Afleveringen
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Kevin Glikmann, actor and creator of WordGlyph, joins us to share his wild creative journey—from voicing unforgettable characters in Red Dead Redemption to hand-building one of the most unusual word games on the internet.
We talk about the inventing spirit that started with childhood roller coaster blueprints, the challenge of onboarding players in a genre-breaking game, and how Kevin used AI to accelerate coding without losing control. He also shares scrappy marketing tactics, ASMR game videos, and why rejection just means you’re onto something original.
Check out Kevin's Resources:
https://wordglyph.comhttps://kevinglikmann.com
Game Mentions
Word GlyphRed Dead Redemption
Scrabble
Upwords
Chopper (Apple II)
(01:20) - – Playing Bullet Chess and Getting Stuck(03:15) - – Inventing at Age 9: A Roller Coaster Pitch to Disneyland(05:00) - – Creative Parents and Early Exposure to Production(06:30) - – From Airplane Spoofs to Apple II Coding(08:00) - – Taking Apart the Rubik’s Cube to Make It Harder(09:30) - – Balancing Left-Brain Code with Right-Brain Performance(11:00) - – Vulnerability in Acting vs. Game Design(14:00) - – Why Seth Breyers Didn’t Return in Red Dead 2(16:30) - – Favorite Roles and Joy of Physical Acting(18:40) - – Why Game Creation Is So Much Harder Than Voice Acting(20:00) - – Kevin’s Failed Game Inventions (Scrap Ball, Word Race)(22:30) - – From Toy Agents to Hasbro Rejections(24:00) - – Where Word Glyph Began: Breaking Letters Into Segments(25:30) - – Toothpicks, Flash Prototypes, and the Original Word Glyph(27:30) - – The Wordle Wake-Up Call(28:45) - – Building Word Glyph with JavaScript and AI(31:30) - – The Frustration of Not Knowing Your Own Code(34:00) - – Marketing Scrappiness: Reddit, Y Combinator, TikTok(37:17) - – Creating Linguistic and Math Angles with AI-Generated Articles(40:02) - – Discovering ASMR as a Game Marketing Tactic(42:17) - – Why Influencers Cost $15K+ (and What to Do Instead)(44:02) - – The Power of DIY Press, Product Hunt, and Discord(48:02) - – Onboarding Through Experience, Not Instructions(51:02) - – Game Design Tip: Help Players Win Early(52:17) - – How Kevin Uses Community Boards for Learning & Retention(53:32) - – Why Bad Moves in Ads Might Work(55:02) - – What Kevin Would (and Wouldn’t) Do Differently
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Samuel Johnston, co-founder of Bleppo and co-creator of Word Salad, joins us to share how a daily word game turned into a viral hit with over 50 million views. We talk about designing for TikTok, teaching new users game mechanics, building games that are fun (not addictive), and what it’s like growing a studio by betting on the right kind of sharing.
Check out Samuel's Resources:
https://bleppo.co.uk/
https://wordsalad.online
https://numbersalad.com/
https://steks.net/Game Mentions
Morrowind
RimWorld
Diablo II
Day of the Tentacle
Red Alert
NYT Strands
NYT Connections
(00:29) - Meet Samuel Johnston: Founder of Bleppo(01:14) - Samuel's Favorite Games(02:07) - Nostalgic Gaming Moments(04:12) - Creating Non-Addictive Games(07:48) - The Birth of Bleppo(10:12) - Developing Word Salad(11:52) - The Art of Cryptic Crosswords(14:50) - Setting Puzzles: A Creative Process(23:34) - Reaching the First Thousand Players(24:21) - Challenges in Marketing and Monetization(24:48) - Pivoting to a New Strategy(25:07) - Leveraging Social Media for Growth(26:58) - Collaborating with Small Content Creators(27:31) - Unexpected Success Stories(36:12) - Refining the Onboarding Process(45:31) - Future Plans and Reflections
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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David Steinberg went from submitting crosswords to the New York Times at age 12 to becoming the editorial manager at Andrews McMeel. In this episode, he shares how puzzles captured his imagination, what makes a great daily game, and why accessibility, surprise, and player-first design are key to long-term success. We also dive into how AI, onboarding, and syndication are shaping the future of games for indie developers and solvers alike.
