Beyond Solitaire
A podcast dedicated to exploring board games and their broader cultural impact. Host Liz Davidson interviews guests about gaming history, historical games, and the significance of games beyond just playing them. Topics range from game design to the role of games in society.
Episodes
Episode 252 - Jeremiah McCall on Historical Problem Spaces
This week on the pod, Jeremiah McCall returns to update us on the publication of his new book, Designing Historical Games for Classrooms, and how he uses historical problem spaces to inspire and inform game design for himself and for his students. Jeremiah's book: https://www.routledge.com/Designing-Historical-Games-for-Classrooms-A-Practical-Guide-for-Educators/McCall/p/book/9781032595955Pre
Episode 251 - Gene Koo on Ephemerality in Games
This week on the pod, Gene Koo, designer of The Bonsai Diary and co-designer of Color Jam, drops by to discuss his paper-heavy game designs and an upcoming PAXU event devoted to unpublishable games. Check out Color Jam on KS: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lunarpunkgames/colorjamPreorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preordersFollow Line by Line on Backerki
Episode 250 - Ed Beach on Designing Historical Series
This week on the pod, Ed Beach drops by to talk about designing historical board games such as Here I Stand and Virgin Queen, about being both a contributor to and an originator of a game series, and a bit about his work on Civilization. Preorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preordersFollow Line by Line on Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-
Episode 249 - Sabrina Culyba on Transformational Gaming
This week on the pod, Sabrina Culyba of Ludoliminal drops by to discuss both her current company and her past as a designer of transformational video games--games designed to impact the players in life, and not just within the game. https://ludoliminal.com/Download the book: https://www.transformationalframework.com/product/book-pdf/Preorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.co
Episode 248 - Isaac Vega on Rose Gauntlet Entertainment
This week on the pod, veteran game designer Isaac Vega discusses Rose Gauntlet Entertainment, which he co-founded with Lindsey Rode, and its associated charitable foundation. rosegauntlet.comPreorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preordersFollow Line by Line on Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/line-by-line/pre-laun
Episode 247 - Alita Robertson on Kart
This week on the pod, Alita Robertson, Developer and Producer at Leder Games, drops by to discuss Kart--our upcoming game about kids having a downhill kart race through the neighbors' yards. It's excellent. Check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ledergames/kart?utm_source=LederGames&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=KartKSPreorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://
Episode 246 - Mark Diaz Truman on RPG vs. Board Game Design
This week on the pod, Mark Diaz Truman of Magpie Games drops by to discuss the Root RPG, RPGs in general, and his recent adventures in board game design. https://magpiegames.com/Preorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preordersFollow Line by Line on Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/line-by-line/pre-launchBeyond Soli
Episode 245 - C. Thi Nguyen on Playing for the Right Reasons
This week on the pod, Professor C. Thi Nguyen (@add-hawk.bsky.social) pops by to discuss his work on games, why we play them, and how dangerous it is to wind up playing by someone else's rules. Check out his books, Games: Agency as Art and The Score to learn more! You can also find him at https://objectionable.net/Preorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preor
Episode 244 - Alice and Jessica Hong on FamBam Games
This week on the pod, sisters Alice and Jessica Hong drop by to discuss FamBam Games, the company they started together, and the process of making games that delight both their own large family and families around the world. https://fambam.games/Preorder The Blue Way on Backerkit: https://blue-way.backerkit.com/hosted_preordersFollow Line by Line on Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/
Episode 243 - Morten Monrad Pedersen on Solo Design
This week on the pod, Morten Monrad Pedersen, head of the Automa Factory and designer of Skoventyr and Shajarat, discusses his takes on solo game design and what solo gaming means to him. https://automafactory.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan Unive
Episode 242 - Megan Rhodes Victor on Archaeogaming as Scholarly Play
This week on the pod, Prof. Megan Rhodes Victor (@archaeovictor.bsky.social) discusses her new edited volume, Archaeogaming as Scholarly Play, and her work as an archaeologist in the real world--and in video game settings. How do we note the passage of time and find meaning in digital worlds? She would be the one to ask. She can be found on Instagram as @archaeologicalvictor and on YouTube under t
Episode 241 - Aaron Trammell on How D&D Changed the Way We Play
