Hey, Good Game

Episode 29: Jim Horne is the creator of Microsoft FreeCell and xwordinfo.com. Jim shares his journey from early programming to joining Microsoft in 1988, where he secretly added FreeCell to Windows. His passion for crosswords led to writing for the New York Times and developing xwordinfo.com. Jim discusses his time at Microsoft, including sharing an office wall with Steve Ballmer, and the serendipitous nature of his career. He touches on the "unsolvable" FreeCell game and his recent collaboration on "I'm Squeezy." Throughout, Jim highlights the intersection of music and programming, offering insights into early computing, casual games, and the crossword community, demonstrating how pursuing interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.Check out Jim's resources:https://www.xwordinfo.comhttps://freecell.org/Wordplayhttps://imsqueezy.com--(00:00) - Introduction to the Guest: Jim Horne (01:44) - Jim Horne's Early Career and Love for Games (03:35) - The Creation and Impact of Microsoft FreeCell (05:11) - Musical Adventures and Microsoft Theater (10:30) - The Journey with Crosswords and Blogging (16:26) - The Legacy of FreeCell and Game Development Insights (35:34) - Final Thoughts and 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 28: Tracy Fullerton is a pioneering game designer, educator, and USC Games Program Director emeritus. The conversation covers Tracy's extensive career in game design, her creation of the game 'Walden,' and her unique approach to blending philosophy with gameplay. Tracy opens up about the decade-long development of 'Walden,' the challenges and joys of translating Thoreau's philosophies into an immersive experience, and her experiences mentoring the next generation of game designers. We talk about why you shouldn't say "No," the intricacies of player emotional experience goals, and the importance of being a passionate and generous designer.Check out Tracy's Resources:https://www.waldengame.com/https://www.gameinnovationlab.com/https://www.thenightjourney.com/https://www.tracyfullerton.com/https://gameinnovationlab.itch.io/waldenhttps://www.gamedesignworkshop.com--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (01:27) - Meet Tracy Fullerton (04:01) - Tracy's Early Gaming Experiences (07:58) - The Birth of Spiderdance (12:44) - Creating Walden, a Game (20:01) - Challenges and Persistence (24:44) - Pricing Strategy and Educational Impact (29:15) - Launching on Multiple Platforms (29:28) - Impact of COVID on Game Launches (30:09) - International Reach and Localization Challenges (31:47) - Player Feedback and Diverse Audience (32:22) - Teaching First-Person Game Mechanics (36:28) - The Night Journey Collaboration (43:01) - Mentoring and Teaching Game Design (48:37) - Balancing Passion Projects and Career (52:48) - Game Design Workshop 20th Anniversary (57:35) - Conclusion 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

Episode 27: Blake Harris is the acclaimed author of "Console Wars" and "The History of the Future." Blake shares his journey from a struggling screenwriter to a successful author, diving into the intense rivalry between Sega and Nintendo that defined a generation of gaming. He reveals insights into the internal conflicts at Sega that contributed to their downfall and discusses the revolutionary impact of Oculus and virtual reality on the tech landscape.Blake also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book about comedy legend Larry David, creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," complete with humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. From the challenges of getting in touch with industry giants like Seth Rogen to the joys and struggles of writing about beloved cultural icons, this episode is packed with compelling stories and valuable lessons on persistence, research, and the art of storytelling.Check out Blake's Resources:https://twitter.com/blakejharrisNYChttps://www.amazon.com/Console-Wars-Nintendo-Defined-Generation/https://www.amazon.com/History-Future-Facebook-Revolution-Virtual/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/author-blake-j-harris-and-the-history-of-the-future/Console Wars Documentary --(00:00) - Connecting with Seth Rogen: A Game-Changing Experience (00:33) - Interview with Blake Harris: Insights and Takeaways (01:38) - Blake Harris's Journey: From Console Wars to New Projects (04:22) - The Fascinating World of Sega and Nintendo (07:34) - From Video Games to Authorship: Blake's Path (20:35) - Challenges and Triumphs in Writing Console Wars (29:34) - The Impact of Sega's Internal Conflicts (33:21) - The Oculus Story: A Mind-Blowing Experience (34:49) - Challenges in VR: Monetization and Market Penetration (35:58) - The Evolution of VR Hardware (36:59) - The Search for VR's Killer App (40:22) - The Social and Practical Applications of VR (50:31) - The Impact of Politics on Oculus (54:15) - Larry David: From Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm (55:24) - The Joy of Writing About Larry David (57:59) - Conclusion and Future Projects --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 26: Jeff Petriello, a game producer at the New York Times and a game design educator at NYU Game Center, shares his unique journey from producing movies to producing games played by millions of people.Go behind the scenes at the New York Times, learn what it's like to shepherd hits like Wordle, and create games from scratch like Strands. Working closely with the New Games Squad and the Gameplay Squad, Jeff shares what inspires him, his teaching experiences, and the significant role of games in building social connections.This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts alike.Check out Jeff's Social and Resources:https://www.thebeff.com/https://www.thepastatarot.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetriello/https://gamecenter.nyu.edu/faculty/jeff-petriello/https://thebeff.itch.io/self-portraithttps://www.nytimes.com/crosswords--(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:39) - Jeff Petriello's Journey to Game Production (02:43) - Jeff's Current Gaming Favorites and Insights (05:44) - The Personal Impact of Games on Jeff's Life (10:44) - Transitioning from Philosophy to Game Design (24:33) - The Evolution of Teaching Game Design (30:32) - Jeff's Path to the New York Times (35:35) - The Evolution of NYT Games: From Crosswords to Wordle (35:56) - Joining the NYT Games Team and Developing New Hits (36:36) - The Creative Process Behind NYT's Newest Game, Strands (39:04) - The Art of Puzzle Creation: A Blend of Technology and Creativity (40:19) - The Impact of Games on NYT's Subscription Model (46:43) - Exploring the Buy vs. Build Strategy in Game Development (56:53) - The Personal Journey: Career Advice and Side Hustles (01:01:47) - A Tarot Reading to Close: Insights and Reflections --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

Right before the New York Times announced they acquired Wordle in the low-mid seven figures, Aaron attempted to buy Wordle, and wordle.com. Listen to Aaron's story on why he started building games, and how that led to his attempt to purchase the popular daily word game that took the world by storm.How close did he get? Listen and find out!--(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:17) - The Unstoppable Rise of Wordle (02:12) - Aaron's Journey into Game Development (06:38) - The Evolution of Online Game Monetization (13:24) - The Attempt to Acquire Wordle (29:14) - Reflections and the Future of Daily Brainy Games --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 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 Devin'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/https://www.leaderboardle.com/https://x.com/nerdlegame--(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