#110 Are Board Game Conventions Important?
34 min
Today we return to discuss board game conventions and how as a designer to take advantage of them. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
Fun Problems
All episodes.
113 episodes · showing the newest 113
#109 The Final Episode
1 hr 27 min
The final episode of Fun Problems! Thanks so much to everyone who's listened over the years, it's been a pleasure talking to our microphones and it somehow ending up in your ears. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#108 Zones of Play
1 hr 24 min
Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: Zones of play, questions to ask when playtesting, core gameplay loops, replayability, designing to form, and creating combos! Scott Rogers' Zones of Play: https://mrbossdesign.blogspot.com/201... Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#107 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 13
1 hr 10 min
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is the FINAL part of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#106 The Problems with Victory Points – Grab Bag
1 hr 3 min
Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: Victory points, playtesting with skilled designers, positive player interaction, "accountancy phases", IP games, and developing your own games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#105 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 12
1 hr 2 min
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 12 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#104 Would Stonemaier Publish This?
24 min
Jamey Stegmaier explains what Stonemaier is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Stonemaier is looking to publish! Stonemaier submissions are open here Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#103 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 4 (Daniel Piechnick)
1 hr 7 min
We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#102 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 3 (Daniel Piechnick)
1 hr 5 min
We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#111 How to Design Framework Games (Jon Perry and Christian Kudahl)
1 hr 18 min
AJ is joined by guests Jon Perry and Christian Kudahl to talk all about "framework" games. This episode was released early to coincide with the limited preorder for Gauntlet of Gods. Buy Gauntlet of Gods Play Gauntlet of Gods Self balancing game mechanics Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#101 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 2 (Daniel Piechnick)
1 hr 10 min
We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#100 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 1 (Daniel Piechnick)
1 hr 5 min
For our 100th episode (depending on how you count...) we have Daniel Piechnick on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#99 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 11
1 hr 19 min
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 11 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#98 Designing Solo Games
1 hr 23 min
Have you ever wondered how to design a solo board game? You are in luck! Today Peter talks through his process of designing solo-only games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#97 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 10
1 hr 16 min
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 10 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#96 The Upsides of Downsides – Grab Bag
1 hr 11 min
Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: which games will still be around in a century, the donkey problem, learning curves, game arc, and why/when to add downsides to your actions! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#95 Decisions vs Calculations – Grab Bag
1 hr 34 min
Today we talk about so many things, including: calculations, decisions, NON-decisions, drive vs friction, atomic actions, time equity, hooks, and offloading rules to components! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#94 Generating Infinite Content
1 hr 24 min
How do you come up with UNLIMITED IDEAS for your games? Tune in and we'll tell you! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#93 Would Bitewing Publish This?
1 hr 20 min
Nick Murray and Kyle Spackman explain what Bitewing is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Bitewing is looking to publish! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#92 Complexity – Grab Bag
48 min
We talk about complexity, economies, decision-making, and spatial elements in your games. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#91 Ideas We Won't Touch – Grab Bag
38 min
Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including why we won't design certain ideas. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#90 Audience Sell-Sheets 4 (Guest Joe Wiggins)
1 hr 54 min
Peter C. Hayward and special guest Joe Wiggins explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#89 Party Games (Guest Alex Cutler)
1 hr 36 min
With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about party games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#88 Ludonarrative Assonance (Guest Alex Cutler)
1 hr 34 min
With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about ludonarrative assonance: making your game's mechanics match the theme, and vice-versa! Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
BONUS: Rolling Deep interview
3 hr 11 min
A bonus episode of Fun Problems, featuring an indepth interview by the YouTuber Neon Gorilla. Originally found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VTo5DiRaTVY?si=XAK_pAzr1gwwn4iY Rolling Deep live on Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bitewinggamesnick/rolling-deep-and-eureka-dice-adventure-roguelike-and-campaign Check out our Discord Email us Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#87 The best design advice on the internet - Part 9
55 min
This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog written by Daniel Piechnick. Mathew Dunstan Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#86 Careers in Board Games - Grab bag
1 hr 15 min
Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. The Bits Podcast with Peter Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#85 The best design advice on the internet - Part 8
37 min
This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog https://daniel.games/ written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#84 Board Game Fragility - Grab bag
57 min
Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including development and how to make your game less fragile. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#83 The Three Pillars of Game Design
57 min
Peter has a new model that breaks down ALL OF BOARD GAME DESIGN! NOTE: Peter consistently uses "ergonomics" wrong in this episode! Ergonomics is the *reduction* of work; when he says he 'reduces ergonomics' that should be increases ergonomics (or reduces work). Sorry! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#82 It took me a decade to get this interview with Elan Lee
1 hr 6 min
Exactly 10 years ago AJ sent a message asking questions about the design of Exploding Kittens. Today he finally gets some answers from the LEGENDARY Elan Lee! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com AJ's favourite artist: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettabaldari/ Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#81 Board Game Contracts
1 hr 41 min
Board game contracts with special guest Zachary Strebeck! We talk through EVERYTHING board game contracts, including specific percentage numbers, what to avoid, what to look for. Everything, guys. It's EVERYTHING. You can find Zack here: https://legalmoveslawfirm.com/ Peter's checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X... Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#80 Peter's Board Game Design Finances 2025
1 hr 12 min
Ever wonder how much a full time board game designer makes? Today we deep dive into the money Peter has made from board game design over the years in total, in 2025 specifically, and broken down by how much money each board game made. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#79 Would Exploding Kittens Publish This?
