Fun Problems

AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward•funproblems.podbean.com

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.

Last refreshed: July 23rd, 2025 at 11:37 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

#7 - Board Game Terminology (Part 2)

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 us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Faceboo...

May 15, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 7

#6 - Board Game Terminology (Part 1)

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/ Output/Input Randomness thread: https://twitter.com/peterchayward/status/1140663740804861952?s=20 The thr...

Apr 25, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 6

#5 - Community Submitted Pitches/Hooks

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 our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 5

#4 - Design Space

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....

Feb 25, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 4

#3 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 2)

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.

Feb 02, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 3

#2 - Common Mistakes New Designers Make (Part 1)

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 talking about the two types of co-ops (It’s a must listen to!-AJ) https://www.boardgamedesignlab.com/...

Dec 12, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 2

#1 - Ideas

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.youtube.com/watch?v=UXxCIUiSMJk&t=37s Kevin Wilson IP games; https://twitter.com/KevinWilson42/statu...

Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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