The Game Developers' Library

Joe Baxter-Webb
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Mar 21, 2026 • 1h 35min

Tynan Sylvester - Designing Games: A Guide to Engineering Experiences

In this episode we read Rimworld creator Tynan Sylvester's design textbook.00:00 introOVERVIEW01:34 situating the book in our collection07:55 signposting cultural politics10:30 book's structure & approachPHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY 17:33 engines of experience20:30 events and anticipation23:09 emotion and human values27:50 an interesting take on "flow"INTERESTING AREAS/CHAPTERS30:30 challenge & mastery34:12 flexible meanings of "narrative"40:34 decisions types & intensities 47:05 strategy design & balance50:18 predicting your opponent ("yomi")55:38 game theory & griefing01:01:40 some other chapters/topicsPRODUCTION / PROCESSES01:03:20 the market and the specificity of game appeal01:02:45 processes and planning01:07:40 knowledge, research, and evaluating ideas01:09:00 the dependency stack01:13:00 collaboration, sensitivity and the Rimworld controversy01:31:05 what we're reading next timeThe theme song was produced by show host Joe Baxter-Webb.The Ludonarrative Dissonance jingle was "Carvings" by Blood of Geruda, licensed from Epidemic Sound. RELATED TOPICS:Misattribution of Arousal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misattribution_of_arousalGame Theory & (ir)rationality: https://larspsyll.wordpress.com/2025/02/15/what-is-wrong-with-game-theory/Swagless Games: https://www.polygon.com/code-vein-2-swagless-game/Jeff Vogel GDC talk about serving a market gap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stxVBJem3Rs&t=1746sTynan Sylvester GDC talk on the idea reservoir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdqhHKjepiE&t=3113s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 21min

Scott McCloud - Understanding Comics, The Invisible Art

A lively dive into how comics' psychology and semiotics map onto game design. They explore iconic simplification, visual grammar, and how gaps in storytelling invite player imagination. Discussions cover nonlinear narratives, timing and legibility in visuals, and practical choices for low-fi art. Creative process debates focus on starting ideas versus craft and strategies to finish projects.
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Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 10min

Kim Nordström - UP DOWN UP: Why some game companies succeed, while others fail

Dive into the world of game development with insights from Kim Nordström's 'UP DOWN UP.' Explore why some companies thrive while others struggle, focusing on the importance of company culture and psychological safety. Discover the four stages of company lifecycle and how firms can revive from decline. Learn about the Hedgehog Concept and why clarity in principles matters. The conversation also contrasts bootstrapping with funding strategies and emphasizes real-world examples from industry successes.
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Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 28min

Jason Schreier - Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made

Dive into the intricate world of game development with insights from notable titles like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Stardew Valley. Explore the challenges of craftsmanship versus labor practices in the Naughty Dog chapter and the realities of solo development with Stardew Valley's creator. Learn about unique funding models in the context of Pillars of Eternity and the team dynamics behind Shovel Knight. Plus, hear about the complexities of adapting beloved franchises like Halo Wars and the storytelling triumphs of The Witcher 3.
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15 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 16min

Jesse Schell - The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses

Jeremy Johnson, an indie game developer and Assistant Professor at St. Edward's University, shares insights on game design wisdom from 'A Book of Lenses.' He discusses how the book bridges player psychology and design, highlighting its widespread impact on newcomers and critiques from more technically-minded developers. The conversation dives into the importance of storytelling in gameplay and the delicate balance between challenge and player engagement. Jeremy also emphasizes the role of empathetic design and community influences in shaping innovative game development.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 17min

Raph Koster - A Theory of Fun For Game Design

Delve into the essentials of game design, focusing on the theory of fun and its historical roots. Discover the tension between academic rigor and playful presentation, and explore the ethics surrounding game mechanics. The conversation dissects storytelling's role in player experience and argues for recognizing video games as an art form. Ethical responsibilities of designers take center stage, examining how they shape not just games, but societal perceptions. The subjective nature of enjoyment is also spotlighted, hinting at future interactive formats.
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9 snips
May 18, 2025 • 1h 16min

Derek Yu - Spelunky

In this engaging discussion, game developer Tom Hughes, known for his upcoming mobile game Castle Croak, delves into Derek Yu's influential work on Spelunky. They explore the creative journey of crafting the game, highlighting the challenges of genre blending and the importance of community feedback. The conversation touches on problem-based design, emphasizing originality amidst saturation and the iterative nature of development. Hughes also shares insights into fostering collaborative environments and the significance of engaging with indie game communities.

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