In this episode, Soren interviews independent game developer Zach Barth, best known for his puzzle games, including SpaceChem, Infinifactory, Shenzhen I/O, and Opus Magnum. They discuss why he never originally wanted to make money on his games, why puzzle games are terrible, and whether he has ever played Minecraft. This episode was recorded on Sep…

In this epidode, I interview the prolific Cole Wehrle about his sci fi game ARCS published by Leder Games.Rules etc at bottom of this page link: https://ledergames.com/products/arcshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/359871/arcsWe discuss the development process, integration of art, mechanics and whether Cole is coming to the next SD Hist Con in No…

In this episode, Soren interviews noted game investor Mitch Lasky, best known for his work as a venture capitalist at Benchmark, as the CEO of JAMDAT, and as an executive at Activision and Electronic Arts. They discuss how the industry’s business models have always affected design, why he was wrong about the Halloween pack ruining League of Legends…

I speak to Volko Ruhnke about his newest design works in progress and what he is planning to bring to the Hunt for BlackbeardCoast WatchersDrachenBy Harold on Games

In this episode, Soren interviews noted game investor Mitch Lasky, best known for his work as a venture capitalist at Benchmark, as the CEO of JAMDAT, and as an executive at Activision and Electronic Arts. They discuss how the Doom shareware model was a preview of free-to-play, why a console transition led to EA buying Maxis, and how Jamdat pioneer…

Mark and I discuss what he working on and what he is bringing to SD Hist events in 2024. He discussed Rebel Fury, Army of the Potomac and the associated system. In addition, he is talking about his upcoming game Defiance ion the opening days for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.By Harold on Games

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Jake Solomon, best known for the XCOM reboot and Midnight Suns. They discuss his first, failed attempt at XCOM, why 75% does not mean 75%, and how many copies of XCOM he sold at Power Gamer in Glen Burnie, MD. This episode was recorded on April 26, 2023.…

This is the second of the three podcasts including discussions with Museum Currator Rob Doane, Designer of GMT Games Battle of the American Revolution - Mark Miklos, Designer Volko Ruhnke and YouTuber Mike "Zilla Blitz" Smart. We have produced for your enjoyment a three-part series of discussions on the August 2023 Event by San Diego Historical Gam…

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Jake Solomon, best known for the XCOM reboot and Midnight Suns. They discuss how much money he had to give back to Accenture, how to animate multiple units at the same time, and why Sid suddenly started golfing so much. This episode was recorded on April 25, 2023.…

This is the first of the three podcasts including discussions with Peter Pellegrino of the US Navy war College as well as an interview with Mark Herman. We start with Peter Pellegrino who is participating in one of our 8 pre-convention meetings where we discuss people and topics that will enhance our visit to the convention. We also run a Discord s…

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Trent Kusters, co-founder of League of Geeks, best known for the strategy game Armello. They discuss why Armello has so much output randomness, whether they fudge the odds, and how to turn off a Game-as-a- Service. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2023.…

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game developer Trent Kusters, co-founder of League of Geeks, best known for the strategy game Armello. They discuss how he faked his way into games journalism, how to sneak risky ideas past licensors, and how to make games feel big. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2023.…

In this episode, Soren interviews tabletop designer Cole Wehrle, best known for his work on Root, Oath, Pax Pamir, and John Company. They discuss whether John Company is satire, how the East India Company was like QWOP, and the importance of German postal rates. This episode was recorded on March 22, 2023.…

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game designer Tanya Short, co-founder of Kitfox Games and best known for her work on Moon Hunters and Boyfriend Dungeon. They discuss why her parents had to get a second phone like, how she accidentally made a roguelike, and whether Moon Hunters should have combat. This episode was recorded on March 23, 202…

In this episode, Soren and Leyla interview veteran game designer Charlie Cleveland, founder of Unknown Worlds and best known for his work on Natural Selection and Subnautica. They discuss why Moonbreaker is the first digital miniatures game, if players would notice if critical hits were removed, and whether the game should have an undo. This episod…