For the Season 13 opener, Aaron Trammell drops by to discuss his new book, How Dungeons & Dragons Changed the Way We Play. It's a fascinating look into the issues that come with quantifying bodies as a collection of stats, the religious ideas that went into the game, and more. The book will be out from Duke University Press in September: https://dukeupress.edu/how-dungeons-dragons-changed
Episode 240 - Shelly Jones on Board Game Cozy Mysteries
This week on the pod, Dr. Shelly Jones drops by to discuss their work as a scholar who incorporates games and RPGs into their work--and their career as an author who has written a series of cozy mysteries set at a game store. https://shellyjonesauthor.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is p
Episode 239 - Denver Walker on Flying Pig Games
This week on the pod, Denver Walker comes by to discuss her life as a co-owner and CEO of a wargame company, as well as her own game designs. https://flyingpiggames.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Game
Episode 238 - Amabel Holland on Swords Against - Beginner's Box
This week on the pod, Amabel Holland comes by to discuss her upcoming game--if it can be so called--and the mysteries that it holds. I am very excited to play it. https://hollandspiele.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for L
Episode 237 - David Thompson on Managing Multiple Designs
This week on the pod, David Thompson drops in for our seasonal check-in! We discuss the progress of our games together, check in on David's work with several other co-designers, and discuss the status of our design philosophies in general. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly spon
Episode 236 - Tilak Vyas on Line by Line
This week on the pod, Tilak Vyas drops by to talk about his poetry game, Line by Line, that is forthcoming from Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Cen
Episode 235 - Ari Shapiro and Alyssa Stevenski on Library Gaming
This week on the pod, I chat with Alyssa and Ari, who coordinate gaming programs for teens in my local county library system. Some of them even include me! Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulat
Episode 234 - Paul and Liz on the Evolution of Foxes & Lions
This week on the pod, Paul Wright and I discuss Foxes & Lions, how it has developed over the past year or so, and what we're excited about next. Also, it's on P500! Go support it here: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1229-foxes-and-lions-renaissance-city-states-in-the-age-of-machiavelli.aspxCheck out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cf
Episode 233 - Waleed Ma'arouf on Design at Asmodee
This week on the pod, Waleed Ma'arouf, a designer at Studio Big, discusses their work in education, how they joined the Arkham Horror LCG design team, and their current design work for a fresh crop of games. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan Univer
Episode 232 - Esther Wright on Rockstar Games and American History
This week on the pod, Dr. Esther Wright (@enwright.bsky.social), a lecturer at the University of Cardiff, speaks about her work on Rockstar Games, the way they represent American history, and what we can learn from the stories they tell about America and themselves. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Sol
Episode 231 - Brooks Barber on Hawk & Dove
This week on the pod, Brooks Barber (rollplusfun@bsky.social) drops by to discuss his new venture, Hawk & Dove. He's starting a new historical games publishing business, moving his family to the Netherlands, and still designing games! https://www.hawkanddovegames.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-page
Episode 230 - Danielle Reynolds on Mass Market Design
This week on the pod, Danielle Reynolds (@tokengaymer.bsky.social) stops by to discuss her game design career, her current work at Relatable, and her dedication to paying it forward. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learnin
Episode 229 - Taylor Shuss on Walkable City
This week on the pod, Taylor Shuss drops by to discuss his new game, Walkable City, which is all about urban planning. We also catch upon his historical designs and talk about design in general! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fowers/walkable-city-the-urban-planning-boardgameCheck out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-
Episode 228 - Joe Dewhurst on The Pure Land
This week on the pod, Joe Dewhurst discusses his upcoming game, The Pure Land, as well as his continued work as a game developer and COIN solo mode expert. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulat
Episode 227 - Shadi Torbey on inPatience
Shadi Torbey, designer of the legendary Oniverse series, talks solo game design, running his own company, and being an opera singer. https://inpatience.com/Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulat
Episode 226 - Bree Woodward on Creative Direction
This week on the pod, Bree Woodward of Asmodee's Studio Big drops by to discuss her current work as a creative director, how she got her start in video games, and her commitment to Women in Toys. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's
