Fun Problems

#55 - How to Balance your Board Game Part 1

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 our theme song!

#54 - Catch-Up Mechanisms and Hooks

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!

#53 - Would CMYK Publish This?

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 song!

#53 - Critter Kitchen Design Diary

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!

#52 - Would AEG Publish This?

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!

#51 - Audience Sell-Sheets

Welcome to this episode of Fun Problems, where 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. 
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

#50 - Board Game Industry Predictions

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 Matei for our theme song!

#49 - Would Allplay Publish This?

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.gy/53dzlf
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

#48 - Grab Bag Minisode

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: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

#47 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 2

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. 
Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me
Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com
Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!