Notes on Play

John Drexler
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A game development log where I share the hardest game design problems, and share thoughts on the games I'm playing. My name is John Rudolph Drexler and you can find my games at catacombian.com

  1. 18: Every prototype I made in 2025

    5D AGO

    18: Every prototype I made in 2025

    2025 was a creative explosion for me. Now it's time to focus up, and pick which prototype I will try to take to the finish line.

    15 min
  2. 17: Why my basketball board game failed

    JAN 9

    17: Why my basketball board game failed

    I tried (and failed) to make a basketball board game. I came up with some ideas that I loved, but ultimately decided to set it aside.

    12 min
  3. 16: How to learn a game

    12/19/2025

    16: How to learn a game

    Try to lose. It's a faster and more effective way to learn.

    9 min
  4. 15: Paying attention to "desire paths"

    12/12/2025

    15: Paying attention to "desire paths"

    Sometimes players show you exactly what they want to do. You can either fight them, or learn from them.

    10 min
  5. 14: Games are not stories

    12/05/2025

    14: Games are not stories

    Games don't need written narrative to be great games. The best stories in games are the ones that organically emerge from the gameplay itself.

    10 min
  6. 13: Less is more in simulation games

    11/14/2025

    13: Less is more in simulation games

    Most games simulate some real world scenario. So how do you decide which parts of the real world to represent in game mechanisms? This is where the real artistry of game design comes to light.

    11 min
  7. 12: Problem-centered design

    11/07/2025

    12: Problem-centered design

    Between each iteration of my game, I'll have dozens of ideas. But which do I actually implement? I find it extremely helpful to break my ideas down into problem statements, and then focus on just solving the most important problems. Here are some examples of how this works for me. [link to play game] [link to original conference talk]

    11 min
  8. 11: Distribution is harder than making things

    10/24/2025

    11: Distribution is harder than making things

    I've got a great game with great reviews. So how the heck do I get it onto shelves? Here's everything I've tried.

    10 min
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About

A game development log where I share the hardest game design problems, and share thoughts on the games I'm playing. My name is John Rudolph Drexler and you can find my games at catacombian.com

Information

  • Creator
    John Drexler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Drexler
  • Show Website
    Notes on Play