
57 episodes

Think Like A Game Designer Justin Gary
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- Leisure
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4.9 • 74 Ratings
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In Think Like a Game Designer, award-winning designer and Stone Blade Entertainment CEO Justin Gary speaks with world class game designers to deconstruct the step-by-step process for creating games and working in the gaming industry. In each episode, we distill the process of creativity into actionable advice that anyone can use all while giving listeners an opportunity to learn more about their favorite games and designers.
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Reiner Knizia — Systems for Publishing 700+ Games, Crafting Profound Gameplay from Simple Rules, Innovations in Scoring and Auction Systems, and The Joy of Tabletop Gaming (#52)
Join us in this episode as we chat with the legendary Reiner Knizia, the mastermind behind over 700 games. With a Ph.D. in mathematics, Reiner transitioned from banking to establish one of the most recognized and enjoyed brands in the gaming world. From his early titles like Gold Digger and Desperados, his influence spans collaborations with global licenses such as The Lord of the Rings, LEGO, and Star Wars. With over 13 million sales worldwide, standout titles include his acclaimed auction and tile-laying trilogies. It was an absolute pleasure to explore his game design philosophy!
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Stefan Engblom — Designing games for millions of people and billions of dollars, Secrets of building game communities, The 2AM Party Principle, Reacting to player feedback (#51)
Stefan's journey in game design has been nothing short of exceptional. Hailing from Supercell, the creative force behind hits like Hay Day and Clash of Clans, Stefan's career has defied genre boundaries. As a Game Designer on the Clash Royale team at Supercell, Stefan immerses himself in every facet of game design. His primary focus revolves around gameplay balancing, crafting the intricate game economy, and shaping the game's systems to perfection. With a passion for creating unforgettable gaming experiences, Stefan Engblom brings his unique insights and expertise to the table. Join us for an awesome discussion with Stefan Engblom on this episode of Think Like A Game Designer.
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Think Like a Game Designer #50: Soren Johnson (Part 2)
Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio's founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part two of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson!
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Think Like a Game Designer: Shards of Infinity Kickstarter Special
In this special episode, we dive into the upcoming game Shards of Infinity Saga Collection, which releases on Kickstarter on July 11th at 10am Pacific. We'll be emphasizing the techniques and principles used to design this fantastic game.
The Saga Collection for Shards of Infinity is the perfect starting point for new players and an excellent upgrade for fans of the game. This comprehensive Kickstarter edition includes the core game, all the expansions, and a treasure trove of additional content.
Immerse yourself in the ever-expanding universe of Shards of Infinity with thrilling new game modes, exciting cards, upgraded components, and a myriad of surprises waiting to be unlocked as we achieve our stretch goals. All of this comes elegantly packaged in a collector's box, providing the ultimate experience for both seasoned veterans and those new to the game. Join us now and be part of this epic adventure in one masterful package! -
Think Like a Game Designer #49: Soren Johnson (Part 1)
Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio's founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part one of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson!
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Think Like a Game Designer #48: Jon Barry
Jon Barry is the founder of Forged Gaming, a renowned game accessories company. Jon has dedicated himself to creating a plethora of products that enhance the gaming experience, such as dice and game master screens. His pursuit of excellence and deep passion for gaming have driven him to push the boundaries of the industry, establishing Forged Games as a leader in the gaming accessory market. For those eager to learn about game accessory creation, this episode offers a wealth of invaluable lessons and insights.
Customer Reviews
Inspiring!!
Thank You, Justin Gary, for making this available to the public! This information is so valuable and important to any level of game designer, whether first year or fifteenth. I cannot recommend it enough!
Fantastic
This is just what I was looking for! Great insights! I just listened to the latest episode with Brotherwise Games, I picked up a lot of info! Now to go back and listen to the other episodes! Maybe I’ll be on your podcast one day 🤣 Great job, now I’m looking into the Master Class on your website now!
Greatest game design podcast ever!
Three things set Justin Gary apart as a teacher of design. First, the professionalism and tact with which he hosts the podcast and shares his own insight. Second, the cast of world renowned designers that Justin knows personally and invites on the podcast. Third, the conviction to break down these wealths of knowledge into universal principles. I have learned more about design here on this podcast than anywhere else! Thank you Justin!