Why Are There Game Designers?
I think it's a valuable question to ask! I'm re-reading The Well-Played Game by Bernard DeKoven this week and reflecting on his answer to that question. To understand why we need game designers, let's first understand the process by which games emerge. Let's say you and I are hanging...
Update On Kickstarters
It makes me very happy to see how well the Fighting Fantasy Kickstarter is rolling along – just shy of $185,000 in support as I write this! – and we have an important new announcement coming "real soon now." Please consider backing this project if you haven't . . ....
GAMA Gathering Graded G For Great
The hall doesn't actually open until Wednesday. I'm writing this late Tuesday night, at least by home time, and I am already very impressed. And already out of business cards! This show is clearly bigger than last year's, which was itself the biggest and best ever. I took some meetings...
You're Lost At Sea, And It's Getting Dark
Editor's note: Some of the pages linked in this article contain strong language and content which has been known to warp the minds of its readers. Proceed with caution curiosity. Have you ever wanted to consult the Tarot for clarity, perhaps to externalize your emotions around a decision-making process, but...
The Hardest Thing To See . . .
The hardest thing to see is not what's there, no matter how small. The hardest thing to see is the thing that is not there but should be! This is a shoutout to Matt Lee, who "saw what wasn't there" on our front page and sent me a note about...
Introducing Jay Dragon As Lead Game Designer
Hi! My name's Jay, and as you probably know from the recent news, I've been brought on as lead game designer at Steve Jackson Games. It's a big fancy title (and a tremendous honor), but I imagine it's also a big surprise for some of you. Who does this girl...
Buckle In For The Longest Joke In The World
I stumbled across what purports to be "the longest joke in the world." Having undertaken the journey, I believe it. It's not the best joke in the world, but . . . well, it doesn't claim to be. If you're curious — and have a lot of time and/or patience...
Risk-y Business
There are a few games that have been standard shelf-warmers in American homes for generations. Monopoly, Sorry!, The Game of Life, and the one that actually found itself at the table in my home, Risk. I played it with my father and, over the years, taught many friends the perils...