Think Like A Game Designer

Justin Gary

In Think Like a Game Designer, award-winning designer and Stone Blade Entertainment CEO Justin Gary speaks with world-class game designers and creative experts from various industries. Each episode deconstructs the creative process, offering insights into the art of game design and the broader cultural, technological, and business influences shaping a myriad of creative mediums. Join us for actionable advice and unique perspectives that will enrich your understanding of what it means to be creative in and out of the gaming world.

justingarydesign.substack.com

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118 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes118

Newest first

Feb 28, 2022 · 1 hr 28 min
Richard Bartle — Pioneering Virtual Worlds: From M.U.D. to MMOs, Understanding Player Motivations, and Navigating the Ethical Maze of Online Interactions (#36)
Richard Bartle is a legend among game designers. He has a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence and is the co-creator of the first virtual world ever to exist, a game called Multi-Use Dungeon or M.U.D. Richard authored the book Designing Virtual Worlds and his most recent book is How to be a god: A Guide for Would Be Deities, in which he examines the history, ethics, structure, and technology of MMOs. His research on player personalities and what’s called the Bartle Test had a significant impact on my designs, which is why I’m so excited to interview him today. This episode is a fascinating one, that focuses on virtual worlds: past, present, and future! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Jan 21, 2022 · 1 hr 41 min
Alan Gerding — From Core Principles to Kickstarter Success: The Psychology and Strategy Behind Crafting Mothership: Sci-Fi Horror RPG (#35)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 27, 2021 · 1 hr 25 min
Think Like a Game Designer #34: Mike Turian
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 19, 2021 · 1 hr 24 min
Brotherwise Games — From Sibling Bets to Publishing Success: Navigating Collaboration, Fostering Relationships with Influencers, and Championing Local Game Stores (#33)
Brotherwise Games, headquartered in Los Angeles, was established in 2012 by the dynamic duo, Chris and Johnny O’Neal. Over the years, the "Brothers Wise" have carved a niche for themselves, emerging as one of the most notable indie success stories in the tabletop gaming arena. In today's episode, we delve into the intricacies of collaborating with family, effective game marketing strategies, the art of partnering with influencers, and insights into what publishers seek in games. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge, and I'm so excited to bring it to you. Dive in and enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 30, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
JT Smith — Crafting the Game Design Journey: From Prototyping with Game Crafter to Navigating Digital Playtesting and Harnessing the Power of Audacity (#32)
JT Smith started designing games when he was in high school and wanted an easier way to prototype his game. His drive to find a better way to prototype led him to found the company Game Crafter, a company that allows you to print prototypes and even produce your game on a small scale. In addition to Game Crafter, JT has programmed a number of incredible tools for creating card prototypes, migrating your physical games to programs like Tabletop Simulator, and even running entire conventions. Thanks to JT this episode of the Think Like A Game Designer will, no doubt, make your game design life easier. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 7, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Richard Garfield — Crafting Game Legacies: The Evolution of Unique Deck Games, Innovating SolForge Fusion, and Deep Dives into Procedural Generation (#31)
Richard is the creator of Magic: The Gathering, KeyForge, Netrunner, Vampire: The Eternal Struggle, Battletech(CCG) and a lot more. He is a pioneer in the collectible card game genre and one of the most well-known game designers in the world. In this episode of the show, we discuss his life in game design, the development of Magic: The Gathering and KeyForge, and a variety of topics dealing with the challenges of creating collectible card games. This episode is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable episodes I’ve recorded for Think Like a Game Designer – grab a notebook and take a listen! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 6, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min
Peter Adkison — Building Gen Con, Empowering Game Designers, and the Thrill of Gathering the Gaming Tribe (#30)
Peter Adkison is not just a cornerstone of the gaming industry; he's the force behind revolutionizing it. As the founder of Wizards of the Coast, he introduced the world to phenomena like Magic: The Gathering and reinvigorated Dungeons & Dragons, shaping modern gaming. Now, as the owner of Gen Con and the creative mind at Chaldea Studios, he's melding gaming with filmmaking. In this episode, we explore Peter's unparalleled journey, insights from founding to selling a company, and his continual passion for innovation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 27, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
Elizabeth Hargrave — Breaking the Mold with Wingspan, Lessons In Successful Game Pitches, Embracing Unique Genres, and Championing Inclusivity in Game Design (#29)
Elizabeth Hargrave’s games are known for breaking the thematic mold. In her first game, Wingspan, you play as bird enthusiasts out to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. The game is wildly popular and won the 2019 Kennerspiel des Jahres. In this episode, we discuss designing, playtesting, and pitching these groundbreaking games. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 14, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Jason Charles Miller — From Rockstar Stages to Voiceover Booths, Navigating the Entertainment Labyrinth, Time with Ozzy, Breathing Life into Characters, and The Magic of Live Streaming RPGs (#28)
Jason Charles Miller is a multifaceted artist, best known for his accomplished music career and significant voice acting roles. As a musician, Miller has released numerous albums, both as a solo artist and with his band, and has shared stages with prominent names in the music industry. Transitioning to voice acting, he has lent his voice to a variety of characters across video games and animated series, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. In addition to music and acting, Jason is an avid live streamer, engaging with fans through platforms like Twitch where he shares stories, plays music, and even collaborates on songwriting. With his undeniable passion and wide-ranging talents, Miller continues to leave an indelible mark on every medium he touches. It’s awesome to have him here to tell his amazing stories! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
