Hey, Good Game

Aman Rawal and Ben Hollier, the minds behind MathHeads, a game designed to make mental math enjoyable. The conversation spans the development journey and multiplayer features of MathHeads, elaborating on backend challenges, user experience, and the game’s reception. It further explores strategies in managing a mix of game modes and user engagement through platforms like Discord. The discussion highlights marketing strategies leveraging Reddit and Google Ads, tackles the intricacies of monetization and infrastructure, and showcases unexpected collaboration opportunities, such as with the World Mental Calculation League.In this episode, you'll learn:Community Engagement: The importance of engaging with users through platforms like Discord. MathHeads utilized user feedback extensively to improve their site and gather data on user behavior.Iterative Development: The value of releasing basic versions of the game to get early feedback and iterating based on user responses.Monetization Challenges: The journey to monetizing the platform, including failed attempts with Google AdSense and deciding to build a larger user base before focusing heavily on monetization.Backend Challenges: The complexities of developing real-time, head-to-head multiplayer functionalities and managing cross-platform issues (iOS vs. Android).Partnerships and Accountability: Highlighting the importance of having a team or partners to stay accountable and motivated, which can be crucial for maintaining momentum in developmental projects.User Personalization: Offering different game modes and difficulty levels to appeal to a wide range of users.Networking and Exposure: Through community and organic growth, they came across various partnerships and opportunities, albeit some didn’t align perfectly with their current capabilities or goals.Regular Updates and Communication: Ensuring to keep the user base informed about updates through regular communication on platforms like Discord.Check out Ben and Aman's Resources:https://mathheads.net/--(00:00) - Focusing on User Experience and Growth (00:47) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:01) - Meet the Creators of Math Heads (02:16) - Favorite Games of the Creators (03:55) - The Origin Story of Math Heads (06:13) - Challenges and Features of Math Heads (16:39) - User Engagement and Community Building (18:25) - Discord's Role in QA and Community Management (19:52) - Marketing Strategies and Initial Launch (22:42) - Challenges with Monetization and Ads (24:56) - Unexpected Opportunities and Collaborations (28:33) - Future Plans and Team Dynamics (30:17) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators (31:45) - Balancing User Feedback and Data (34:36) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Andrew Bartle, the creator of the quiz game, QuizWise. With over 25 years of experience as a software developer, Andrew shares his journey from developing games as a child to founding a successful quiz platform. He discusses the importance of passion in game development, the influence of his late collaborator Barry Lakeman, and how A/B testing played a pivotal role in the site's evolution. Andrew talks about his experience with various ad providers, the impact of AI, and the dedication to maintaining the educational value of QuizWise.In this episode, you'll learn:QuizWise Origins: QuizWise was conceptualized as a SEO experiment and as a site with broad content appeal.Content Creation Process: The questions are created thoughtfully, focusing on enduring relevance rather than transient details.User Engagement and Feedback: Feedback from users, both positive and corrective, is highly encouraged and valued to maintain the site's quality.AI Utilization: While the questions at QuizWise are not generated by AI, ChatGPT's API is used for quality control to check for accuracy, correctness, and typographical issues.Ad Revenue and Challenges: The platform supports itself through ad revenue, attempting to balance the user experience without intrusive advertisements.Changing ad providers can be challenging due to initial disruption but can also lead to significant revenue shifts.Future Plans and Aspirations: There's interest in potentially developing new games and leveraging current user engagement.Community and Legacy: Andrew’s bond with his quiz-making colleagues and the legacy of Barry Lakeman play an integral part in the story of QuizWise.Check out Andrew's Resources:https://www.quizwise.com/https://www.facebook.com/QuizWise/--(00:00) - Introduction and Life Lessons from Game Development (00:38) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (00:52) - Meet Andrew Bartle, Creator of QuizWise (01:43) - Favorite Games and Family Fun (03:33) - Early Days of Gaming and