This week, we explore the concept of 'childishly simple' games, and how it applies to creating elegant games that seem effortlessly simple but also offer depth. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, dissect both successful and challenging game designs, and discuss the art of simplifying mechanics no matter the weight class of the game. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 66
In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and guest Tim Armstrong dive deep into the world of game design and publishing. With AJ Brandon absent, Peter brings on Tim, a designer and friend, to explore how their processes differ as they discuss their 10-year journeys in the board game industry. They unpack strategies for pitching to publishers, the value of sell sheets, and why specific design choices are made. Peter also highlights the challenges of maintaining passion in game desi...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 64
Join Peter and AJ as they take you behind the curtain to explore a week in the busy life of board game designers. They share their daily routines, challenges, and the creative processes involved in crafting engaging board games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 63
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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our them...
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 62
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!
Jun 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 61
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!
Jun 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 60
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!...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 59
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 Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 58
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!
May 17, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 57
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!...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 56
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!...
May 09, 2025•50 min•Ep. 55
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!...
May 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 54
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!
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 53
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!...
Apr 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 52
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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 51
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!...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 50
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 E...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 49
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 the...
Mar 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 48
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: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 3Ep. 47
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 recommendations. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Season 3Ep. 46
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!...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 3Ep. 45
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@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!...
Jan 25, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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 Eduard Matei for our theme song!
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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 with co-host AJ, and a light-hearted discussion on the pet peeves of gamers and game designers alike....
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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!
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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!
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 40
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 song!...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 39
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 effectively communicates the essence of your game. Back of Boxes: https://tinyurl.com/y7jtsrr3 Sell sheets: ...
Nov 14, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In this episode, we delve into the importance of numbers and their impact on gameplay. We explore how the concept of fidelity, or granularity, influences the design and experience of both board games and video games. Our discussion kicks off with a comparison between games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, highlighting how different number systems create unique player experiences. We also examine the role of numbers in scoring systems, using examples like Lost Cities, and how small change...
Nov 10, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Peter and AJ explore the concept of genre within board games, comparing it to the well-defined genres found in films and novels. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional genre theory to board games, which often rely on mechanisms rather than genres to define them. The conversation touches on the importance of genre in other media, highlighting how it helps creators meet audience expectations and allows consumers to find similar content they might enjoy. Peter and AJ examine how board ...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 36