May 10, 2021 · 1 hr 12 min
Bruno Faidutti — Merging Game Mechanics, Simplifying Design, The Art of Drafting, and Unraveling the Myth of Unicorns (#27)
Bruno Faidutti is the legendary creator of Citadel and Knightmare, two games that have inspired me throughout the years along with 40+ additional published games. In addition to game design, Bruno has studied law, economics, and history, and knows an awful lot about unicorns. This episode is full of lessons on design fundamentals, rules creation, and drafting games, in particular. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 19, 2021 · 1 hr 44 min
Rodney Thompson — Designing Across Platforms, Crafting Worker Placement Games, Delving into RPGs, and Transitioning from Tabletop to Destiny (#26)
Rodney Thompson has been designing games professionally for over 15 years. He has worked on some of the industry’s most significant properties, including Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, Lords of Waterdeep, Tyrants of the Underdark, and Dark Sun. He’s currently a designer for the Destiny franchise at Bungie and develops his personal projects at Scratchpad Publishing. This episode has a detailed deep dive into building worker placement games and roleplaying games. If you love these games, you’ll love this episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 15, 2021 · 1 hr 32 min
John Zinser — From Pizzas to Publishing, Pioneering CCGs, Community Management, and Trusting the Strength of a Team (#25)
John Zinser is the CEO of Alderac Entertainment Group. His game design career started over 30 years ago, with Shadis Magazine and the CCG Legend of the Five Rings. In this episode, he tells one of the most entertaining and educational origin stories on the podcast. He’s a great storyteller and an even better teacher. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Feb 13, 2021 · 9 min
Think Like a Game Designer Mastery Course
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Jan 28, 2021 · 1 hr 18 min
Monte Cook — Crafting Immersive RPGs, Mastering Game Narratives, Refining Dungeons & Dragons, and the Nuances of Effective Playtesting (#24)
Monte Cook is a legend among roleplaying game designers. Monte has worked on hundreds of roleplaying products. He is probably best known for his work on the 3rd Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Planescape, Ptolus, and Arcana Evolved. In addition, his own games Numenera, the Cypher Systems, and Invisible Sun, have won numerous awards. In this episode, we’ll discuss Monte’s philosophies on developing roleplaying games, the importance of clear rules and good writing, and what it takes to bring new people into strange and wondrous worlds. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 18, 2020 · 1 hr 12 min
Rob Daviau — Innovating Legacy Gameplay, Revitalizing Classics, Unpacking the 'Elevator Pitch', and Balancing Game Aesthetics with Mechanics (#23)
Rob Daviau pioneered the legacy game genre, starting with Risk: Legacy. In addition, he’s worked with a variety of beloved titles: Star Wars, Axis & Allies, Pandemic, Betrayal at House on The Hill, just to name a few. In this episode, we go into detail about Legacy Game development and how to successfully work with beloved properties. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Nov 30, 2020 · 1 hr 33 min
Matt Place — From Pro Magic Player to Digital TCG Innovator, Embracing Randomness, Teaching the Fun, and Mastering the Autobattler Genre (#22)
Matt and I both started our careers as Magic Pro Players. Since then he’s garnered more experience in digital trading card games than anyone I know. Matt has worked for Wizards of the Coast, Dire Wolf, and Blizzard on games including Magic Online, Hearthstone, and Eternal. Matt is currently working on his own auto-battler game called Story Book Brawl. I’m excited to sit down with one of my oldest friends in the industry and talk about game design. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Oct 21, 2020 · 1 hr 16 min
Michael Gnade — From Indie Game Journalism to Board Game Creation, Embracing Feedback, Navigating Kickstarter, and The Cost of Game Marketing (#21)
Michael Gnade is the founder and lead designer at Rock Manor Games. He started his career in games with Indie Game Magazine, writing and reporting about the newest games from independent creators. Inspired by Ascension, Michael developed Brass Empire, which he created on Kickstarter. Michael Gnade put together one of the more comprehensive looks at Kickstarter metrics out there; if you’re interested, you can check that out here. Otherwise, grab your notebook; there’s some awesome advice on this one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Sep 10, 2020 · 1 hr 28 min
Elan Lee — From Star Wars Intern to Kickstarter Triumph, Embracing Risk in Game Design, The Power of Storytelling, and Crafting Games that Build Communities. (#20)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Aug 4, 2020 · 1 hr 19 min
Scott Gaeta — From Comics to Card Games, The Art of Forecasting, Driving Growth Through Organized Play, and Lessons from Decades in Game Industry (#19)
Scott Gaeta has been in the game industry for over 20 years. He’s the founder of Renegade Game Studios. Scott started as a comics and game store owner before shifting into game design, cutting his teeth on popular products such as the Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings CCGs. He’s worked as the Senior Vice President of Decipher and Senior Director at Upper Deck (that’s where we first met!). At Upper Deck, Scott worked on Yu-Gi-Oh!, DC Comics, World of Warcraft, Marvel Comics, Hello Kitty, and more. I was super excited to catch up and learn some lessons from the veteran of the industry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 21, 2020 · 1 hr 19 min
Isaac Childres — Crafting the Gloomhaven Legacy, The Power of Audience, Daring Game Design Choices, and Ascending to BoardGameGeek’s #1 Spot (#18)
Isaac Childres is the creator of Gloomhaven and Frosthaven. Gloomhaven is the #1 rated game on BoardGameGeek for three years, and Frosthaven, the highest funded game on Kickstarter. We’ll dig into what motivated Isaac to create these legendary games, and what he’s learned along the way. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Think Like A Game Designer

