Shows
Design DocThe Game Takes ShapeIn the early stages of a game's design, it's hard to even know what questions to answer. We've hit a turning point with Escape from Wonderland where we can see the shape of the game taking form. Big, abstract questions are getting small and specific. Now that the game has real structure, what comes next?
Links:
Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz
Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/
Credits:
Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.c...2025-06-1844 min
Design DocThe Rules Tell a StoryAfter you’ve made the rules, you need to decide how you’re going to tell them. The right rule in the wrong order can make all the difference!
In this unscripted episode, we share our initial thoughts about how we want our next rulebook to start, how to include immersive writing without sacrificing clarity, and (for some reason) reminisce about spooky VHS covers we encountered as children.
Links:
Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz
Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
Buy our games: https...2025-06-0440 min
Design DocEpilogues in GamesStory endings are hard! The epilogue of a game not only has to logically wrap up the story and tie up any loose ends—it’s also the moment to reflect on how your character has grown over many sessions, and a moment for you as the player to feel like the time spent playing was worthwhile.
In this episode, we talk about what makes roleplaying game epilogues special, and how we're approaching epilogue design in Escape from Wonderland.
Episode Mentions:
Return to Oz (1985 film)
Fortunately (1964 illustrated book, Remy Charlip)
So...2025-05-2147 min
Design DocBalancing the PendulumThis week, we talk about the unpredictable mechanical swings that can happen between different versions of a game. Small tweaks to mechanics can trigger a cascade of unintended effects, causing the game design pendulum to swing from too many choices to too few and back again. We talk through examples of how we've managed these swings in Escape from Wonderland, and discuss our ongoing efforts to find the right balance.
Links:
Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz
Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
Buy o...2025-05-0752 min
Design DocNow You're the Bad GuyWe’re introducing a new dynamic to our latest roleplaying game! You all came to this amusement park as friends, but one of you started serving the park’s demonic forces. And things are about to get mean.How can characters become enemies while players remain friends? When the rules ask you to clash with you peers, care and consideration needs to be given to keeping the antagonism fun.Links:Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzSupport Design Doc monthly on Patreon: https://www.patr...2025-04-2338 min
Design DocDon’t Stop Making Art! (Feat. Joshua A.C. Newman)Hannah had to get a full time office job. Since then, finding the time and energy for creative work has been an uphill battle. In this episode, Hannah sits down with close friend and fellow game designer Joshua A.C. Newman to talk about life, art, and staying true to your values in trying times.Support Joshua’s work!https://www.patreon.com/joshuahttps://www.patreon.com/PunkPedagogyLinks:Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzPatreon: ht...2025-04-091h 00
Design DocIt’s My Playtest and I’ll Cry If I Want ToHannah and Evan discuss Wonderland's first four-player playtest. When a playtest goes wrong, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause. How much is due to the rules, and what's connected to the more subtle influence of mood and flow?Links:Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunWebsite: turtlebun.comCredits:Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/2025-03-2645 min
Design DocPacingSlow and steady wins the race... but does it work in a one-session RPG? From what we've seen in Escape from Wonderland, not quite. In this episode, we discuss pacing in roleplaying games: from the moment players arrive at the table to leaving everyone feeling satisfied with the story's twists and turns. We dig into the challenge of building uncanny horror—where a slow burn creates the best dread—and whether it's possible to communicate that in a single sitting.Mentioned in this episode:Visioneers (2008 film)Links/Credits:Patreon: patreon.com/turt...2025-03-1255 min
Design DocInsights and SecretsSometimes a secret is worth more than gold. But how do you make concrete rules for something intangible? Hannah and Evan talk about the secrets of Wonderland and what to do when the rules are out of step with the story.Links/Credits:Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebunWebsite: turtlebun.comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdocGet in touch:Designdocpod...2025-02-2652 min
