GameTek Classic 89 - Quasicrystals
In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about putting tiles down without repeating any patterns. Duration: 06:15
Oct 12, 2014•6 min
Ludology
Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the how's and why's of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, and discusses game history, game design and game players.
Ludology is part of The Dice Tower Network, the premier board game media network.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
Ludology Episode 89 - Bridging the Digital Divide
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 hobbling or liberating? And what will the future hold for hybrids? Duration: 01:13:42...
Oct 05, 2014•1 hr 14 min
GameTek Classic 88 - Blind RPS
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
Sep 28, 2014•5 min
Ludology Episode 88 - Small Booth, Big Dreams
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
Sep 21, 2014•1 hr 13 min
GameTek Classic 87 - AI
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Artificial Intelligence, and how it affects our play. Duration: 06:15
Sep 14, 2014•6 min
Ludology Episode 87 - Come On Down!
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
Sep 07, 2014•1 hr 17 min
GameTek Classic 86 - Watson
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
Aug 17, 2014•6 min
Ludology Episode 86 - Get Real
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
Aug 10, 2014•1 hr 9 min
GameTek Classic 85 - Fair Dice
In this classic GameTek, Geoff investigates the true randomness of dice. Duration: 06:15
Aug 03, 2014•6 min
Ludology Episode 85 - Lucky Break
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
Jul 27, 2014•1 hr 1 min
GameTek Classic 84 - Your Brain On Shogi
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
Jul 20, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 84 - The Playtest's The Thing
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.
Jul 13, 2014•1 hr 11 min
GameTek Classic 83 - Tournaments
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
Jul 06, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 83 - All Work And No Place Make Games A Dull Toy
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
Jun 29, 2014•1 hr 7 min
GameTek Classic 82 - Inflation
In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about how games can teach us about economics. Duration: 07:13
Jun 22, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 82 - Party, Party, Evolution
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
Jun 15, 2014•1 hr 12 min
GameTek Classic 81 - Shuffling
In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about shuffling, big numbers, uniqueness, and the origin of life. Duration: 07:35
Jun 08, 2014•8 min
Ludology Episode 81 - Random Acts of Kindness
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
Jun 01, 2014•1 hr 7 min
GameTek Classic 80 - Competence
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the psychological property called Competence, and how you can use it to annoy people. Duration: 06:47
May 25, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 80 - Influenza
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:
May 18, 2014•1 hr 17 min
GameTek 79 - Willpower
In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about recent research on willpower. Duration: 07:00
Apr 27, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 79 - The Magic Circle
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
Apr 20, 2014•1 hr 25 min
GameTek 78 - Criticism
In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about the state of game criticisim. Duration: 10:53
Apr 13, 2014•11 min
Ludology Episode 78 - Here We Are Now, Entertain Us
Ryan and Geoff conclude their survey of the most influential games with the 90's. Which games have cast shadows into the 21st century? Duration: 01:20
Apr 06, 2014•1 hr 20 min
GameTek 77 - Patronage
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses Kickstarter, and it's links with the concept of Patronage, in the past and future. Duration: 06:47
Mar 30, 2014•7 min
Ludology Epiosde 77 - Board To Bits
Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to be joined by guest Keith Burgun of DinoFarm games and author of Game Design Theory . Keith is the designer of a variety of mobile games, including 100 Rogues, Empire, and the upcoming Auro, all of which have a true board game flavor to them. We discuss the relationship between board games and video games, and using board games design techniques to prototype and inform the video game design space. Duration: 01:37:27...
Mar 23, 2014•1 hr 13 min
GameTek 76 - Copyright and Trademark
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the different types of intellectual property protection available to authors and companies. Duration: 06:48
Mar 16, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 76 - I Like Dice To Roll
Ryan and Geoff continue their series on the most influential games of all time, and take a look at the 1980's. What were the key games when we all weren't trying to unscramble our Rubik's Cubes?
Mar 09, 2014•1 hr 13 min
GameTek 75 - 3D Printing
In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses the impact 3D printing technology may have on the game hobby. Duration: 07:30
Mar 02, 2014•7 min
Ludology Episode 75 - Gray's Ludology
Ryan and Geoff are very excited to be joined by special guest Mike Gray. Mike has a long history in the game industry, working for Milton Bradley, TSR, and Hasbro. He designed Fortress America, Shogun, The Omega Virus, and many other classics during his tenure. Mike gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of the largest game publisher, including the genesis of the Gamemaster series, acquisition of Avalon Hill, and development of modern classics like Queen's Gambit. Duration: 01:14:45...
Feb 23, 2014•1 hr 15 min
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android