3 episodes

This is ’Games Every Designer Should Play,’ the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us.

In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play.

At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You’ll have to listen to the end to find out!

Games Every Designer Should Play Stuart Lilford

    • Arts

This is ’Games Every Designer Should Play,’ the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us.

In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play.

At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You’ll have to listen to the end to find out!

    EP02: Cocoon - Games Every Designer Should Play

    EP02: Cocoon - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 02 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the exceptional puzzle game COCOON, exploring its controlled design and simple player actions.
    Spoiler alert for Cocoon! 🚨 We advise you play before listening. You can grab it here.
    In this episode, we discuss the KISS rule, controlled design, restrictive level design, using sound design to reward the player, affordances, demonstrating progression within the front end, and rage quitting! 
    Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Cocoon a must-play for every designer?
    📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com 
    It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀
    Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay
    Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨
     
    === CREDITS ===
    Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.
    Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

    • 59 min
    EP01: Portal - Games Every Designer Should Play

    EP01: Portal - Games Every Designer Should Play

    Welcome to Episode 01 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the iconic game PORTAL, exploring its innovative mechanics and design insights.
    Spoiler alert for Portal! 🚨 We advise you play before listening. You can grab it here.
    In this episode, we discuss environmental storytelling, pacing and progression, the importance of playtesting and iterative design, and the debate of Cut scenes vs. non-interruptive dialogue.
    Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Portal a must-play for every designer?
    📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com 
    It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀
    Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay
    Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨
    === REFERENCES ===
    Narbacular Drop by the DigiPen Institute of Technology 
    DoubleFIne Adventure Documentary when Tim Schafer shares his notebooks on Grim Fandango 
    Robert Yang's Level with Me videos on YouTube 
    Game Maker's Toolkit video on Valve's "Secret Weapon" (Playtesting)  
    GDC Talk - Level Design Workshop: Solving Puzzle Design by Ubisoft's Jolie Menzel
    The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell 
    Game Theory
    === CREDITS ===
    Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.
    Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    EP00: Games Every Designer Should Play - Episode Zero

    EP00: Games Every Designer Should Play - Episode Zero

    Welcome to the debut episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they introduce the podcast's format, share their expertise, and tease the game up for discussion in the forthcoming Episode 1.  
    Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

    • 14 min

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