Design DocRewards and PrizesEven when things are going wrong for your characters, you as a player might feel rewarded by narrative twists and turns. In this episode, Hannah and Evan discuss the ways that games can reward both players and characters, and do some live game design about claw machine prizes...Links/Credits:Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebunWebsite: turtlebun.comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc2025-02-1244 min
Design DocThe Art of Perfect ArtWhen people decide what art is worth looking at, they look for the very best. In a world that demands creative endeavors be perfect, how do we find the confidence to make and share our own art?Episode mentions:Olga Smirnova / Dutch National Ballet:https://www.operaballet.nl/en/dancers/olga-smirnovaToki Pona:https://tokipona.org/A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart (essay):https://worrydream.com/refs/Lockhart_2002_-_A_Mathematician's_Lament.pdf The Jewish Wedding by Jovan Obican (lithograph):https...2025-01-2955 min
Design DocWhat Makes a Good Playtest?Is playtesting more of a science, or more art? How prepared should you be for a playtest if you're testing rules that might change on the fly, never to be seen again? In this episode we talk about playtesting our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, and how that went!Links/Credits:Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebunWebsite: turtlebun.comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc2025-01-1553 min
Design DocWhen Mechanics Don't MatchOur newest game, Escape from Wonderland, began as a hack of Questlandia. But what happens when the mechanics of an old game don't work with the story you want to tell? In this episode we talk about hacking games to do what we want them to do.Links:Support Design Doc on Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebunFind our games at: turtlebun.comCredits:Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Get in touch:2024-12-2544 min
Design DocGoing Places! (or, Navigation Mechanics in Games)We often ask ourselves, "Do we need a mechanic for that?" In our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, we want to encourage players to travel across a haunted amusement park. How can the rules create meaningful choices about the places they should and shouldn't go? And when is it better to lose that choice, and end up somewhere randomized or predetermined? Join us as we navigate these questions and arrive in unexpected places!Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www...2024-12-1142 min
Design DocA Moment of RestWe're taking a week off to recharge! We'll see you back in two weeks with a new episode of Design Doc. Rest easy.Sincerely,Hannah and EvanLinks/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdocGet in touch:Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) comTurtlebun Discord: https://discord...2024-11-2702 min
Design DocFinding Community AgainWe recently realized that we’ve drifted apart not just from our games community, but from our community at large. Now, in a world where the future feels uncertain and dire, we're asking ourselves: how do we reconnect?Escape from Wonderland has just one week left on Kickstarter. You can read more and back the project here.Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc on Patreon: Patreon: pa...2024-11-1339 min
Design DocLevels of DonenessThe Kickstarter for Escape from Wonderland is LIVE! Support the game here!How do you know when a game is ready for Kickstarter? How far along should it be before bringing it to the world? In this episode, we talk about the delicate balance of presentation—slick, but not *too* slick; done, but not *too* done. We explored how crowdfunding has changed for small creators now that big, well-resourced companies are bringing their games to Kickstarter too. When faced with a rising standard of "doneness," should we try to match them, or pave our own scrappy way?...2024-10-2944 min
Design DocJudging a Book by Its CoverThe first conversation we've had about cover design in games! We discuss how book covers are often the first thing people see of our games, how a well-designed cover can stick in someone's memory, and how a great cover isn't just about first impressions—it can make you want to pick up a book again and again.And a special thanks to our editor, Rob, for letting us know that yes, Scholastic Book Fairs do still exist. Link here: https://bookfairs.scholastic.comCovers mentioned:The Martian Chronicles (Link to cover, art by Mi...2024-10-1654 min
Design DocThe Ideas You'll Be Buried WithOne of the hardest lessons in game design is coming to terms with the fact that many of our favorite ideas will remain unrealized. In this episode, we explore the games we may never complete, our lingering dream of bringing them to life, and how accepting their incompleteness might help us face the reality of death.Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/Support Design Doc...2024-10-0240 min
