2-player renaissance" and the age-old publish vs. crowdfund conundrum on this episode!

 

Featuring: 

Nicole Amato - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

 

GDU 112 - Sentai & Sensibility

In episode 112 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Bug Boll about their first published solo design in the RPG space, Sentai & Sensibility!  A new, niche-themed adventure from 9th Level Games where the unique - but surprisingly similar - worlds of Super Sentai and Jane Austen collide! They talk about the process of writing an RPG, adapting an existing rule system for a new theme, the importance of choosing to be whatever color Power Ranger you want, consulting experts on topics you are not familiar with, and injecting your own interests into game design - RPGs are not always about dragons in space folks!

 

And of course, Bug provides expert advice to new designers looking to create their own RPGs and stories.

 

Featuring: 

Bug Boll - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 111 - Floristry

In episode 111 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with TAM about his game, Floristry, which is the first release by UP Games - a new publishing company in the tabletop space that he is a co-founder of!

 

Danielle and TAM talk about how game design has always been a passion (growing up without easy access to games led to inventing games to share with family and friends), the rise of 2-player date/cafe games, important things to consider when incorporating an app into your game, and distributing games in other languages.

 

Featuring: 

TAM - Guest 
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 110 - Season 5 Recap

In episode 110 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication, your friendly neighborhood editor, Amanda Rivera, takes over as host once again as we recap the fifth season and catch up with Danielle! They talk about this season’s guests, their games, and reflect on some of the amazing advice they shared for new and aspiring game designers.

 

Danielle talks about her upcoming games, the many prototypes she is working on, several exciting nominations, awards, and special guest appearances – oh my!

 

Other interesting highlights from the season five recap:

• Games as inclusive, accessible, approachable, and engaging experiences!
• Where IS the best place to display an oversized convention special guest sign with your name on it?
• Tabletop Gaymers 10 Year Anniversary!
• Danielle’s new blog “Missing Pieces” for the Tabletop Game Designers Association.
• And, a Greek mythology lesson from Danielle!

 

Featuring: 

Danielle Reynolds - Guest

Amanda Rivera - Host