Fun Problems

Feb 27 2025 49 ep. 66 mins 67
Fun Problems Podcast artwork

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

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#47 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 2

Feb 27 2025 116 mins  
This episode explores product cohesion, perceived value, and market alignment to ensure your game stands out on store shelves and online platforms. Discover the importance of table presence, demo-friendly design, and crafting the perfect pitch that resonates with both publishers and players. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to E

#46 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 1

Feb 11 2025 106 mins  
In this episode of Fun Problems, Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon revisit AJ's popular talk from his perspective as a retailer on factors (other than how 'fun' the game is) that can make or break a sale at retail stores. Peter and AJ also emphasize understanding the "last stage pitch"—how buyers get their friends to play—and offer insights into creating memorable experiences th

#45 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 4

Feb 02 2025 96 mins  
The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 3 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected]/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme so

#44 - Peter's 2024 Finances (Industry Talk)

Jan 24 2025 50 mins  
Peter and AJ embark on a journey through the intricacies of royalties, advances, and the challenges of managing income as full-time game designers. With transparency as their guiding principle, they discuss the importance of understanding money, navigating contracts, and planning for financial stability in an unpredictable market. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: funpr

#43 Co-designing

Jan 12 2025 101 mins  
Welcome to Fun Problems, where we dive into the challenges and joys of game design and podcasting. In this episode, hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon are joined by special guest Alex Cutler to discuss the ins and outs of codesigning board games with another designer. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected]/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big

#42 BONUS Holiday Special

Dec 25 2024 79 mins  
In this special holiday edition of "Fun Problems," host Peter C. Hayward takes center stage to delve into the cultural nuances and underlying assumptions of beloved games like Go, Dominion, and Wingspan. Peter explores how culture and timing influence game success, challenging the popular notion of universal game design truths. This engaging episode also includes personal stories,

#41 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 3

Dec 24 2024 78 mins  
Today is part 3 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected]/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

#40 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 2

Dec 08 2024 65 mins  
Today is part 2 of a series where AJ and Peter explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected]/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

#39 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 1

Dec 01 2024 74 mins  
Today is part 1 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. This episode includes the importance of elegance in design, minimizing complexity, and understanding the social aspect of board games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected]/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei f

#38 - Sell Sheets (Industry Talk)

Nov 14 2024 36 mins  
Join hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon as they delve into the art of creating effective sell sheets for board games. This episode steps away from the usual design principles to tackle an essential aspect of game publishing. Using real examples from Peter's own collection of sell sheets, they illustrate what works and what doesn't, offering practical tips for creating a sell she