AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward
Fun Problems
Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.
Author
AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 26, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
#14 Board Game Strengths and Weaknesses (of the medium) 16.08.2021 1:13:52
Today we are talking about the strengths and weaknesses of the format/medium of board games, when compared to video games, RPGs, movies, etc. There are some areas that board games can take great advantage of, and others that you should be wary of when designing. Jennifer's Twitter thread; https://twitter.com/Gaohmee/status/1396874873859756032 Peter's Sudoku; http://peterchayward.com/sudoku.html If...
#13 Jeff Fraser Interview (Cartouche, Codesigning and more!) 01.08.2021 53:57
Today we are talking to Jeff Fraser about his experience codesigning Cartouche, and touch on many other topics, such as rule book writing, the psychology of numbers, and more! Cartouche is coming to KS Aug 3, sign up to get notified when it launches here; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peterchayward/cartouche You can try Cartouche right now for free on TTS here; https://steamcommunity.com/sh...
#12 Fixing BGG (Rethinking Genres) 16.07.2021 1:07:20
Today we are talking about how to think about genres from new angles by considering the core of what makes games tick. We hope you enjoy! Cartouche TTS mod - https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2545396343 0 Player game - https://youtu.be/N-BbgqOjIqk MDA original - https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/MDA.pdf Extra Credits has a great breakdown of aesthetics and added the "...
# 11 Elegance and Cognitive Load 06.07.2021 1:12:05
Today we are talking about how to keep depth in your game without overwhelming players with complexity. We hope you enjoy! Steam curator page - https://store.steampowered.com/cur.../40748469-Fun-Problems/ Pitch Meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhKOV3nImQ Newsletter - https://jellybean.games/funproblems/ Toby Macguire in the MCU (AJ's 3 favourite clips) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7...
#10 - BONUS Game Names 01.07.2021 49:34
Today we are talking about naming games. Specifically we work through naming an upcoming title! This is a bonus episode so it's a bit shorter and won't follow our usual format. We hope you enjoy! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Mate...
#9 - Onramping (Designing for the first play) 15.06.2021 1:07:22
Today we are talking about onramping; how to get new players into playing and having fun as easily and quickly as possible. Our topics include everything from scenario design to rulebooks to component design and more! Jeff Fraser - jwfraser.ca If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twit...
#8 - Board Game Terminology (Part 3) 02.06.2021 1:04:04
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/li...
#7 - Board Game Terminology (Part 2) 15.05.2021 1:07:37
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. Extra Credits https://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraCreditz Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/pubs/MDA.pdf The Characteristics of Games https://amzn.to/3v3zc56 If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact u...
#6 - Board Game Terminology (Part 1) 25.04.2021 1:00:30
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about board game terms; what they mean, and why they are important and useful. Peter's talk on the "shape" of the game: https://genesisoflegend.podbean.com/e/episode-181-the-shape-of-your-game/ Peter's talk on "blind/cold" playtesting: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/the-secret-sauce-of-game-design-with-peter-c-hayward/ Outpu...
#5 - Community Submitted Pitches/Hooks 15.03.2021 1:09:34
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we are talking about "elevator pitches" that members of the community have sent in. What they get right and where they can improve. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod A big thanks to Eduard Matei for...
#4 - Design Space 25.02.2021 59:32
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Noah "Angels" clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbkjkJzREd4 A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#3 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 2) 02.02.2021 54:21
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Sen-Foong Lim's talk on feedback. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XW73yLRU14 A big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#2 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 1) 12.12.2020 1:22:26
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Here is our email. Send us your hooks to review, ask us a fun question, or email us if you are just feeling a little lonely. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Shut up and sit down playing a megagame; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN71v9H_gg8 Shut up and sit down; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86pIbGeBJPQ Board Game Design Lab featuring Peter t...
#1 - Ideas 22.10.2020 1:41:21
Join us for an in depth conversation on game design! Today we discuss the inception of board games. What the advantages are of different starting points and what pitfalls to watch out for. We also touch on designing board games as a product, designing for early prototyping and how to know if your game is going in the right direction. A.J.’s talk on why your (Good) game won’t sell; https://www.yout...
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