Game Design as a Way of Being, with Eric Zimmerman

In this episode:

Jordan interviews Eric Zimmerman, a veteran game designer, educator, and co-founder of Gamelab, the studio that created the iconic Diner Dash. Eric is currently a professor at the NYU Game Center and has written extensively on game design, including co-authoring the book “Rules of Play” (2004) with Katie Salen. Eric shares his unique perspective on game design as a way of life, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, the use of different frameworks, and the role of creativity in game creation.

Topics covered:

• Eric’s journey from painter to game designer and co-founder of Gamelab
• How to foster creativity in teams by designing a company culture that empowers authorship
• The value of game design "frameworks" and the art of game design as a way of being in the world
• The importance of experimentation, collaboration, and being open to different disciplines in design
• Challenges faced by young designers and the role of experience in learning

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• Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Timestamps:

[03:04] Eric’s background: From painter to game designer

[07:00] The origins of Gamelab and the early days of independent game development

[12:00] Teaching game design; Early days at NYU and working with Frank Lantz

[16:00] The value of frameworks in game design

[21:30] Creating a company culture at Gamelab that fosters ownership and creativity

[25:20] The importance of constraints in fostering creativity

[30:00] The role of experimentation and collaboration in game design

[34:00] Eric’s advice to young designers: Embracing mistakes and the learning process

[37:00] Eric’s thoughts on the future of game design 

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and Connect with Eric Zimmerman:

• Eric Zimmerman
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Check out: Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals (Mit Press): Salen Tekinbas, Katie, Zimmerman, Eric

Games & companies mentioned:

• Diner Dash (Gamelab)
• Gamelab
• NYU Game Center
• Gigantic Mechanic
• Playmatics
• AreaCode