81 episodes

Why do we make games? Every designer has a different and very personal answer to that question. Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, sits down with noted designers to find out by examining their careers as a whole.

Designer Notes Idle Thumbs

    • Video Games

Why do we make games? Every designer has a different and very personal answer to that question. Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, sits down with noted designers to find out by examining their careers as a whole.

    Designer Notes 81: Jake Solomon - Part 2

    Designer Notes 81: Jake Solomon - Part 2

    In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Jake Solomon, best known for the XCOM reboot and Midnight Suns. They discuss his first, failed attempt at XCOM, why 75% does not mean 75%, and how many copies of XCOM he sold at Power Gamer in Glen Burnie, MD. This episode was recorded on April 26, 2023.

    • 3 hrs 13 min
    Designer Notes 80: Jake Solomon - Part 1

    Designer Notes 80: Jake Solomon - Part 1

    In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Jake Solomon, best known for the XCOM reboot and Midnight Suns. They discuss how much money he had to give back to Accenture, how to animate multiple units at the same time, and why Sid suddenly started golfing so much. This episode was recorded on April 25, 2023.

    • 2 hrs 42 min
    Designer Notes 79: Trent Kusters - Part 2

    Designer Notes 79: Trent Kusters - Part 2

    In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Trent Kusters, co-founder of League of Geeks, best known for the strategy game Armello. They discuss why Armello has so much output randomness, whether they fudge the odds, and how to turn off a Game-as-a- Service. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2023.

    • 2 hrs 21 min
    Designer Notes 78: Trent Kusters - Part 1

    Designer Notes 78: Trent Kusters - Part 1

    In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Trent Kusters, co-founder of League of Geeks, best known for the strategy game Armello. They discuss how he faked his way into games journalism, how to sneak risky ideas past licensors, and how to make games feel big. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2023.

    • 2 hrs 31 min
    Designer Notes 77: Cole Wehrle

    Designer Notes 77: Cole Wehrle

    In this episode, Soren interviews tabletop designer Cole Wehrle, best known for his work on Root, Oath, Pax Pamir, and John Company. They discuss whether John Company is satire, how the East India Company was like QWOP, and the importance of German postal rates. This episode was recorded on March 22, 2023.

    • 3 hrs 8 min
    Designer Notes 76: Tanya Short

    Designer Notes 76: Tanya Short

    In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game designer Tanya Short, co-founder of Kitfox Games and best known for her work on Moon Hunters and Boyfriend Dungeon. They discuss why her parents had to get a second phone like, how she accidentally made a roguelike, and whether Moon Hunters should have combat. This episode was recorded on March 23, 2023.

    • 2 hrs 44 min

Top Podcasts In @@categoryName@@

Idle Thumbs
Idle Thumbs
Important If True
Idle Thumbs
Something True
Idle Thumbs
Idle Weekend
Idle Thumbs
Tone Control
Idle Thumbs
Three Moves Ahead
Idle Thumbs

You Might Also Like

Three Moves Ahead
Idle Thumbs
Noclip Crewcast
Noclip
My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin
Simon Parkin
Shut Up & Sit Down
Shut Up & Sit Down
Remap Radio
Remap Radio
Triple Click
Maximum Fun