Design DocDesigning a Spooky Game (Part 4): Finally, the PlaytestEvan and Hannah try playing their new game with a very rough draft of the rules, in a cross between a playtest and design session. New ideas and new questions abound as they explore uncharted territory.To follow along with the design, Questlandia character sheets and reference rules can be downloaded for free here:https://turtlebun.com/pages/downloadsQuestlandia can be purchased here:https://turtlebun.itch.io/questlandia-second-editionhttps://turtlebun.com/products/questlandiaLinks/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebun2024-09-1858 min
Design DocThe Pizza or the Basket? (Amusement Park Horror w/ Alanna Shaffer)We're joined by public historian and musical improviser Alanna Shaffer to discuss real-world amusement park horror and Dippin' Dots scams at Dorney Park.Alanna shares thoughts about story vs plot, new character drives, and everyone's personal breaking point after a day with no water. To see Alanna and Thank You, Places in person, check out their monthly improvised musical every last Thursday of the month at Tavern on Camac!Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/2024-09-0458 minDesign DocDesigning a Spooky Game (Part 3): Mr. Bones' Wild RideWe continue our design of a creepy amusement park game, starting with the question, "What does bad behavior look like in an amusement park?" In this episode, we begin with a lot of questions, and end with a roadmap to a first playtest that includes character weaknesses, theme park-related goals, and an unreliable park map filled with skulls and crossbones.To follow along with the design, Questlandia character sheets and reference rules can be downloaded for free here:https://turtlebun.com/pages/downloadsQuestlandia can be purchased here:https://turtlebun.itch...2024-08-2141 minDesign DocDesigning a Spooky Game (Part 2): The SettingHow can you use simple rules to create a complex setting? In the second part of this live design series, Hannah and Evan take a swing at world and character mechanics. To create a spooky, surreal environment, they’re forced to come up with new ways to approach worldbuilding and character design.Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunSupport Design Doc with a one-time tip: https://ko-fi.com/designdocDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abr...2024-08-0747 minDesign DocDesigning a Spooky Game (Part 1): The BrainstormWhat makes a game hack manageable in scope and size? Hannah and Evan delve back into game design to create a creepy amusement park Questlandia hack on the fly. They begin by brainstorming moods, moments, mechanics, and materials for a spoooooky game. From doppelgangers to malevolent crowds to corn dogs, they end with a wealth of ideas for the next design session.Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado...2024-07-2548 minDesign DocThe Founder OlympicsHannah and Evan face off in a battle of inspiration and ego to outdo each other's most founder ideas. Then, they set impostor syndrome aside and dilute those ideas down to something they'd both be willing to try.Links/Credits:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingJingle news by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/460424/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Get in touch:Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) comTurtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz2024-06-271h 05Design DocOur Best Design Doc IdeasFrom Mood, Moments, Mechanics, Materials (MMMM) to "Be aware, be charming," our Design Doc conversations over the years have inspired some of our favorite game design ideas. We talk about the ideas that have had a lasting impact on our game design, and how we're incorporating each one into our most recent project.Show notes:Okay, Let's Redesign Noirlandia, for Mood, Moments, Mechanics, MaterialsScopeful Optimism, for discussion of scopeFLETs, for fiddly little end thingsImperfect InspirationKudos ConundrumNumbers Hide Everything...2024-06-0353 minDesign DocThe Taste Talent GapPublic radio icon Ira Glass has a famous quote describing the gap between taste and talent in trying to hone your creative work. When you start out, your tastes are always bigger than your skill. It's a frustrating gap, and one that causes a lot of people to give up.In this episode we talk about everything that plays a part in the taste-skill gap. From personal energy and health, to money, ability, mood, and your relationship to the project as a whole. We talk about how our changing tastes have made our recent work all the...2024-05-0349 minDesign DocAdapting a TextHannah and Evan talk about how to transform a beloved movie, book, or show into a game, using their latest project as an example: An adaptation of a 1779 book of cosmetic chemistry, The Toilet of Flora.EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingProject Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/Toilet of