Episode 225 - Dan Bullock on Penitent
This week on the pod, Dan Bullock drops into talk about Penitent, a new release from Lock Horns, his game press. We also discuss game developers and our mutual hatred of dice. If you want Penitent, there are only 200 copies and you can preorder one here: http://lockhornsgames.com/products/penitentCheck out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/
Episode 224 - Jason Morningstar on The Blue Way
This week on the pod, Jason Morningstar joins me to talk about good RPG design and about his new edition of The Blue Way, forthcoming from Central Michigan University. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games
Episode 223 - Pam Walls on Independent Game Design
This week on the pod, I speak with @PamWallsGameDesign about game design, making life work as a full-time independent game designer, and that time she made a game for Bush's chili. Check out The Blue Way: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/790bcea3-7482-4f7c-91cf-dc12da16cfeb/landing?ref=home-pageBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Le
Episode 222 - Jeremiah McCall on Designing Historical Games for Class
This week on the pod, Jeremiah McCall returns to talk about the publication of his book, Designing History Games for Class. We also chat about his current educational designs, and about how he assigns game design projects to his students so that they learn more about history. https://gamingthepast.net/about/Register for Kathleen Mercury's course, Deep Dive by Doing: https://cmichpress.com/pro
Episode 221 - Diana Toma on Meeple Foundry
Welcome to Season 12 of the Beyond Solitaire podcast! To kick things off, Diana Toma from Meeple Foundry is here to talk about translation, graphic design, and building an international team to work on games. Register for Kathleen Mercury's course, Deep Dive by Doing: https://cmichpress.com/product/course-registration-for-deep-dive-by-doing/Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Mic
Episode 220 - Adam Blinkinsop on Echo from the Dark
For the Season 11 finale, designer and developer Adam Blinkinsop (@blinks.itch.io) talks about development for GMT, his approach to game design, and his current project: Echo from the Dark. P500: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1144-echo-from-the-dark.aspxI have a game of my own up on Gamefound right now! Check out Queen of Spies, a solo game I co-designed with David Thompson: https://gamefound.com/en/
Episode 219 - Ted Caya on Take
This week on the pod, Ted Caya of Leder Games drops in to talk about his upcoming game, Take. Learn all about heists, why they are such oddly charming crimes, and how Ted translated that into board game form. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/take-game/takeThe Cracked Mirror: https://cmichpress.com/product/fyov-duet/Art & System: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-univer
Episode 218 - Jaysen Headley (Ezeekat) on Book + Game Coverage
This week on the pod, Jaysen Headley, aka Ezeekat, drops in to talk about his live as both a booktoker and a maker of board game videos. And, more recently, his imprint with Bindery, which gives him the opportunity to bring cool books into the world. The Cracked Mirror: https://cmichpress.com/product/fyov-duet/Art & System: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press
Episode 217 - Carlos Ureta on the Art of Queen of Spies
This week on the pod, David Thompson and I had the illustrator for our game, Carlos Ureta, on to discuss his work with us. Thanks to him and to his colleagues at Meeple Foundry, our game looks great, if I do say so myself. Find him on Instagram at @carlosu.g to see more of his work. Queen of Spies comes to Gamefound on Dec. 4 and can be found here: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/q
Episode 216 - Fertessa Allyse on Designing for IPs
This week on the pod, Fertessa Allyse (@fertessa.bsky.social), game designer and veteran of Prospero Hall, talks about how she got started in game design, what it's like to work on a large team, and how to design games for kids. The Cracked Mirror: https://cmichpress.com/product/fyov-duet/Art & System: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/art-system-games
Episode 215 - Ricky Royal on Deckers and Oath
Ricky is back on the podcast to talk about his recent work, our recent work together, and solo design in general! If you haven't checked out his channel recently, head over to Box of Delights on YouTube for some solo gaming goodness. The Cracked Mirror: https://cmichpress.com/product/fyov-duet/Art & System: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/art-system-
Episode 214 - Hannah Fair on Playing with the Anthropocene
This week on the pod, Hannah Fair, who studies the way humans impact the environment, discusses an article she wrote about how islands and the humans who inhabit them are presented in board games. The article: https://islandstudiesjournal.org/article/84743-playing-with-the-anthropocene-board-game-imaginaries-of-islands-nature-and-empireArt & System: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central
