311 episodes

Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.

The Game Design Round Table Dirk Knemeyer & David V. Heron

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 142 Ratings

Covering the full breadth of digital, tabletop, and role playing games, The Game Design Round Table inspires and educates aspiring and experienced game designers.

    #312 Civilization Series 1

    #312 Civilization Series 1

    This episode marks the beginning of a new series focused on the Civilization series of games. Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson to discuss their background with the Civilization games, and how they got introduced to the series. They discuss the development of the earlier games, as well as the broader strokes of Civilization, including the hallmarks of a 4X game, what design space Civ occupies, and where they would like the series to go in Civ 7 and beyond.

    • 55 min
    #311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

    #311 Innovating Themes with Anna Anthropy

    Dirk and Kathryn Hymes meet this episode to talk with Anna Anthropy, digital and tabletop designer known for her prolific work with non-traditional themes. They discuss Anna’s career in game design, and her path into becoming an educator. Topics include why violence is an attractive game element, dealing with releasing art and it no longer being one’s own, one page games, and the absence of sex as a theme or topic.

    • 52 min
    #310 Listener Questions

    #310 Listener Questions

    Dirk and David answer another round of listener questions! They discuss how mobile and desktop games differ, what makes a game “broken”, and tips to follow when designing around a licensed property. They also delve into design stagnation and following what was done before you, as well as when to innovate and when to iterate.

    • 46 min
    #309 Industry and Loose Leaf with Tanya X. Short

    #309 Industry and Loose Leaf with Tanya X. Short

    Dirk and David are joined by Tanya X. Short, Captain of Kitfox Games. They discuss the balance between appealing to market sensibilities and following one’s own interests, and how to make them work together. They also discuss the difficulty in funding projects with non-normative themes, barriers toward funding indie games, and the unique problems and solutions created while making Loose Leaf.

    • 55 min
    #308 Narrative AI with Emily Short

    #308 Narrative AI with Emily Short

    Dirk and David are joined by legendary interactive fiction writer and creative director of Failbetter Games Emily Short. The trio discuss Emily’s career, her contributions to interactive fiction, and some of her thoughts on both traditional game AI and modern generative AI. Topics include modeling relationships in games, player psychology and how much information to give, and how game AI can be used in non-combat oriented experiences.

    • 51 min
    #307 Roundtable with Soren Johnson

    #307 Roundtable with Soren Johnson

    Dirk and David are joined by Soren Johnson, friend of the show and founder of Mohawk Games. The trio answers questions and design problems from the community, and follow up on recent episodes. Topics include achievements and collectables, the importance of having an art style, when to innovate and when to fall back on convention, and how to integrate community involvement in the design process.

    • 52 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
142 Ratings

142 Ratings

mvelasco07 ,

A must-listen!

I recently discovered Game Design Round Table and have been consistently impressed by the wealth of knowledge and insights share in each episode. No matter the topic - you’re guaranteed to learn something new every time you tune in. Go ahead and give it a “follow,” this podcast will quickly become a favorite in your feed!

David Dunham ,

Serves its niche well

Probably not as interesting if you’re not a designer, but I am and it’s always something worthwhile. They have a wide range of guests, and the combination of tabletop and digital expertise works nicely.

jonbmc ,

Excellent resource and community

GDRT has been providing thoughtful and relevant conversations with designers and game creators for years, and offers a progressive and thorough look into game design across the entire gamut of disciplines.

Top Podcasts In Arts

Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
Snap Judgment Presents: Spooked
Snap Judgment
The Magnus Archives
Rusty Quill
The Recipe with Kenji and Deb
Deb Perelman & J. Kenji López-Alt

You Might Also Like

Think Like A Game Designer
Justin Gary
Shut Up & Sit Down
Shut Up & Sit Down
So Very Wrong About Games
Mike Walker & Mark Bigney
Board Game Barrage
Board Game Barrage
Three Moves Ahead
Idle Thumbs
The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast
The Secret Cabal Founders