314 episodes

Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.

The Game Design Round Table Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron

    • Arts
    • 4.7 • 19 Ratings

Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.

    #315 Civilization Series 3

    #315 Civilization Series 3

    Welcome back to the Civilization Series. In the third installment, David and Dirk break down their experiences with Millennia, the latest 4X offering from C Prompt Games and Paradox Interactive. They discuss what aspects of the game worked for them, as well as what they would like to see develop as patches and updates are to come. Topics include how Millennia iterates on the concept of Ages, thematic dissonance, the unfinished nature of modern games, and what kinds of strategies the game mechanics reward.

    • 52 min
    #314 Designing to Ship with Xalavier Nelson Jr

    #314 Designing to Ship with Xalavier Nelson Jr

    Dirk and David interview prolific designer and leader Xalavier Nelson Jr. They discuss Xalavier’s illustrious and busy career, focusing on his philosophy of how to ship a game as well as knowing your own capabilities. Topics include his work and inspiration for El Paso, Everywhere, how he manages to produce so many games, treating staff fairly and with respect, and the benefits of working within your box.

    • 56 min
    #313 Civilization Series 2

    #313 Civilization Series 2

    Welcome to the second episode of the series on the “Civilization” games, as well as other 4X titles. Continuing from episode one, the pair talk about the phenomenon of “One More Turn”, using overlapping progression paths, and quality life improvements for the genre. They also share their insights on the game “Humankind”, as well as how their attitudes toward real life affect how they act within a 4X game.

    • 57 min
    #312 Civilization Series 1

    #312 Civilization Series 1

    This episode marks the beginning of a new series focused on the Civilization series of games. Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson to discuss their background with the Civilization games, and how they got introduced to the series. They discuss the development of the earlier games, as well as the broader strokes of Civilization, including the hallmarks of a 4X game, what design space Civ occupies, and where they would like the series to go in Civ 7 and beyond.

    • 55 min
    #311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

    #311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

    Dirk and Kathryn Hymes meet this episode to talk with Anna Anthropy, digital and tabletop designer known for her prolific work with non-traditional themes. They discuss Anna’s career in game design, and her path into becoming an educator. Topics include why violence is an attractive game element, dealing with releasing art and it no longer being one’s own, one page games, and the absence of sex as a theme or topic.

    • 52 min
    #310 Listener Questions

    #310 Listener Questions

    Dirk and David answer another round of listener questions! They discuss how mobile and desktop games differ, what makes a game “broken”, and tips to follow when designing around a licensed property. They also delve into design stagnation and following what was done before you, as well as when to innovate and when to iterate.

    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

J-Mo1983 ,

Excellent insight for aspiring game designers

Thoughtful discussion on all aspects of game design.

Dirk, Jon and David are all experienced game designers who offer unique perspectives on the fundamentals of table-top & digital game design. They also provide regular updates on the roller coaster rides that are the ongoing development of their current projects.

I particularly enjoy the discussions around victory points and theme vs. mechanics.

Great listening for anyone interested in game design. I can't help but look at games in a different light after having listened.

Thanks guys!

D123shaw ,

great podcast

one of my favourite for board game design. love the hosts and guests.

Freiyaa ,

Fun & Informative

I've been listening to this podcast for years now, and I'm still excited every time I see a new episode go up! Tons of great insight into the process of designing a game, presented in an enjoyable format.

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