Extra Credits

How clear should your quests be? Should they be easy to understand with exclamation marks across the map or full of deeply hidden lore that players need to seek out? Is there a good in-between and what's best for your game? Find out in our newest gaming episode "When Challenging Quests are Controversial"

Are you a Junior Game Developer that wants to know more about what you should expect when designing a game? Do you want to know the best ways to innovate something or understand where the best places are to spend your limited amount of time? Then have a seat as we hear from a Junior Developer and what he's learned while working on his first game!

Lots of questions come up with the use of AI art. Just how legal is it? Do I own what the AI makes? Is it unethical or too risky to use for my own game's design? Join us as we consult with Game Lawyers Joe Newman and Jonathan Downing to discuss just how to navigate these legal landmines.

Ever wonder why a game leaves you wanting more? Tempting you to play just one more level or not quite getting that last item you need. Games keep you coming back for more and we're here to tell you that satisfaction is NOT guaranteed... and THAT's the point! Game developers are constantly looking at how to utilize the paradox of satisfaction. Creating an experience that doesn't quite satisfy your gaming experience and leaving you in a state of perpetual temptation.

Your favorite game is getting a remake and you're cha$ing your childhood nostalgia. When it hits the shelves you realize that this isn't as good as the original..... why is that?

How are Tarkov-like games the answer to the future of the declining MMO Genre?

Do mechanics limit our understanding of genre? Or can we re-invigorate and reinvent genres without harming the core of what players expect?

It's ok to be wrong but everyone needs to learn how to fail faster because no idea is made fully formed. Your ideas can't be precious and your ego can't need protecting. Every failure is a chance to GET IT RIGHT! If everyone can be willing to commit the team will succeed.

It's hard to get people to accept change. So how can we make changes in a game without costing you your fan base and adding real value?

The unreliable narrator has been used as a fantastic device to mislead people in books and films. Creating dramatic story endings and plot twists but why does this plot device have such trouble traversing into gaming media? Is creating an unreliable narrator in gaming impossible?

Do you play games to recharge and can we design games specifically for comfort? Find out today as we discuss finding solace in pixels!

"The History of D&D Hasbro Refused to Learn From" is a riveting exploration of the legal battles that have influenced the evolution of Dungeons & Dragons and the entire RPG industry. We will take you on a time-traveling journey through the origins of D&D, the rise of third-party publishers, the licensing agreements, and the subsequent lawsuits that changed the game's trajectory. Discover how legal disputes and fan discontent have shaped the game we know and love today, and get a glimpse into the future of this iconic tabletop RPG. Prepare for an epic dive into the decades-long drama of D&D's legal and fan challenges!

How do you break down the player goals in video games? Does each game need every subset from instant goals to long-term goals? As it turns out, goals aren't just for adventuring through dungeons and defeating bosses but can be used to direct the player's experiences. They should be scaled or even omitted for comfort and each genre of game you play. Creating the ultimate gaming experience for your players.

Looking across the last 15 years of Magic the Gathering, we noticed the genius game design of their newest card, Battles! A card that gives players, the ability to have all their turn one fun and their big monsters too! Will this card forever change the dynamics of MTG?

The wild tale of Dark and Darker is a David and Goliath-type story between indie game developer Ironmace and Nexon games... or is it? Let's dive into this shipwreck of a mess with wiped servers, disgruntled developers, and legal allegations between the two companies and find out who's really to blame.

Why is matchmaking so terrible? There's a lot that goes into matchmaking that we don't think about. We're not just talking about the number of players, consoles, game modes or match time. Developers need to start by thinking about the basics like ping, queue time, and player skills. Or, maybe how we should entertain the players while they're in longer queue times.

Ever impulsively bought something at the supermarket? You're not alone, and it's no accident! Dive deep into the meticulously crafted world of supermarket design, a strategy honed over a century to entice, engage, and encourage consumers to buy more. It's a design that is being used by digital markets today and heavily seeded in free-to-play video games. Learn how companies are setting you up to buy more!

Ever wondered about the nuances of 'Fair Use' in copyright law for video games? Back in 2016, we delved into US Intellectual Property law, touching upon striking a balance between protecting original designs and encouraging creativity. This video dives deeper, focusing on one of the most misunderstood areas of Copyright law: Fair Use.

Ever noticed how some game elements feel just right, even if you can't pinpoint why? Dive with us into the meticulously crafted world of game design – particularly, the intriguing genius behind Genshin Impact's login screen.

How do great game ideas happen? Join us for practical advice on how to create unique and original game ideas into fantastic content for your developing game.

Remember when games were more than pixels on a screen? They were portals to friends, communities, and shared adventures. But in today's hyper-connected gaming world, loneliness is a growing concern. In this episode, we explore the rise of gamer isolation and propose a radical idea – what if matchmaking could be the solution?

Embark on a journey through gaming history as we explore the rising trend of Roguelite mechanics, echoing the transformative impact RPG elements had in the early 2000s. These mechanics, characterized by short, repeatable playthroughs with randomization and meta-progression, are infiltrating diverse game genres. Offering short-session play opportunities and massive content reuse. Will Roguelites shape the future of gaming, unfolding a new chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of game design?