1 hr 25 min
Elan Lee explains what Exploding Kittens is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Exploding Kittens is looking to publish! Visit https://www.explodingkittens.com/page... to submit your game ideas to the company! Fun Problems discord Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#78 The Levels of Designer
1 hr 13 min
Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon discuss how to give useful game-design feedback by matching your advice to the designer’s experience. They cover empathy, asking what feedback is wanted, sandwiching critiques, and focusing on tools and experience to help designers improve. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#77 Hooks and Introversion
1 hr 39 min
Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon talk through a number of grab-bag topics, including how to be successful as an introvert and what makes a hook. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#76 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 7
1 hr 8 min
Episode 75 is on youtube only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqZnFTxZ6nM&list=PLlpOSsHmIZE9Q1V5UuzhrM3ZncMJVsnol&index=2 The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 7 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#74 - How to Find, Build, and Run Playtest Groups
1 hr 21 min
Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon walk through how to start, run and grow board game playtest groups; finding people, finding the right location, handling disputes, scheduling games, and balancing in-person vs digital testing. They share real-world examples (Toronto, First Play LA, ProtoTO), safety and inclusivity tips, troubleshooting for long/short games, and best practices for online playtesting tools and communities. https://www.breakmygame.com/ https://virtualplaytesting.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#73 - Regretisode
1 hr 19 min
Peter runs through his regrets over the years from design choices, co-design pitfalls, self-publishing mistakes, failed Kickstarters, and the burnout that followed. Together with AJ they help turn this mistakes into actionable advice to avoid falling into the same traps. Episode starts at 12 min 30 seconds. Paranormal Detectives standalone expansion PNP: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/249601/paranormal-detectives-2-print-and-play Elans Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElanLee Tim Ferriss podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qSUyCrk9KR69lEiXbjwXM https://www.printrunpodcast.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#72 - Types of Fun
1 hr 39 min
Peter and AJ dissect Daniel Piechnick's "types of fun" framework, exploring 13 varieties grouped into constructive, excitement, social, and emotional categories. They add personal insights, debate nuances, and more! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#71 - The problem with end game scoring (Game Feedback) Minisode
31 min
Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon dig into a common design problem: games that keep scoring until the end don't give feedback to players. They discuss practical fixes to give players earlier, clearer feedback and make learning faster and games more accessible. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#70 - An entire episode about taking an action
1 hr 18 min
Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon break down action selection systems in games; why constraints and variance make turns interesting and how different systems (worker placement, dice placement, drafting, rondels, time tracks, menus and more) shape player decisions. The episode gives designers practical examples, trade-offs and tips from many published games, plus a publisher note about avoiding thematic overlap, to help you choose the right action system for your game. Mathew Dunstan Elegance Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goONo66xVAs Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#69 - Why We Are Ending the Podcast
42 min
Peter announces he’s stepping back from board games to explore new creative projects and explains why the podcast will be winding down. Plus a lot more fun than usual to make up for the downer announcement. Please suggest topics to cover before the show ends! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#68 - Listener Questions
1 hr 10 min
Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon dive into emergent strategy, how to seed subtle interactions, and how to telegraph systems to players. They answer listener questions on market saturation, the future of board games, and personal careers in design. The hosts give detailed playtesting advice—solo testing, public and cold playtests, TTS tips, teaching techniques, and how to use playtesters effectively—plus anecdotes and practical rules-of-thumb for aspiring designers. Music, guest appearances, and candid conversation round out the episode as the hosts share honest industry insight and hands-on tips for creating and testing great games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#67 - Grab Bag Minisode 2
45 min
In this episode AJ and Peter dig into core game-design ideas: the difference between strategy and tactics, how scarcity and tough choices make games engaging, best practices for scoring and playtesting, and designing emergent combos that let players discover clever strategies. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#66 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 6
1 hr 11 min
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 6 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!
#65 - How to make a (DEEP) Childishly Simple Game
1 hr 29 min
This week, we explore the concept of 'childishly simple' games, and how it applies to creating elegant games that seem effortlessly simple but also offer depth. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, dissect both successful and challenging game designs, and discuss the art of simplifying mechanics no matter the weight class of the game. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
#64 - Helpful Advice with Tim Armstrong
1 hr 27 min
In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and guest Tim Armstrong dive deep into the world of game design and publishing. With AJ Brandon absent, Peter brings on Tim, a designer and friend, to explore how their processes differ as they discuss their 10-year journeys in the board game industry. They unpack strategies for pitching to publishers, the value of sell sheets, and why specific design choices are made. Peter also highlights the challenges of maintaining passion in game design while avoiding burnout. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
#63 - A Week in the Life of a Game Designer
1 hr 1 min
Join Peter and AJ as they take you behind the curtain to explore a week in the busy life of board game designers. They share their daily routines, challenges, and the creative processes involved in crafting engaging board games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod
#62 - Audience Sell-Sheets 3
1 hr 11 min
AJ Brandon, Alex Cutler, and Peter C. Hayward explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential publishers. Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/43r9h7dz Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.com Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!