Episode 213 - Gonzalo Maldonado on Salt & Pepper Games
This week on the pod, Gonzalo Maldonado, one of the co-founders of Salt & Pepper Games, drops by to talk about how he became a game publisher and how his business has developed. (@saltandpeppergames.bsky.social) Salt & Pepper will be publishing David Thompson's and my second design, Queen of Spies. It goes live on Gamefound Dec. 4: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/queen
Episode 212 - Rachel Billingsley on Marketing at GMT
In this episode, Rachel Billingsley drops by to talk about her work as Director of Marketing at GMT and what it's like to be part of a family wargame business. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/academics/coll
Episode 211 - Carly Kocurek on Coin-Operated Americans
This week on the pod, Dr. Carly Kocurek (@sparklebliss.bsky.social) drops by to discuss the rise of arcade culture--and how we came to assume that video games are for boys, despite evidence to the contrary. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out
Episode 210 - Liam Liwanag Burke on Dog Eat Dog
This week, Liam Liwanag Burke, designer of Dog Eat Dog, drops by to discuss his game. A new edition is on the way from Central Michigan University as part of their new Art & System series. https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/b2acaafc-6009-4565-9ef4-54b97b09e193/landingBeyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulat
Episode 209 - Efka Bladukas on Game Coverage as Story
Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-arts-social-sciences/centers-institutes/center-for-learning-through-games-and-simulationsCheck out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.co
Episode 208 - Pat Harrigan on Zones of Control
This week on the pod, I am joined by Pat Harrigan, who has published several academic volumes about games--most recently Zones of Control, which is co-edited with podcast alum Matthew Kirschenbaum. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547925/zones-of-control/ Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can
Episode 207 - Clifford Ando on the Humanities Crisis at UChicago
This week on the pod, Professor Clifford Ando of The University of Chicago drops by to talk about the effects of cutting humanities programs. As historical games enthusiasts, we should care about this issue. One article: https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-crisis-of-the-university-started-long-before-trump/Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Le
Episode 206 - Suzanne Sheldon on Restoration Games
This week on the pod, Suzanne Sheldon (@425suzanne.bsky.social) drops in to talk about her work at Restoration Games, what it means to "restore" a game, and how to create an experience that really connects with players. Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and comp
Episode 205 - Nigel Scarfe on Imagination Gaming
This week on the pod, Nigel Scarfe drops by to discuss how his company, Imagination Gaming, helps students learn both academic and emotional skills in schools--and how games can also improve life in other settings, including prisons. https://imaginationgaming.co.uk/Art & System Backerkit: https://cmichpress.com/2025/06/10/new-game-series-art-system-games-for-expanded-play/Beyond Solitaire is p
Episode 204 - Gabe Barrett on Best with 1 Games
This week on the pod, Gabe Barrett, publisher of the Solo Game of the Month series, drops in to talk about how he maintains such an intense publication pace and about what makes a good solo game. https://bestwith1.com/Art & System Backerkit: https://cmichpress.com/2025/06/10/new-game-series-art-system-games-for-expanded-play/Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University&
Episode 203 - Emily Friedman on the Study of Actual Play
This week on the pod, Dr. Emily Friedman (@friede.bsky.social), an English professor at Auburn University, comes by to discuss her work on actual play and how it has become part of her scholarship and classroom practice. You can join her Patreon for free to read her posts: https://www.patreon.com/c/ecfriedman/homeArt & System Backerkit: https://cmichpress.com/2025/06/10/new-game-series-art-sys
Episode 202 - J. Rey Lee on Unsettling Catan
This week on the pod, J. Rey Lee (@jreylee.bsky.social), author of Unsettling Catan, drops by to talk about his upcoming book--which also happens to be the beginning of a new series of academic books focused on individual board games. Book: https://press.umich.edu/Books/U/Unsettling-CatanWitch Hunt/Making History Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/wit
Episode 201 - Matteo Menapace on Cooperative Game Design
Welcome to Season 11! We are starting off with a delightful visit from Matteo Menapace, co-designer of Daybreak (Instagram: @ma.tteo.me). We talk about cooperative games, teaching game design, Matteo's future projects, and of course his experiences at the Spiel des Jahres last year. Witch Hunt/Making History Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/wit
Episode 200 - Thoughts on the State of Historical Gaming