Check out David's Resources:
https://syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com/puzzles/category/puzzles
https://www.gocomics.comFind David Online:
http://www.customcrossword.com
https://www.xwordinfo.com/Thumbs/?author=David+Steinberg
60 Seconds With David SteinbergGame Mentions
https://beekeeperlabs.com/crossfire/
https://www.playbalatro.com/https://store.steampowered.com/app/2400510/Dungeons__Degenerate_Gamblers/
https://playthebazaar.com/
https://imsqueezy.com/
https://crosswordfiend.com/
(00:59) - David's Favorite Game Right Now(02:13) - Discovering Crosswords and Early Inspirations(03:54) - First Attempts and Early Rejections(04:46) - Getting Published and Shifting Focus(06:27) - The Appeal and Evolution of Crosswords(09:14) - Creating Crosswords: Tools and Tips(12:56) - Solving Strategies and Tournament Insights(14:58) - Crossword Tournaments and Competitions(18:49) - The Future of Crosswords and Puzzle Games(21:49) - Easy Mode for Friday Crosswords(22:03) - Evolution of Puzzle Creation(23:20) - Criteria for Syndicating Puzzles(25:12) - Measuring Puzzle Success(27:23) - Surprising Aspects of Syndication(28:28) - Trends in the Puzzle and Gaming Industry(33:04) - Merging Comics and Puzzles(35:42) - AI in Puzzle Creation(37:29) - Onboarding Players in Puzzle Games
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
In this episode of Hey, Good Game, we sit down with Jeff Doka — creative director, writer, and co-founder of World Seekers, a GPS-based deckbuilding game that fuses exercise and entertainment. Jeff shares lessons from building Chess Puzzle Blitz, why most daily games fail to create lasting habits, and how deep mechanics and storytelling can transform casual gaming experiences. We dive into the realities of bootstrapped game development, the art of crafting daily puzzle loops, and why designing for real-world benefit (not just dopamine hits) might be the future of gaming. Plus: why AI isn’t replacing good storytelling anytime soon, and how rolling a D20 perfectly describes indie life.
If you care about games that actually make your life better — you’ll love this one.
Check out Jeff's Resources:
https://www.4leaflabs.com/
https://www.finalbossediting.com/
https://www.worldseekersgame.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Distributor-Jeff-Doka-ebook/dp/B0DMPYTBGH
https://www.amazon.com/Running-Wlid-Novella-Anthology-Book/dp/1955062676
Socials:
https://www.facebook.com/worldseekersgame
https://www.instagram.com/worldseekers_game/
https://bsky.app/profile/finalbossediting.bsky.social
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Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Elyot Grant, CEO and Game Director at Lunar Studios. Elyot shares his prolific journey from academia to game development, highlighting his expertise in creating engaging puzzles and successful indie games like Prisma. He discusses his favorite classic games, including Tetris and StarCraft, and provides deep insights into the intricacies of game design and puzzle creation.
