Episode 23: In this episode, we dive deep into the creative process behind the game WordPeaks with its creator, Devin Spikowski. Discover the inspirations, design decisions, and the unique journey from concept to a game enjoyed by thousands.

Check out Davin's Games and Resources:
https://vegeta897.github.io/word-peaks/

https://twitter.com/vegeta897
https://github.com/vegeta897
https://cohost.org/vegeta897
https://vegeta897.carrd.co/
https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@vegeta897

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• (00:00) - Kicking Off with Devin of WordPeaks
• (00:12) - Introducing the Hey, Good Game Podcast
• (00:22) - Diving Into WordPeaks: A Unique Word Game
• (01:33) - Exploring the Artistic Side of Game Development
• (02:10) - A Deep Dive with Devin Spikowski: The Creator's Journey
• (02:54) - The Creative Process Behind WordPeaks
• (03:18) - Gaming Influences and the Path to Game Development
• (13:26) - The Evolution of WordPeaks: From Concept to Game Enhancements
• (21:45) - Leveraging Feedback and Building a Community
• (25:01) - The Challenges and Rewards of Game Development
• (33:09) - Exploring New Projects and Future Plans
• (35:12) - Monetization Strategies and Keeping the Game Accessible
• (37:36) - Wrapping Up: Where to Find Devin and WordPeaks

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 22: This conversation features a deep and insightful discussion with Frank Lantz, the director of the New York University Game Center and an award-winning game designer. Throughout the interview, Lantz explores the intricate relationship between games, culture, and education, highlighting how games can serve as a potent medium for both artistic expression and intellectual challenge.

Check out Frank's Games and Resources:
“The Beauty of Games” - A book by Frank Lantz
Universal Paperclips - A game by Frank Lantz

https://twitter.com/flantz
https://www.franklantz.net/
https://www.franklantz.net/work
https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklantz/

Resources Mentioned:
Balatro - Mentioned as a current favorite game of Frank Lantz.
Portal - Highlighted as possibly the funniest and one of the greatest games, with contributions from Eric Wolpaw.
Disco Elysium - Cited as an example of excellent narrative in games.
Kentucky Route Zero - Mentioned for its narrative focus.
The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide
GeoGuessr

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• (00:00) - Exploring Comedy's Influence in Game Design
• (00:31) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast
• (00:54) - Post-Interview Reflections and Takeaways
• (02:09) - Deep Dive with Frank Lantz: A Gaming Luminary
• (03:36) - The Art and Challenge of Comedy in Games
• (05:14) - Navigating the Addictive Nature of Games
• (07:40) - Universal Paperclips: Designing for Disengagement
• (26:18) - The Role of Narrative and Writing in Games
• (31:12) - Games as Social and Cultural Artifacts
• (33:53) - Exploring the Social Impact of Gaming
• (34:21) - The Art of Taste and Social Connections in Cooking vs. Gaming
• (34:39) - The Evolution of Gaming Communities and Cultural Shifts
• (36:06) - The Founding and Philosophy of the NYU Game Center
• (37:53) - Teaching Game Design as a Creative Discipline
• (39:16) - Games as Cultural Forms and Their Deep Connection to Computer Science
• (39:49) - The Intricacies of Game Design and Its Historical Significance
• (40:51) - Finding Joy and Social Exchange in Sports and Games
• (42:30) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Gaming Understanding
• (46:47) - The Fascination with Watching Games and eSports
• (51:41) - The Intellectual Depth of Bridge and Its Cultural Phenomenon
• (57:42) - Envisioning the Future of Games and Their Role in Society
• (01:05:28) - The Journey of Games Towards a Richer Cultural Spectrum
• (01:06:01) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 21: David Turner created Semantle.com, a unique word-guessing game focusing on semantic relationships. Turner shares insights on his journey from ideation to acquisition, his creative process, and upcoming projects like a graphical adventure game. We also chat about game design challenges, user testing, creativity in game development, and effective marketing strategies.

Check out David's games and links:
https://semantle.com/
https://twitter.com/SemantleGame
https://games.novalis.org/
https://middlesgame.com/
novalis@novalis.org

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• (00:00) - Kicking Off with a Creative Idea
• (00:16) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
• (01:33) - Deep Dive with David Turner: The Mind Behind Semantle
• (02:15) - Exploring David's Favorite Games and Creative Hobbies
• (04:38) - The Genesis of Semantle: From Concept to Viral Sensation
• (05:36) - David's Unique Game Design Process and Programming Journey
• (18:13) - Navigating the Complexities of Game Difficulty and Player Engagement
• (21:12) - Exploring Game Design and Puzzle Complexity
• (21:52) - The Art of Puzzle Testing and Design Insights
• (24:28) - Challenges and Strategies in Game Difficulty
• (28:38) - Monetization and the Decision to Sell a Game
• (31:21) - Creative Process and Future Projects
• (33:08) - Advice for Aspiring Game Developers
• (39:46) - Launching New Games and Marketing Strategies
• (43:07) - Reflections and Future Plans

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com