We've made it all the way to Episode 200! To celebrate the milestone, this is a mega episode filled with shorter interviews about the state of historical games and of "serious" games criticism. Thanks to all of you for coming along for the ride. 1:30 Volko Ruhnke28:35 Efka Bladukas46:40 Candice Harris1:01:40 Dan Thurot1:23:50 David Thompson1:42:50 Sebastian Bae2:08:35 Cole Wehrle2:2
Episode 199 - Ian, David, and Liz on the Art of Night Witches
Ian O'Toole joins David and me to talk about Night Witches art updates! We're getting there at last! CLGS will be launching a new Backerkit campaign on July 8: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/16dd740a-2996-4b25-9b52-5ee83a2013ec/landing?ref=bk-ec-55405Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, wh
Episode 198 - Ananda Gupta on Designing for Board and Video Games
This week on the pod, Ananda Gupta, co-designer of Twilight Struggle, stops by to talk about the anniversary edition of his game, but also about new board game work and his life as a designer for Riot Games. CLGS will be launching a new Backerkit campaign on July 8: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/16dd740a-2996-4b25-9b52-5ee83a2013ec/landing?ref=bk-ec-55405Beyond Solitaire is proudly spon
Episode 197 - Lars de Wildt on the Pop Theology of Videogames
This week on the pod, religious studies scholar Lars de Wildt discusses the prevalence of religion in "secular" video games--and the line between which religious affectations are considered "neutral" and which are not. Also, his book is free and can be found here: https://www.aup.nl/en/book/9789048555130/the-pop-theology-of-videogamesKeep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerk
Episode 196 - Erin Escobedo on Meltwater
This week on the pod, Erin Escobedo talks about Meltwater, her game about the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war. It was originally published by Hollandspiele, but a new edition is coming out through Capstone. We also discuss fighting games! Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Ce
Episode 195 - Brooks Barber on Sykes-Picot, Spindletop, and Painkillers
This week on the pod, Brooks Barber (rollplusfun@bsky.social) drops in to discuss several of his upcoming game designs, all of which are both very cool and historically inspired. Check out Sykes-Picot here: https://hollandspiele.com/products/sykes-picotKeep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsore
Episode 194 - Mark Herman on "Wargames According to Mark"
This week on the pod, Mark Herman (@markherman45.bsky.social) drops by to tell us about his new book, "Wargames According to Mark," as well as his views on game design and the process of building a game. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's
Episode 193 - Eric Lang on Design, Activism, and Mentorship
This week on the pod, game designer Eric Lang (@ericlang.bsky.social) discusses his thoughts on game design, what makes projects exciting, the course of his long career, and how he's giving back. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for L
Episode 192 - Jason Matthews on Tariffs, GAMA, and Collective Action
If you care about the board game industry, then you've been worrying about tariffs. In this episode, Jason Matthews (@jasondcmatthews.bsky.social) talks about what they are, their potential consequences for publishers and hobbyists, and what we can decide to do about it. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solit
Episode 191 - Michelle Strayer on Wargame Analysis
This week on the pod, Michelle Strayer, a wargame designer and analyst at CNA, talks about how data for wargames is collected and how design teams ensure that what they collect is meaningful. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning T
Episode 190 - Lichao Zhu on the Linguistics of Games
This week on the pod, Lichao Zhu discusses several linguistics projects that look into the language we use when we play--and what that might mean.Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning c
Episode 189 - Ada Palmer on LARPing the Renaissance
This week on the pod, Ada Palmer (@adapalmer.bsky.social) speaks about her papal election LARP at The University of Chicago--but also about historical research, her work as a sci-fi author, and how both history and fiction can help us talk about today's world. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is pro
Episode 188 - Amabel Holland on Cardboard Ghosts
This week on the pod, Amabel Holland drops by to discuss her new book, Cardboard Ghosts. We also talk about her excellent video essay work and upcoming games from Hollandspiele. https://www.youtube.com/@UCeCCgRim_uLg-clrSQGhQiQ Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan Uni
Episode 187 - Thomas Malaby on Anthropology and Gaming
This week on the pod, Thomas Malaby joins us to discuss his work as an anthropologist who studies gaming, specifically contingency (i.e. gambling!) and the formation of digital cultures. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Throug
Episode 186 - Emily Knox on Book Banning
This week on the pod, Professor Emily Knox, an expert on libraries and book banning, discusses why people ban books, why books are targeted more than other forms of media, and what we can learn from that. She's also a gamer! Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan U