Flora: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44276OUR GAMES:Website: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunGET IN TOUCH:Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) comJoin...2024-04-1141 minDesign DocWorking around a JobIn a perfect world, we'd make a living just making roleplaying games. But sometimes, duty calls, and you've got to work around another job. In this episode, we talk about rolling with the punches in a moment when the creative work is competing with a new and time-consuming reality—that of a day job.FOLLOW/CREDITS:Our games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunJoin the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzGet in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pa...2024-03-2044 minDesign DocObsessionsWhat’s the difference between a “theme” and an “obsession?” Inspired by a classic writing book from the ‘80s, we share our respective obsessions and talk about how they show up in our work, intentionally or otherwise.EPISODE MENTIONS:Learn how to play Go: https://online-go.com/learn-to-play-go Learn how to smell things (Introduction to Perfumery Kit or Perfumery Notes Kit from Perfumer’s Apprentice): https://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/c-58-educational-kits.aspxWriting Down the Bones (book by Natalie Goldberg)Synecdoche, New York (film)The...2024-02-2148 minDesign DocBetter Never Than Late?Kickstarter stretch goals are notorious for getting project creators into trouble. Sometimes, they over promise content. Other times, they create financial strain. Often, it's all of the above. In this episode, we talk about Top Tracks, a stretch goal project we just completed that's so overdue... nobody even remembered it.CW: This episode contains a discussion of sexual harassment.EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:Top Tracks! https://turtlebun.itch.io/damntheman (under Download Demo)Our games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunJoin the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg...2024-01-1151 minDesign DocDesigning Alone, but Not LonelyIn this episode, Hannah talks about the art of doing creative work alone. As part of a game design duo that normally does all creative work together, what does it look like to self-motivate on game design solo? From setting small, manageable goals and little rewards in advance to finding companionship in the work itself.MENTIONED IN EPISODE:Scavengers Reign (animated mini series) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21056886/Health Minds App (available for free on the Apple app store and Google Play) - https://hminnovations.org/meditation-appEPISODE LINKS...2023-12-1829 minDesign DocDesign Session: What Makes a Good Solo RPG?We love making solo RPGs, but we don't always love playing them. In this episode we brainstorm ideas for a possible one-player version of Questlandia, and what would make us excited to play it.EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:Our games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunJoin the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzGet in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) comDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunTurtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunDesign Doc...2023-11-1543 minDesign DocWill We Ever Finish Questlandia 2?This month marks the sixth anniversary of Design Doc, a podcast that started as a "year-long" project documenting our progress redesigning our first roleplaying game. Six years later, we talk about the different directions we've taken, and what Questlandia 2 means to us today.EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:Our games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunTurtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunDiscord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbzDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com...2023-10-2447 minDesign DocThe Liminal Spaces of Six FlagsHannah and Evan talk about the strange designs and abandoned places of Six Flags New England, the latest of a series of research trips. Join them on a jeep ride in the Jurassic, through the ghost town of Crackaxle, and into secret corners filled with claw machines.SUPPORT OUR VISIT BACK TO SIX FLAGS HERE:https://ko-fi.com/designdocEPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:Our games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunTwitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunDiscord: https://discord.gg/XD4...2023-09-261h 42Design Doc"People Were Shorter Back Then" (Guest ep w/ historical interpreter Enzo!)Former historical interpreter Enzo joins us to talk about interpreting history! A few months ago we visited Old Sturbridge Village, an 1830s rural New England recreation village. We went as naive visitors, only able to guess at how it was run. Our guest today was kind enough to share his memories of working at the museum! We discuss what it was like interacting with pass-holder guests, being the groom in a historic wedding, and sneaking off to take smoke breaks away from the prying eyes of modernity.Thanks again to Enzo for sharing his time and knowledge...2023-08-241h 06Design DocOld Sturbridge VillageIn this episode Hannah and Evan describe their recent trip to Sturbridge Village, an 1800s recreation historical town. They talk about the value of on-the-ground research for creative projects, the peculiarity of animal habitats in fantasy places, and some dredged-up financial controversies paving the ye olde village streets.Episode mentions:
Sturbridge Village: https://www.osv.org/
Jenny Nicholson video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9OhTB5eBqQ
The Maze Runner (film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maze_Runner_(film)
Turtlebun links:
Our games: turtlebun.com
Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun
Twitter: twitter.com...2023-07-2853 minDesign DocFounder EnergyWe talk about bringing confidence to our own work, including our recent scent-inspired game ideas. We're working on bringing that founder hustle without a toxic founder morality. Plus, we've got two new projects in the works inspired by olfactive poetry!1:25 - Founder energy13:58 - Project Gutenberg32:32 - Pie GirlEpisode Links and CreditsDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpodMentioned in this episodeOutsider Comics in Seattle - https://outsidercomics.com/Project...2023-07-0547 minDesign DocFish PeopleIn a much-requested episode topic, Hannah and Evan talk about WORLDBUILDING. We narrow in on three worldbuilding faux pas we're trying to be aware of in our own work: Word swapping, "Fish People," and the dreaded authorial insert.Episode Mentions:Lincoln in the Bardo: novel by George SaundersUpload: comedy-drama seriesEpisode Links and Credits:Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpodTurtlebun LinksOur other games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebun2023-06-0648 minDesign DocFocusing on FocusHannah and Evan discuss their personal experiences and struggles with focus. A new kind of work requires long stretches of sustained focus, disrupting old routines and demanding new strategies. They delve into the challenges and rewards of dodging distractions and shepherding wandering thoughts.Timestamps:00:55 - Introduction. The need to transition from sprint focus to something more sustained.10:10 - Our different styles of focus and how we work together: Switching off the role of cheerleader, having a plan and holding to routines; setting boundaries with friends, family, ourselves.18:17 - Switching to long-form...2023-05-1045 minDesign DocWe're Writing a NovelHannah and Evan talk about what it's like to tackle a very different type of creative work—writing a novel! We discuss the fun parts and the challenges of being two people trying to hone in on a single narrative voice.Mentioned in this episode:3-Act Structure: Abbie Emmons on YouTubePassing mentions: Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, Robert A. Heinlein, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, Over the Garden Wall (Episode 5: Mad Love)Episode Links and Credits:Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Do...2023-03-2854 minDesign DocPacked With Care (Part 2)Hannah and Evan discuss the trials and tribulations of packing a "deluxe" edition of Questlandia and the ridiculous mishaps that ensued.They chat fancy boxes, missing fonts, and making creative use of a limited budget.Episode Links and Credits:Our Kickstarter for a poster print run of our one-page single-player RPG Public Guest 5 ends tonight, February 16th at 8pm EST. You can support the project here:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/turtlebun/public-guest-fiveDesign Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com...2023-02-161h 01Design DocPacked With Care (Part 1)Hannah and Evan talk about the increasingly complicated logistics of packing and shipping games as small creators.In this episode, we talk all about packing and shipping. Where do you get bubble wrap when you need more than a roll, but less than a warehouse's-worth? What happens when a printer you've worked with for years really messes up, with no chance to fix it? All this and more in part 1, with part 2 to come.Episode Links and CreditsThe sticker makers we work with: https://stickerninja.com/Design...2023-01-1348 minDesign DocActually selling our gamesWe made the games, now we have to sell them. Hannah and Evan talk about something they're good at: making new games. And something they're bad at: confidently sharing those games with an audience that might like them.Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpodTurtlebun linksQuestlandia 2nd Edition: turtlebun.com/products/questlandiaOur other games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunTwitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunDiscord: https...2022-12-2352 minDesign DocWhat to do when you're sick of your gameHannah and Evan discuss how to repair their relationship with a game they've spent a year struggling to complete.Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpodMentioned in this episode:Microscope RPG by Ben Robbins.Turtlebun linksOur games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunTwitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunDiscord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz2022-11-1049 minDesign DocFLETs (Fiddly Little End Things)Hannah and Evan talk about the fiddly little end things that make a project go on, and on, and on much longer than you expected.Design Doc intro/outro theme: by Pat King
