Ludology

In this episode of Ludology we are thrilled to welcome Peter Olotka, one of the designers of Cosmic Encounter, Dune, and many other classic games.  We discuss the early development of Cosmic Encounter, how it evolved, and other games in the Eon line. Duration: 01:16:25

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses expectation value, and how it can be used - and misused - in games. Duration: 05:39

Ryan and Geoff take a close look at the body of work of Reiner Knizia, one of the most influential and prolific designers of the modern era. What common threads run through Knizia's work? What lasting impact has he had on the hobby? What are the highlights, lowlights, and hidden gems of his oeuvre? And just how do you pronounce 'oeuvre' anyway? Duration: 01:24:54

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about putting tiles down without repeating any patterns. Duration: 06:15

Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to welcome guest Jordan Weisman, founder of FASA, Wizkids, and Harebrained Schemes, and designer of Battletech, Heroclix, and the just-released Golem Arcana . Jordan joins us to discuss incorporating digital technology, like smartphones and tablets, into the realm of the board game. What special considerations need to be given to the design? Is the technology hobbli...

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses a study done on playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with one player blindfolded and one able to see. Who comes out on top? Duration: 04:41

Ryan and Geoff are pleased to be joined by Travis Chance and Nick Little of Action Phase game, designers of Heroes Wanted.  This was the first time Action Phase has exhibited at Gencon, and we discuss what it was like.  When did they get their booth? How much planning did they do? What was the total cost to do the show? What worked and what didn't? Duration: 01:12:05  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Artificial Intelligence, and how it affects our play. Duration: 06:15

Geoff finally acquiesces to Ryan's wish to discuss game shows. And you know what? It turned out to be a very fertile area for analysis.  What special considerations are there for game shows? What can game designers learn from them? Duration: 01:08:58  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about IBM's Jeopardy-playing Watson, and how it fits into the history of Artificial Intelligence research. Duration: 06:10

Ryan and Geoff are joined by guest Andrew Tullsen of Print & Play productions to discuss prototypes. What are the different types of prototypes? What are the tools and techniques to create them in a simple yet professinoal manner? Duration: 1:08:58

In this classic GameTek, Geoff investigates the true randomness of dice. Duration: 06:15

Ryan and Geoff dip back into the mail bag to respond to more listener comments and questions about luck and randomness. Duration: 1:00:31

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses brain imaging studies on shogi players. For images relating to this story, check out Geoff's blog entry on BoardgameGeek . Duration: 06:58

Ryan and Geoff are joined by guest Gil Hova, designer of Prolix and Battle Merchants to discuss playtesting. What are the different types of playtests? How do you get the most out of your testing? What should you look for in testers? Duration: 01:10:38 NOTE: This is a revised version of this episode that corrects the audio issue.

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses tournament structure in sports, and the way that may effect the play of the individual games. Duration: 06:54

Ryan and Geoff do a deep dive into the world of Worker Placement games. What makes them tick? Why would designers use that mechanism? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Duration: 01:06:39

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about how games can teach us about economics. Duration: 07:13

Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to welcome Dominic Crapuchettes to Ludology! We discuss designing party games, dealing with mass market retailers, starting a game company, and their recent pivot into the strategy market with Evolution. Duration: 01:11:30

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about shuffling, big numbers, uniqueness, and the origin of life. Duration: 07:35

Ryan and Geoff respond to a random sampling of the listener questions about luck and randomness. Thanks to all who sent in your thoughts, comments, and questions! Duration: 01:07:06  

In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the psychological property called Competence, and how you can use it to annoy people. Duration: 06:47

Ryan and Geoff take one last look at the Most Influential Games of the 20th Century. Do they have any second thoughts? Any overlooked games that should have been included? They also put on their pointy prognosticator caps and give their picks for the top 10 games that will be most influential on the 21st century. Duration: 

In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about recent research on willpower. Duration: 07:00

Ryan and Geoff are pleased to welcome back Eric Zimmerman, professor at NYU's Game Center and author of The Rules of Play. This episode we discuss the concept of the "magic circle" and how designers can foster and benefit from it. Duration: 01:24:56