Best Aj Brandon And Peter C Hayward Podcasts (2025)

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#71 - The problem with end game scoring (Game Feedback) Minisode 31:00

Play Pause

3h ago31:00

31:00

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: [email protected] Big thanks to Ed…

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#70 - An entire episode about taking an action 1:18:40

3d ago1:18:40

1:18:40

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…

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#69 - Why We Are Ending the Podcast 42:53

4d ago42:53

42:53

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: [email protected] Big thanks to E…

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#68 - Listener Questions 1:10:17

22d ago1:10:17

1:10:17

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 …

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#67 - Grab Bag Minisode 2 45:29

19d ago45:29

45:29

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: [email protected]…

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#66 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 6 1:11:37

2M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

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: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks…

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#65 - How to make a (DEEP) Childishly Simple Game 1:29:09

2M ago1:29:09

1:29:09

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: h…

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#64 - Helpful Advice with Tim Armstrong 1:27:46

2M ago1:27:46

1:27:46

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 pu…

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#63 - A Week in the Life of a Game Designer 1:01:21

3M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

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: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod…

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#62 - Audience Sell-Sheets 3 1:11:47

3M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

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/43r9h7d…

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#61 - Amazing Board Game Hooks 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

Today we follow up on an exercise of developing hooks we gave to our community by highlighting the very best we've seen shared in our discord. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#60 - An Entire Episode About Drawing Cards 53:03

3M ago53:03

53:03

What is says on the tin. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#59 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 5 1:09:00

4M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

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 5 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks…

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#58 - Audience Sell-Sheets 2 1:04:29

4M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon 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. Link to Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/4n85j7vf Fun …

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#57 - How to Balance your Board Game Part 2 1:17:57

4M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

The episode delves into the importance of understanding player dynamics, how to tackle randomness, the impact of player skills on balance, and the art of choosing fun over perfect equilibrium. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!…

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#56 - How to Balance your Board Game Part 1 1:15:07

4M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon delve deep into the intricacies of balancing game design. They explore the concept of balance from various angles, including strategic collapse, a test of skill, economies, and more to create engaging gameplay. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproble…

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#55 - Catch-Up Mechanisms and Hooks 49:55

4M ago49:55

49:55

In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon discuss catch-up mechanisms in gaming, such as rubber banding and blue shells. They also dive into an interesting exercise aimed at developing game design concepts through strong hooks. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big t…

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#54 - Would CMYK Publish This? 1:00:30

5M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Alex Hague and James Nathan Spencer explain what CMYK 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 CMYK is looking to publish! Email [email protected] to submit your game ideas to the company! Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@…

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#53 - Critter Kitchen Design Diary 1:51:27

5M ago1:51:27

1:51:27

Alex Cutler and Peter C. Hayward break down the design process of Critter Kitchen: the lessons learned, the journeys taken, and the critters kitchened. Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#52 - Would AEG Publish This? 55:03

5M ago55:03

55:03

John Zinzer and Mark Wooten explain what AEG 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 AEG is looking to publish! Email [email protected] to submit your game ideas to the company! Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funproblemspodcast@gmail.…

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#51 - Audience Sell-Sheets 1:01:49

5M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon 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. Link to Sell Sheets: https://tinyurl.com/bd8pn9hp Disc…

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#50 - Board Game Industry Predictions 1:30:14

6M ago1:30:14

1:30:14

As we celebrate our 50th episode, we predict the next five years of the industry, including the growing role of AI in game design, shifts in game themes, and the potential impact of global economic factors on the industry. Note this was recorded before the massive "Liberation Day" tariffs bombshell. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: fun…

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#49 - Would Allplay Publish This? 1:08:19

6M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

This episode kicks off our new series, featuring candid discussions about what it takes to catch the eye of top-notch publishers. Joe Wiggins explains what Allplay is looking for, and goes through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Allplay is looking to publish! Submit to Allplay here: help…

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#48 - Grab Bag Minisode 29:21

6M ago29:21

29:21

In this mini-sode, we touch on the importance of adaptability, using games like Robotopia to illustrate the 'follow the dog' philosophy. We teach focusing on fun and cutting unnecessary decision points to enhance game enjoyment. Whether it's co-design challenges or crafting concise mechanics, this episode dives into the nuances of aligning design c…

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#47 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 2 1:56:50

7M ago1:56:50

1:56:50

This episode explores product cohesion, perceived value, and market alignment to ensure your game stands out on store shelves and online platforms. Discover the importance of table presence, demo-friendly design, and crafting the perfect pitch that resonates with both publishers and players. AJ's new design template: https://tinyurl.com/4266fvax Di…

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#46 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 1 1:46:53

7M ago1:46:53

1:46:53

In this episode of Fun Problems, Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon revisit AJ's popular talk from his perspective as a retailer on factors (other than how 'fun' the game is) that can make or break a sale at retail stores. Peter and AJ also emphasize understanding the "last stage pitch"—how buyers get their friends to play—and offer insights into crea…

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#45 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 4 1:36:24

8M ago1:36:24

1:36:24

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 4 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks…

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#44 - Peter's 2024 Finances (Industry Talk) 50:24

8M ago50:24

50:24

Peter and AJ embark on a journey through the intricacies of royalties, advances, and the challenges of managing income as full-time game designers. With transparency as their guiding principle, they discuss the importance of understanding money, navigating contracts, and planning for financial stability in an unpredictable market. Discord: https://…

