Know Direction Network

Game Design Unboxed 136: Tricky Pigs

In episode 136 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with freelance game designer (and Danielle’s co-designer on Tricky Kids), Steven Ungaro, who shares his “zero-to-three-games-in-a-year-hero” design journey. They discuss how discovering hobby games led him down the research rabbit hole many aspiring designers fall into, and how resources like the long-running Ludology podcast have evolved over the years. Because it is Steven’s specialty, the episode covers a lot about trick-taking games, including designing for “bad hands,” the genre’s popularity in the Midwest, and making it more accessible to non-trick-takers. They also talk about how playtest feedback can shift your perspective on terminology, mechanics, and rule clarity, common phobias in games, matching art aesthetics to theme, and how players can rely on familiar stories (like The Three Little Pigs) when learning new games. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring: Steven Ungaro – Guest Danielle Reynolds – Host

Know Direction Beyond 105: Starfinder Society’s Jessica Catalan

Paizo’s Starfinder Society Developer Jessica Catalan updates Alex and James on the past, present, and future of SFS. Recorded live on Twitch. Listen Now! (mp3)

Intrepid Heroes 179 – The Killer (Murder in Metal City Session 13)

At last our heroes find the Professor’s killer! But wait, he was trying to save the universe? Clearly there is more to the story. Join our Intrepid Heroes as they solve the mystery of the Murder in Metal City! Cast: Jason Keeley – GM Alex Speidel – Patsy Van Dyne Isis Wozniakowska – Voss Seltee Jocelyn Hamilton – Together in Electric Dreams (Dreams) John Godek – Xabi Fraglorious Rue Dickey – Whose Boughs Are Lit Within (Boughs) Tim Nightengale – Dexter Rayne Starfinder 2nd Edition Actual Play Podcast Listen Now!(mp3) Watch Now!(mp4)

Game Design Unboxed 135: Stable Times

In episode 135 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with freelance game designer Kristen Mott, whose game design journey began with creating games for her kids to play at home to supplement homeschooling. We talk about how kids are great built-in playtesters, how her children’s interests were her thematic inspiration for designs, what kids learn through play, and the wild thematic evolution of Stable Times from a game about starfish, to tattooing sea monsters, to horses. Other topics include how co-designing expands your skills, the value of feedback, her experience self-publishing, and the realities of waiting on contracts, ghosting, and publisher limbo. The conversation also talks about adding personal Easter eggs to your game and the collection of real horses featured in Stable Times. Listen Now! (mp3) Featuring: Kristen Mott – Guest Danielle Reynolds – Host

Intrepid Heroes 178 – The Escape (Murder in Metal City Session 12)

Somehow our heroes need to escape the watchful eye of Striving law enforcement long enough to prove their innocence. Join our Intrepid Heroes as they solve the mystery of the Murder in Metal City! Cast: Jason Keeley – GM Alex Speidel – Patsy Van Dyne Isis Wozniakowska – Voss Seltee Jocelyn Hamilton – Together in Electric Dreams (Dreams) John Godek – Xabi Fraglorious Rue Dickey – Whose Boughs Are Lit Within (Boughs) Tim Nightengale – Dexter Rayne Starfinder 2nd Edition Actual Play Podcast Listen Now!(mp3) Watch Now!(mp4)