Games Every Designer Should Play

Stuart Lilford
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This is ’Games Every Designer Should Play,’ the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us. In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play. At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You’ll have to listen to the end to find out!

  1. 1 MAY

    EP16: Super Mario Galaxy - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 16 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they blast off into the vibrant, gravity-defying world of Super Mario Galaxy. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. n this episode, we explore what Super Mario Galaxy teaches us about game design — and why it remains one of the most celebrated 3D platformers ever made. We break down how its innovative use of gravity reshapes 3D movement, how its tightly structured levels deliver constant variety, and why its game feel and presentation are so consistently satisfying. We also dig into the game’s more critical aspects, questioning whether its linear structure and repeated ideas hold it back compared to the sandbox freedom of Super Mario 64. Along the way, we discuss its unforgettable musical score, the joy of launching into each level, and the surprisingly emotional story of Rosalina. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Super Mario Galaxy a must-play for every designer? 🔴 BACK ADRIAN'S KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zappedtothepast/zapped-to-the-past - The ZAPPED TO THE PAST C64 BOOK 🔴 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #SuperMarioGalaxy #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Nintendo #LevelDesign #GameFeel #Mario #GameDesignPodcast #DesignThinking Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    57 min

  2. 5 MAR

    EP15: Dark Souls - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 15 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they venture into the brutal, beautiful, and uncompromising world of Dark Souls. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we unpack what Dark Souls really teaches us about game design — and why so many players bounce off it before it finally clicks. We explore how its difficulty, obscure systems, and fragmented storytelling are not accidents, but deliberate design choices that encourage learning, mastery, and community discussion. We analyse iconic boss encounters like Ornstein and Smough, examine how risk and reward shape player behaviour, and discuss why Dark Souls’ approach to environmental storytelling and level design continues to influence modern games. We also take a critical look at its onboarding, questioning how much friction is productive — and where the game perhaps goes too far. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Dark Souls a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #DarkSouls #GameDesignPodcast #FromSoftware #LevelDesign #BossDesign #GameAnalysis Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    1hr 42min

  3. 25/12/2025

    XMAS SPECIAL: Metal Gear Solid - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to a Special Christmas Episode of Games Every Designer Should Play, the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join game design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they return to Shadow Moses to unpack the legacy of Metal Gear Solid — one of the most influential and idiosyncratic games ever made. 🚨 Spoiler alert for the game! We strongly recommend playing Metal Gear Solid before listening. In this episode, we explore how Metal Gear Solid blends cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and inventive stealth mechanics to create a landmark experience. We discuss its iconic boss fights and how they subvert player expectations, the way it famously breaks the fourth wall, and how countless small details — codec calls, animations, sound design, and contextual interactions — elevate the entire experience. On the critical side, we examine the game’s portrayal of female characters, questioning how well it has aged, and debate whether the second disc adds meaningful tension or feels like unnecessary padding. We also reflect on how its setting, tone, and ambition defined The Rule of Cool. 🎧 Featuring listener feedback and the verdict: Is Metal Gear Solid still a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #MetalGearSolid #StealthGames #NarrativeDesign Thank you for tuning in — and happy holidays! 🎄🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support.

    1hr 42min

  4. 16/12/2025

    EP14: Katamari Damacy - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 14 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they roll into the wacky, colourful world of Katamari Damacy. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Katamari Damacy nails its core gameplay loop, providing constant feedback and a sense of progression through clever design. We explore its unique game feel — from whimsical sound effects to imaginative art direction — and how its playful mechanics, hidden side-challenges, and subtle depth keep players engaged. Plus, we look at all the extra touches the game affords, like the addition of the snorkel, the item descriptions, and the amazing end-credits level. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Katamari Damacy a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #KatamariDamacy #IndieGames #GameMechanics #CoreGameplayLoop Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    1hr 8min

  5. 31/10/2025 ·  BONUS

    HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: Mouthwashing - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to a Special Bonus Halloween Episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they discuss Mouthwashing — a visceral indie game that shows us how to tell a powerful narrative. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Mouthwashing demonstrates the value of starting small, using a compact scope to deliver a focused and memorable experience. We explore how removing player choice can strengthen narrative impact, how environmental storytelling and sharp dialogue build emotional depth, and how leaning into limitations — whether in animation, art style, or level design — can lead to bold creative decisions. 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #IndieGames #NarrativeDesign #Mouthwashing Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    1hr 22min

  6. 28/10/2025

    EP13: Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 13 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they try to communicate the chaotic pressures of Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes transforms communication itself into gameplay, creating tension, teamwork, and comedy through pure verbal coordination. We explore how its VR origins shaped its design, how its paper manual becomes a brilliant piece of diegetic UI, and why its approachability makes it one of the most inclusive multiplayer games ever made. We also look at what designers can learn from its game jam roots, where a 48-hour prototype evolved into a timeless co-op experience. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #KeepTalkingAndNobodyExplodes #IndieGames #CoopGames #CommunicationDesign Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    1hr 10min

  7. 08/10/2025

    EP12: The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 12 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they descend into the chaotic, grotesque, and endlessly replayable world of The Binding of Isaac. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how The Binding of Isaac turns randomness into both its greatest strength and biggest challenge. We compare it's gameplay to the act of gambling — where the anticipation of a great run keeps players coming back — and debate whether requiring players to learn so much outside the game is good or bad design. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is The Binding of Isaac a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #BindingOfIsaac #IndieGames #Roguelike #GameMechanics Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

    1hr 23min

  8. 17/07/2025

    EP11: Resident Evil 2 (2019) - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 11 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they navigate the dark corridors of Resident Evil 2 (2019) - a modern remake of a survival horror classic. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Resident Evil 2 (2019) delivers efficient, well-crafted level design: from its looping layout to its clever reuse of environments and assets. We explore how the game builds tension and meaningful player choices through resource scarcity, limited inventory, and risk-reward decisions - all wrapped in a B-movie script that somehow works. On the critical side, we examine the timeline inconsistencies compared to the original and ask whether the boss fights break the game's own rules. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Resident Evil 2 (2019) a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #ResidentEvil2 Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

    1hr 25min
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This is ’Games Every Designer Should Play,’ the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us. In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play. At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You’ll have to listen to the end to find out!

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