Shows
The Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 026 : Limitless ProductionGet more done in less time for lone wolf developers, hobbyists, large teams, and everything in between.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #026
2016-01-0200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 025 : Virtual Reality Deep DiveIn this expansive episode Brian and Ike discuss the dream, tech, design, best practices, and market strategies of virtual reality for game developers.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #025
2015-06-2500 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 024 : Design – Metroidvania #1In this first Metroidvania discussion Brian and Ike define the popular gameplay style, discuss its history, cite game examples, and explore player motivations.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #024
2015-05-1100 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 023 : Production – Lean Startup DecodedHow to use the "Lean Startup" method for game development. A discussion and exploration of how and when to use it for your projects.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #023
2015-04-1700 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 022 : Design – Physics GameplayAn exploration on using physics as the core mechanic as opposed to just a supporting simulation system.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #022
2015-02-1200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 021 : Business – Monitizing Your GameBrian and Ike dive deep into different ways to monitize your games, and how to tie your monitization strategy with your brand.
Listen now to Game Design Dojo Episode #021
2014-12-1800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 020 : Puzzle DesignIn this episode, Brian and Ike dive into puzzles and how to implement them in your game design. They compare games using puzzles as their main gameplay or as a feature thrown into the gameplay. They'll also discuss how they go about using puzzles in their own games. So, enjoy!
Today's Developer Diary
Brian has starting using Notepad ++ instead of MonoDevelop and Unity Visual Studio because it's so light and fast. It's a totally free, tiny little program that he changed all the colors to look like Unity and trained it to get all the key words in there. It's...
2014-09-2000 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 019 : How To Get Contract WorkBrian and Ike discuss the practicalities of how to get a company off the ground and rolling. If you're looking for work-for-hire, then this episode provides some useful ways to obtain client work and how to build up your business development.
Today's Developer Diary
Ike is back! He is fresh after working at iD Tech Summer Camp where he taught high school students game design. It was fun to show them how to make games and by the time they left the camp in two weeks they had their own prototype working on their own phones. Ike also rang his "...
2014-09-0500 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 018 : Deep Thoughts About Death In GamesBrian and Ike talk about death in video games where the character dies or vehicle explodes at the end of the game loop. They discuss what death brings to a video game and why it may be important to include it your game. So, get ready for some great insight!
Today's Developer Diary
Brian is extremely excited to announce his own Twitch TV channel! Here is the link to check it out: Fenix Fire Twitch TV and if you haven't caught wind of it yet, now would definitely be a good time. It's become a tool in the indie game...
2014-08-1200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 017 : Audio and Soundtrack for Games – An OverviewWe received an inquiry from a fan and it inspired us to discuss how to use music and sounds in video games. Brian and Ike tackle this topic with great detail using some of their personal experiences. So, enjoy!
Today's Developer Diary
Ike's watching movies and Brian talks about his experience at E3. This was much different than PAX which was all consumers, so you're audience and players and you can see that they really are interested in what you're doing. But the main difference at E3 is it's more of everyone sizing each other up, more of a competition...
2014-08-0800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 016 : When is a Game Done?We received a Facebook question from our friend Bradley Erickson asking us "How do you finish and ship the dang thing after months(or years) of iteration and work?" after we published the episode 'How to turn an idea into a game?'. So, we got together and recoded this episode to answer his question. Enjoy!
How Do You Know when a Game is Done?
This brings up the question, "Is it ever done?" Well, at the end of the day you need to just ship it and get it out. This episode will give you some insights on how y...
2014-07-0900 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 015 : What To Do With $10K?There's a million ways you can spend $10,000 but what would be the best way to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck? Brian and Ike discuss a few different scenarios on how they would handle a big chunk of money.
Today's Developer Diary
Ike launched his game Rhythm Friends on iOS and Amazon! Although it's technically his second game he's shipped, it's the first game he started and finished this year living up to the New Year's Resolution of "Ship It". Rhythm Friends is a rhythm tapping game intended for 6-8 year old's. Ike worked with his 6 y...
2014-06-2600 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 014 : How To Turn an Idea Into A GameThe first step to designing a video game is transforming an idea into something that is playable in three key gameloops. Brian and Ike explain these loops and give examples.
Today's Developer Diary
Brian and Ike are baffled about Flappy Birds popularity and the simplicity of the game. Perhaps, sometimes the simple idea is the best idea. Ike shares he had to take a step back from the games he's been working on to try to make some more simpler games. Brian shares one of the most fun games he's made was a super simple, addicting game for John Deere d...
2014-05-2400 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 013 : PAX East And Kickstarter, Lessons LearnedBrian shares 15 tips from his experiences at PAX East 2104, the Indie Megabooth, and launching a Kickstarter campaign.
Source is live and doing great on Kickstarter! So far it's 16% funded after about 6 days. The game received an awesome response at PAX and now just waiting and hoping to reach 100% funding by May 11th. Source Kickstarter
PAX East 2014 - IndieMEGABOOTH
Brian gives an inside, behind the scenes, detailed recap of what it was like showing his game at PAX East this past weekend April 11-13. He includes his struggles with starting a Kickstarter campaign at the same time, working through computer glitches, an...
2014-04-2900 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 012 : Two Ways You Can Get Funding For Your GameDetailed strategies on how you can get publisher funding for your game or go the crowdfunding route. Complete with real world war stories from the trenches.
Exciting NEWS!!!
"Source" by Fenix Fire is live on Kickstarter! "Source" is not just another project to Brian, it is THE project. He gives some personal insight of the inspiration for the game and explains it's all about exploration and life. Brian will be at the Indie MEGABOOTH booth 2 at PAX East in Boston April 11-13 2014 where you'll be able to play "Source" live. So, make sure to tell your friends and help make...