Elyot also recounts compelling stories about their Kickstarter campaign for Prisma and using Reddit to build an early audience. Additionally, he sheds light on the making and scaling of 'Islands of Insight,' a puzzle game known for its vast number of handcrafted puzzles, emphasizing the blend of artistry and algorithmic generation in game design. This episode is filled with valuable tips for indie developers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(02:17) - Elyot Grant's Gaming Preferences(04:41) - Deep Dive into Tetris(16:09) - Challenges and Weaknesses in Gaming(19:43) - Kickstarter and Game Development Journey(30:58) - Building a Community at Expos(31:55) - Building a Community Around a Game(32:49) - Challenges of Collecting Emails at Conventions(35:28) - The Reddit Story: Turning a Failure into Success(42:09) - Kickstarter Campaign: Seizing the Momentum(45:49) - Islands of Insight: Crafting 10,000 Handcrafted Puzzles(53:56) - The Value of Handmade Puzzles vs. Generated Puzzles(01:00:04) - Conclusion and Future Projects
Check out Elyot's Resources:
http://lunarchstudios.com/
https://user-74792.artstation.com/
Socials:
http://twitter.com/lunarchstudios
https://www.facebook.com/Prismata/
https://www.youtube.com/lunarchstudios
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Gabriel Stürmer, CEO of Clap Clap Games. Gabriel shares his remarkable journey from working in e-commerce at Dell to venturing into gaming with Cupcake Entertainment and eventually founding his own game studio. Despite facing the setback of being fired from Cupcake, Gabriel taught himself game development through Unity tutorials and successfully published two hit games, 'Submarine Jump' and 'Snow Patrol,' with renowned publishers.
He discusses the intricate process of game testing, the evolution of hyper-casual games, and the challenges of staying ahead in the mobile gaming industry with limited resources. Gabriel also offers insights into building a successful partnership and maintaining efficiency in a small team. Listeners get a glimpse into the dynamic world of mobile game development and the resilience required to succeed.
Check out Gabriel's Resources:
https://clapclap.games/
https://linktr.ee/clapclap.games
(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(02:36) - Gabriel Sturmer's Background and Career Journey(04:43) - The Birth of Clap Games(07:18) - First Game Prototypes and Initial Success(12:21) - Scaling and Testing Games(16:31) - Current Development Process and Challenges(24:44) - Testing and Analytics Tools(27:45) - Iterating and Adding Complexity to Games(28:16) - Publishing Platforms: iOS, Android, and Web(29:02) - Challenges in Mobile Game Development(30:07) - The Importance of Ad Creatives(33:31) - Hiring and Team Dynamics(39:29) - Business Model and Working with Publishers(46:56) - The Story of Snow Patrol(53:12) - Conclusion and Contact Information
Socials:
https://www.tiktok.com/@clapclap.games
https://www.facebook.com/ClapClapGames
https://www.instagram.com/clapclap.games
https://www.linkedin.com/company/clapclap-games/
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of video game music composition with John Robert Matz, the talented composer behind scores for games like For the King, Tchia, and Gunpoint. John Robert shares his journey from classically trained musician to award-winning game composer, offering insights into his creative process and how he approaches each unique project.
John Robert discusses how he creates authentic musical experiences by incorporating period-appropriate instruments and techniques, from medieval fantasy scores to French Revolution-era compositions. He explains the importance of bringing composers into game development early, revealing how music can shape and enhance the player experience beyond just background ambiance.
With his studio filled with dozens of instruments he plays himself—from French horns and trumpets to ukuleles and medieval wind instruments—John Robert demonstrates his commitment to incorporating live performances in his work. Whether discussing his research into New Caledonian music for Tchia or explaining how UI sounds interact with background scores, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and craft of creating memorable gaming soundscapes.