Richard Bartle — Pioneering Virtual Worlds: From M.U.D. to MMOs, Understanding Player Motivations, and Navigating the Ethical Maze of Online Interactions (#36)

Alan Gerding — From Core Principles to Kickstarter Success: The Psychology and Strategy Behind Crafting Mothership: Sci-Fi Horror RPG (#35)

Think Like a Game Designer #34: Mike Turian

Brotherwise Games — From Sibling Bets to Publishing Success: Navigating Collaboration, Fostering Relationships with Influencers, and Championing Local Game Stores (#33)

JT Smith — Crafting the Game Design Journey: From Prototyping with Game Crafter to Navigating Digital Playtesting and Harnessing the Power of Audacity (#32)

Richard Garfield — Crafting Game Legacies: The Evolution of Unique Deck Games, Innovating SolForge Fusion, and Deep Dives into Procedural Generation (#31)

Peter Adkison — Building Gen Con, Empowering Game Designers, and the Thrill of Gathering the Gaming Tribe (#30)

Elizabeth Hargrave — Breaking the Mold with Wingspan, Lessons In Successful Game Pitches, Embracing Unique Genres, and Championing Inclusivity in Game Design (#29)

Jason Charles Miller — From Rockstar Stages to Voiceover Booths, Navigating the Entertainment Labyrinth, Time with Ozzy, Breathing Life into Characters, and The Magic of Live Streaming RPGs (#28)

Bruno Faidutti — Merging Game Mechanics, Simplifying Design, The Art of Drafting, and Unraveling the Myth of Unicorns (#27)

Rodney Thompson — Designing Across Platforms, Crafting Worker Placement Games, Delving into RPGs, and Transitioning from Tabletop to Destiny (#26)

John Zinser — From Pizzas to Publishing, Pioneering CCGs, Community Management, and Trusting the Strength of a Team (#25)

Think Like a Game Designer Mastery Course

Monte Cook — Crafting Immersive RPGs, Mastering Game Narratives, Refining Dungeons & Dragons, and the Nuances of Effective Playtesting (#24)

Rob Daviau — Innovating Legacy Gameplay, Revitalizing Classics, Unpacking the 'Elevator Pitch', and Balancing Game Aesthetics with Mechanics (#23)

Matt Place — From Pro Magic Player to Digital TCG Innovator, Embracing Randomness, Teaching the Fun, and Mastering the Autobattler Genre (#22)

Michael Gnade — From Indie Game Journalism to Board Game Creation, Embracing Feedback, Navigating Kickstarter, and The Cost of Game Marketing (#21)

Elan Lee — From Star Wars Intern to Kickstarter Triumph, Embracing Risk in Game Design, The Power of Storytelling, and Crafting Games that Build Communities. (#20)

Scott Gaeta — From Comics to Card Games, The Art of Forecasting, Driving Growth Through Organized Play, and Lessons from Decades in Game Industry (#19)

Isaac Childres — Crafting the Gloomhaven Legacy, The Power of Audience, Daring Game Design Choices, and Ascending to BoardGameGeek’s #1 Spot (#18)