Fun Problems

AJ Brandon, Alex Cutler, and Peter C. Hayward explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers.  Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/43r9h7dz Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: f...

Today we follow up on an exercise of developing hooks we gave to our community by highlighting the very best we've seen shared in our discord. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

What is says on the tin. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 5 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel. Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers.  Link to Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/4n85j7vf Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me E...

The episode delves into the importance of understanding player dynamics, how to tackle randomness, the impact of player skills on balance, and the art of choosing fun over perfect equilibrium. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon delve deep into the intricacies of balancing game design. They explore the concept of balance from various angles, including strategic collapse, a test of skill, economies, and more to create engaging gameplay. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for...

In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon discuss catch-up mechanisms in gaming, such as rubber banding and blue shells. They also dive into an interesting exercise aimed at developing game design concepts through strong hooks. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Alex Hague and James Nathan Spencer explain what CMYK is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game CMYK is looking to publish! Email hello@cmyk.games to submit your game ideas to the company! Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme...

Alex Cutler and Peter C. Hayward break down the design process of Critter Kitchen: the lessons learned, the journeys taken, and the critters kitchened. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

John Zinzer and Mark Wooten explain what AEG is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game AEG is looking to publish! Email creative@alderac.com to submit your game ideas to the company! Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers.  Link to Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/bd8pn9hp Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funprob...

As we celebrate our 50th episode, we predict the next five years of the industry, including the growing role of AI in game design, shifts in game themes, and the potential impact of global economic factors on the industry.  Note this was recorded before the massive "Liberation Day" tariffs bombshell. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Ma...

This episode kicks off our new series, featuring candid discussions about what it takes to catch the eye of top-notch publishers. Joe Wiggins explains what Allplay is looking for, and goes through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Allplay is looking to publish! Submit to Allplay here: help.allplay.com The Bits (Joe's podcast): https://rb....

In this mini-sode, we touch on the importance of adaptability, using games like Robotopia to illustrate the 'follow the dog' philosophy. We teach focusing on fun and cutting unnecessary decision points to enhance game enjoyment. Whether it's co-design challenges or crafting concise mechanics, this episode dives into the nuances of aligning design choices with the player's experience. Discord: http...

This episode explores product cohesion, perceived value, and market alignment to ensure your game stands out on store shelves and online platforms. Discover the importance of table presence, demo-friendly design, and crafting the perfect pitch that resonates with both publishers and players.  AJ's new design template: https://tinyurl.com/4266fvax Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funpr...

In this episode of Fun Problems, Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon revisit AJ's popular talk from his perspective as a retailer on factors (other than how 'fun' the game is) that can make or break a sale at retail stores.  Peter and AJ also emphasize understanding the "last stage pitch"—how buyers get their friends to play—and offer insights into creating memorable experiences that facilitate game r...

The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 4 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel. Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Peter and AJ embark on a journey through the intricacies of royalties, advances, and the challenges of managing income as full-time game designers. With transparency as their guiding principle, they discuss the importance of understanding money, navigating contracts, and planning for financial stability in an unpredictable market. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gm...

Welcome to Fun Problems, where we dive into the challenges and joys of game design and podcasting. In this episode, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon are joined by special guest Alex Cutler to discuss the ins and outs of codesigning board games with another designer. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduar...

In this special holiday edition of "Fun Problems," host Peter C. Hayward takes center stage to delve into the cultural nuances and underlying assumptions of beloved games like Go, Dominion, and Wingspan. Peter explores how culture and timing influence game success, challenging the popular notion of universal game design truths. This engaging episode also includes personal stories, playful banter w...

Today is part 3 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel. Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.  Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Today is part 2 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel. Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.  Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

Today is part 1 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel. Games," written by Daniel Piechnick.  This episode includes the importance of elegance in design, minimizing complexity, and understanding the social aspect of board games.  Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email:  funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme...

Join hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon as they delve into the art of creating effective sell sheets for board games. This episode steps away from the usual design principles to tackle an essential aspect of game publishing. Using real examples from Peter's own collection of sell sheets, they illustrate what works and what doesn't, offering practical tips for creating a sell sheet that effectiv...