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest(01:07) - John's Favorite Games(03:05) - The Composer's Perspective on Game Music(05:50) - John's Studio Setup and Instrument Collection(09:24) - John's Musical Journey and Career Path(15:05) - Approach to Game Music Composition(18:39) - Budget Considerations in Game Music(23:05) - The Role of Music in Indie Games(25:49) - Enhancing Player Immersion with Music and Sound Design(26:11) - UI Sound Design and Its Challenges(30:12) - Inspiration from Fellow Composers(33:32) - Exploring Historical Music for Modern Compositions(42:23) - Creating Authentic Soundscapes for Video Games(47:11) - Common Misconceptions About Hiring Composers(51:16) - Current and Upcoming Projects(52:29) - Where to Find More About John Robert Matz
Check out John's Resources:
http://johnrobertmatz.bandcamp.com/
https://johnrobertmatz.com/index.html
https://soundcloud.com/John-Robert-Matz
Socials:
https://x.com/JohnRobertMatz
https://www.youtube.com/viper50bmg
https://www.instagram.com/johnrobertmatz/
https://www.facebook.com/JohnRobertMatz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-robert-matz-a40b8a60/
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
In this episode of the Hey, good Game podcast, host Joseph Rueter interviews Áron Csatlós, a software engineer from Hungary and the creator of the cryptography puzzle game Decodex, which is available at playdecodecks.com. Áron shares his journey from working at Nokia for over a decade to creating various games and AI-powered tools, including Ground Kids, a personalized training plan generator. The discussion covers Áron's inspirations, development practices like building in public, and his strategies for engaging players. Áron also talks about his favorite games, including chess and League of Legends, and provides insights into his future game development plans.
Check out Áron's Resources:
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast(00:25) - Meet Áron Csatlós: The Mind Behind Decodex(01:47) - Áron's Gaming Preferences(04:13) - Exploring Ground Kids(05:16) - Travel Tales and Building in Public(08:47) - The Birth of Decodex(13:37) - Marketing Strategies and Community Building(18:47) - Future Projects and Final Thoughts
https://www.playdecodex.com/
https://ko-fi.com/csaron92
https://www.reddit.com/r/Decodex/
https://bsky.app/profile/playdecodex.bsky.social
Socials:
https://twitter.com/csaron92
https://hu.linkedin.com/in/aroncsatlos
https://www.instagram.com/csaron92/
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Justin Gary, CEO of Stoneblade Entertainment and author of 'Think Like a Game Designer.' They discuss Gary’s core design loop framework, focusing on how AI can enhance each step: inspiring, framing, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and iterating. Gary talks about the importance of games in learning and building connections, his favorite games, and the role of AI in accelerating game design. The conversation extends to community building, the similarities between game design and other creative processes, and effective marketing strategies. Gary also touches on the value of adding consistent value to communities, giving a peek into upcoming projects and his remote, diverse team at Stoneblade.
Check out Justin's Resources:
https://stoneblade.com/
https://justingarydesign.substack.com/
https://www.thinklikeagamedesigner.com/
https://www.reddit.com/user/Justin_Gary/
Socials:
https://x.com/JustinGary
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingary/--
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest(01:44) - The Essence of Games and Their Impact(03:50) - Favorite Games and Community Building(09:03) - The Role of AI in Game Design(11:40) - Prototyping and Iteration in Game Design(22:20) - Emotional Connection in Game Design(28:35) - Building Community in Games(29:21) - Creating Engaging Game Formats(30:08) - The Role of Story in Games(31:44) - The Importance of Super Fans(32:05) - Marketing Strategies for Games(35:05) - Parallels Between Game Design and Business(39:33) - Embracing Uncertainty and Risk(46:48) - Current and Future Projects(50:30) - Connecting with the Community
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Martin's journey in game development, starting from his early days as a web developer to his current focus on iOS mobile applications. Martin shares his thoughts on AI in game development, his preferences for using Swift and Godot over Unity, and his experience with board game conversions and licensing.
Martin also delves into his design philosophy, the challenges of monetizing games in the App Store, and his latest game projects, including a Zelda-ish 2D story-based game.
