The Game Design Round Table

Latest Episodes:

Design Talk - Exploring Claude with Dirk & David May 05, 2026

Show notes

Join host Dirk Knemeyer and Co-Host David Heron as they discuss Dirk's transformative first month using Claude. Dirk, who previously avoided technical tools like the terminal, shares how he was "pill-popped" into AI-assisted programming to build a massively multiplayer online turn-based game from scratch. The conversation explores the sheer speed of AI development—achieving nine months of human work in a single afternoon—while also providing a grounded reality check on security flaws, AI hallucinations, and the future economics of game studios

Design Talk - Buried Giant with Cole Werhle Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Join hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron as they welcome back Cole Werhle, the designer of hits like Root and Oath. In this episode, Cole details his major career move from Leder Games to founding Buried Giant Studios. He explains his unique business philosophy of making "fewer games more slowly" to focus on dense games and sustainable creative infrastructure. The conversation explores how digital playtesting revolutionized his design process, the development of his massive project Arcs, and his insights on why the board game industry should remain "small and homey" compared to the volatile video game market

Design Talk - Exploring Nevaros with Raven Zachary Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Raven Zachary, a veteran tech executive and product leader known for his work in spatial computing, AI, and the internet industry. This episode explores the intersection of traditional game design and modern technology, focusing on Raven's new project, Navaros, a persistent browser-based game (PBBG). Raven shares how he utilized AI-assisted "vibe coding" to build a complex maritime exploration game without being a professional programmer, spending over 300 hours iterating with AI agents. Listeners will learn how to use AI as a "research assistant" to clarify mechanics and why iterative design is the key to mastering these new tools.

Design Talk - NYT Games with Rohit Crasta Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Join hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron as they welcome Rohit Crasta, a longtime game designer and former lead designer of Wordscapes who now serves as a lead designer for the New York Times. This episode dives into the design philosophy behind the New York Times' latest social word game, Crossplay, and how it seeks to fill a gap in the market by offering a "pure," high-quality experience free from heavy microtransactions. The discussion covers the transition from casual mobile games to the NYT's unique "daily ritual" ecosystem, the technical hurdles of native app development over using game engines like Unity, and how social sharing tools like Wordle's grid revolutionized player engagement.

Civ Series 13 - Rogue Hex with Reed Erlandson Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Civ Series, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Reed Erlandson, designer of Rogue Hex. Reed shares the inspiration behind the game and how its hex-based system creates strategic depth and emergent gameplay. The discussion explores balancing complexity with accessibility, building meaningful player choices, and designing within the civ-style framework while still innovating. Packed with thoughtful design insights and practical lessons, this episode is a must-listen for fans of strategy games and system-driven design.

Design Talk - Designing large group games with Rikki Tahta Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

In this Design Talk episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Rikki Tahta, designer of the hit bluffing game Coup. Rikki shares the origins of Coup, how competition and hidden information shape its tension, and the technical challenges behind making the game work smoothly. The conversation expands into the unique design problems of large-group games—from pacing and engagement to player elimination—and how designers can tackle them thoughtfully. Rikki also offers a look into his digital horse racing project and wraps up with advice for aspiring designers. A sharp, design-focused discussion for anyone interested in scalable and social game experiences.

Season: RPG - Interlude: The Final Round Table Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Today, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down today to have a discussion about RPGs stemming from a comment left by a user from the Discord channel. They dive into the importance of cards in combat mechanics, as well as David's connection to DnD.

Season: RPG - Exploring RPGs with Rob Daviau Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Today, Rob Daviau joins us again after a year to contribute to a conversation about RPGs. Dirk, David, and Rob talk about some of the practicalities of RPG's and GMing, as well as some of the problems that have arisen through both the tariffs and the lack of face to face gaming. A meaningful conversation that opens up some deeper ideas in the RPG and GM world.

BtC with Ellie Dix and Dirk Knemeyer - Series Wrap-Up Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Today, in an unusual turn of events, Ellie Dix, host of the series Behind the Cardboard, and Dirk Knemeyer, co-host of TGDRT, have a powerful conversation reflecting on the recent series that Ellie has worked so hard to produce. Touching on some of the key focal points and theming of series, as well as Ellie's production management and how that also can apply to her game design and everyday life. As well as discussing the series as a whole, they dive deeper into some specific arguments and concepts surrounding game design. This is a meaningful episode which will give viewers a preview of what Ellie has planned for the future.

Season: RPG - D&D with Mike Mearls Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the RPG series, host David Heron speaks with Mike Mearls , a key figure behind Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They dive into what makes both D&D and Magic: The Gathering compelling at their core, how designers can take their first steps into TTRPG creation, and the role online discussion plays—both positive and problematic—in shaping the hobby. Mike also shares his current design approaches, thoughts on accessibility for players of all backgrounds, and how to encourage strong GMs and engaged players. A packed conversation filled with insight for designers and longtime D&D fans alike.

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