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Artwork for Fun Problems
LeisureGames

Fun Problems

AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

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  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 17 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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  • #74
    Oct 9, 2025 · 1 hr 39 min

    #72 - Types of Fun

    Peter and AJ dissect Daniel Piechnick's "types of fun" framework, exploring 13 varieties grouped into constructive, excitement, social, and emotional categories. They add personal insights, debate nuances, and more! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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  • #71
    Sep 19, 2025 · 31 min

    #71 - The problem with end game scoring (Game Feedback) Minisode

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon dig into a common design problem: games that keep scoring until the end don't give feedback to players. They discuss practical fixes to give players earlier, clearer feedback and make learning faster and games more accessible. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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  • #70
    Sep 12, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min

    #70 - An entire episode about taking an action

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon break down action selection systems in games; why constraints and variance make turns interesting and how different systems (worker placement, dice placement, drafting, rondels, time tracks, menus and more) shape player decisions. The episode gives designers practical examples, trade-offs and tips from many published games, plus a publisher note about avoiding thematic overlap, to help you choose the right action system for your game. Mathew Dunstan Elegance Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goONo66xVAs Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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  • #69
    Sep 5, 2025 · 42 min

    #69 - Why We Are Ending the Podcast

    Peter announces he’s stepping back from board games to explore new creative projects and explains why the podcast will be winding down. Plus a lot more fun than usual to make up for the downer announcement. Please suggest topics to cover before the show ends! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes