Hey, Good Game

Episode 24: In this episode, explores the journey of Mark and Jeff Rogers, creators of Canuckle and Canoku games, inspired by Wordle. It delves into their background, game development process, hiatus, renewal with added features, community engagement strategies, collaborations with other game creators and notable organizations, partnerships for sponsorships and merchandise, future plans, and potential partnerships with entities like the New York Times' Wordle. The discussion also includes their use of AI, philanthropic endeavors, and lessons learned in promoting their games.Check out Mark and Jeff Rogers' Games and Resources:Canuckle: www.canucklegame.caCanoku: www.canoku.caX/Twitter: x.com/canucklegameFB: www.facebook.com/CanuckleGameIG: www.instagram.com/canucklegameMerch: merch.canucklegame.caCollaborations:Waffle: waffle.canucklegame.caSquaredle: squaredle.canucklegame.caNerdle: nerdle.canucklegame.caReach out:info@canucklegame.ca--(00:00) - The Genesis of Canuckle: A Wordle-Inspired Creation (00:38) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast (00:53) - Insights from Canuckle's Creators: Collaboration and Breaks (02:05) - Introducing Canuckle and Kanoku: Canadian-Themed Daily Games (02:42) - The Creators' Gaming Backgrounds and Inspirations (03:47) - The Competitive Spirit Behind Canuckle's Creation (07:13) - From Concept to Launch: The Journey of Canuckle (08:12) - Challenges and Triumphs in Developing Canuckle (13:38) - Fostering Community and Engagement Through Canuckle (15:26) - The Evolution of Canuckle: From Launch to Revamp (20:52) - Exploring Merchandise and Monetization Strategies (23:05) - Future Plans and Monetization Insights (24:28) - Exploring the CIRA Partnership and Monthly Puzzles (26:27) - Creative Sponsorship and Game Design Insights (27:08) - Expanding the Game Portfolio with Canadian Themes (30:22) - Leveraging Partnerships for Cross-Promotion and Growth (38:36) - Innovative Use of AI and Exploring New Technologies (41:16) - The Decision Against Mobile Apps and Embracing Web Accessibility (43:11) - Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement (46:58) - Giving Back Through Canuckle and Future Plans --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

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/vegeta897https://github.com/vegeta897https://cohost.org/vegeta897https://vegeta897.carrd.co/https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@vegeta897--(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.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - 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 LantzUniversal Paperclips - A game by Frank Lantzhttps://twitter.com/flantzhttps://www.franklantz.net/https://www.franklantz.net/workhttps://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 GuideGeoGuessr--(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.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - 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/SemantleGamehttps://games.novalis.org/https://middlesgame.com/novalis@novalis.org--(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.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 20: Grant Warman, the creator of Polygonle and Quadragonal word games, discussing the game mechanics, user feedback, collaboration with other games, and plans for future projects. Check out Grant's games and links:https://polygonle.com/https://quadragonle.com/https://www.reddit.com/r/polygonle/https://discord.gg/https://www.facebook.com/people/Polygonlehttps://twitter.com/PolygonleGame--(00:00) - Words of Wisdom for New Game Creators (01:43) - Deep Dive into Polygonle with Grant Warman (02:42) - The Competitive World of Super Smash Brothers (06:08) - Exploring the Mechanics of Chess and Smash (09:59) - The Genesis of Polygonle: From Idea to Game (12:58) - Mastering Polygonle: Strategies and Game Modes (15:31) - Evolving Game Design: Feedback and Iterations (16:46) - Collaboration and Community in Game Development (18:22) - Monetizing Your Game: Ads and Premium Offerings (19:06) - Transitioning from Corporate to Game Development (20:06) - The Genesis of Polygonle and Its Growth (22:19) - Advice for Aspiring Game Developers (24:34) - Navigating the Fine Line Between Inspiration and Imitation (30:38) - Introducing Quadragonle: A New Puzzle Challenge (34:08) - Engaging with the Gaming Community for Feedback (36:36) - Behind the Scenes: Game Development Insights (38:04) - Exploring User Engagement and Game Mechanics (39:58) - Final Thoughts and Where to Find Grant Online --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 19: James Robinson runs the ever-popular game, Wafflegame.net. In his first-ever podcast, he shares the history of Waffle, where it is headed, and how it has reached 500,000 daily players.James discusses the game's design, user feedback, and the human-centric approach to game creation. Themes include his accidental success, and the future plans for Waffle Studio.Check out James's games and links:https://wafflegame.net https://www.facebook.com/wafflegamehttps://www.threads.net/@thatwafflegamehttps://twitter.com/thatwafflegame--(00:00) - Opening Remarks and Podcast Introduction (00:25) - Reflections on Interview with James Robinson (01:46) - Introducing James Robinson and Waffle Studio (02:40) - James Robinson's Gaming Favorites and Influences (03:50) - Early Programming Experiences and Creative Beginnings (05:59) - The Journey from Hobbyist to Game Developer (07:45) - Design Philosophy Behind Waffle (10:59) - Curating Puzzles: The Blend of Algorithm and Creativity (16:24) - Player Engagement and Feedback Insights (19:06) - Exploring New Game Ideas and Future Plans (22:41) - Reflecting on Offers to Sell Waffle and Future Aspirations (30:26) - Engaging with the Gaming Community and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (33:03) - Exploring Game Crossovers and Collaborations (34:40) - The Genesis of Collaborative Projects (36:24) - The Viral Journey of Waffle: From Launch to Popularity (42:38) - Navigating Trademarks and Copycats in Game Development (45:18) - Monetization Strategies and the Shift to Ads (48:28) - Expanding into Mobile Apps and Future Plans (54:02) - Building a Game Studio and Community Engagement (01:00:05) - Advice for Aspiring Game Developers (01:02:50) - Embracing AI in Game Development --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 18: Today's episode join me and lets explore the fascinating journey of Minesweeper through an interview with Damien Moore, the visionary behind MinesweeperGame.com. Delve into the origins of Minesweeper, the celebrities who played this game, its evolution, strategic gameplay, online community, and the intricate mathematics that define this beloved game.Check out Damien's games and links:https://minesweepergame.com/https://minesweepergame.com/forum/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:43) - Diving Deep into Minesweeper's History and Community (02:46) - Damien Moore: The Finer Miner's Journey (04:55) - The Evolution of Minesweeper and Its Competitive Scene (13:00) - The Technical Side of Competitive Minesweeper (21:43) - Minesweeper's Cultural Impact and Future Directions (25:57) - The Evolution of Minesweeper: From Mainframes to Microsoft (28:45) - A Personal Journey into the World of Minesweeper (28:59) - Microsoft's Strategic Move with Minesweeper and the Windows Entertainment Pack (29:45) - The Creative Process and Legal Challenges Behind Minesweeper (38:24) - The Cultural Impact and Mathematical Intrigue of Minesweeper (48:09) - The Future of Minesweeper: Archiving History and Embracing Community (48:51) - The Dream Board Phenomenon and Its Impact on Minesweeper Rankings (54:14) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More on Minesweeper --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Hey, Good Game podcast hosts Nate Kadlac and Aaron Kardell attend the GDC conference in San Francisco for the first time. They share their experiences at the event, interactions with different booths, and their plans for potential future participation. Check out Hey GG's games and links:https://www.hey.gg/https://lilsnack.co/https://poki.com/https://www.coolmathgames.com/--(00:00) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast! (00:27) - First Impressions of GDC: Diving into the Deep End (00:48) - The Vibrant Community and Networking Opportunities (01:19) - Exploring the Magnitude of GDC and Casual Gaming Conversations (02:56) - Discovering Niche Interests: Braining Games at GDC (05:39) - Innovative Game Testing with Poki.com (08:24) - Highlights from the Show Floor: Epic, Discord, and Retro Gaming (10:47) - The Growing Influence of GDC and Future Plans (12:51) - Wrapping Up: Reflections and Looking Ahead --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 16: Today's episode features an interview with Jeff Chen, the creator of the new game Squeezy, discussing his journey in creating the game, his experience in puzzle making and writing, including the challenges and successes. Jeff also shares his writing experience and the upcoming puzzle book collaboration with Stuart Gibbs. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, listening to feedback, and living with frustration for aspiring game creators.Check out the games and resources from this episode:https://imsqueezy.com/https://www.jeffchenwrites.com/https://www.xwordinfo.com/--(00:00) - The Journey of a Game Developer: From Ideas to Reality (03:35) - The Making of a Crossword Puzzle Master (10:18) - Exploring the World of Puzzles Beyond Crosswords (19:44) - The Birth of Squeezy: A New Puzzle Game Adventure (24:24) - Iterating Game Design: From Prototypes to Feedback (25:16) - The Challenge of Implementing New Features (25:25) - Navigating Player Feedback and Making Adjustments (27:16) - The Creative Process Behind Squeezy's Puzzles (29:28) - Ensuring Unique Solutions in Game Design (32:30) - The Origin and Evolution of Squeezy's Theme (35:05) - Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement (37:41) - Exploring Future Ambitions and Potential Partnerships (38:46) - Transitioning from Game Design to Writing (44:33) - Daily Life: Balancing Game Development and Writing (46:59) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 15: In today's episode features an interview with Jeff Widderich, the president of Syndicated Puzzles, who discusses his background, experience on Dragon's Den, game creation, the challenges faced in the puzzle industry, and the future of game design. Widderich shares insights on the importance of spatial thinking, the necessity for new and innovative puzzles, the competitive nature of puzzles, and the potential for multi-solution puzzles. He emphasizes the need for game designers to remain independent and the significance of creativity in puzzle design. Additionally, he addresses the influence of trends, the struggle to break through in the game industry, and his perspectives on the Sudoku industry. Widderich also discusses geographic influences on his business and expresses his desire for new energy and innovation in the puzzle market.Check out the games and resources from this episode:http://syndicatedpuzzles.com/https://www.str8ts.com/https://sudokuwiki.org/--(00:00) - The Art of Negotiation and Podcast Introduction (01:32) - Diving Deep with Jeff Widerich: The Puzzle Visionary (02:18) - The Birth of Straights: A Puzzle Revolution (04:59) - Collaboration and Innovation: The Making of Straights (07:49) - From Art to Games: Jeff's Creative Journey (12:55) - Board Games vs. Sheet Puzzles: A Comparative Analysis (16:25) - The Architectural Mind Behind Game Design (22:05) - Syndicated Puzzles: A Journey Through App Development (26:04) - Discovering Talent and Preparing for Dragon's Den (26:32) - A Unique Approach on Dragon's Den (29:34) - The Aftermath of Dragon's Den Success (32:27) - The Importance of Timing in Game Design (36:28) - Navigating the Puzzle Industry's Challenges (43:51) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators (45:39) - The Future of Game Design: Multi-Solution Puzzles (51:14) - The Struggle for Innovation in Puzzle Publishing --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Today we're excited to sit down with Richard Mann, the CEO and founder of Nerdle, a math game similar to Wordle. Richard discusses the development of Nerdle, the challenges of creating math games that are fun for kids, the game's advertising model, the launch of a new game called 2D Nerdle, and the importance of user feedback.We also dive into how Nerdle is run as a family operation, and why many of the ideas for the game happen over dinner. Check out Richard's website:https://nerdlegame.com/--(02:02) - Introducing Richard Mann, the CEO and Founder of Nerdle (02:33) - Understanding the Game Nerdle (03:12) - Richard Mann's Journey and Love for Games (04:55) - Richard's Career Path and Transition into Gaming (07:26) - The Creation of Nerdle and its Variants (08:39) - Contrasting B2B Business with Nerdle (11:58) - Bill Gates' Endorsement of Nerdle (14:57) - Designing and Branding Nerdle (20:53) - Passion for Nerdle and It's Impact (21:10) - The Evolution and Variety of Nerdle Games (22:36) - Balancing Business and User Engagement (23:41) - The Popularity of Classic Nerdle and Other Games (25:24) - Making Math Fun: The Nerdle Approach (27:25) - Nerdle's Impact in Schools and Charitable Initiatives (28:22) - The Process of Validating New Game Ideas (30:57) - Engaging with the Nerdle Community for Feedback (36:37) - The Role of Advertising in Nerdle's Business Model (40:14) - Introducing the Latest Game: 2D Nerdle --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

We're back with Joseph, Nate, and Aaron! They discuss the past 12 episodes of the podcasts, what stood out from our conversations, how game creators earn a living from their games, and the differences between creators.The conversation ends with reflections on the progress of their business, Hey Good Game, and its growth strategy in buying and building games. Check out Hey GG's games and links:https://www.hey.gg/--(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Improvements (00:24) - Reflecting on the Journey and Guest Experiences (01:27) - The Impact of Games and Their Creators (02:11) - Behind the Scenes: Reaching Out to Game Creators (03:07) - The Decision to Start a Podcast (05:07) - Dream Guests and Memorable Conversations (12:18) - Exploring Different Business Models in Gaming (16:25) - The Serendipity of Game Creation (18:43) - Improving the Podcast: Reflections and Future Plans (27:25) - Building and Buying Games: A Business Perspective (32:59) - Current Gaming Interests --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Lil Snack is a new daily game platform created by Eric Berman and Travis Chen. They talk about their approach to creating a new game every day with the desire to be an app recommended by friends in text messages. They credit AI for their ability to be nimble, noting that the technology helps with the middle part of their creative process such as research and creating the specific puzzle format. The conversation reveals the journey of Eric and Travis from building games to launching Lilsnack and highlights various aspects of their startup like maintaining low friction in game access, leveraging ephemeral gaming experiences, incorporating user feedback, and their strategy for monetization.Check out Lil Snack's games and links:www.lilsnack.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilsnackdaily/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilsnackdaily--(00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:29) - Interview Reflections and Insights (03:17) - Favorite Games and Gaming Background (05:14) - The Journey of Founding a Company (08:35) - The Birth of Lilsnack (10:40) - The Philosophy Behind Lilsnack (11:01) - The Role of Investment and the Unique Approach of Lilsnack (24:11) - The Journey of Iteration and Feedback (24:35) - Behind the Scenes: Game Development and AI (26:04) - The Power of AI in Game Development (27:14) - The Role of AI in Content Creation (29:45) - The Future of Little Snack: Collaborations and Expansion (36:49) - The Structure and Future of the Team (40:39) - The Decision to Stay Web-Based (43:50) - Monetization Strategies and Future Plans (46:04) - Closing Remarks and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Our recent chat with the creators of ChessWorld pushes the edges on what you might know about correspondence-style Chess as a game. Tryfon (aka Kingscrusher) and his brother Nick share how maintaining ChessWorld allows them to pursue a passion for playing chess while also earning a living.  They talk about how Tryfon’s enjoyment of chess guided the development of the platform, his approach to running Chessworld.net on an ad-free, subscription-based model, and how his experiences in online gaming have influenced his strategies and learning in chess. Check out Tryfon's Website and Socials:Chessworld.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/kingscrusherTwitch: https://twitch.tv/kingscrusherChallenge me for a game: https://kingscrusher.tv----Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Join us as we delve into Jim Bumgardner's fascinating odyssey within the realms of coding and brainteasers. We explore his profound insights on the convergence of computers, music, and puzzle creation, alongside his clever utilization of Foursquare's capabilities which paved the way for his brainchild—the acclaimed puzzle hub—KrazyDad. Our chat also touches upon his confidence in AI's revolutionary impact across sectors, reflections on past revenue models via advertising, and the aspiration to draft a definitive guide on crafting puzzles. Amid the depth, we find moments of levity with tributes to "Star Battle" puzzles and entertaining tales from Jim's adventures in the music world.Check out Jim's Website:https://krazydad.com/----Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

The Wiki Game is a fun, web-based game that connects two random Wikipedia article links. Alex shares his journey of how he started out, using concepts like six degrees of separation to create a game involving Wikipedia articles, and how it has steadily grown over the years to around 60,000 - 80,000 unique users a month. Despite challenges like hacking incidents and handling various user complaints, for Alex, the game remains a labor of love. He also talks about his ideas for the future of the game — a freemium model targeting larger private groups, the forthcoming launch of version 3, and how he has resisted using ads to fund the project.Play The Wiki Game:www.thewikigame.com--(00:00) - Intro (02:16) - Alex's Gaming Preferences and Inspiration (03:21) - The Wiki Game: Origin and Evolution (04:31) - Impact of COVID-19 on The Wiki Game (05:46) - Technical Aspects and Challenges (07:33) - How to Retain Users (11:02) - Business Aspects and Future Plans (12:39) - Relationship with Wikipedia (18:19) - Monetization and Ethical Considerations (22:11) - Future Developments (24:27) - The IOS App and Its Performance (25:19) - The Need for an Updated Version (25:35) - Challenges of Maintaining a Side Project (26:38) - Life and Career as a Developer (28:33) - The Journey into Programming (32:10) - Dealing with User Feedback and Criticism (33:30) - The Growth and User Analytics of The Wiki Game (36:31) - The Process of Validating Ideas (40:50) - The Use of The Wiki Game in Classrooms (42:00) - The Anticipation for Version 3 (43:34) - Reaching Out and Openness to Share --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

In this episode, hosts Aaron Kardell and Joseph Rueter of the 'Hey, Good Game' podcast sit down with game developer Sven Neumann. They discuss the creation and development of Sven's SudokuPad, used by Cracking the Cryptic, his early interest in technology and gaming, as well as his vision for the platform's future. Neumann also discusses the considerations of building a social platform for Sudoku, which would include features like subscribing to channels and categorizing puzzles.Play Sven's Games:Sven's SudokuPadSven's Website--(00:00) - Intro (00:37) - Interview with Sven Neumann: The Man Behind Sven's SudokuPad (01:49) - Sven's Journey into the World of Games (05:04) - The Birth of Sven's SudokuPad (07:09) - The Impact of Cracking the Cryptic (10:18) - The Future of SudokuPad: Innovations and Challenges (21:16) - The Business Aspect of SudokuPad (26:14) - Balancing Business and User Experience (26:35) - The Challenges of Advertising-Driven Business (27:11) - User Feedback and Patreon Support (27:55) - Supporting Content Creators and Streamers (28:18) - Nostalgic Journey into Tech (29:57) - The Struggles of ADHD and Productivity (31:35) - The Vision for SudokuPad 2.0 (34:14) - The Power of Data in Puzzle Design (35:41) - The Future of SudokuPad: A Social Platform (40:24) - Supporting Puzzle Makers and Users (44:45) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