Programming (11:29) - The Journey of QuizWise (25:05) - Reflecting on QuizWise and Weirdle (26:16) - Quiz Difficulty and Structure (28:12) - Engaging Teachers and Students (29:02) - User Engagement and Marketing (30:19) - Ad Providers and Revenue (40:30) - AI in Quiz Creation (43:45) - The Art of Crafting Quiz Questions (45:57) - Feedback and User Interaction (50:05) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Nildo Jr., known for the word-guessing game Contexto. Nildo discusses his inspiration from tech and mathematics, his migration to Norway, and the development of Contexto during the pandemic. He also shares insights into the challenges of maintaining the game, the importance of user feedback, and the educational potential of games.In this episode, you'll learn:Follow Your Passion and Curiosity: His fascination with algorithms and AI, leading him to create Contexto, highlights how following your interests can lead to significant accomplishments.Importance of Simplifying User Experience: Nildo discussed the challenges of simplifying Semantle to make it more accessible, eventually leading to the creation of Contexto. Creating Engaging and Shareable Content: One critical feature Nildo emphasized was the shareability of game results. This aspect was crucial for the game's success as it encouraged users to spread the word, leading to organic growth through social media and word-of-mouth.Handling Feedback: Learning to handle both positive and negative feedback is essential. Positive feedback might be less frequent but recognizing that negative feedback can provide areas for improvement is vital.Iterative Development and Continuous Improvement: The importance of continual iteration and improvement of games was highlighted, especially how feedback from users directly influenced the design and features of Contexto and other games.Educational Value of Games: Nildo strongly believes in the educational impact of games. His desire to see his games used in educational environments showcases how digital entertainment can have a significant educational aspect.Risk Management and Full-Time Commitment: Transitioning from a secure job to making game development his full-time occupation required careful consideration and personal growth, illustrating the need to balance risk management with pursuing one's passion.Community and Social Play: The social aspect of games was a recurrent theme, where Nildo shared stories of people playing Contexto with family, friends, and coworkers. This social engagement adds an additional layer of enjoyment and connection among players.Check out Nildo's Resources:https://contexto.me/https://github.com/nildohttps://x.com/nildojuniorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nildojr/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:25) - Nildo Jr.'s Gaming Preferences (01:59) - The Social Aspect of Gaming (06:34) - Living in Norway (08:36) - Creating Contexto and Daydash (20:10) - The Popularity and Impact of Contexto (23:44) - Discovering a Passion for Computers (24:17) - Educational Journey and Career Beginnings (24:46) - The Importance of Education (26:40) - The Role of Curiosity and Luck (27:52) - Challenges and Rewards of Game Development (30:54) - The Power of Sharing and Social Media (33:18) - Popularity and User Behavior (36:17) - Transition to Full-Time Game Development (38:15) - Design Philosophy and New Games (42:24) - Handling Feedback and User Interaction (44:30) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Garry Schyman, a renowned composer for film, television, and video games. Garry shares insights from his prolific career, discusses the intricacies of game scoring, and offers valuable advice on creativity and composing. He also delves into his experiences teaching at USC, the impact of AI on the music industry, and the joy of working on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno. This episode is a deep dive into the world of game music composition and the evolving landscape of the industry.In this episode, you'll learn:Always Do Your Best Work: Garry highlights the importance of always putting your best effort into every project, as you never know who will hear it and what opportunities might come from it.Understanding the Project's Needs: Learn how Garry navigates the process of defining the musical needs for a game or film, balancing client expectations with creative experimentation.AI as a Tool or Threat: Understand Garry’s perspective on the role of AI in music composition, seeing it as a possible tool for creativity but also a threat to traditional compositional work.Teaching and Mentoring: Appreciate the value of mentorship and education through Garry’s experiences teaching aspiring composers at USC.Scoring Hell: Enjoy intriguing