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Artwork for Think Like A Game Designer

Think Like A Game Designer

Justin Gary
Game Design
Slay the Spire
Game Development
Playtesting
Soulforge Fusion
Community Engagement
Mega Crit Studios
Game Monetization
Creativity
Storytelling
Burnout
Philosophy
League Of Legends
Arcane
Fiasco
Microscope
Oshie Push
Thousand Year Old Vampire
Creative Resistance
Guitar Hero

In Think Like a Game Designer, award-winning designer and Stone Blade Entertainment CEO Justin Gary speaks with world-class game designers and creative experts from various industries. Each episode deconstructs the creative process, offering insights into the art of game design and the broader cultural, technological, and business influences shaping a myriad of creative mediums. Join us for action... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
LeisureArtsDesign

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Artwork for Think Like A Game Designer

Latest Episodes

About Jonathan

Jonathan Grant is a creative director at Zynga, founder of Orbital Games, and co-host of We Thought It Would Be Easy with Jordan Weisman. His career spans startups, acquisitions, and AAA environments, where he’s pitched ideas in Zynga... more

About Elan

Elan Lee (@elanlee) is the co-creator and chief executive officer of Exploding Kittens, a leading gaming and entertainment company. Under his leadership, Exploding Kittens has expanded its portfolio to nearly 30 different games with more ... more

At Gen Con this year, we kicked off Ascension’s 15-year anniversary celebration. I had the chance to meet so many fans who have been part of this community for over a decade; the experience was both humbling and rewarding.

We just launched the Gamef... more

About Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is a category of one. His innovative approach to life and business has helped him to launch 5 New York Times Bestellers, build one of the most influential podcasts in the world with over one billion downloads, become an... more

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Recent Guests

Elan Lee
Co-founder of Exploding Kittens and veteran game designer
Exploding Kittens
Episode: Elan Lee — Building Exploding Kittens, Marketing as Design, Retail Pitches, and Playing to Sell (#91)
Tim Ferriss
Author, podcaster, and game designer
Tim Ferriss Show
Episode: Tim Ferriss — Designing Coyote, Playing to Learn, Publishing Truths, and Saying "No" (#89)
Cole Wehrle
Creative Director at Leder Games, known for his work on Root and Oath
Leder Games
Episode: Cole Wehrle — Cute Creatures, Brutal Games, Asymmetric Design, and Subverting Expectations (#88)
Amy Lowe
Marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience helping brands connect with audiences.
Game Manufacturers Association
Episode: Amy Lowe — Finding Your X Factor, Marketing with Heart, and Serving the Right Players (#87)
Derek Sivers
Musician, entrepreneur, author, and philosopher; founder of CD Baby
Episode: Derek Sivers — Embracing Simplicity, Owning Your Weirdness, and Designing a Life with Intent (#86)
Dominic Crapuchettes
Founder of North Star Games and an accomplished game designer
North Star Games
Episode: Dominic Crapuchettes — Designing for Constraints, Rebuilding After Failure, and Finding the Magic in Games (#85)
Kohji Nagata
Co-founder and head of design at Parallel Studios
Parallel Studios
Episode: Kohji Nagata — Building Parallel, Designing with Obsession, and Falling in Love with Your Creations (#84)
Dafna Pleban
Veteran comic book editor with over 15 years of experience
Episode: Dafna Pleban — Editing Underwater, Building Creative Teams, and the Economics of Storytelling (#83)
Justin Ziran
President of WizKids and veteran in the collectible games industry
WizKids
Episode: Justin Ziran — Digital Magic: Fear and Success, Leading with Bold Decisions, and Redefining Innovation (#82)

Host

Justin Gary
Host dedicated to discussing the art of game design with world-class designers and experts. An award-winning designer and CEO of Stone Blade Entertainment, he brings extensive insights into the gaming world and its creative processes.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 241 ratings
  • Tim Ferris for the boardgame industry

    Justin thoughts and comments alone are worth listening but when you pair him with game industry titans, you get a fascinating conversation, always. Inspiring, thoughts provoking, I always walk away with something to think about.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LafayetteSB
    United States3 months ago
  • Awesome

