Ludology
By Ryan Sturm and Geoff Engelstein
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Podcast Description
Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the how’s and why’s of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, and discusses game history, game design and game players. Ludology is part of The Dice Tower Network, the premier board game media network.
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1 |
CleanLudology Episode 26 - Epic Games | Ryan and Geoff are joined by Dr. Lewis Pulsipher to talk about games that feel epic. What features are required for a game to feel epic? Can a short game be epic? Is it impossible to make an epic game about certain topics? Dr. Pulsipher is the designer of Britannia, and a noted writer on game theory. | 2/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
CleanLudology Bonus Episode - Past, Present, and Future | In this classic GameTek, Geoff takes a look at hot streaks, cold streaks, and our predisposition to see patterns in what is actually random data. | 2/12/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
CleanLudology Episode 25 - Sports Spectacular! | Today is Superbowl Sunday, and Team Ludology is tackling sports boardgames with guests Cody Jones and John Richard from Game On with Cody & John. Are there game design challenges particular to sports games? What has worked and what doesn't? And what do we want to see more of? All your questions will be answered in this action packed episode! (Well, not really, but some questions and a bit of action). | 2/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
CleanLudology Bonus Episode - Voting | In this GameTek from 2008 Geoff discusses voting in general, and the specific voting system in the United States. Do the rules in the United States lead towards a two-party system? Or is it possible for a third party to have a shot at the presidency? (Note: This podcast is not endorsing any particular party or candidate. It is merely a discussion of the 'rules' of voting and how that may impact results) | 1/29/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
CleanEpisode 24 - State of The Game Hobby, 2012 | A bit of a departure for Ludology, as we take a more topical look at the state of the gaming hobby as we move into the new year. To give a business perspective, Ryan and Geoff are joined by industry insider Stephen Buonocore of Stronghold Games. Ryan believes we are at a 'fulcrum', trading quality for quantity, and is concerned for the future. Do Geoff and Stephen agree? And what does all this have to do with the movie industry? | 1/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
CleanBonus Episode - Prospect Theory | In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about how people approach gains and losses differently. This peculiarity of human psychology is the basis for Prospect Theory, developed by Kahneman and Tversky in the 1970's. | 1/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
CleanEpisode 23 - Arts and Crafts | We are pleased to welcome special guest Russ Wakelin, from The D6 Generation to discuss graphic design. The graphic design of a game can have a huge impact on the playability of the game and our enjoyment. What do we look for in great graphic design? What games have excellent graphic design and which are lacking? | 1/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
CleanBonus Episode - Expectation Value | Are the kids out of school yet? If so, here's a bonus GameTek that is sure to keep their math skills freshly honed during the break. Geoff discusses how to estimate the 'Expectation Value' and how you can use that to help your gaming. | 12/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
CleanEpisode 22 - Games vs Simulations | Ryan and Geoff are pleased to be joined by special guest Phil Eklund, designer of many games including High Frontier and Origins: How We Became Human. We discuss designing games as simulations, rather than just as games. What are the specific design challenges that are faced? How do you balance accuracy, playability, and fun? And can novel things be learned from a game? | 12/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
CleanBonus Episode - Chess Ratings | Following up on the last bonus GameTek episode about Regression Towards the Mean, Geoff discusses the USCF chess rating system with it's developer, Dr. Mark Glickman. How are they calculated? How is the system designed to prevent 'gaming' the system? And once again we tackle the question of how you know if you're getting better or not. | 12/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
CleanEpisode 21 - Innovation vs Reinterpretation | It's Thanksgiving in the USA, so everything is bigger than usual. In this supersized 90 minute Ludology, Ryan and Geoff tackle the question of innovation in games. Where does innovation come from? What games are innovative and which build on existing mechanics? Is it possible for a game to be too innovative? Plus Ryan and Geoff reveal their picks for the most innovative game of the modern era. Do you agree? | 11/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
CleanBonus Episode - Regression Towards the Mean | Why do we get worse after we get better? In this classic GameTek Geoff explores the concept of 'Regression Towards the Mean', and tries to figure out how we can really tell if we're improving or just getting lucky. | 11/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