You’d be surprised how a well-established corporate worker like Abe Train started creating games for a living! From big-name companies like Tesla, General Motors and Hello Fresh, to creating his own brand and entering a niche that he loves, Abe has a great story to share behind his success.This is how a corporate worker traded his stable life to venture out into the industry of game development and created the hit game, Globle.Nate Kadlac (https://twitter.com/kadlac) and Aaron Kardell (https://twitter.com/akardell) chat with Abe Train from Trainwreck Labs, the creator of popular online games including Globle and Globle Capitals.  Play Abe's Games:https://trainwrecklabs.com/--(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Interview with Abe Train: The Journey to Game Development (02:31) - Abe Train's Favorite Games and Early Interests (09:16) - The Birth of Globle: Inspired by Wordle (12:09) - Monetizing Globle: The Decision to Include Ads (14:02) - Working with Ad Partners: A Business Perspective (16:39) - The Solo Entrepreneur Journey: Building a Gaming Company (17:54) - Creating Genitle: A Unique Collaborative Project (19:14) - Creating Educational Diagrams for Games (20:18) - Partnerships and Revenue Sharing in Game Development (20:45) - The Journey of Becoming a Full-Time Game Developer (21:48) - Exploring New Features and Future Projects (25:44) - How Abe Monetizes (29:48) - Upcoming Game Designs and Projects (34:41) - The Impact of Educational Games (37:09) - Connecting with the Gaming Community --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Unlock the secrets of Scrabble with Woogles creators César Del Solar and Jesse Day, who join us to discuss the power of two-letter words and parallel plays that can transform your word game skills. As we chat with these Scrabble aficionados, we uncover not only their journeys into the world of competitive Scrabble but also how their diverse backgrounds and love for the game led to the inception of Woogles. Their friendly banter on topics from condiments to the platform's chess-inspired beginnings gives a glimpse into the camaraderie and passion fueling their successful, polished online presence, crafted when the world went virtual.Play Woogles:https://woogles.io/--(00:00) - Introduction and Importance of Two-Letter Words in Scrabble (00:33) - Podcast Introduction and Guest Background (02:17) - Discussion on Woogles and Its Creation (02:50) - Geographical Locations and Personal Connections (03:29) - Inspiration Behind Woogles (06:54) - Development of AI for Scrabble (08:39) - Challenges of Building AI for Scrabble (12:39) - Woogles as a Nonprofit Organization (14:55) - Personal Experiences and Love for Words (20:20) - Tips for New Scrabble Players (23:34) - Introduction of Puzzle Mode in Woogles (25:49) - Understanding Wordle and Its Popularity (27:18) - Personal Experiences with Wordle (27:46) - Incorporating Virality into Word Games (28:32) - Sharing and Promoting Games on Social Media (29:13) - Exploring Other Favorite Word Games (31:37) - The Challenge of Balancing Features for Different User Groups (33:02) - The Journey into Gaming and Programming (40:00) - Comparing Non-Profit and Startup Experiences --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Robert Fuhrer explores his years-long journey in the toy and game industry in this interview. He reminisces about the many experiences that shaped his career from early exposure to the toy industry, his first creation, his various partnerships and ventures and how he ended up being the owner of the popular puzzle game, KenKen. His journey reflects the crucial importance of relationships in business, being outspoken about opportunities, and taking on ventures with undefined outcomes. Fuhrer also talks about his experience with marketing and fiercely competitive business models and gives some sage advice to aspiring game developers.Play KenKen:https://www.kenkenpuzzle.com/--(00:00) - Robert's Journey in Toy Industry (08:56) - Navigating Japanese Business Cultural Differences (15:48) - Pitching Toy Ideas in Japan (26:54) - Design's Impact on Game Success (35:23) - Introduction to KenKen Puzzle Game (42:09) - Meeting Will Shortz and Introducing KenKen to the New York Times (52:31) - Launching in The Times UK (55:27) - Securing Rights and Trademarking KenKen (59:43) - Building the Online Version of KenKen (01:04:35) - Business Model and Revenue Streams (01:09:51) - Company and Team Size (01:11:53) - Advice for Entrepreneurs --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com