Hey, Good Game Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter

Episode 26: Jeff Petriello, a game producer at the New York Times and a game design educator at NYU Game Center, shares his unique journey from producing movies to producing games played by millions of people.
Go behind the scenes at the New York Times, learn what it's like to shepherd hits like Wordle, and create games from scratch like Strands.
Working closely with the New Games Squad and the Gameplay Squad, Jeff shares what inspires him, his teaching experiences, and the significant role of games in building social connections.
This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts alike.
Check out Jeff's Social and Resources:https://www.thebeff.com/https://www.thepastatarot.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetriello/https://gamecenter.nyu.edu/faculty/jeff-petriello/https://thebeff.itch.io/self-portraithttps://www.nytimes.com/crosswords
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast

(01:39) - Jeff Petriello's Journey to Game Production

(02:43) - Jeff's Current Gaming Favorites and Insights

(05:44) - The Personal Impact of Games on Jeff's Life

(10:44) - Transitioning from Philosophy to Game Design

(24:33) - The Evolution of Teaching Game Design

(30:32) - Jeff's Path to the New York Times

(35:35) - The Evolution of NYT Games: From Crosswords to Wordle

(35:56) - Joining the NYT Games Team and Developing New Hits

(36:36) - The Creative Process Behind NYT's Newest Game, Strands

(39:04) - The Art of Puzzle Creation: A Blend of Technology and Creativity

(40:19) - The Impact of Games on NYT's Subscription Model

(46:43) - Exploring the Buy vs. Build Strategy in Game Development

(56:53) - The Personal Journey: Career Advice and Side Hustles

(01:01:47) - A Tarot Reading to Close: Insights and Reflections
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Right before the New York Times announced they acquired Wordle in the low-mid seven figures, Aaron attempted to buy Wordle, and wordle.com. Listen to Aaron's story on why he started building games, and how that led to his attempt to purchase the popular daily word game that took the world by storm.
How close did he get? Listen and find out!
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast

(01:17) - The Unstoppable Rise of Wordle

(02:12) - Aaron's Journey into Game Development

(06:38) - The Evolution of Online Game Monetization

(13:24) - The Attempt to Acquire Wordle

(29:14) - Reflections and the Future of Daily Brainy Games
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 24: In this episode, explores the journey of Mark and Jeff Rogers, creators of Canuckle and Canoku games, inspired by Wordle. It delves into their background, game development process, hiatus, renewal with added features, community engagement strategies, collaborations with other game creators and notable organizations, partnerships for sponsorships and merchandise, future plans, and potential partnerships with entities like the New York Times' Wordle. The discussion also includes their use of AI, philanthropic endeavors, and lessons learned in promoting their games.
Check out Mark and Jeff Rogers' Games and Resources:Canuckle: www.canucklegame.caCanoku: www.canoku.caX/Twitter: x.com/canucklegameFB: www.facebook.com/CanuckleGameIG: www.instagram.com/canucklegameMerch: merch.canucklegame.ca
Collaborations:Waffle: waffle.canucklegame.caSquaredle: squaredle.canucklegame.caNerdle: nerdle.canucklegame.ca
Reach out:info@canucklegame.ca--

(00:00) - The Genesis of Canuckle: A Wordle-Inspired Creation

(00:38) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast

(00:53) - Insights from Canuckle's Creators: Collaboration and Breaks

(02:05) - Introducing Canuckle and Kanoku: Canadian-Themed Daily Games

(02:42) - The Creators' Gaming Backgrounds and Inspirations

(03:47) - The Competitive Spirit Behind Canuckle's Creation

(07:13) - From Concept to Launch: The Journey of Canuckle

(08:12) - Challenges and Triumphs in Developing Canuckle

(13:38) - Fostering Community and Engagement Through Canuckle

(15:26) - The Evolution of Canuckle: From Launch to Revamp

(20:52) - Exploring Merchandise and Monetization Strategies

(23:05) - Future Plans and Monetization Insights

(24:28) - Exploring the CIRA Partnership and Monthly Puzzles

(26:27) - Creative Sponsorship and Game Design Insights

(27:08) - Expanding the Game Portfolio with Canadian Themes

(30:22) - Leveraging Partnerships for Cross-Promotion and Growth

(38:36) - Innovative Use of AI and Exploring New Technologies

(41:16) - The Decision Against Mobile Apps and Embracing Web Accessibility

(43:11) - Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement

(46:58) - Giving Back Through Canuckle and Future Plans
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 23: In this episode, we dive deep into the creative process behind the game WordPeaks with its creator, Devin Spikowski. Discover the inspirations, design decisions, and the unique journey from concept to a game enjoyed by thousands.
Check out Devin's Games and Resources:https://vegeta897.github.io/word-peaks/https://twitter.com/vegeta897https://github.com/vegeta897https://cohost.org/vegeta897https://vegeta897.carrd.co/https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@vegeta897
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(00:00) - Kicking Off with Devin of WordPeaks