CleanEpisode 20 - The Point of Victory | In the episode, Geoff & Ryan discuss Victory Points - What are the different ways they are used? What works and what doesn't? Are they a crutch for lazy design or a useful tool in the arsenal of the game designer? | 11/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
CleanBonus Episode - Group Think | In this classic GameTek Geoff talks about Group Think in games - what causes it, and different ways to think about it. | 11/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
CleanEpisode 19 - Two's Company, Three's a Crowd | With Geoff out of commission due to a freak snowstorm, Mark Johnson steps up to the plate to join Ryan in a discussion of two versus three player games. What are the differences? What design choices does player count present the designer? | 11/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
CleanBonus Episode - Shuffling | In this classic GameTek, Geoff discusses shuffling - A little of the math behind it, how online shuffling works, and a brief glimpse into the science of thermodynamics. Not bad for five minutes! | 10/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
CleanEpisode 18 - Research Through Gaming | Ryan and Geoff interview Dr. Luke Rendell of the University of St. Andrews. Dr. Rendell's team conducts research on social learning and the spread of ideas and culture throughout society. To assist in their reserach they ran a tournament in 2009 where anyone could submit a strategy to play a game based on social learning. Dr. Rendell is now sponsoring a new tournament with some added depth to the game, this time with a 25,000 euro prize. for the best solutions. We invited Dr. Rendell to join us to discuss the role of gaming in research, what they have learned from the prior tournament, and possible pitfalls. If you are interested in learning more about the competition, including full game rules, please check out the link here. Note that this time they are having a special 1,000 euro prize for the best performing strategy submitted by a a school class (through high school), so if you are a teacher this may be an excellent project for a group of interested students. | 10/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
CleanBonus Episode - The Giant Dice Tower | Back in 2009 Geoff interviewed Scott Nesin, builder of a Dice Tower capable of rolling 1.3 million dice per day. What inspired him to take on a project like that? Check out the video before listening to the inteview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n8LNxGbZbs | 10/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
CleanEpisode 17 - Monogamers and Miniatures | In this episode, Ryan and Geoff are joined by special guest Norbert Brunhuber, who is very active in the Warmachine/Hordes community. The discussion centers around two topics: 'Monogamers' - those who play only a single game or game system (not gamers who have mono!). What is necessary in a game that will hold someone's interest for years? Why do some people prefer a single game system and others want to play a different game every week? Miniature Gaming - what is the appeal? What are the differences between board and miniature games, and where is there crossover? | 10/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
CleanBonus Episode - Social Learning Strategies Tournament | Back in 2008 Geoff talked about a tournament to learn about how individuals interact within a social group. He and his family submitted an entry, but sadly did not win the 10,000 euro prize. However there's a successor tournament with more options and more strategies to explore. In this week's Ludology we replay the original segment, and give a quick review of some of the changes this time around. If you're interested in the finding out more about the tournament, check it out here: Social Learning Strategies Tournament. | 9/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
CleanEpisode 16 - Cooperative Games | Ryan and Geoff look deep into the heart of cooperative games to figure out why some work and some don't. What special problems face the designer of a coop? | 9/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
CleanBonus Episode - Dice Decks | In this classic GameTek, Geoff talks about streakiness in dice rolling in The Settlers of Catan. How often should it occur? And what effect does a 'Dice Deck' have on the game? | 9/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
CleanThe Subcultures of Gaming | Fresh off of their visit to Gencon in August, Ryan and Geoff talk about the subcultures of gaming, their similarities, differences, and the ways they interact. | 9/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
CleanBonus Episode - The Cube Tower | Original research from the GameTek Laboratories! Geoff looks at the Cube Tower from Wallenstein/Shogun and experiments to see if there is any pattern to when the cubes fall out. Take your Shogun game to the next level! | 8/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
CleanEpisode 14 - Roll Again! | Ryan and Geoff finally resolve the cliff-hanger back from episode 12 and reveal the game they think brought dice back into popularity as a design tool not just a randomizer but as an integral part of gaming mechanics. They discuss a variety of techniques that have been used to incorporate dice into modern games, and speculate on what the future will bring. | 8/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
