Best Variable Player Power Podcasts (2025)

1
AP Table Talk: Variable Player Powers 1:18:48

2h ago1:18:48

1:18:48

AP Table Talk: Variable Player Powers In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave explore Variable Player Powers, where players get unique abilities (or flaws!) that shape strategy and spark replayability. From the classic HeroQuest and Battlestar Galactica to asymmetric gems like Root, Sky Team, and Star Wars: Rebellion, they break down how t…

1
Richard Durham on Learning through Engaging Gameplay 30:19

12d ago30:19

30:19

Richard Durham on Learning through Engaging Gameplay In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng speaks with Richard Durham, a prolific game designer, creative director, and educator at Wondertree Studios. Richard shares insights from designing over 30 games across mediums—from street festivals and museum activations to tabletop and secret event…

1
Game Design Constraints and Scope Creep 8:44

27d ago8:44

8:44

Game Design Constraints and Scope Creep Today, we’re diving into two little words that have the power to either catapult your project forward… or completely derail it. Those words? Constraints and scope creep. Maybe you’ve heard them thrown around in design meetings. Maybe you’ve bumped into them the hard way on your own projects. Either way, by th…

1
Designing the Core Dynamics 8:22

1M ago8:22

8:22

Designing the Core Dynamics Today, we’re diving deep into a concept that sits right at the heart of game design: core dynamics. What makes a game engaging? Why do some games pull us in and keep us coming back? It’s not just the artwork or the theme. It's not even the mechanics alone. It’s something deeper. It’s the dynamic that drives player action…

1
Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Josefine Schwarzer, a German occupational therapist exploring how tabletop RPGs and LARPs support mental health. Josefine shares how role-play creates safe, expressive spaces that boost self-esteem and break from anxiety. She recounts client…

1
Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing Instruction 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing Instruction In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng welcomes Michael Low—educator, game designer, and creator of Stories RPG. Michael shares the powerful story behind Luna Uni, a tabletop role-playing curriculum that transforms writing instruction through collaborative storytelling. F…

1
Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games 29:14

3M ago29:14

29:14

Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews educational game designer Shaun McMillan about transforming traditional lectures into interactive, game-like experiences. Shaun shares his framework for designing lectures around a single compelling multiple-choice scenario, enabling student…

1
AP Table Talk: Take That 57:58

3M ago57:58

57:58

AP Table Talk: Take That In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the “Take That” game mechanic. From classics like UNO, Sorry!, and Risk to modern favorites like Munchkin, Blood Rage, and King of Tokyo: Duel, they explore how denial, betrayal, and revenge fuel tension, drama, and unforgettable tabletop stories. If you liked this e…

1
Types of Games 6:27

4M ago6:27

6:27

Types of Games Today, we’re diving into something that might seem simple on the surface, but as it turns out, it's anything but. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about game types, and not just your usual categories like board games or video games. We’re digging deeper: into the psychology, the structure, and the social impact of how we pl…

1
Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework 21:02

4M ago21:02

21:02

Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework In this episode, Dave Eng interviews Ercan Altuğ Yilmaz, a leading gamification expert and creator of the TOY Framework—an evolution of existing models like Werbach’s D6 and Octalysis. Drawing from over a decade of experience and 100+ projects, Yilmaz explains how TOY’s ten-step structure …

1
Games as Mediums for Interactions 8:53

5M ago8:53

8:53

Games as Mediums for Interactions In today’s episode, we’re diving into how games function as mediums for interaction: as art, as social spaces, and as powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore everything from virtual worlds to tabletop classics and even some of the more unexpected ways games impact real life. If you liked this episode please cons…

1
Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes 7:23

5M ago7:23

7:23

Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes In this episode, we’ll explore how learning objectives and game goals overlap, how serious games are designed for impact, and how we measure success beyond just ‘winning.’ So, buckle up—because today, we’re unlocking the next level of game-based learning! If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing,…

1
AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors 1:08:03

6M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dive deep into the timeless “rock-paper-scissors” (RPS) game mechanic. They explore its origins, its non-transitive nature, and how it shows up in everything from Magic: The Gathering to StarCraft and Skull King. From nostalgic toys like Battle Beasts to modern stra…

1
Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints 22:24

6M ago22:24

22:24

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng welcomes game designer, artist, and educator Randy O’Connor to explore the crucial role of constraints in game design and learning. From limited resources to time pressure, constraints shape player experiences and enhance engagement. Randy shares insights…

1
Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems 24:03

6M ago24:03

24:03

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-shot games in high school English classes to designing fully game-based courses at UMass Boston. She discusses her book Up Your Teaching Game and how educators can design story-driven curricul…