Check out Martin's Resources:
http://abstractpuzzle.com/
http://martingrider.name/
http://chesstris.com/
Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/livingtech/
https://www.facebook.com/AbstractPuzzle/about--
(00:00) - Introduction to AI in Game Development(00:25) - Welcome to the Hey! Good Game Podcast(00:35) - Meet Martin Greider: Creator of Abstract Puzzle(01:21) - Martin's Favorite Games and Tetris Variants(02:08) - The Journey of GoTetris and Programming Languages(03:36) - Porting Games to Android and Thrive's Development(05:32) - Challenges of Swift and Game Engines(07:45) - Freelancing and Board Game Conversions(10:05) - Licensing and the Evolution of Digital Board Games(18:08) - Paid vs. Free Apps: The Monetization Dilemma(23:48) - Developing for Apple Vision Pro(27:25) - Income Sources and New Game Projects(39:04) - Game Design Philosophy and Chess Variants(44:12) - Conclusion and Where to Find Martin Online
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Johannes Ahvenniemi, a seasoned mobile gaming industry professional with a diverse portfolio, including working on hits like Best Fiends and Angry Birds. Johannes shares how his interest in games started at a very young age, inspired by his brother. He discusses his passion for creating quality games without ads, his consulting work, and innovative projects like escape puzzle magazines and Sudoku solvers.
Johannes also shares his experiences working at top companies like Seriously Digital and Rovio Entertainment and founding Papukaija to make games for underserved audiences. Tune in to learn more about his unconventional journey and ambitious future projects.
Check out Johannes's Resources:
https://adartis.fi/
http://tikola.com/
https://cluehound.com/
https://sudokugen.com/
https://adartis.fi/games-by-sam/Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-ahvenniemi-0b71ab19/--
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast(00:26) - Guest Introduction: Johannes Ahvenniemi(01:18) - Johannes' Favorite Games(02:40) - Escape Room Games and Market(05:08) - Early Coding Journey(07:39) - Transition to Professional Game Development(08:31) - Experience at Rovio(11:18) - Game Industry in Finland(13:45) - Time at Seriously Digital(15:18) - Starting Independent Projects(23:12) - Games by Sam(32:43) - Consulting and Future Plans(36:53) - Conclusion and Contact Information
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
A masterclass in modern game development with Osebo, revealing his journey from sketching word puzzles on a flight to Jamaica to launching Couples Game using AI tools and smart design principles.
Learn how this former Tumblr and Facebook designer leverages LLMs to create engaging puzzles while building Castle's next-gen mobile game engine – proving that the best games start with pen and paper before embracing cutting-edge tech.
Check out Osebo's Resources:
https://castle.xyz/
https://www.couples.game/
https://evenings.fm/Socials:
https://www.osebo.blog
https://www.instagram.com/0sebo/
https://x.com/0sebo
https://bsky.app/profile/osebo.bsky.social--
(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome(01:24) - Interview with Osebo: Game Design Insights(02:16) - Osebo's Favorite Games(06:48) - The Resurgence of Chess in New York(08:08) - Osebo's Gaming Journey(11:32) - From Design to Programming(14:38) - Professional Journey: Tumblr and Facebook(16:33) - Exploring VR and Oculus(21:13) - Castle: A Cognition Gym(22:51) - Team and Vision at Castle(24:57) - Game Creation and Monetization(29:18) - Prototyping on the Way to Jamaica(30:15) - Prototyping the Game Mechanics(30:46) - Building and Sharing the Game(31:39) - Community Feedback and Adjustments(33:33) - The Role of AI in Game Development(36:31) - Challenges and Innovations in Word Games(39:03) - Organic Growth and Community Engagement(43:33) - Future Plans and Monetization(49:12) - Evening.fm and Independent Radio(54:19) - Conclusion and Contact Information
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Brian Reynolds, co-owner of The Bridge Teachers, brings a unique blend of creativity and gaming expertise to the world of bridge instruction. As an actor, writer, and director, Brian partnered with his wife Samantha to transform bridge education through their subscription-based platform thebridgeteachers.com.
Key takeaways include:
- Their innovative approach to teaching bridge through accessible online content
- The transition from personal instruction to scalable digital education
- The potential market of 37 million bridge players in the U.S.