CleanBonus Episode - Agricola Translation | What is involved in localizing a game into a different language? Geoff talks with the team who worked to translate Agricola from German to English and finds out. | 8/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
CleanEpisode 13 - CCGs & DBGs | This episode we are pleased to be joined by Mike Elliott. Mike is the designer of Quarriors and Thunderstone, and also worked for many years with Wizards of the Coast doing design work on Magic and other CCGs. We discuss the specific design issues that arise for deck-building games and collectible card games. | 8/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
CleanBonus Episode - Beauty Contests | Can you outguess your opponent? Geoff digs into some experiments that may give the answer in this classic GameTek episode. | 7/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
CleanEpisode 12 - Dice-O-Rama | In this episode, Ryan and Geoff explore dice, and dissect the history of their use in games. | 7/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
CleanBonus Episode - Rock Paper Scissors | In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff takes a look at the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors, and what it tells us about game theory. | 7/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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31 |
CleanEpisode 11 - Family Games | Ryan and Geoff discuss Family Games - What are they and what makes them work? Ryan goes back to his educational theory studies to break it down. | 6/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
CleanBonus Episode - Abstract Games | In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff takes a look at abstract games, and attempts to solve them by computer. And does it matter if they are? | 6/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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33 |
CleanEpisode 10 - Complexity | Ryan and Geoff are very pleased to be joined this episode by special guest Scott Nicholson, of On Boardgames, and Boardgames with Scott. They discuss complexity - different types of complexity, when complexity is called for, and how it can be managed. | 6/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
CleanBonus Episode - Fair Dice | In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff takes a look at research that was done on the fairness of dice. How 'unfair' can standard off-the-shelf dice get? | 6/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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35 |
CleanEpisode 9 - Turn, Turn, Turn | Ryan and Geoff discuss the differences between turn-based and simultaneous-action games. What are the advantages of each type of design? | 5/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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36 |
CleanBonus Episode - The Ultimatum Game | In this episode, Geoff explores the Ultimatum Game, which is used by social scientists to explore human concepts of fairness, competition, and cooperation. | 5/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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37 |
CleanEpisode 8 - Narrative Arc | Ryan and Geoff tackle another angle on story in games - the narrative arc. What creates rising tension, and what game elements can create a dramatic climax? | 5/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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38 |
CleanBonus Episode - Prisoner's Dilemma (Part 2) | In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff talks about the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma, and what it implies about social science and evolution. | 5/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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39 |
CleanEpisode 7 - Narratology | Ryan and Geoff are joined by special guest Andy Parks to begin their discussion on how games incorporate story and narrative structure elements. Andy is a game designer of many games including Ideology and Camelot Legends, and is the author of a recent article on creating narrative in games for the website Booklife. | 4/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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40 |
CleanBonus Episode - Prisoner's Dilemma (Part 1) | In this classic GameTek episode, Geoff talks about the Prisoner's Dilemma and how it applies to board games. | 4/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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41 |
CleanEpisode 6 - Finding The Balance | Ryan and Geoff conclude their discussion of balance by looking at a variety of questions: What does it mean for a game to be balanced? What are the different types of balance? Can a game be too balanced? | 4/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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42 |
CleanBonus Episode - Triangular Numbers | In this classic GameTek segment Geoff takes a look at triangular numbers and the way they are used in game designs. Features a bonus appearance by Alan Moon (sort of)! | 4/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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43 |