(00:12) - Introducing the Hey, Good Game Podcast

(00:22) - Diving Into WordPeaks: A Unique Word Game

(01:33) - Exploring the Artistic Side of Game Development

(02:10) - A Deep Dive with Devin Spikowski: The Creator's Journey

(02:54) - The Creative Process Behind WordPeaks

(03:18) - Gaming Influences and the Path to Game Development

(13:26) - The Evolution of WordPeaks: From Concept to Game Enhancements

(21:45) - Leveraging Feedback and Building a Community

(25:01) - The Challenges and Rewards of Game Development

(33:09) - Exploring New Projects and Future Plans

(35:12) - Monetization Strategies and Keeping the Game Accessible

(37:36) - Wrapping Up: Where to Find Devin and WordPeaks
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 22: This conversation features a deep and insightful discussion with Frank Lantz, the director of the New York University Game Center and an award-winning game designer. Throughout the interview, Lantz explores the intricate relationship between games, culture, and education, highlighting how games can serve as a potent medium for both artistic expression and intellectual challenge.
Check out Frank's Games and Resources:“The Beauty of Games” - A book by Frank LantzUniversal Paperclips - A game by Frank Lantzhttps://twitter.com/flantzhttps://www.franklantz.net/https://www.franklantz.net/workhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/franklantz/
Resources Mentioned:Balatro - Mentioned as a current favorite game of Frank Lantz.Portal - Highlighted as possibly the funniest and one of the greatest games, with contributions from Eric Wolpaw.Disco Elysium - Cited as an example of excellent narrative in games.Kentucky Route Zero - Mentioned for its narrative focus.The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's GuideGeoGuessr
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(00:00) - Exploring Comedy's Influence in Game Design

(00:31) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast

(00:54) - Post-Interview Reflections and Takeaways

(02:09) - Deep Dive with Frank Lantz: A Gaming Luminary

(03:36) - The Art and Challenge of Comedy in Games

(05:14) - Navigating the Addictive Nature of Games

(07:40) - Universal Paperclips: Designing for Disengagement

(26:18) - The Role of Narrative and Writing in Games

(31:12) - Games as Social and Cultural Artifacts

(33:53) - Exploring the Social Impact of Gaming

(34:21) - The Art of Taste and Social Connections in Cooking vs. Gaming

(34:39) - The Evolution of Gaming Communities and Cultural Shifts

(36:06) - The Founding and Philosophy of the NYU Game Center

(37:53) - Teaching Game Design as a Creative Discipline

(39:16) - Games as Cultural Forms and Their Deep Connection to Computer Science

(39:49) - The Intricacies of Game Design and Its Historical Significance

(40:51) - Finding Joy and Social Exchange in Sports and Games

(42:30) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Gaming Understanding

(46:47) - The Fascination with Watching Games and eSports

(51:41) - The Intellectual Depth of Bridge and Its Cultural Phenomenon

(57:42) - Envisioning the Future of Games and Their Role in Society

(01:05:28) - The Journey of Games Towards a Richer Cultural Spectrum

(01:06:01) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 21: David Turner created Semantle.com, a unique word-guessing game focusing on semantic relationships. Turner shares insights on his journey from ideation to acquisition, his creative process, and upcoming projects like a graphical adventure game. We also chat about game design challenges, user testing, creativity in game development, and effective marketing strategies.
Check out David's games and links:https://semantle.com/https://twitter.com/SemantleGamehttps://games.novalis.org/https://middlesgame.com/novalis@novalis.org--

(00:00) - Kicking Off with a Creative Idea

(00:16) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast

(01:33) - Deep Dive with David Turner: The Mind Behind Semantle

(02:15) - Exploring David's Favorite Games and Creative Hobbies

(04:38) - The Genesis of Semantle: From Concept to Viral Sensation

(05:36) - David's Unique Game Design Process and Programming Journey

(18:13) - Navigating the Complexities of Game Difficulty and Player Engagement

(21:12) - Exploring Game Design and Puzzle Complexity

(21:52) - The Art of Puzzle Testing and Design Insights

(24:28) - Challenges and Strategies in Game Difficulty

(28:38) - Monetization and the Decision to Sell a Game

(31:21) - Creative Process and Future Projects

(33:08) - Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

(39:46) - Launching New Games and Marketing Strategies

(43:07) - Reflections and Future Plans
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com