stories from Garry's career, like the unique experience of scoring for Dante’s Inferno and recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios.Check out Garry's Resources:https://garryschyman.com/https://www.facebook.com/garry.schymanhttp://www.youtube.com/@garryschyman99--(00:00) - Introduction to Creative Principles (00:53) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast (01:59) - Meet Gary Scheiman: Composer Extraordinaire (03:14) - Gary's Favorite Games (04:19) - Teaching at USC and Game Scoring Insights (07:55) - The Evolution of Game Music (17:04) - The Bioshock Sound: A Unique Challenge (26:28) - Misconceptions About Composers (26:56) - The Composing Process and Tools (28:42) - AI's Impact on Music Composition (36:00) - Conducting at Abbey Road (38:28) - Advice for Aspiring Composers (45:34) - Future Projects and Career Reflections (47:22) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Nate Kadlac and Aaron Kardell reflect on the past 18 months of building the business and podcast. They share insights into their journey, including their bootstrapping philosophy, ad partner experiments, and the expansion of their content. The duo discusses their favorite games, the importance of maintaining control by avoiding venture capital, and their continuous efforts to respond to user feedback and improve their games. They also highlight the diversity of recent podcast guests and invite listeners to suggest future guests and provide reviews to help the podcast grow.Check out Hey GG's games and links:https://www.hey.gg/--(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:56) - Current Games We're Playing (05:11) - Behind the Scenes at Hey Good Game (06:31) - User Feedback and Improvements (10:11) - Growth and Team Dynamics (19:28) - Advertising Strategies and Insights (24:54) - Podcast Journey and Future Plans (27:44) - Conclusion and Call to Action --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Keythe talks about the resurgence of pinball games, his favorite video games over the years, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the industry. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of AI, voice cloning, and the importance of fair compensation for voice actors.In this episode, you'll learn:Keythe shares his history with video games, from his early days playing pinball and arcade games like Pac-Man to more recent titles like Tomb Raider and Red Dead Redemption. Keythe shares personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a holistic view of the life of a voice actor. His experiences illustrate the passion and dedication required to succeed in this field.Reflecting on his experiences in motion capture and performance capture, Keythe highlights how these technologies enhance storytelling but also bring additional challenges for actors to accurately convey physical and emotional nuances.Keythe shares insights on:Voice acting for video games involves understanding and performing for multiple storylines and outcomes simultaneously. Every project can have a different recording schedule.Successful voice acting requires both technical skills (like clear enunciation) and emotional availability, as actors rely solely on their voice to convey the full depth of their character.The industry is constantly evolving, and voice actors need to stay updated with new technologies and methodologies while ensuring fair compensation and ethical considerations.Check out Keythe's Resources:https://www.keythefarley.com/https://x.com/faronearhttps://www.facebook.com/keythehttps://www.instagram.com/keythefarleyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1tMpjVHdCIiHTfdQkWFeja--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (01:36) - Meet Keythe Farley (02:32) - Keythe's Gaming Journey (06:43) - The Evolution of Voice Acting in Games (11:12) - Challenges of Voice Acting in Video Games (16:17) - Recording Techniques and Actor's Flexibility (23:08) - Multiple Roles and Atmospheric Voices (24:21) - Exploring Diverse Voice Acting Roles (25:38) - The Creative Process in Game Development (27:46) - AI's Impact on the Entertainment Industry (29:16) - Ethical Considerations and AI in Voice Acting (35:33) - The Future of AI in Sports and Entertainment (42:38) - Personal Insights and Tools for Voice Acting (45:22) - Conclusion and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Josh Plotner is a renowned musician, producer, and arranger known for his work in films, TV, and video games. Based in New York, Josh has been a freelance musician for over a decade, specializing as a saxophonist and woodwind multi-instrumentalist.At age three, Josh's journey began with a passion for saxophone, eventually expanding to other woodwind instruments. His versatility led him to Broadway, where