Ludology

Ryan and Geoff continue their series on the most influential games of all time, and take a look at the 1980's.  What were the key games when we all weren't trying to unscramble our Rubik's Cubes?

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the impact 3D printing technology may have on the game hobby. Duration: 07:30

Ryan and Geoff are very excited to be joined by special guest Mike Gray. Mike has a long history in the game industry, working for Milton Bradley, TSR, and Hasbro.  He designed Fortress America, Shogun, The Omega Virus, and many other classics during his tenure.  Mike gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of the largest game publisher, including the genesis of the Gamemaster series, acquisition of Avalon Hill, and development of modern classics like Queen's Gambit. Duration: 01:14:45

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the importance of endings, and the difference between "the experiencing self" and "the remembering self." One of Geoff's favorites! Duration: 06:06

Ryan and Geoff continue their series on the most influential games of all time, and take a look at the 1970's.  What were the key moments in the decade of disco? Duration: 01:21:58

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about Power Creep. Is it a big conspiracy? Or is there a less nefarious explanation? Duration: 06:19

Ryan and Geoff are joined by JVMF-auction winner Chaz Marler, to discuss the use of icons in games. Why use icons? What games have useful icons, and others not so much?  And what is Geoff's suggestion for the Dice Tower musical episode? Duration: 01:17:28

In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at playtesting. What are the different types of playtesting, and how do they fall short?

And we're back!! Ryan and Geoff kick off the new year with a new series: The Most Influential Games. Part 1 covers 1900 - 1969.  What are the most influential games from these years? Duration: 1:08:47

Geoff and Ryan are joined by Steve Kendall of the Ragnar Brothers and designer of History of the World, Viking Fury, and more, to discuss Area Control or 'Dudes on a Map' games. What are the outstanding examples? What are the key ingredients of this genre? What are the strengths and weaknesses? Duration: 01:17:12

NEW CONTENT! Geoff talks with Quintin Smith of Shut Up and Sit Down about his recent experience at The Betrayer's Banquet, a Prisoner's Dilemma-themed dinner party.  Does backstabbing improve the taste of chicken feet? Duration: 22:56

Ryan and Geoff are joined by Rob Daviau, of Iron Wall Games, and formerly with Hasbro. While at Hasbro Rob worked on a slew of games you know, including Heroscape, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Axis and Allies. But we've invited him on to discuss his 'Legacy' series of games, starting with Risk: Legacy, and the upcoming Seafall.  How did he come up with the idea for Risk: Legacy? What were the design challenges and blind alleys he overcame? What is he trying to do differently with Seafall? Duration: 01:15:15

In this classic GameTek, the GameTek players present "Wild West Showdown". Who will win this three-sided gunfight... of doom? Duration: 07:44

Hot on the heels of talking about Set Collection, Ryan and Geoff tackle its cousin, Area Majority, a mechanic which comes wearing many disguises.  How does it differ from Set Collection? What makes it work or not? Duration: 01:11:12

In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff talks about gamification, specifically the way that it is used by fold.it to use game mechanics to solve real world problems. Duration: 06:32

In this episode Ryan and Geoff discuss Set Collection as a tool for game designers. What attributes can set collection add to a game? What are some of the pitfalls? What games have used it well or badly? Duration 1:04:32

In the classic GameTek, Geoff talks about Chaos Theory, and how it is reflected in game design. Duration: 06:54

In this episode, Geoff interviews Frank Merrick from FIRST about using games to get kids excited about science and technology. What are the special considerations when designing a game to be educational, fun, and challenging? Duration: 34:15

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about two recent research results about choice. Duration: 5:15

Ryan and Geoff are joined by special guest Corey Koneiczka of Fantasy Flight Games designer of such classics as Battlestar Galactica, Mansions of Madness, and the upcoming Eldritch Horror. The topic? Expansions! Are they good or bad for the industry? Do you design a game with expansions in mind or bolt things on afterwards? What are the do's and don't's of expansions?  Duration: 01:03:29 This episode of Ludology is sponsored by Scott King Photography, for all of your game photographing needs!