    I’m now sure if this review gets attached to the episode or the show but either way. There are few podcast series that I have joined 40 episodes in and felt compelled to listen to every episode of the back catalogue. I love how Justin thinks, presents topics and engages with his guests. This episode was stand out though. As a game design nerd it’s great to listen to some next level ideas on the ways games and play can be viewed in the context of society and the individual. Great stuff.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Henna.bob
    Australia2 years ago
  • Justin does a great job, amazing guests, really great insight, and a joy to listen to. If you are a game designer this is a must listen.

    Podchaser
    5
    George
    2 years ago
  • Inspiring!!

    Thank You, Justin Gary, for making this available to the public! This information is so valuable and important to any level of game designer, whether first year or fifteenth. I cannot recommend it enough!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    East Atlanta Game Lab
    United States3 years ago
  • 3 episodes in and they've all been really great! Insightful and a different take than other game design podcasts.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Rizz
    3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many listeners appreciate the balance of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, making it suitable for both aspiring game designers and established professionals.
Listeners praise the podcast for its in-depth discussions and insights from industry veterans, often highlighting the actionable advice shared.
Reviews frequently mention the engaging nature of the host, noting his ability to connect with guests and draw out valuable stories.
Audience feedback often points to the educational value of the content, with many feeling inspired to create their own games or improve existing ideas.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#64
Finland/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#201
Netherlands/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#209
Singapore/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#213
India/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#221
Japan/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#236
Colombia/Leisure

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tim Ferriss — Designing Coyote, Playing to Learn, Publishing Truths, and Saying "No" (#89)
Q: What is the significance of the cooperative vs. competitive mode in games?
Tim believes that cooperative modes allow players to bond while competitive modes can be entertaining if managed correctly.
Tim Ferriss — Designing Coyote, Playing to Learn, Publishing Truths, and Saying "No" (#89)
Q: How do you approach new creative projects and manage fear?
Tim suggests treating new projects as experiments, allowing room for learning and growth without attachment to outcomes.
Derek Sivers — Embracing Simplicity, Owning Your Weirdness, and Designing a Life with Intent (#86)
Q: What got you thinking about things in this way?
Sivers credits his exposure to heavy metal at a young age as the catalyst for his intense focus on music, which ultimately became his life's mission.
Dafna Pleban — Editing Underwater, Building Creative Teams, and the Economics of Storytelling (#83)
Q: What advice would you have for those interested in getting into the field?
Self-publishing is a very legitimate way into the industry and showing an editor what you can do is a big advantage.
Jesse Alexander — Mastering the Creative Hustle, Fighting for Bold Ideas, and Thriving in a Changing Industry (#80)
Q: How do you feel about the impact of AI on the creative profession?
AI will shape and change the creative landscape, making it essential for creators to learn how to use it effectively.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Think Like A Game Designer

What is Think Like A Game Designer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show explores the intricate world of game design, focusing on the creative processes employed by leading game designers and experts from various fields. Each episode features discussions that cover a wide range of topics, including the principles of game design, the influence of technology on creativity, and the importance of understanding audiences. Noteworthy episodes include insights on entrepreneurship from successful game creators, as well as valuable lessons on overcoming challenges in the industry. The blend of personal anecdotes and professional expertise creates an enriching experience for listeners interested in the arts, design, and the gaming industry.

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How many listeners does Think Like A Game Designer get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Think Like A Game Designer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Think Like A Game Designer:

1. The Game Design Round Table
2. Shut Up & Sit Down
3. The Dice Tower
4. Board Game Barrage
5. So Very Wrong About Games

How many episodes of Think Like A Game Designer are there?

Think Like A Game Designer launched 7 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Think Like A Game Designer?

Recent guests on Think Like A Game Designer include:

1. Elan Lee
2. Tim Ferriss
3. Cole Wehrle
4. Amy Lowe
5. Derek Sivers
6. Dominic Crapuchettes
7. Kohji Nagata
8. Dafna Pleban

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.

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