Ludology

Ryan and Geoff are joined by guest Andrew Tullsen of Print & Play productions to discuss prototypes. What are the different types of prototypes? What are the tools and techniques to create them in a simple yet professinoal manner? Duration: 1:08:58

In this classic GameTek, Geoff investigates the true randomness of dice. Duration: 06:15

Ryan and Geoff dip back into the mail bag to respond to more listener comments and questions about luck and randomness. Duration: 1:00:31

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses brain imaging studies on shogi players. For images relating to this story, check out Geoff's blog entry on BoardgameGeek. Duration: 06:58

Ryan and Geoff are joined by guest Gil Hova, designer of Prolix and Battle Merchants to discuss playtesting. What are the different types of playtests? How do you get the most out of your testing? What should you look for in testers? Duration: 01:10:38 NOTE: This is a revised version of this episode that corrects the audio issue.

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses tournament structure in sports, and the way that may effect the play of the individual games. Duration: 06:54

Ryan and Geoff do a deep dive into the world of Worker Placement games. What makes them tick? Why would designers use that mechanism? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Duration: 01:06:39

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about how games can teach us about economics. Duration: 07:13

Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to welcome Dominic Crapuchettes to Ludology! We discuss designing party games, dealing with mass market retailers, starting a game company, and their recent pivot into the strategy market with Evolution. Duration: 01:11:30

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about shuffling, big numbers, uniqueness, and the origin of life. Duration: 07:35

Ryan and Geoff respond to a random sampling of the listener questions about luck and randomness. Thanks to all who sent in your thoughts, comments, and questions! Duration: 01:07:06  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the psychological property called Competence, and how you can use it to annoy people. Duration: 06:47

Ryan and Geoff take one last look at the Most Influential Games of the 20th Century. Do they have any second thoughts? Any overlooked games that should have been included? They also put on their pointy prognosticator caps and give their picks for the top 10 games that will be most influential on the 21st century. Duration: 

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about recent research on willpower. Duration: 07:00

Ryan and Geoff are pleased to welcome back Eric Zimmerman, professor at NYU's Game Center and author of The Rules of Play. This episode we discuss the concept of the "magic circle" and how designers can foster and benefit from it. Duration: 01:24:56

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about the state of game criticisim. Duration: 10:53

Ryan and Geoff conclude their survey of the most influential games with the 90's. Which games have cast shadows into the 21st century? Duration: 01:20

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Kickstarter, and it's links with the concept of Patronage, in the past and future. Duration: 06:47

Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to be joined by guest Keith Burgun of DinoFarm games and author of Game Design Theory.  Keith is the designer of a variety of mobile games, including 100 Rogues, Empire, and the upcoming Auro, all of which have a true board game flavor to them. We discuss the relationship between board games and video games, and using board games design techniques to prototype and inform the video game design space. Duration: 01:37:27

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the different types of intellectual property protection available to authors and companies. Duration: 06:48