2022-10-0552 minDesign DocFLETs (Fiddly Little End Things)Hannah and Evan talk about the fiddly little end things that make a project go on, and on, and on much longer than you expected.Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpodTurtlebun linksOur games: turtlebun.comPatreon: patreon.com/turtlebunTwitter: twitter.com/turtleandbunInstagram: instagram.com/turtleandbunDiscord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz2022-10-0552 minDesign DocDispatch from an on-time timelineHannah and Evan salvage an episode about being on time with an upcoming game, and publish it in a world where they were not on time.Intro/outro theme by Pat King.2022-09-0956 minDesign DocImperfect InspirationPerfect media is untouchable. Hannah and Evan talk about looking to flawed, goofy, broken movies and books for creative inspiration, instead of looking to our favorites.Content: Intro/outro theme: by Pat King
2022-07-2155 minDesign DocBad lo-fi game ideas to study or relax toHannah reads you a game ideas to-do list for 30 minutes.
2022-05-2832 minDesign DocUnderdressed and over-dicedWhat's the right tone for the rules of a roleplaying game? Evan and Hannah talk about casual versus formal writing, and how small word choices exploded into rewriting the mechanics of Questlandia.
2022-03-1656 minDesign DocKudos ConundrumIn this episode, Hannah and Evan talk about the self-consciousness that comes when you grow up and are told you must make things for serious reasons. How does one escape that self-doubt? Enter...bad comics! Enter...fanfic!Intro/outro theme: Pat KingDesign Doc on twitter: https://twitter.com/designdocpodSupport us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
2022-01-2553 minDesign DocRekindling the FlameHow do you reignite the passion for an old project? Hannah and Evan talk about returning to Starship UltraLux and strain to apply a spaghetti metaphor.Check out our 2021 retrospective on Patreon! Happy New Year! :)Intro/outro music: Pat King
2021-12-2843 minDesign DocA Cat in the Lap and Other Good ThingsIt's easy to overlook the little things that are going well when there's no big exciting game or runaway success to chase. Hannah and Evan talk about appreciating small victories, daily routines, and high gravity days.Some games: https://turtlebun.com/collections/all-productsSome nano games: https://turtlebun.com/collections/all-products/products/nano-game-bundleEpisode intro/outro music by Pat King
2021-12-0243 minDesign DocNumbers Hide EverythingIn this episode Hannah and Evan chat about their honest expectations and secret hopes for the latest Kickstarter campaign. What do the numbers mean and why is it so hard to talk about money?Intro/Outro theme: by Pat KingThe Questlandia Kickstarter campaign ends November 18th. Link here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/turtlebun/questlandia-updated-and-expanded
2021-11-0851 minDesign DocThe Episode Before the KickstarterWe've had seven years to think of a good pitch for our game. Now, we're Kickstarting Questlandia again, and we're finally figuring out the pitch that feels right. In this episode we talk about the approaching Kickstarter for a new edition of Questlandia, and just how hard it is to find a genuine voice when speaking to an online void.The Questlandia updated and expanded edition Kickstarter launches October 20th. Sign up to be notified when the campaign goes live here.
2021-10-1945 minDesign DocResist the Urge to Fill Negative SpaceWe haven't had a deadlined project in a minute. But now it's time for a deadlined project again... How do we incorporate that work without letting un-deadlined projects slide? How does anyone not just fill the negative space?Intro/outro music: Pat KingJoin the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/9umUykHVAQOur Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
2021-09-2445 minDesign DocThe Work of Games Is Not Just Making GamesWe just finished a year-long project, and have a little time to plan our next steps! The work of what happens in-between is just as important as the work of making a new game. We brainstorm about future projects, how to sell the books we've already made, and making a new company and new website.