- Their mission to modernize bridge education and attract younger players
- The cognitive health benefits of regular bridge playingCheck out Brian's Resources:
https://thebridgeteachers.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebridgeteachers
https://www.instagram.com/thebridgeteachers
https://www.facebook.com/thebridgeteachers
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast(00:34) - Meet Brian Reynolds: The Bridge Teacher(01:40) - Brian's Gaming Journey(03:08) - The World of Bridge(03:53) - Gaming as a Social Experience(05:21) - Brian's Perspective on Games and Life(06:36) - Learning Bridge: A Personal Story(08:27) - Challenges and Rewards of Learning Bridge(11:20) - The Importance of Fun in Gaming(17:26) - Promoting Bridge to a New Generation(21:15) - The Bridge Teachers: A Family Business(28:20) - BridgeBase Online and the Future of Bridge(30:23) - Chess Ratings and Learning Dynamics(32:44) - Bridge's Master Points System(35:46) - Monetization Strategies for Bridge Teaching(43:45) - Balancing Creative Pursuits and Bridge(49:55) - The Future of Bridge and Its Market Potential(55:13) - The Cognitive Benefits of Playing Bridge(57:03) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
--
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Slavi Grozev, the creator of Random Trivia Generator. Slavi, originally an acoustic engineer, shares his journey of developing the popular trivia website, discussing his inspiration from long drives and quiz bowls during his time at engineering school. Despite having a full-time job and family commitments, Slavi dedicates time daily to update and evolve the platform. The conversation delves into Slavi's approach to building the site, handling user submissions, and future plans for new features. The episode also highlights Slavi's philosophy on user interaction, design focus, and the challenges of monetizing a passion project while keeping it accessible.
Check out Slavi's Resources:
https://www.randomtriviagenerator.com/
https://twitter.com/randomtrivia
https://www.facebook.com/randomtriviagenerator--
(00:00) - Introduction and Early Marketing Challenges(00:22) - Podcast Welcome and Listener Engagement(01:36) - Interview with Slavi Grozev Begins(02:24) - Slavi's Favorite Game: Heroes of Might and Magic(04:55) - Career Journey: From Chemical to Noise Engineer(08:23) - The Birth of Random Trivia Generator(11:36) - Building and Growing the Trivia Platform(17:03) - User Engagement and Content Creation(21:56) - Future Features and Enhancements(22:28) - Early Growth and Viral Moments(23:59) - Impact of the Pandemic(26:30) - Acquisition Offers and Business Decisions(27:35) - Future Plans and User Engagement(34:17) - Monetization Strategies(37:43) - Localization and Translation(41:38) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators(43:12) - Final Thoughts and Fun Facts
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
David Ngo is the creator of ChessHub.com and a software engineer at Amazon. They delve into David's background in software development, his passion for chess, and the creation and evolution of ChessHub.com. David shares insights into game development, user feedback, and the challenges and triumphs he faced. They also discuss domain acquisition, monetization strategies, and future features aimed at improving the chess learning experience for users.
Check out David's Resources:
https://www.chesshub.com/analysis/new--
(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(00:24) - David Ngo's Background and ChessHub Overview(01:07) - David's Love for Chess(02:35) - Challenges and Experiences in Chess(05:41) - Creating and Growing ChessHub(14:09) - Monetization and Advertising Insights(21:58) - Future Plans and Features for ChessHub(28:17) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators(30:21) - Conclusion and Contact Information
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Linmiao Xu is the creator of Blitztactics.com. Lin, a software engineer and avid chess enthusiast, shares his experiences developing Blitztactics—a fast-paced online chess puzzle platform. They discuss Lin's 'blitz chess' addiction, his forays into charcoal art inspired by Dark Souls, and the creative processes during his travels in Asia.
Lin also delves into his involvement in training neural networks for Stockfish, a leading chess engine, and his professional role in developing generative image models at Playground. The conversation wraps up with Lin's future aspirations in game development and his philosophy on creativity and progression.
