Design Doc
Hannah Shaffer and Evan RowlandCome along with Hannah and Evan in a living documentation of the game design process, from the first spark of an idea, to every disastrous surprise. It’s not an instruction manual, but a travel guide, with lots of unexpected stops along the way.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 125 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DesignArtsGamesLeisure | |||
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Latest Episodes
What do the sequences (3-4-5-6), (5-2-5-2), and (1-1-1-1) have in common? They’re all random dice rolls! Sometimes randomness seems random, but more often than you’d expect, it looks like an obvious pattern. When relying on dice or cards as randomize... more
Hannah and Evan tackle the question of reprinting versus redesigning an older game, Noirlandia. It’s a game that still sells well after all these years, but there are many tempting improvements to make. Where’s the line between editing a word here an... more
Hannah and Evan talk about the next steps involved in releasing a new draft of the Escape from Wonderland beta. The sprint to publish a public version of the rules involved a ton of time and effort, but the work isn’t done yet! The newest release inc... more
A quick announcement episode to let everyone know that the Escape from Wonderland beta rules are live. This is a draft of the game rules, publicly available for anyone to read and play. To share your thoughts, join us on Discord. Links below:
Turtle... more
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- Delightful, heartwarming banter between creative artists
Hannah and Evan get into the weeds about ideation, funding, and even shipping logistics through hilarious and sometimes tear-filled conversations about making games. Listening to this podcast really just feels like two really great friends welcoming you into their lives, and it’s always an instant pick-me-up when a new episode comes out. Can’t recommend highly enough!
Apple Podcasts5A Dinosaur Ate My Panties
United States5 months ago A wonderful inside look at the game design experience and process by two of the most relatable and joyous people out there. Thank you Hannah and Evan!
Podcast Addict5a year agoAzrael- Not just a game design log
This show is an honest and ongoing examination of the creative process. It’s not about a game, it’s about 2 artists figuring out what’s important to them and what they need to do and be to progress toward that goal. It is an embodiment of “the journey, not the destination”.
It is alternately comforting and inspiring as I go through my own creative struggles.
Apple Podcasts5M. BohnhoffUnited States4 years ago Hannah & Evan are insightful, amusing, caring, humble, delightful. Their rapport and banter are the perfect pairing with their hot takes and deep dives on everything about indie game dev life. Even if I weren't into games I would still listen just to hear their voices and benefit from their lively back-and-forth.
Podcast Addict54 years agoOodlesofgerbils- A wonderful arc
This show is more than just a game design show. Over the years it has been a show about the struggles of crowdfunding, burn out and personal relationships. I love how honest it can be at times.
Apple Podcasts5antafeinUnited States4 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #97 |  Canada/Arts/Design |
Apple Podcasts | #179 |  Poland/Arts/Design |
Apple Podcasts | #185 |  China/Arts/Design |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Design Doc
What is Design Doc about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Design-focused conversations follow two indie designers as they document their game design process in real time, from initial concepts to publication. Episodes frequently center on playtesting, public feedback loops, writing and refining rule systems, sourcing art and production elements, and balancing ambition with practical constraints. Listeners get candid updates on Kickstarter timelines, beta releases, and community-driven development, with a strong emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and creative resilience. A standout aspect is the long-running, process-oriented approach that invites audience input and situates design decisions within live, everyday studio life, making it feel approachable for aspiring designers and product team... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Design Doc?
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How many listeners does Design Doc get?
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What are the audience demographics for Design Doc?
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How many subscribers and views does Design Doc have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Design Doc?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Design Doc:
1. Dice Exploder
2. Rascal News
3. Party of One Podcast | Creative Interviews Through Tabletop RPG Actual Play
4. Between Two Cairns
5. My First Dungeon
How many episodes of Design Doc are there?
Design Doc launched 9 years ago and published 125 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Design Doc?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Design Doc?
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What guests have appeared on Design Doc?
Recent guests on Design Doc include:
1. Josh Yearsley
2. Mr. Hill
3. Joshua A.C. Newman
4. Alanna Shaffer
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.