he currently subs for The Lion King, playing 13 different flutes. This experience sparked his interest in world flutes, leading to a vast collection of instruments from various cultures.In this episode, you'll learn:How Josh transitioned from Broadway to video game musicThe unique challenges and opportunities in video game music compositionJosh's approach to remote recording and building an online presenceThe importance of flexibility and communication when working with clientsHow Josh creates educational content to fill gaps in online resources for niche instrumentsJosh shares insights on:The similarities between flutes from different culturesThe impact of 3D printing on instrument manufacturingStrategies for succeeding in the music industry, including networking and specializationCheck out Josh's Resources:https://www.joshplotnermusic.com/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (01:19) - Meet Josh Plotner: Multi-Instrumentalist Extraordinaire (02:00) - Josh's Favorite Games and Musical Inspirations (03:17) - The Magic of Woodwind Instruments in Gaming (06:20) - Challenges and Joys of Playing the Shakuhachi (09:48) - Josh's Musical Journey: From Saxophone to Broadway (18:16) - Breaking into Video Game Music (23:30) - Navigating Client Communication Challenges (24:12) - The E-commerce Approach to Music Services (24:47) - Adapting to Remote Work During the Pandemic (25:31) - Building an Informative and Engaging Website (27:44) - Educating Clients Without Talking Down (28:46) - The Intersection of Social Media and Client Generation (29:17) - Filling Gaps in Online Music Education (31:49) - The Power of Deadlines for Creativity (32:55) - Passion-Driven Content Creation (40:58) - The Challenges of Being a Generalist Musician (42:06) - Embracing Negative Feedback as a Sign of Success (43:46) - How to Connect with Josh Plotner --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Daniel Tait is a prolific indie game developer who has created several popular puzzle games, including Mathler, CrossWordle, and Somplete. Despite not considering himself a professional programmer, Daniel has a knack for quickly building and launching games that capture players' attention.In this episode, we explore Daniel's journey from tinkering with games as a kid to becoming a successful indie developer. He shares insights on:How he created Mathler, his breakout hit inspired by Wordle, using an open-source clone and basic math equationsHis approach to rapidly prototyping and launching games, often spending just a weekend to get an MVP outLeveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome technical challenges and generate unique puzzlesThe pros and cons of selling some of his most popular gamesHis latest project, WordNerd.co, which aims to be a hub for word game enthusiastsYou'll learn:Why Daniel prefers to launch games quickly and imperfectly rather than polishing them extensivelyHow he uses domain name availability to influence game ideas (23 Words came from 23words.com being available!)His simple but effective launch strategy using Hacker News and RedditThe importance of building games you enjoy playing yourselfCheck out Daniel's Resources:https://wordnerd.co/23words.comhttps://killercrossword.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-tait/Contact:heynerd@wordnerd.co--(00:00) - Introduction to Game Development (00:41) - Welcome to the Hey Good Game Podcast (02:21) - Interview with Daniel Tait (03:24) - Daniel's Gaming Background (06:57) - The Creation of Mathler (08:52) - Launching and Promoting Mathler (10:16) - Daniel's Game Development Philosophy (19:46) - Monetization Strategies (21:48) - Acquisition by Hey Good Game (23:15) - Exploring AI-Assisted Game Development (23:25) - Creating a Puzzle Game with ChatGPT (24:07) - Developing and Testing the Game (25:44) - Using AI for Game Development (26:35) - The Joy of Building Games (30:57) - Balancing Game Development and Personal Life (37:19) - Launching and Promoting New Games (41:00) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Developers --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Gabe Cornish is a game creator with over 40 published games on itch.io and a decade of experience in the game industry. He's worked on hit mobile titles like Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery at Jam City and more recently at Paradox Interactive. Gabe is passionate about making game development more accessible and sustainable for creators.In this episode, we explore Gabe's journey in game development and his unique perspective on creating games for fun rather than profit. He shares insights on:• Make games regularly, even if they're small and imperfect, to maintain enthusiasm and improve skills• Don't judge your creations too harshly - you never know what will resonate with players• Consider freeware development as a sustainable way to weather industry uncertainty• Look for alternative monetization methods like Patreon to support ongoing creative workCheck out Gabe's Resources:https://gabrielcornish.com/https://gabrielcornish.itch.