Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication

GDU 105 - Omicron Protocol

In episode 104 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Bernie Lin and Brendan Kendrick about their first design Omicron Protocol, a skirmish miniatures game designed to help bring more people to the love of miniatures. They were inspired by a convention panel to self-publish knowing they wanted to create an “intra-apocalyptic”, cyberpunk-themed world for 1-4 players. Through designing they added a co-operative mode for the game that helped them teach the game to players new to miniatures games at conventions. Some of their favorite moments were hearing how nice it was to see Asian miniatures and females with different body types. They wanted all different kinds of players to be able to see themselves in the game.

 

Featuring: 

Bernie Lin - Guest

Brendan Kendrick - Guest

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 104 - Shake That City

In episode 104 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Mads Fløe about their co-design Shake that City. The draw of the game was a device that randomized how to drop out 9 different cubes in a 3x3 grid. These cubes worked to help you decide what tiles you could draft and place into your city. Figuring out how to make the machine out of cardboard and rubber bands made manufacturing so much easier to get the game signed and made. We talk about how he worked in co-designing the game and how you can promote yourself as a freelance designer. 

 

Featuring: 

Mads Fløe - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 103 - Trekking the World 2nd Edition

In episode 103 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Nick Bentley on how he redesigned Underdog Game’s Trekking the World and why they decided to call it a second edition versus a new name. Learn what changes were made to make the game both more streamlined and more gamery. How they chose to keep some graphic design choices while changing others. See what your thoughts are on if they decided correctly on the naming choice!

 

Featuring: 

Nick Bentley - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 102 - Cascade System

In episode 102 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Mike Danovich about his RPG system created to partner with different events and businesses in the Chicago area including Revolution Brewery. In that partnership he got to design character sheets for the different hops that are featured on their Hero IPA variety packs as well as an RPG that was given out at the ComicCon known as C2E2. Learn how Mike dealt with these quick timelines and designing with these partners in mind!

 

Featuring: 

Mike Danovich - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 101 - Ovation

In episode 101 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Kirsten Lunde about Ovation, a game-school inspired design that originated from her wanting to teach her son about classical music but wasn’t able to find a game themed that way at the time. Since then, she worked to be as inclusive in the creation of the game as she could be as both the designer and publisher. From making sure to include ethnic and gender diversity in the composers you were playing as to hiring the team of artists and graphic designers that worked on the project. She even has a story of playtesting with a color blind playtester in the hope of helping make the game as inclusive as it could be! Listen to all the people that helped her along the way. A rising tide lifts all boats!

 

Featuring: 

Kirsten Lunde - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 100 - Sushi Go!

In episode 100 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we celebrate the 100th episode with Phil Walker-Harding talking about 10 years of Sushi Go! From his initial self-imposed design challenge of making a simple set collection game to the concept of “panning for gold” when trying to create a simplistic game. We discuss what we as designers can do to make games more accessible. Also, learning and accepting what kind of designer you are is a great thing. To be a “good designer” doesn’t mean being able to design a 90 minute Euro game. You can create a silly small game and be equally as talented.  

Featuring:
Phil Walker-Harding - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 099 - Arboretum

In episode 99 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Dan Cassar about his design Arboretum. Dan talks about how you’re building paths of trees while balancing the colors remaining in your hand in order to score. Using the layout of the final path of cards gave the feeling of an arboretum. We talk about themes and how they can add to a design. Plus, the comparisons between his first and second editions of the game. 

 

Featuring: 

Dan Cassar - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 098 - Fog of Love

In episode 98 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Jacob Jaskov about his design Fog of Love. In the game you play as a fictional couple meeting, falling in love and trying to make the relationship work with each player having their own objectives they want to satisfy while playing the game. Jacob designed the game for his partner at the time hoping to get them into games and to create a unique experience for the players. The gameplay in many ways mirrors the ups and downs of his personal life at the time of designing and producing the game. 

 

Featuring: 

Jacob Jaskov - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 097 - Game Night in a Can

In episode 97 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Jason Lautenschleger and Barry McLaughlin about their design Game Night in a Can. Jason and Barry discuss what it means to be an “inventortainer”. How their in-person game shows turned into their Game Night in a Can product that has now had multiple versions both self published and licensed by Goliath. We also get to hear how well they do at their game Frumpy Bumpers! Experience their game by listening to this episode!

 

Featuring: 

Jason Lautenschleger - Guest 

Barry McLaughlin - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host

GDU 096 - A Midsummer Night's Fayre

In episode 96 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Ellie Dix about her design, A Midsummer Night's Fayre, published by Gamewright. The mechanics were inspired by fairground games. As a kid into adulthood she would gameafy trips and average activities. In her game you play ten mini games. You roll and choose dice while using fairy mischief cards to manipulate the dice to win the game. Her biggest challenge was accepting the loss of the Helter skelter dice tower. They adapted it through development into what you now see on the inside of the box lid.

 

Featuring: 

Ellie Dix - Guest 

Danielle Reynolds - Host