1
Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy 16:16

7M ago16:16

16:16

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews interactive artist and game designer Elena Rabkina on the power of gamification in media literacy. Elena shares her journey from intellectual gaming in Belarus to designing impactful games like Media Mayhem, which teaches players how news is crea…

1
AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game 1:30:08

7M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game In this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending, where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending, where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending…

1
Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning 9:35

8M ago9:35

9:35

Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning In this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners. Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subs…

1
Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning 29:25

9M ago29:25

29:25

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solvin…

1
What are Educational Games? 6:27

9M ago6:27

6:27

What are Educational Games? In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning? If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that…

1
AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards 1:02:47

10M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars …

1
Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification 28:21

10M ago28:21

28:21

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game, shares his journey into gamification, emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to spec…

1
What is a Game? 6:14

11M ago6:14

6:14

What is a Game? In this episode, we’ll tackle that question head-on. We’ll explore the philosophies, definitions, and key characteristics that make games so unique. Whether you’re a designer, a player, or just someone curious about the deeper meaning of games, this episode is for you. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, a…

1
Christopher Stuart on Applied TTPRGs 33:24

11M ago33:24

33:24

Christopher Stuart on Applied TTPRGs In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Christopher Stuart, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at UNC Wilmington, delves into the transformative role of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in education and facilitation. Christopher shares insights from his research on game dynamics, player engagemen…

1
Scott Nicholson on EscapeIF 20:10

11M ago20:10

20:10

Scott Nicholson on EscapeIF In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Scott Nicholson, professor and director of the Game Design and Development Program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Nicholson discusses EscapeIF, a system designed for low-resource classrooms to integrate storytelling and interactive fiction into educat…

1
Thorsten Kodalle on Strategic Wargaming 22:30

12M ago22:30

22:30

Thorsten Kodalle on Strategic Wargaming In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng speaks with Thorsten Kodalle, head of Innovation Laboratory at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College and an expert in Strategic Wargaming, Gamification, and Serious Games. Thorsten shares insights into integrating Gamification into Strate…

1
AP Table Talk: Follow 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

AP Table Talk: Follow In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of the follow mechanic in board games. They begin by relating the concept to platformer games and how follow mechanics let players perform or adjust actions chosen by others. They review games like Tiny Towns and Puerto Rico, recalling their experiences w…

1
Chris Carbone on Board Game Academics 34:13

1y ago34:13

34:13

Chris Carbone on Board Game Academics In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Christopher Carbone, an accomplished career services leader and co-founder of Board Game Academics. They discuss the intersection of academia and tabletop gaming, emphasizing experiential learning and personal development. Carbone s…

1
What is the Player Journey? 31:25

1y ago31:25

31:25

What is the Player Journey? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the player journey? When we play games, we often get caught up in the excitement of the moment—exploring vast worlds, connecting with others, completing quests, and simply enjoying ourselves. But have you ever stopped to consider the journey you take as a player? Thi…

1
AP Table Talk: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building 1:11:23

1y ago1:11:23

1:11:23

AP Table Talk: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of deck, bag, and pool building in board games. They explain that deck building specifically involves players starting with a basic deck of cards, which they enhance throughout the game to achieve specific goals. The episode highligh…

1
Travis Windleharth on foundry10 17:49

1y ago17:49

17:49

Travis Windleharth on foundry10 In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng chats with Travis Windleharth from foundry10 about games-based learning. Travis, with a background in science education, museology, and information science, focuses on how games shape youth's understanding of STEM concepts. Foundry10, co-founded by Gabe Newell, is explor…

1
What are Progression Systems in Games? 44:28

1y ago44:28

44:28

What are Progression Systems in Games? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What are progression systems in games? One of the most becoming aspects of games is our ability to interact, change, and progress with them. We can progress as individual players; progress against opponents; and progress against the game itself. The formal element…

1
Michele Haiken on Gamify Literacy 18:18

1y ago18:18

18:18

Michele Haiken on Gamify Literacy In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Michele Haiken, an experienced literacy educator, and middle school English teacher, discusses her journey into gamification for teaching literacy. She shares how an educational conference sparked her interest and how students, es…

1
AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: Hidden Information 1:23:17

1+ y ago1:23:17

1:23:17

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: Hidden Information In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the “mega topic” of hidden information in games. They explore hidden role games and games with hidden information, discussing examples like Battlestar Galactica and Scotland Yard. They touch on games such as Inside Job, Werewords, Du…

1
Sarah Le-Fevre on Play and Impactful Learning 37:14

1+ y ago37:14

37:14

Sarah Le-Fevre on Play and Impactful Learning In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Sarah Le-Fevre, a games-based learning professional with expertise in addressing complex organizational challenges and fostering ethical innovation. Le-Fevre uses tools like Lego Serious Play to create immersive learning e…

