The Board Game Design Lab

Latest Episodes:

How to Design a Cooperative Game with Mike Kelley Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

Mike Kelley, designer of Mega Man Adventures, discusses cooperative games and what goes into designing a good one.
Mike has been designing and reviewing cooperative games for years, and we dive into both creating co-op games and how to stand out to reviewers and gamers.

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Designing a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad Quraishi Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

Assad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, discusses everything to think about if you want to design a trading card game for today’s market.
We talk about how to get started, building an audience, when to go to Kickstarter, how to stand out, and more.

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Thematically Informed Game Design with Jonny Pac Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

Jonny Pac, designer of Merchants Cove and lots of other games, discusses his process of finding the perfect mesh of theme and mechanisms.
We talk about his approach to theme in his various games, research, and what it looks like for mechanics to make sense inside the theme.

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Using Blue Ocean Strategy in Game Design with Marvin Hegen Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

Marvin Hegen, designer of Mindbug, discusses how to use a blue ocean strategy in game design and game publishing.
We talk about blue ocean vs red ocean concepts, how the strategy can help you pitch games, marketing, and more.

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How to Expand on a Core Idea with Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson, designers of the Undaunted series, discuss how to take a solid core idea and then expand on it.
We talk about the making of Undaunted games, what goes into creating expansions, standalone sequels, and new games with similar DNA to previous designs.

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How to Put a New Twist on a Familiar Genre with Ariel Rubin and Juliana Moreno Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

Ariel Rubin and Juliana Moreno, designers of the Escape Room in a Box series, discuss what it takes to put a new twist on a familiar genre.
Over the last few years, they’ve designed and published several games that brought new angles and fresh ideas to various different genres, so we dive into lots of great examples of how to do this.

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Designing Games with Higher Player Counts with Darren Terpstra Nov 03, 2021

Show notes

Darren Terpstra, designer of Ignite, discusses what to be aware of when designing games that go up to six or more players
We talk about the pros and cons of higher player count games, balance, finding playtesters, and more.

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Top 10 Photoshop Tips for Game Designers with Nicolas Fournier Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Nicolas Fournier, designer of Megapulse, breaks down his top 10 Photoshop tips and tricks to help game designers.

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A Game about Game Design with Jon Spike Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Jon Spike, designer of Gamestormers, discusses his game about designing board games (it gets a bit meta). I think it’s an excellent way to introduce new people to the game design hobby and also might make for a helpful resource for seasoned designers.

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How to Design a Pick-up and Deliver Game with Marcel Köhler Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

Marcel Köhler, designer of Dutch Resistance: Orange Shall Overcome!, discusses what all goes into designing a pick-up and deliver game.
We talk about how to make things thematic, the best number of resources, route obstacles, and more.
And be sure to check out Marce’s pick-up and deliver game on Kickstarter HERE.

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