Ludology

Ryan and Geoff revisit the topic of theme. Specifically how is theme expressed and integrated in games? Duration: 01:26:58

In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at how the physical aspects of a game can be designed to deter or prevent cheating. Duration: 05:39

Ryan and Geoff talk about their search for a publish for "Trading in the Mediterranean", and what the next steps are. There is also an important announcement about the future of the show, so stick around until the end. Duration: 1:03:10

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Reputation as an antidote to Cheating, and how it breaks down as groups grow in size. Duration: 06:40

Ryan and Geoff are thrilled to welcome Ben Brode, Senior Game Designer for Hearthstone, the online card game from Blizzard Entertainment. Ben joins us to discuss the design considerations behind Hearthstone, how they took advantage of the digital medium while still feeling like a physical card game, and why you should deliver pizza to your favorite game studio. Duration: 41:20

In this classic GameTek, Geoff begins a two-part exploration of cheating with a personal admission. Duration: 6:10

With Geoff goofing off, Ryan is very pleased to welcome noted designer Bruno Faidutti to discuss his article Postcolonial Catan, about how boardgames use cliches and stereotypes as shortcuts to generate theme. DurationL 56:30

In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff explores an experiment that uses loss aversion to create an incentive. Is this a new type of carrot? Duration: 07:15

Ryan and Geoff welcome Vincent Salzillo to the show! Vincent runs a variety of cons, including Metatopia, for game designers. He also runs the First Exposure Hall at Gencon for new designers to publishers and playtesters. His most recent venture is the Envoy program, which helps publishers get their product demonstrated at stores and cons. Duration: 55:48

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the psychological phenomenon of Hindsight Bias, and how it may prevent us from being better players. Duration: 06:37

In this episode of Ludology we are thrilled to welcome Peter Olotka, one of the designers of Cosmic Encounter, Dune, and many other classic games.  We discuss the early development of Cosmic Encounter, how it evolved, and other games in the Eon line. Duration: 01:16:25

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses expectation value, and how it can be used - and misused - in games. Duration: 05:39

Ryan and Geoff take a close look at the body of work of Reiner Knizia, one of the most influential and prolific designers of the modern era. What common threads run through Knizia's work? What lasting impact has he had on the hobby? What are the highlights, lowlights, and hidden gems of his oeuvre? And just how do you pronounce 'oeuvre' anyway? Duration: 01:24:54

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about putting tiles down without repeating any patterns. Duration: 06:15

Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to welcome guest Jordan Weisman, founder of FASA, Wizkids, and Harebrained Schemes, and designer of Battletech, Heroclix, and the just-released Golem Arcana. Jordan joins us to discuss incorporating digital technology, like smartphones and tablets, into the realm of the board game. What special considerations need to be given to the design? Is the technology hobbling or liberating? And what will the future hold for hybrids? Duration: 01:13:42

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses a study done on playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with one player blindfolded and one able to see. Who comes out on top? Duration: 04:41

Ryan and Geoff are pleased to be joined by Travis Chance and Nick Little of Action Phase game, designers of Heroes Wanted.  This was the first time Action Phase has exhibited at Gencon, and we discuss what it was like.  When did they get their booth? How much planning did they do? What was the total cost to do the show? What worked and what didn't? Duration: 01:12:05  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Artificial Intelligence, and how it affects our play. Duration: 06:15

Geoff finally acquiesces to Ryan's wish to discuss game shows. And you know what? It turned out to be a very fertile area for analysis.  What special considerations are there for game shows? What can game designers learn from them? Duration: 01:08:58  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about IBM's Jeopardy-playing Watson, and how it fits into the history of Artificial Intelligence research. Duration: 06:10