In this episode, Soren and Leyla interview veteran game designer Charlie Cleveland, founder of Unknown Worlds and best known for his work on Natural Selection and Subnautica. They discuss why Charlie Cleveland moved to Cleveland, how he did Kickstarter before Kickstarter, and whether Subnautica was intended to be a survival game. This episode was r…

In this episode, Soren interviews veteran game designer Liz England, best known for her work on Scribblenauts, Sunset Overdrive, and Watch Dogs: Legion. They discuss how she organized her mom’s RPG inventories, what is the boiling point of a lion, and whether system complexity matters if the player can’t see it. This episode was recorded on Septemb…

In this episode, Soren and Leyla interview veteran game designer Harvey Smith, best known for his work on the Deus Ex and Dishonored series. They discuss what TDA stood for at Origin, if Dishonored is just Thief but faster, and why it is sometimes better to be heavy handed. This episode was recorded on March 23, 2022.…

An interview with the Designer of Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan (2011)(#5 Wargame on BGG) Matt Calkins. He discusses his vision while designing the game as well as what is next.By Harold on Games

In this episode, Soren interviews independent game developer Matthew Davis, co-founder of Subset Games and best known for his work on FTL and Into the Breach. They discuss whether FTL is a roguelike, how they resolve conflict at Subset, and whether Soren can convince them to add unlimited undo to Into the Breach. This episode was recorded on Sept 1…

A discussion with icon and award winning game designer Mark Herman. In this episode Mark tells us about his workout regimen (including 100 sit ups and 50 pushups), Pacific War game history, SD Hist Con, an upcoming Ukraine game and a new book on wargame design.By Harold on Games

An interview with Uwe Eickert who is a game designer and the founder and owner of Academy Games.By Harold on Games

Designed Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game and the roleplaying games Star Wars: Edge of the Empire and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (3rd Edition), along with Blood Bowl Team Manager: The Card Game and several other games.By Harold on Games

In this episode, Soren interviews independent game developer Justin Ma, co-founder of Subset Games and best known for his work on FTL and Into the Breach. They discuss how he bombed his first game industry interview, why the AI in FTL can’t behave like a human, and whether Into the Breach should have unlimited undo. This episode was recorded on Mar…

Mark Miklos - the father of the Battles of the American Revolution series - and I talk about the history of the series - what's new and what's next. We talk about why Yorktown is missing and the implications of the British surrender at Yorktown on the Patriot cause.We also discuss the potential for a pop up convention at an interesting historical s…

John Butterfield and I talk about flipping counters and some of the games he has been working on, his continued work on Chad Jensen's game Downfall and his new game ON Hells Highway an update of a classic.He also talks about what he looks for is a publisher.https://www.gmtgames.com/p-944-downfall-conquest-of-the-third-reich-1942-1945.aspxhttps://sd…

In this episode, Soren and Leyla interview independent game developer Chris DeLay, co-founder of Introversion Software and best known for his work on Uplink, Darwinia, Defcon, and Prison Architect. They discuss how to play Prison Architect without a prison, why the game needed cutscenes, and how to design an economy when the world is ending. This e…

In this episode, Soren and Leyla interview independent game developer Chris DeLay, co-founder of Introversion Software and best known for his work on Uplink, Darwinia, Defcon, and Prison Architect. They discuss why they hid the credits screen for Uplink, who Darwinia’s Dr. Sepulveda is based on, and whether you can have too much fun playing Defcon.…

In this episode, Tom Chick and Bruce Geryk interview Soren and Leyla Johnson about their new historical 4X, Old World. They discuss whether the Old World timeline really makes sense, how they approach Early Access differently, and why Soren didn’t want to give up on the name 10 Crowns.By Idle Thumbs

In this episode, Soren interviews Luca Redwood, the developer of 10000000, You Must Build a Boat, and Photographs. They discuss why 10000000 has no commas, how he makes sure the player never gets unlucky, and why you need to build a boat. This episode was recorded March 18, 2019.By Idle Thumbs

Hey everyone, Dropping some fan fiction I created earlier this year. Hope you enjoy! I claim no ownership to the characters, places and events depicted in the trailers that are featured in this episode. Simply wanted to share this passion project with fellow enthusiasts of Frontier Town. That's How I Roll is produced by Jeremiah Isley and Crooked P…