Behind the Scenes with Hey, Good Game (and a Simple Request)

Hey, Good Game

#Entrepreneur #Lifestyle #Business #Games and Gambling #Nate Kadlac #Aaron Kardell #Joseph Rueter #Wordle #Math Games #Logic Games #Sudoku #Web Games #Game Development #Casual A Gaming #Mobile Game #Game Design #Web Programming #Advertising #Monetize

36:16

DANMMMMM…Have I got a show for you! First, a lot of Sister Wives tea - new rumors have surfaced Janelle Brown is leaving the show. Plus, Gabe Brown gives a life update after losing and tragically finding his brother Garrison dead. Sadly, Garrison took his own life in March 2024. Then we head over to discuss the new Welcome To Plathville tea. The first pictures of Micah Plath have surfaced after being beat up by his brother Issac and it doesn’t look good for the future of his modeling career. Lastly, we discuss the latest in the Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively case, Justin is back on social media and it was the perfect social media return. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Open and new Sister Wives news 00:05:43 - Janelle Brown leaving the show? Sister Wives Closet is officially closed 00:12:45 - A new pic of Micah Plath’s broken nose has surfaced 00:18:18 - Justin Baldoni back on social media and Taylor Swifts team is pissed at Justin Baldoni MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: MOM15 for 15% OFF (code expires May 11th, 2025) **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Download Cash App & sign up! Use our exclusive referral code TSFS in your profile, send $5 to a friend within 14 days, and you’ll get $10 dropped right into your account. Terms apply Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids Gopurebeauty.com science backed skincare from head to toe, use code TSFS at checkout for 25% OFF your order Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Rula.com/tsfs to get started today. That’s R-U-L-A dot com slash tsfs for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance. SkylightCal.com/tsfs for $30 OFF your 15 inch calendar Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Warbyparker.com/tsfs make an appointment at one of their 270 store locations and head to the website to try on endless pairs of glasses virtually and buy your perfect pair Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 28:12

MP3•Episode home

Nate Kadlac and Aaron Kardell reflect on the past 18 months of building the business and podcast.

They share insights into their journey, including their bootstrapping philosophy, ad partner experiments, and the expansion of their content. The duo discusses their favorite games, the importance of maintaining control by avoiding venture capital, and their continuous efforts to respond to user feedback and improve their games.

They also highlight the diversity of recent podcast guests and invite listeners to suggest future guests and provide reviews to help the podcast grow.

Check out Hey GG's games and links:
https://www.hey.gg/

(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
(00:56) - Current Games We're Playing
(05:11) - Behind the Scenes at Hey Good Game
(06:31) - User Feedback and Improvements
(10:11) - Growth and Team Dynamics
(19:28) - Advertising Strategies and Insights
(24:54) - Podcast Journey and Future Plans
(27:44) - Conclusion and Call to Action

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

66 episodes

Behind the Scenes with Hey, Good Game (and a Simple Request)

Hey, Good Game

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Nate Kadlac and Aaron Kardell reflect on the past 18 months of building the business and podcast.

They also highlight the diversity of recent podcast guests and invite listeners to suggest future guests and provide reviews to help the podcast grow.

Check out Hey GG's games and links:
https://www.hey.gg/

(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
(00:56) - Current Games We're Playing
(05:11) - Behind the Scenes at Hey Good Game
(06:31) - User Feedback and Improvements
(10:11) - Growth and Team Dynamics
(19:28) - Advertising Strategies and Insights
(24:54) - Podcast Journey and Future Plans
(27:44) - Conclusion and Call to Action

Check out our brainy games:

66 episodes

All episodes

Hey, Good Game

1
The Faceless Creator Behind One of YouTube’s Brainiest Channels 56:06

1 day ago56:06

56:06

In this episode, we talk with Jason Todd—aka Timberlake—the faceless creator behind the YouTube channel Smart Hobbies. Jason shares how he turned Sudoku from a personal pastime into a thriving YouTube channel with over 900K views on a single video. We dive into the strategy behind his growth, why he stays off-camera, how he connects with an older audience, and the surprising power of Sudoku games in a fast-paced creator economy. Check out Timberlake's Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@SmartHobbies https://buymeacoffee.com/timberlakeb https://www.instagram.com/timberlakesmarthobbies Games Mentioned: Sudoku - Timberlake's favorite game to play Wingspan Scrabble Chess -- (00:00) - Introduction and Top Videos Overview (00:20) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:12) - Meet Jason Todd, AKA Timberlake (01:51) - Jason's Favorite Games (02:22) - The Birth of Smart Hobbies (04:04) - The Faceless Channel Strategy (06:25) - Jason's Background and Career (08:33) - The Journey to YouTube Success (10:35) - Content Creation and Audience Engagement (23:44) - Revenue Streams and Future Plans (29:30) - Balancing Work and Personal Life (29:49) - Overcoming Regret and Embracing Routine (30:18) - Collaborating in the Sudoku Community (33:35) - Growing Your YouTube Channel (34:14) - Choosing the Right Platform for Courses (39:15) - Understanding Your Audience (41:51) - The Importance of Quality Content (45:36) - Exploring the Benefits of Sudoku (52:07) - Future of Sudoku and Community Building (54:55) - Connecting with Timberlake -- 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Red Dead to WordGlyph: The Actor Who Built a Word Game With Toothpicks and Code 59:22

9 days ago59:22

59:22

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.xyz/ https://kevinglikmann.com Game Mentions Chess - Kevin's favorite game to play WordGlyph Red 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
One Game, 50 Million Views: How Word Salad Took Off 50:19

16 days ago50:19

50:19

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…

Hey, Good Game

1
How to Build a Crossword Puzzle (That People Actually Want to Play) 41:43

23 days ago41:43

41:43

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.com Find David Online: http://www.customcrossword.com https://www.xwordinfo.com/Thumbs/?author=David+Steinberg 60 Seconds With David Steinberg Game 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Why Most Daily Games Are Broken (And How to Fix Them) 58:17

5 weeks ago58:17

58:17

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 -- -- 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
He Made a Game So Big It Needed 27 Puzzle Designers 1:01:20

6 weeks ago1:01:20

1:01:20

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. 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 -- (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 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Fired, Broke, and 2 Weeks from a Hit: How Gabriel Stürmer Started Clap Clap Games 54:18

7 weeks ago54:18

54:18

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 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/ -- (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 -- 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
When to Hire a Composer: Game Music Insights with John Robert Matz 53:27

8 weeks ago53:27

53:27

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. 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/ -- (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 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Nokia Engineer to Indie Game Creator | Building DeCodex 22:10

10 weeks ago22:10

22:10

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: 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/ -- (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 -- 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Think Like a Game Designer: Justin Gary on AI, Community, and Creative Iteration 49:11

11 weeks ago49:11

49:11

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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Tetris, Chess, and Go: Martin Grider’s Indie Game Design Playbook 43:48

15 weeks ago43:48

43:48

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…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Angry Birds to Escape Rooms: The Game Design Journey of Johannes Ahvenniemi 38:21

16 weeks ago38:21

38:21

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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Modern Game Design Using Paper and AI: The Couples Game Story 55:13

20 weeks ago55:13

55:13

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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Teaching Bridge to Fund Hollywood Dreams 58:29

21 weeks ago58:29

58:29

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 playing Check 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…

Hey, Good Game

1
Building Random Trivia Generator: From Hobby to Household Name 45:50

25 weeks ago45:50