GDU 114 - The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints
In episode 114 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Ace Ellett, half of Bluefish Games - the company he and his wife Anna founded as a result of their love for escape rooms and puzzles.
Danielle and Ace talk about what went into the fictional world of Hincksville and the character Bluefish created as a mechanism to drive their puzzle/mystery series. They discuss how to playtest escape room games, the art of hiding clues in plain sight, the importance of including a balance of different puzzles to keep everyone playing entertained, how to choose materials wisely (and cost effectively), and what makes the perfect “at-home puzzle experience”.
The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints is an audiobook mystery, so they also talk about the different challenges to consider that were different when compared to designing a “standard” escape puzzle - although, there are no rules when it comes to escape rooms!
Featuring:
Ace Ellett - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host
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46:10
GDU 113 - RESISTOR_
In episode 113 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Nicole Amato about transitioning into tabletop design after starting out as a video game journalist, small local game jams leading to big opportunities and how people choosing to use your innovative game mechanic in their prototype is flattering!
They also chat about the "politics" of popular (and extinct) video game conventions and the industry crossover there as well as their hack of using magic recording pens to help take notes. Listen to the rise of the "2-player renaissance" and the age-old publish vs. crowdfund conundrum on this episode!
Featuring:
Nicole Amato - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host
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49:27
GDU 112 - Sentai & Sensibility
In episode 112 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with Bug Boll about their first published solo design in the RPG space, Sentai & Sensibility! A new, niche-themed adventure from 9th Level Games where the unique - but surprisingly similar - worlds of Super Sentai and Jane Austen collide! They talk about the process of writing an RPG, adapting an existing rule system for a new theme, the importance of choosing to be whatever color Power Ranger you want, consulting experts on topics you are not familiar with, and injecting your own interests into game design - RPGs are not always about dragons in space folks!
And of course, Bug provides expert advice to new designers looking to create their own RPGs and stories.
Featuring:
Bug Boll - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host
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32:05
GDU 111 - Floristry
In episode 111 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication we talk with TAM about his game, Floristry, which is the first release by UP Games - a new publishing company in the tabletop space that he is a co-founder of!
Danielle and TAM talk about how game design has always been a passion (growing up without easy access to games led to inventing games to share with family and friends), the rise of 2-player date/cafe games, important things to consider when incorporating an app into your game, and distributing games in other languages.
Featuring:
TAM - Guest
Danielle Reynolds - Host
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41:04
GDU 110 - Season 5 Recap
In episode 110 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication, your friendly neighborhood editor, Amanda Rivera, takes over as host once again as we recap the fifth season and catch up with Danielle! They talk about this season’s guests, their games, and reflect on some of the amazing advice they shared for new and aspiring game designers.
Danielle talks about her upcoming games, the many prototypes she is working on, several exciting nominations, awards, and special guest appearances – oh my!
Other interesting highlights from the season five recap:
Games as inclusive, accessible, approachable, and engaging experiences!
Where IS the best place to display an oversized convention special guest sign with your name on it?
Tabletop Gaymers 10 Year Anniversary!
Danielle’s new blog “Missing Pieces” for the Tabletop Game Designers Association.
And, a Greek mythology lesson from Danielle!
Featuring:
Danielle Reynolds - Guest
Amanda Rivera - Host
About Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication
Game Design Unboxed features interviews with tabletop game designers on specific games or series of games they have created. Listeners will learn where the initial idea for the game came from, how the game developed over time and where the game is now after being published.
New Zealand