My Favorite Games

Gelb is joined by Victor Shiu, director of games at LaunchBoom, veteran crowdfunding consultant, and board game designer, to explore his journey from filmmaking and digital marketing to launching successful board game campaigns. Together, they discuss Victor’s inspiration for creating “Hover,” a fast-paced and strategic board game about the surprisingly fierce world of hummingbirds, and dig deep i...

Ryan Simpkins joins Gelb to discuss his journey from designing competitions for shows like Big Brother and American Ninja Warrior to creating tabletop games. Together, they explore the inspiration and development behind Ryan’s new word game "Death by Letters," the challenges of independent publishing, and how Ryan’s experience in television influences his approach to crafting engaging, re-playable...

Bonsart Bokel is passionate about building imaginative worlds and fostering creative collaboration. In this episode, he and Gelb discuss the origins and vision of the Association of Ishtar series, the development of the Night Watch TTRPG, the art of worldbuilding in steampunk, the challenges of independent publishing, and the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Night Watch. Bonsart shares insights i...

Matt Pini from Dimm City RPG is passionate about building imaginative worlds and fostering creative collaboration. In this episode, he and Gelb discuss the origins and vision of Dimm City RPG, the importance of community-driven storytelling, the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in tabletop games, their commitment to open source tools, and their upcoming Kickstarter campaign. Yo...

Alexander Goldman from Inventures just loves Wingspan. In this episode, he and Gelb discuss game design lessons, stretching play beyond the rules, and creating his own improv-storytelling game. You can find out more about Alexander here: * Instagram: @inventures_game * Website: www.birtlegames.com * Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexandergoldman/inventures * Facebook: www.facebook.com/...

Chris Backe really loves Star Realms. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Chris's journey as a digital nomad game designer, the balance between theme and mechanics, and the importance of choosing your ambition in game design. They talk about self-publishing versus pitching to publishers, the dynamics of working with publishers, and the creative process behind developing a game. Plus, they dig i...

Nicole Amato really loves Crokinole. In this episode, Gelb learns all about their journey into game design, their experiences with grief, and how Kickstarter plays a pivotal role in game development. They talk about their favorite games like Avocado Smash, their transition from board games to RPGs, and dive into the importance of community, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of game publish...

Mathue Ryann from EnvyBorn Games just loves Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this episode, Gelb learns all about game design vs. development, accessibility in games, and the intricacies of pitching to publishers. They talk about Kickstarter as a tool for indie publishers, the challenges of building retailer relationships, and the evolving strategies for successful game launches. Plus, they dig into Mathu...

John Carimando really loves Carcassonne, and in this episode, Gelb learns all about how this classic game shaped John’s design philosophy. They dive into the transition from being a player to a designer, the art of balancing theme and mechanics, and the crucial role of constructive feedback in game development. The conversation also covers the challenges of knowing when a game is complete, inspira...

Tim O'Brien from Chaotic Great truly loves the Star Wars Living Card Game. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Tim’s journey into game design, the appeal and challenges of living card games, and the creative process behind Gudnack. They talk about building passionate communities, the role of art in enhancing tabletop games, and the use of Kickstarter as a marketing tool. Plus, they dig into the...

Dave Hadden from Orthane Productions really loves Dungeons and Dragons. In this episode, Gelb learns all about the appeal of D&D, the creative process behind designing a game rooted in ancient Egyptian themes, and the importance of historical accuracy in RPGs. They talk about the challenges of crowdfunding, the evolving role of AI in game design, and the dedication required to bring a new tabletop...

Bryan Brammer from Tangerine Games really enjoys the board game version Anno 1800. In this episode, Gelb learns all about the art of game design, the publishing journey, and pitching strategies. They talk about theme versus mechanics, the role of Kickstarter, and creating sell sheets, and dig into play-testing, choosing between self-publishing or finding a publisher, and navigating industry critic...