2014-04-1200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 011 : Beginner’s Guide To Enemy AICrash course in how to set up AI for your game, complete with pro tips from our resident AI programming expert, Ike.
GDC 2014 has come and gone, we give a little recap of our highlights of the conference. The most exciting part was after Brian's speech at the Unity Booth fans from this podcast came up and talked to us. So just wanted to give a shout out to those that approached us, Thank you!
In other news, Brian's company Fenix Fire will launch a Kickstarter campaign for "Source" which will be available for Xbox 1, PS4, and Steam Greenlight for...
2014-04-0800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 010 : Screenshots – Get The Attention Your Game DeservesOn this episode of Game Design Dojo, Brian and Ike discuss ways to capture the best screenshots for your marketing channels, and may also help guide your game's production.
It's GDC (Game Developer's Conference) week and we recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to go should most definitely go. Brian will be speaking at the Unity and Qualcomm booths. It is such an honor and really exciting! Check for updates on our facebook page for more details about GDC.
Screenshots
A screenshot should be how you visualize what your game should look like. It can be challenging to capture...
2014-03-1800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 009 : How To Add Replay Value To Your GameReplay value is one of the most import aspects of creating a compelling video game experience that keeps players coming back again and again. Brian and Ike explore three ways to pump up your game's replay value for ultimate publishing success.
A great outlet for video game developers are local meet ups. Meet ups are a great place to find somebody that can help you with your project or you can help out with theirs. As well as talk about challenges in your game development and gather feedback. With free Wifi and laptops you can meet up at a Starbucks or...
2014-03-1000 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 008 : How To Make 2014 A Great Year For Game DevelopersHappy 2014! It's a new year and times are changing fast in our video game industry. It's important to evaluate your skills and abilities in order to make smart, achievable goals to make your company a success. Packed with insights and examples this episode will help you get going in the the right direction.Hey everyone! We're all rested up from a great holiday break and are getting back in the saddle for a great 2014. The word of the day: Ship it! Well, that's two words I suppose. For both of us, 2013 was a transitional year as Ike started his new...
2014-01-0800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 007 : Camera and Cinematography For GamesIn this episode Brian and Ike discuss camera and cinematography with a focus on the various angles, styles, and uses in game design. How to choose a camera, iterate on it, and reference film cinematography are all covered in this jam packed episode.
We got feedback! It's such a great feeling when we hear back from listeners since we're flying blind so to speak. Please keep it coming with your feedback so we can make the most out of your listening experience! We have been busy with our own studios, but enjoy taking the time out to make this podcast.
5...
2013-12-1800 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 006 : Characters, Control, and MechanicsIn this episode of Game Design Dojo, we discuss how game characters and gameplay mechanics go hand in hand with level design and control schemes. How many controls do you give the player and why? Characters and control are the backbone of your game's interactive experience and we walk through plenty of examples.
Characters, Control and Mechanics
Game characters and gameplay mechanics are essential to creating your video game. Once you've determined your character and what gameplay mechanics to give your character you can create level designs and start enjoying the game developing process.
Characters and control are the backbone o...
2013-12-1200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 005 : Getting Started With Procedural Level DesignThis episode is an exploration on how to approach creating a procedural level design system for a variety of game styles, and what to look for when it's up and running.
Getting Started With Procedural Level Design
Procedural Level Design is basically the design of the game and making it fun while keeping gameplay long. For example Jet Pack Joyride and Temple Run. With procedural level designs it's easier to adjust gameplay vs. crafted level designs. Free to play mobile games are good reason to use procedural level design because you want to keep gameplay at 30 sec to a minute...
2013-11-1200 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 004 : The Power of Focus TestingBrian walks through a recent focus test, his take aways, and how to process the information and feedback he receives.
The Power of Focus Testing
Focus testing is a great tool for video game designers. Once you have a core loop (start a level, progress, and die) you can gather feedback in order to enhance gameplay and create an exciting, successful game. We talk about our own experiences with focus testing and the results, also tips and suggestions for productive focus testing.
Focus testing should be done way before bug testing. You want to see what's working and what's not...
2013-10-2500 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 003 : Forming an Indie Video Game StudioForming an Indie Game Studio is a BIG decision and often times a scary one. This podcast episode focuses on key points to consider when forming an Indie Video Game Studio and how to gather the best team possible in order to achieve your company's vision. We share what we look for and how our experiences have worked out for us.
Get ready to listen to the basics of Forming an Indie Video Game Studio, how to find your company focus and who should join you on this journey!
Forming an Indie Video Game Studio
First things first, start small. T...
2013-10-0900 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 002 : Self Publishing vs Mobile Publisher Part 2Brian and Ike continue to discuss Self Publishing including areas of marketing, user acquisition, and funding.
Self Publishing vs. Mobile Publisher Part 2
In today's video game market, marketing is essential for your video game's survival and become successful. The debate continues - should you hire a publisher or perform the necessary work needed yourself?
Marketing is concrete for Indie Game Developers. It's important to establish a relationship with the press (PR, bloggers) so you can call on them to review your video game and share it with their audiences building awareness for your game.
Challenges of marketing:
Hard to tell if w...
2013-08-1900 minThe Game Design Dojo PodcastGDD 001 : Show Introduction and Self Publishing vs Mobile Publisher Part 1Meet hosts Brian and Ike as they introduce themselves, the Game Design Dojo, and dive right into whether or not to self publish a mobile title.
The Game Design Dojo
In game design one never truly masters, but is constantly practicing. Much like in martial arts where one never really achieves full mastery. One can appear as a master, but in reality they are just further down the path that you. Thus the name Dojo.
Topics The Game Design Dojo will discuss:
Studio issues - starting a company
Platforms and adapting to changes
Video game design and development
Story development
...
2013-07-2900 min