Check out Linmiao's Resources:
https://blitztactics.com/
https://lichess.org/training
https://github.com/linrock/blitz-tacticshttps://robotmoon.com/
https://github.com/linrock
https://unsplash.com/@linrock
https://www.instagram.com/linrock/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linmiao-xu/--
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest(01:25) - Linmiao Xu's Favorite Games(03:39) - Art and Travel Inspirations(06:31) - Biohacking Vision(10:04) - The Birth of Blitztactics(12:52) - Challenges and Popularity of Blitztactics(15:33) - Community and Traffic Insights(26:03) - Stockfish and AI Involvement(31:44) - Future Projects and Closing Remarks
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Richard Rognlie, the creator of Gamerz.net. Richard discusses his extensive background in programming, from early interest sparked by family to his career in defense contracts and web development. The conversation delves into the unique platform of Gamerz.net, which hosts over 270 play-by-email games. Richard shares insights into game design, the evolution of the site, and his experiments with various interfaces and mediums. The episode highlights the enduring appeal and challenges of asynchronous game play facilitated through email, touching on topics like user engagement, accessibility, and the potential future of the platform.
Check out Richard's Resources:
http://www.gamerz.net/
https://www.instagram.com/richardrognlie--
(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(00:47) - Richard's Background and Early Programming Days(02:11) - The Birth of Gamers.net(04:10) - Game Development and Favorite Games(10:20) - Technical Details and Challenges(14:02) - Community and Usage Patterns(17:51) - Future of Email-Based Games(31:11) - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
In this episode, we chat with Sandro Wahl, CEO and founder of PreAlpha, and the mind behind Make It Meme, a multiplayer game that turns meme creation into a social experience.
Sandro shares his journey of creating the viral game, Make It Meme. He discusses the challenges of moderation, monetization, and the upcoming 2.0 version of the game. We also explore the social dynamics of memes and how Make It Meme has become a cultural touchstone for its players.
Check out Sandro's Resources:
https://prealpha.dev/
https://makeitmeme.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/prealpha/https://github.com/CookedApps
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandro-wahl/--
(00:00) - Introduction to the Guest: Sandro Wahl(04:06) - The Birth of Make It Meme(05:30) - From Private Game to Public Success(08:08) - Gameplay Mechanics and Design Challenges(15:14) - User Stories and Cultural Impact(19:21) - Dynamic Meme Creation Process(19:52) - Future of Tailored Meme Packs(21:46) - Challenges in Moderation(25:47) - Monetization Strategies(28:41) - Community-Driven Moderation(31:20) - Innovative Ad Integration(34:56) - Exciting Upcoming Updates(37:03) - Join the Community
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriele Cirulli, who created the viral hit game 2048 when he was just 19 years old.
What started as a five-day coding experiment became a worldwide phenomenon, leading Gabriele through an unexpected journey of viral success, burnout, and eventually finding peace with his creation. After stepping away from the game for years, he recently quit his job at 1Password to work on 2048 full-time, launching a completely reimagined version with new features and improved performance.
Surprisingly, Gabriele shares his unconventional view on the thousands of copycats his game inspired, seeing them as a beautiful extension of creativity rather than theft. From dealing with the pressure of unexpected success to embracing an open-source mindset, Gabriele's story offers unique insights into what happens when a side project suddenly becomes a global sensation.
