Ludology

Inspired by an article by Matt Thrower , Mike and Geoff talk about games that try to tackle controversial topics, and why there aren't more of them. Duration: 1:05:35

In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at what factors make a game 'mean'. Duration: 06:18

Mike and Geoff are joined by guest Rich Sommer, host of the Cardboard! podast  and star of stage and screen to discuss games receiving mainstream acceptance.  Is it good for the hobby to have games go mainstream? If so, what can designers, publishers, and hobbyists do to make that happen? Duration: 01:05:09

In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at an ancient text that lists games that will distract you from achieving enlightenment. Duration: 06:18

Mike and Geoff dive deeper into the world of cards. What is a card? What tools do cards give the designer? What card games exhibit great depth? Duration: 01:22:22

In this classic GameTek, Geoff looks at the way different types of noise mirror different random processes in games, and how these can be tuned for maximum player interest. Duration: 06:24

Mike and Geoff are joined by Stronghold Games President Stephen Buonocore, to discuss the current state of the board game industry. Special guests may also pop in! Duration: 01:20:18

In this classic GameTek, Geoff explores the different types of noise. Duration: 06:21

Geoff and new host Mike Fitzgerald talk about card games and why they are often treated as second-class citizens in the game world. Duration: 01:07:00

For their 100th episode, and Ryan's last, the guys take a look back at their favorite moments from the show. Duration: 1:25:13

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the legacy of Allan Calhamer and his game, Diplomacy. Duration: 07:02

Ryan and Geoff talk about Gamification, the application of gaming techniques to real world tasks. Why do it? What are some good and bad examples? Duration: 1:21:30

In this ALL NEW GameTek, Geoff interviews Dr. Michael Bowling of the University of Alberta. Mike and his team put together computer hardware and software to 'solve' Heads-Up Limit Texas Hold'Em. So how does it work? And what does 'solve' really mean in a game with so much hidden information? Duration: 38:00

Ryan and Geoff are thrilled to welcome Richard Garfield, designer of Magic: The Gathering, Robo Rally, Netrunner, King of Tokyo and more, along with bonus guest Mike Fitzgerald, whose latest designs include Diamonds and Baseball Highlights: 2045. We discuss Richard's design philosophy, the origins of Magic, types of gamers, and much more. Please also visit our geeklist to share your memories of Lu...

In this classic GameTek, Geoff looks at a curious incident at Johns Hopkins University. Duration: 04:14

Ryan and Geoff discuss heuristics, and the way they are used in games. How can designers shape a game's heuristics to increase both depth and accessibility? Duration: 01:30:34  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the many instances of people cheating in chess tournaments. Duration: 05:52

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