Episode 185 - Eric Zimmerman on Teaching Game Design
This week on the pod, Eric Zimmerman, a professor at NYU, talks about teaching game design, game design as an art form, and much more. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both
Episode 184 - Laine Nooney on the Apple II Age
This week on the pod, NYU professor Laine Nooney discusses their work on gaming and computer history, how we collect material artifacts that shed light on the digital past, and how to write about a computer system that for some has already entered the realm of myth. Also, they mention their journal, ROMchip, which is currently fundraising and which is a great cause to support. Go enjoy ROMchip&apo
Episode 183 - Sreyashi Mukherjee on the Game World of Reality TV
This week on the pod, Sreyashi Mukherjee discusses her love of reality TV dating shows--and what they have taught her about consent, stereotyping, and gaming's "magic circle." Also, she and Greg Loring-Albright co-designed a game that is available here: https://gregisonthego.itch.io/food-for-homeKeep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720
Episode 182 - Daniel Newman and Marceline Leiman on the Indie Games Night Market
This week on the pod, Daniel Newman and Marceline Leiman drop in to discuss the Indie Games Night Market--which was a huge success at PAXU 2024--and also indie games in general. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simula
Episode 181 - Greg Loring-Albright on Keep the Faith
Welcome to the start of SEASON 10! I can't even believe it! This week, I'm speaking with Greg Loring-Albright about Keep the Faith, a light RPG that is about to be on Backerkit. It's being published through Central Michigan University and I'm writing the curriculum guide. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyon
Episode 180 - Paul Wright and Liz Davidson on Foxes & Lions
For the Season 9 finale, Paul Wright and I discuss Foxes & Lions, a game we are co-designing about the Italian Wars. Are you into Machiavelli, Renaissance Italy, and political chaos? Then this is gonna be a game for you. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University&apos
Episode 179 - Natalia Zwarts and Chris Gledhill on Gaming Ukraine
This week on the pod, Natalia Zwarts and Chris Gledhill discuss their scholarly work on a game that explores the possibility of peace in Ukraine, and the linguistic conclusions that can be drawn from recordings of players as they work through the conflict. Give to CLGS: https://giving.apps.cmich.edu/fund/9100111?fbclid=IwY2xjawG2oxNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdxwTfyHeJ_G366cXTnPqSfEmU_rGCY2cthqTHkM9hJWxzYTz
Episode 178 - Clarence Simpson on Growing as a Game Designer
This week on the pod, Clarence Simpson (@stoichamster) of The Wolves, Merchants of Magick, and more, discusses the growth of his design career--and the design group, mentorship, and design competitions that have helped him along the way. If you're curious about how game designers get started, or interested in trying it yourself, this is the episode for you.Keep the Faith: https://www.backerki
Episode 177 - Anthony Chatfield on Board Game Academics
This week on the pod, Anthony Chatfield of Board Gamers Anonymous drops in to discuss gaming in the classroom, as well as his journal/conference on the subject, Board Game Academics. https://www.boardgamersanonymous.com/Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Ce
Episode 176 - Tim Clare on The Game Changers
This week on the pod, Tim Clare (@timclarepoet) discusses his newly-released book, The Game Changers, which will come to the US next year as Across the Board. I truly enjoyed both the convo and book itself, which you can currently find at: Amazon:https://a.co/d/4XSNcX3Publishers:https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/across-the-boardKeep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3
Episode 175 - Alison Collins on Publish or Perish: Wiñay Kawsay
This week on the pod, Zenobia 2020 finalist Alison Collins drops by to discuss her game, Publish or Perish: Wiñay Kawsay, which is about the scholarship surrounding Machu Picchu. It is expected to be out from WizKids in Q1 2025! Preorder here: https://wizkids.io/ShopPublishOrPerishWKKeep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitai
Episode 174 - Dave Neale and David Thompson on War Story
In this episode, Dave Neale and David Thompson discuss their co-design, War Story, which weaves together story and game mechanisms to tell a story with branching pathways and plenty of player agency. Keep the Faith: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Th
Episode 173 - David Digby on Solo Mode Design and Dev
This week on the pod, David Digby, designer of several solo modes and frequent collaborator with David Turczi, describes his work as a solo mode designer, as well as his other roles as a game developer and rulebook editor.https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learn
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