Check out Gabriele's Resources:
https://play2048.co
https://classic.play2048.co/https://x.com/gabrielecirulli/
https://gabrielecirulli.github.io/2048
https://github.com/gabrielecirulli/2048
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielecirulli/
https://www.facebook.com/2048.by.Gabriele.Cirulli/For questions or feedback:
[email protected]--
(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast(00:28) - Meet Gabriele Cirulli: Creator of 2048(01:28) - Gabriele's Favorite Game: Fortnite(02:11) - The Evolution of Multiplayer Gaming(03:11) - Gabriele's Journey into Web Development(04:58) - The Changing Landscape of Web Development(07:50) - The Viral Success of 2048(11:00) - The Inspiration Behind 2048(17:46) - The Open Source Impact of 2048(26:20) - Reflecting on 2048's Success and Burnout(26:59) - Moving to the Netherlands and Finding Normalcy(27:38) - Creating the Mobile App and Monetization Struggles(29:30) - Selling the Mobile App and Partnership with Solibon(30:32) - Changing Perspectives on Advertising(31:33) - Quitting the Job to Focus on 2048(34:22) - Developing the New Version of 2048(42:58) - Challenges and Feedback from the Community(48:32) - Exclusive Amazon Prime Version(53:39) - Future Plans and Closing Thoughts
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com -
Rens Rongen, the creator of the popular web game Ninja.io, to discuss the intricate process of game development, his inspirations, and how he balances his corporate work with his passion for creating engaging games. Rens shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of launching a multiplayer game, and the importance of community feedback in refining a project. He also touches on the role of publishers, the impact of advertising, and the joy of seeing users engage with his creations. As he prepares for the next chapter in both his personal and professional life, Rens reflects on the lessons learned and his plans for future projects.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Childhood Influence: Rens’ interest in game development was sparked in his childhood through drawing and playing games like Warcraft and Starcraft that allowed creating custom maps.Design Iteration: The episode highlights the importance of continuous iteration and how skills in design and graphics can evolve over time with practice.Technical Evolution: The transition from Flash to HTML5 significantly impacted Rens' development process, enabling more sophisticated multiplayer implementations.Feature Creep: The game development journey showed how feature creep can gradually turn a hobby project into a serious commitment.Importance of Feedback: Early user feedback is crucial. Releasing the game early, even in an imperfect state, allows for iterative improvements based on player responses.Choosing a Domain and Branding: The process of choosing a memorable and marketable domain name, such as ninja.io, is discussed, including challenges with availability and cost.Monetization Strategies: Understanding monetization via ads and considering other forms like selling customizations.Leveraging Publishers: Partnering with publishers like Poki can significantly amplify reach but may require compromises such as implementing language filters to meet platform standards.Handling Traffic Surges: Preparing for and managing server loads during significant spikes in user traffic after a major launch.Building a Community: Using platforms like Discord to engage users, gather feedback, and create a sense of community which may include organizing tournaments and user-generated content.Maintaining Balance: Balancing direct user interaction with productivity, as it can be both beneficial and distracting.Adaptability and Learning: Applying lessons learned from Ninja.io to future projects, including avoiding technical debt and setting up more organized and sustainable development processes.Life Changes: Handling personal life changes (like expecting a child) while managing ongoing projects and planning future endeavors.Perfectionism: The challenge of overcoming perfectionism and understanding that initial releases won’t be perfect but can improve significantly through iteration.Balancing Innovation and Stability: The need to innovate while ensuring the stability and scalability of the game’s infrastructure.Overall, this episode offers an in-depth look at the holistic development process of an indie game, from inspiration to long-term planning, and integration of user feedback, providing valuable lessons for aspiring game developers and entrepreneurs.
Check out Rens's Resources:https://ninja.io/
https://x.com/NinjaIO_game
https://www.reddit.com/r/ninjaio/
https://www.youtube.com/@NinjaIO
https://discord.com/invite/yAYmSWZ--
(00:00) - Introduction to Game Development Challenges(00:21) - Meet Rens Rongen: Creator of Ninja.io(01:19) - Rens' Gaming Preferences and Inspirations(03:13) - The Evolution of Ninja.io(07:11) - From Hobby to Serious Project(14:08) - Launching Ninja.io: The Journey(19:11) - Reflecting on Past Mistakes(20:49) - The Challenges of Solo Development(22:29) - Partnering with Publishers(27:53) - Community Engagement and Feedback(29:55) - Monetization Strategies(35:56) - Future Projects and Personal Life(38:31) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
--Check out our brainy games:
Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com - Laat meer zien