CleanEpisode 5 - Dominant Strategies - Take 2 | Games that seem to have multiple strategies sometimes end up having just one dominant strategy that players follow. In this episode, Ryan and Geoff discuss ways the pitfalls of game design that can lead to this, and ways designers avoid it. | 4/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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44 |
CleanBonus Episode - Multitouch Tables | In this classic GameTek episode from 2007 Geoff talks about Multitouch Tables like the Microsoft Surface, and the role they may play in the future of boardgames. | 3/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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45 |
CleanEpisode 4 - The Emergence of Strategy | In this episode, Ryan and Geoff discuss the difference between strategy and tactics, and the different forms that strategy can take in games. | 3/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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46 |
CleanEpisode 3A - The Defense of Power Grid | What, another Ludology episode already? In episode 3, Catch The Leader, Ryan and Geoff both opined that the turn order mechanic in Power Grid diminishes the overall experience. This prompted a lot of passionate debate in the forums. For this bonus episode, we are joined by listener and poster Tim Koppang, who defends this Catch the Leader mechanic as integral to the Power Grid experience, and essential to gameplay. Episode 4 will be posted as scheduled, on March 20. | 3/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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47 |
CleanLudology Bonus Episode - Reviews | Here is the next classic GameTek episode. This is on one of Tom Vasel's favorite topics - reviews! This is purely 'bonus' content, and we will still be keeping to our regular two week release schedule. | 3/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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48 |
CleanEpisode 3 - Catch The Leader | In this episode, Ryan and Geoff begin their series on balance. First up: Catch The Leader. What exactly is Catch The Leader? When is it needed, if ever? When does it work and when doesn't it? | 3/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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49 |
CleanLudology Bonus Episode 1 - GameTek Classic! | Regular Ludology episodes will be released every two weeks. As an experiment, on the 'in between' weeks we are going to be releasing classic GameTek segments from The Dice Tower. This is the very first GameTek that was ever aired, on the topic of luck, and like all GameTeks is about 5 minutes long. This is purely 'bonus' content, and we will still be keeping to our regular two week release schedule. Please drop by our BGG guild and let us know if you enjoy these bonus releases! | 2/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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50 |
CleanEpisode 2 - Why Do We Play Games? | In our second episode we take a look at what attracts people to games, and what keeps them coming back for more. Plus Ryan and Geoff share personal stories about some of their game experiences over the years. | 2/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 50 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
A Much-Anticipated Show. . .
Ludology is the boardgame podcast I knew I was missing. I'm so glad it made its way into existence, and I hope the two very knowledgeable and down-to-earth hosts are able to provide us content for many, many episodes.
For many of us, the best part of the Dice Tower podcast has consistently been Game Tech with Geoff Engelstein. Continually making listeners think about aspects of games they may never have thought of before, Geoff brings to our attention often obscure and always profound facets of this hobby of ours. I've worried about Geoff running out of topics that fit into a three minute segment - worthy of no less than those few minutes yet requiring no more. Now we'll have as few or as many minutes as needed for him to guide us through a discussion on a topic.
Ryan Sturm, to me, is a relative newcomer to boardgame media. Each episode of his “How to Play” podcast delves deep into the rules, mechanisms, and strategies of a single game – dismantling and demystifying the art of teaching a boardgame, one single box at a time. His calm demeanor and insightful thoughts on a given individual game design, as well as gaming in general, keep me coming back to the show even on the episodes that I have no interest in the given title.
Together, these guys should be able to broaden our minds on so many topics, including game design, game theory, definitions, mechanisms, player choices, and so much more. More ideas than I can come up with, which is why I'm so happy we now have the Ludology podcast!
Boardgame podcast with a brain!
Ludology is not just another boardgame podcast filled with session reports and game reviews. Instead, each episode is an intelligent exploration of some topic about games or the hobby in general. Ryan and Goeff are thoughtful and insightful, but never sound pretentious. It's a pleasure to listen to, especially if you're looking for a deeper podcast experience.
The Gamers' Podcast
Very interesting and entertaining podcast for the board gamer. You guys are up to a great start. Keep up the good work it is very much appreciated.
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