Shawn Hoult from Allies or Enemies is a really big fan of GaiaProject. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Shawn's journey from teaching to game design, how his experiences as a YouTube creator influence his approach, and the importance of theme and mechanics in creating games. They talk about playtesting, feedback, and the dynamics of pitching and working with publishers. They dig into asymmet...

Martin Gonzalvez is a big fan of Lost Ruins of Arnak. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Martin's transition from player to designer, the role of community support, and the balance of theme and mechanics in game design. They talk about the fears of publishing, the struggles of solo gaming burnout, and Martin's upcoming noir-themed deck-building game. They dig into the evolving landscape of the...

Dave Perrins from Party Snail Games is a fan of games like Six Seconds Scribbles. In this episode, Gelb learns all about simplicity in game design, the importance of community, and Dave’s unorthodox journey into the board game industry. They talk about creating fun experiences, independent game making without Kickstarter, and the value of player feedback, and dig into accessible family games, uniq...

Chris Eastridge from Moonsaga Workshop has a thing for Harmonies. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Chris's journey as an independent game designer, how his background as a process automation engineer influences his design process, and his passion for innovative game mechanics. They talk about the importance of replayability, the decision to self-publish Parks and Potions, and Chris's future...

Roberto Panetta from Rock, Stone and Dice Games is a big fan of Lost Ruins of Arnak and Little Tavern! In this episode, Gelb learns all about Roberto's journey from commercial refrigeration to game design, the importance of theme and mechanics, and how player feedback shapes a game's development. They talk about Roberto’s Kickstarter launch, building an email list, and networking in the board game...

Jamey Stegmaier from Stonemaier Games just loves Quacks of Quedlinburg . In this episode, Jamey shares his views about about openness in the game design process, the importance of understanding the business side of game design, and how to receive constructive criticism. They talk about the importance of community building, the role of crowdfunding within the board game industry, and even some comm...

Jaime Browne from Wrong Cauldron just loves Eldritch Horror. In this episode, Gelb learns all about the process of creating Amoebunnies, from initial sketches to designing characters and gameplay mechanics, they talk about the challenges of finding the right art style, approaching publishers, and the replayability offered by unique characters and objectives, and dig into self-publishing through Ki...

Dexter Dakota from Barely Suitable Games is a fan of Sea Salt and Paper. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Dexter's journey from the restaurant industry to game design, how he applies his marketing mindset to creating enjoyable player experiences, and the importance of feedback in game development. They talk about the inspiration behind his game Puny Gods, the influence of games like Sea Salt...

Neil Edwards from Ludivore Games just loves Regicide. The game, not the act. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Neil's transition from video game design to board game design, the importance of understanding the core of a board game, and the experience-first design philosophy at Ludivore Games. They talk about the challenges of marketing and selling board games, the appeal of simple games, and...

Dusty and Amy Droz from Dux Somnium Games have been collaborating on businesses for a long time. They've been together since they were 14! In this episode, Gelb learns all about their game design journey, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their games Botany and Le Fleur. They talk about starting with the story, designing mechanics to fit the narrative, and the importance of fun an...

Rusty Scioscia from Turn-Sideways Games is a recovering Magic: The Gathering player. In this episode, Gelb and Rusty talk all about game design, crowdfunding, and AI-generated artwork. Rusty discusses the influence of Magic: The Gathering on his game design, the challenges of running successful Kickstarter campaigns, and the importance of trust in the plan and process. They also dig into the Dunni...

Gelb sits down for a wide-ranging conversation with Seppy Yoon from Fight in a Box games. They cover topics as broad as the audaciousness of games like Kingdom Death Monster (being inaccessible can be a good thing!), Seppy’s journey from corporate to game design and building Fight in a Box, and his new title Conquest Princess. They also speak about the balance between audience matching and carving...

Lori McDonald loves designing educational games. In this episode, Gelb learns all about Lori's journey into game design, the development of Earth Matters, and the motivation behind creating a climate change-themed game. They talk about the game's mechanics, gameplay, and the educational aspects that make Earth Matters unique. Additionally, they dig into Lori's decision to self-publish, her experie...