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielcornish----Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Eric Allebest, co-founder and CEO of Chess.com, joins the podcast to discuss how he's revolutionized the world of online chess. With 5-10 million daily players and nearly $100 million in annual revenue, Chess.com has become the go-to platform for chess enthusiasts worldwide.Eric shares his journey from e-commerce to building a chess empire, starting with Schoolhouse Chess and Wholesale Chess before launching Chess.com. He reveals how the company has weathered surges and plateaus in popularity, including the massive boost from Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit."In this episode, you'll learn:• How Chess.com changed the definition of who can be a chess player, vastly expanding the market• The importance of balancing community, content, and product in building a successful gaming platform• Why streaming and content creation have been crucial to Chess.com's growth strategy• How the company navigates the challenges of running a complex gaming ecosystemCheck out Erik's Resources:https://www.chess.com/https://x.com/chesscomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@chesshttps://www.chesscomshop.com/https://www.instagram.com/wwwchesscom/https://www.youtube.com/user/wwwChesscom--(00:00) - The Transferability of Chess.com to Other Games (00:29) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (02:12) - Eric Allebest's Journey with Chess.com (03:28) - The Popularity and Growth of Chess.com (04:20) - Eric's Favorite Games and Gaming Preferences (07:05) - The Psychology of Chess and Player Behavior (09:16) - Eric's Early Life and Introduction to Games (10:31) - The Birth of Chess.com and E-commerce Challenges (13:24) - The Evolution of Gaming and Content Integration (16:33) - The Role of Design and Branding in Chess.com (22:57) - The Impact of Streaming on Chess Popularity (25:17) - Engaging with Non-Top Players (26:05) - Streamers and the Element of Competition (27:36) - Celebrity Collaborations and Vulnerability (30:14) - The Changing Media Landscape (31:20) - Chess and Other Traditional Games (34:11) - Impact of The Queen's Gambit (37:06) - Media and Entertainment in Chess (47:17) - Onboarding New Users to Chess.com (49:42) - Reflections on Chess and Life (51:19) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Cassidy Williams is a prolific content creator, developer advocate, and builder. Aaron Kardell and Joseph Rueter discuss Jumblie—a word game inspired by a coding challenge—and Cassidy's previous games. Cassidy shares her journey, the influence of her time in Spain, SEO, her love for board games like Agricola and Civ 6, and her stint as a mascot at Iowa State University. Check out Cassidy's Resources:https://jumblie.comhttps://cassidoo.cohttps://x.com/cassidoohttps://github.com/cassidoohttps://www.patreon.com/cassidoohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidoo/--(00:00) - Introduction and SEO Nerd Talk (00:29) - Interview with Cassidy Williams (00:51) - Cassidy's Journey with Jumblie (03:17) - Cassidy's Favorite Games (04:41) - General Mills Internship Experience (06:07) - College Mascot Adventures (09:33) - Living in Spain (13:47) - SEO and Scooby Doo (15:46) - Founding Cosigned (21:23) - The Birth of Contenda (21:57) - AI Tools Before the Hype (22:34) - Challenges and Pivots (23:11) - The Brain Story Tool (24:06) - The End of Contenda (24:57) - Switching to Gaming (25:21) - Creating 13 Potions (29:40) - The Jumblie Journey (40:45) - Challenges of Puzzle Editing (43:35) - Future of Jumblie and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Peter Mohrbacher, creator of Angelarium, emphasizes the importance of creating art for yourself rather than trying to please others or meet market expectations. He argues that the best art comes from a place of "creative selfishness" - following your own obsessions and interests without worrying about external validation. This approach has allowed him to maintain a unique artistic voice while building a successful business around his personal project. However, he acknowledges that this path isn't for everyone, as many artists struggle with the business side of self-publishing and marketing their work.Check out Peter's Resources:https://www.angelarium.nethttps://angelarium.shophttps://www.patreon.com/angelariumhttps://x.com/bugmeyerhttps://bugmeyer.tumblr.com/https://www.facebook.com/angelariumhttps://www.pinterest.com/petemohrbacher/--(00:00) - Introduction