1
What is the Game State? 30:15

1+ y ago30:15

30:15

What is the Game State? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the Game State? Determining the “game state” is often one of the questions that designers and developers will ask themselves when determining how to take a design or iterate on the development of a game. The game’s state is important to understand from a design perspecti…

1
Zack Hartzman on Teaching with Video Games 20:03

1+ y ago20:03

20:03

Zack Hartzman on Teaching with Video Games In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng chats with Zack Hartzman, a licensed secondary school teacher from New York City and the creator of Hey Listen Games. Zack shares his journey of integrating video games into the classroom and discusses the motivation behind Hey Listen Gam…

1
AP Table Talk: Trick-Taking Ladder Climbing 1:16:00

1+ y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

AP Table Talk: Trick-Taking Ladder Climbing In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the enduring appeal of trick-taking and ladder climbing games. They reminisce about classic games like Hearts and Euchre, delving into lesser-known variants such as Nine Five Two, where players aim for different trick objectives. The c…

1
What is Player Engagement? 35:48

1+ y ago35:48

35:48

What is Player Engagement? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Player Engagement? Games require that players interact with them. They require individuals to contribute; to change; and to augment the game according to their own will and agency. This encompasses player engagement and how they come to interact with games as well as …

1
Jenny Varrichio on Applied Games for Corporate L&D 12:52

1+ y ago12:52

12:52

Jenny Varrichio on Applied Games for Corporate L&D In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Jenny Varrichio, an associate director of training at United Healthcare with expertise in instructional design, particularly gamification for adult learners. Jenny shares her 15 years of experience, focusing on integr…

1
What is Game Literacy? 21:15

1+ y ago21:15

21:15

What is Game Literacy? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Game Literacy? We don’t often think about when we first started playing games. Or really the “first” game that we ever played. Most players are preoccupied with the game that they are playing “now” or the game that they will play next. Yet, we don’t stop to think about wh…

1
Dan White on RoboCo and GBL at Filament Games 28:19

1+ y ago28:19

28:19

Dan White on RoboCo and GBL at Filament Games In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Dan White, founder of Filament Games, discussing the intersection of education and gaming. Dan's journey from teaching to game development is explored, emphasizing the challenges of creating engaging learning experiences. The concept of "pleasing frustra…

1
AP Table Talk: Tech Trees and Tech Tracks 1:01:52

1+ y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

AP Table Talk: Tech Trees and Tech Tracks In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on "tech tree" and “tech track” games. They emphasize how tech trees are a central component of many video games and board games, offering players various strategic paths and upgrades. They mention games like "Tapestry" and "Space Station Phoe…

1
Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles 25:06

1+ y ago25:06

25:06

Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles In this episode of "Experience Points" Dave Eng interviews Andrew Harris, a game designer, therapist, and educator behind The Guild Chronicles program. Andrew discusses the origins of The Guild Chronicles, a transformative game-based learning program he developed, which combines tabletop RPG elements with ther…

1
What is Choice Architecture? 29:10

1+ y ago29:10

29:10

What is Choice Architecture? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Choice Architecture? Both life and games are full of choices. Some of us approach those choices head on. Others take their time to come to rational conclusions about what choices are best for them. Yet others don’t put that much stake into the outcome of their choic…

1
Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games 23:53

1+ y ago23:53

23:53

Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games In this episode, Dave Eng and Sue Baechler discuss the impact of learning games. Sue Baechler shares her journey from creating a sales game that broke records to starting her own learning game business. They delve into the Bottom Line Game at CVS, an educational board game that aimed to enhance profitability…

1
AP Table Talk: Rondel 51:00

2y ago51:00

51:00

AP Table Talk: Rondel In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces "Patchwork" as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like "Sabika," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention th…

1
Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play 28:07

2y ago28:07

28:07

Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng discusses educational games and their integration into traditional lectures with guest Silviana Falcon. Silviana shares her experience of using educational games as fundamental components of her lectures over eight years. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming lear…

1
Choosing a Youth Football Offense Player Age / XP / Skill Level P:6 10:53

2y ago10:53

10:53

Choosing a Youth Football Offense by player's Age / XP / Skill Level and also the Coach's Experience and skill level. Part 6 of the series. In this part we review the popular youth football offenses and recommend them for 5u, 6u, 7u, 8u, 9u, 10u, 11u, and 12u. Here are the other series parts; ⁠⁠⁠Part 1⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠⁠Part 2⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠Part 3⁠⁠ , ⁠Part 4⁠ and …

1
Liminality, Transition, and Games 22:48

2y ago22:48

22:48

Liminality, Transition, and Games On today’s episode, we’ll discuss the concepts of Liminality, Transition, and Games. The term “liminal space” may not be familiar to you. But if you’ve ever made a transition from a physical place; a mental space; or experience anything that you would ever consider “life changing” or “transformative” then you may h…

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