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#43 Co-designing 1:41:51

8M ago1:41:51

1:41:51

Welcome to Fun Problems, where we dive into the challenges and joys of game design and podcasting. In this episode, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon are joined by special guest Alex Cutler to discuss the ins and outs of codesigning board games with another designer. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Fac…

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#42 BONUS Holiday Special 1:19:10

9M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

In this special holiday edition of "Fun Problems," host Peter C. Hayward takes center stage to delve into the cultural nuances and underlying assumptions of beloved games like Go, Dominion, and Wingspan. Peter explores how culture and timing influence game success, challenging the popular notion of universal game design truths. This engaging episod…

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#41 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 3 1:18:17

9M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Today is part 3 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#40 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 2 1:05:09

10M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Today is part 2 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#39 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 1 1:14:50

10M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Today is part 1 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. This episode includes the importance of elegance in design, minimizing complexity, and understanding the social aspect of board games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblem…

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#38 - Sell Sheets (Industry Talk) 36:27

10M ago36:27

36:27

Join hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon as they delve into the art of creating effective sell sheets for board games. This episode steps away from the usual design principles to tackle an essential aspect of game publishing. Using real examples from Peter's own collection of sell sheets, they illustrate what works and what doesn't, offering prac…

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#37 - Fidelity 41:05

10M ago41:05

41:05

In this episode, we delve into the importance of numbers and their impact on gameplay. We explore how the concept of fidelity, or granularity, influences the design and experience of both board games and video games. Our discussion kicks off with a comparison between games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, highlighting how different number s…

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#36 - Rethinking Rethinking Genres 52:37

11M ago52:37

52:37

Peter and AJ explore the concept of genre within board games, comparing it to the well-defined genres found in films and novels. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional genre theory to board games, which often rely on mechanisms rather than genres to define them. The conversation touches on the importance of genre in other media, highli…

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#35 - The Third Type of Coop Games 1:01:24

12M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

In this milestone episode, Peter revisits his popular theory on cooperative games, originally discussed on Gabe Barrett's Board Game Design Lab. He introduces a new type of co-op game that has emerged in recent years, expanding the original framework of limited communication and against-the-game co-ops. Peter and AJ delve into the intricacies of th…

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#34 - Unhelpful Advice 1:25:20

1y ago1:25:20

1:25:20

In this episode, we're bringing you "unhelpful" advice on how to navigate the world of game development. Join us as we discuss our experiences, insights, and the quirks of the industry. Discover why having a brand as a designer matters, the significance of player interaction, and the importance of finding joy in the design process. Whether you're a…

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#33 - Play Patterns 47:21

1y ago47:21

47:21

Today we discuss Play Patterns from a number of different angles. What makes a fun play pattern, how to encourage them and more! Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By A.J. Brandon and Peter C Hayward

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#32 - Fundamentals of Game Design and the Magic Circle 54:33

1y ago54:33

54:33

In this episode, Peter and AJ dive deep into the essence of game design, focusing on the core principles that make a game fun and engaging. They explore the concept of "striving games" versus "accomplishment games" and emphasize the importance of incentivizing fun behaviors in game design. Peter shares his theory that game design is fundamentally a…

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#31 - Foundational Games 1:14:41

1+ y ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Today we talk about Foundational Games; what games are so foundational to the craft that all game designers need to play them. [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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#30 - Minimum Viable Prototype 1:13:19

1+ y ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Today we talk about How to get your game to the table FAST! Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#29 - The absolute best way to Prototype 1:16:26

1+ y ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Today we talk about The absolute best way to prototype either of has found-component studio! We talk about the strengths (and weaknesses) of the program, and why you should be using it. [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! Se…

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Intuitive Rules – Peter solo episode! 24:37

1+ y ago24:37

24:37

An unedited, one-take, no intro or outro episode! Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#28 - Cutting Rules and Rules Exceptions 1:22:43

2y ago1:22:43

1:22:43

Today we talk about when you need to cut rules, when the rules exceptions are worth it-as well as scarcity mindset and a bunch of other stuff! [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

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#27 - Game State 30:43

2y ago30:43

30:43

Today we talk about Game State; how and when to track it, and how to consider it's use in game design. [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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RIP (Zebras and Horses) 7:36

2y ago7:36

7:36

What happened to Fun Problems?By AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

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#26 Kids Games and Kid Friendly Games 1:15:55

3y ago1:15:55

1:15:55

Today we talk about the difference between kids games and kid friendly games, and the dos and don'ts for both! Breakout Con: https://breakoutcon.com/ If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: h…

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#25 That Time You Killed Me Design Diary 55:35

3+ y ago55:35

55:35

Today we talk about the design and development of Peters recent time travel abstract strategy hit "That time you killed me". If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Fun Problems Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ…

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#24 Alex Horne Interview! The Design of Taskmaster 1:24:27

3+ y ago1:24:27

1:24:27

Today we interview Alex Horne about how he designs the tasks in Taskmaster! There are many insights he has that directly apply to game design. If you want to ask us a fun question, or contact us for any other reason send us a message to the email below. :) Taskmaster clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UgSDcHPgCc&t=257s funproblemspodcast@gmail…