to AI Prompting (00:26) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast (00:42) - Interview with Peter Mohrbacher (02:08) - Peter's Favorite Game: Elden Ring (05:54) - The Art of Angelarium (19:15) - Challenges of Sharing Art Online (27:04) - Embracing Creative Obsessions (28:10) - Balancing Art and Business (29:00) - Challenges in the Art Business (32:38) - Gamifying Social Media and Marketing (35:00) - Corporate Exploitation in the Art World (37:33) - Venturing into Tabletop RPGs (41:39) - Navigating Patreon and Crowdfunding (48:58) - Scams and Online Security (54:42) - Conclusion and Future Projects --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Greg Karber is the creator of the hit murder mystery puzzle game Murdle. Greg shares the fascinating journey of Murdle's creation, from a simple puzzle made for a friend to a bestselling book series and popular daily online game.We dive into Greg's influences, how he monetizes Murdle, and the balance between game mechanics and storytelling.Check out Greg's Resources:https://murdle.com/https://murdle.com/book/https://x.com/gregkarberhttps://discord.gg/kmyFvXJ44shttps://www.reddit.com/r/murdle/https://www.tiktok.com/@gtkarberhttps://www.instagram.com/gregkarber/https://bsky.app/profile/gtkarber.bsky.socialhttp://killerpartymusical.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.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/

Cole Medeiros' career in game design is driven by passion and authenticity. He started creating games as a child (GUBS in fourth grade) and has successfully transitioned this early interest into a professional career. His approach emphasizes the importance of genuine enthusiasm for the project, close collaboration with partners (as seen in his work with ConcernedApe), and the ability to balance the creative and business aspects of game development. Cole's journey showcases how personal passion can lead to successful game creation, from indie board games to working on major titles like Stardew Valley.Check out Cole's Resources:https://www.stardewvalley.net/https://colemedeiros.com/https://x.com/TheGubsGuyhttps://gamemaker.io/enhttps://www.tabletopsimulator.com/Contact contact@stardewvalley.net--(00:00) - Introduction and Career Reflection (00:13) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:00) - Meet Cole Medeiros: Game Designer Extraordinaire (01:42) - Discussing Favorite Games and Board Game Design (04:21) - Designing Games for Different Audiences (07:23) - Choosing and Developing Game Ideas (11:30) - User Testing and Publishing Experiences (13:57) - The Journey of GUBS and Web of Spies (22:31) - Collaborating on Stardew Valley: The Board Game (27:32) - Insights on Game Design and Personal Motivation (37:09) - Current Projects and Future Plans (39:23) - 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

Zach Gage might be one of the most innovative game designers you've never heard of.He's the creator of Good Sudoku, Really Bad Chess, and 30+ other games that reimagine classic puzzles for the digital age.Now he's taking on the New York Times with Puzzmo.comWe spent an hour exploring his creative process and the future of puzzle games. Check out Zach's Resources:http://www.stfj.nethttps://www.puzzmo.comhttps://www.playgoodsudoku.com/http://www.reallybadchess.com/--(00:00) - The First Game Creations (00:48) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (00:59) - Insights from Zach Gage's Interview (02:26) - Introducing Zach Gage (04:18) - Zach's Gaming Preferences and Bag Obsession (10:25) - Zach's Artistic Family Background (12:16) - Early Exhibits and Creative Opportunities (15:40) - Designing Good Sudoku (23:50) - Creating Really Bad Chess (26:22) - Struggling with Chess: A New Perspective (27:54) - The Game Design Process (29:06) - Challenges in Game Tutorialization (30:38) - Innovative Game Examples (34:00) - Building Puzmo: From Concept to Reality (46:56) - The Role of Community and Distribution (50:19) - Balancing Business and Creativity (53:53) - Connecting with the Audience --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 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) - Jim Horne and His Musical Background (01:44) - Jim Horne's Journey to Microsoft and FreeCell (03:35) - The Creation and Popularity of FreeCell (05:11) - Jim's Musical Adventures and Microsoft Theater (06:41) - Jim's Early Love for Games and Programming (10:30) - The FreeCell Phenomenon and Shareware Success (19:22) - Blogging and Crossword Puzzles with The New York Times (22:29) - Creating XWord Info and the Crossword Community (28:44) - The Legacy of FreeCell and New Ventures (34:02) - 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