Design Doc Intro/Outro theme: Pat King
Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz
2021-08-3156 minDesign DocShootin the shootHannah and Evan shoot the shoot about games, being in the weird middle space of a project almost being done, and launching lucrative YouTube careers.
2021-05-2742 minDesign DocHow to Compare Roleplaying GamesHannah and Evan talk about the quest to thrive in the shadows of the world's most popular RPGs. An episode about how to compare every roleplaying game to the big ones, for the good.https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
Intro/Outro theme by Pat King
Addtl music: New Ages 1 by Little Dog Big Ears
2021-04-0645 minDesign DocDeluxe EditionHannah and Evan discuss the trials and tribulations of offering a "deluxe" version of a game on Kickstarter. How do you balance the quality, the complexity, and the pressure to compete with mass-produced games?Theme song by Pat KingEditing by Jeff Stormer of Party of One Podcast
2021-03-161h 06Design DocEverything Old Is New AgainWe sold out of Questlandias, and have decided to revamp it for the next print run! We talk about returning to our first game with both appreciation for what it is, and an intention to improve it.Theme song by Pat KingEditing by Jeff Stormer of Party of One Podcast
2021-02-0246 minDesign DocScopeful OptimismWe talk about what makes a game's scope big or small, why Q2 has taken so long, and all the projects we've made in the meantime.Support Design Doc on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
2021-01-1256 minDesign DocDesigning a Game Design WorkdayWe talk about how we've redesigned the structure of our workday, because boundaries around work are important even when—and ESPECIALLY when—it's work you love.Design doc intro/outro theme: by Pat KingOur Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
2020-09-2857 minDesign DocThe Games You Want to Make, The Life You Want to LiveWe sit down for an unplanned recording of Design Doc when Evan says something sad.Note: This episode discusses the toll that work can take on physical and mental health.End of episode donation notes:
The Okra Project - https://www.theokraproject.com/
Black Mental Health Alliance - https://blackmentalhealth.com/
Bail Fund List - https://bailfunds.github.io/
Music:
Design Doc Intro/Outro theme by Pat King
New Ages I by Little Dog Big Ears
2020-07-3132 minDesign DocBurnoutIn this episode we talk about completing a project that made us our own worst bosses and what it's like coming back from burnout.Link to re-launched Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun
2020-05-0740 minDesign DocThe Ski BikeIts purpose, the act of creation. Its destiny, unknowable. Today's episode is about a bike on skis.
Design Doc intro theme by Pat King.
Intermission and outro music, New Ages I by Little Dog Big Ears.
2020-03-3109 minDesign DocBreaking up with Character CreationCharacter creation in Questlandia 1 lasted two hours. Character creation in Questlandia 2 is five minutes. What changed?Intro/Outro music: by Pat King
2019-12-171h 00
Character Creation CastSeries 22.3 - Questlandia 2 with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland [Designers] (Discussion)In the final part of our Questlandia 2 series, we discuss the process of worldbuilding, talk about designing a game made for campaigns, and chat about how our lives influence our art in our discussion episode with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland, designers of the game and hosts of the Design Doc podcast, also part of the One Shot Podcast Network!Leave us reviews in any, or all, of these places:Character Creation Cast on Apple Podcasts (The best place to leave reviews for us)https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/character-creation-cast/id1363822066?mt=2&ls=12019-11-181h 19Character Creation CastSeries 22.2 - Questlandia 2 with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland [Designers] (Creation Continued)Welcome to the second episode of series 22, everyone! This episode we actually play a little bit of Questlandia 2 and create a world with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland, designers of the game and hosts of the Design Doc podcast, also part of the One Shot Podcast Network!Leave us reviews in any, or all, of these places:Character Creation Cast on Apple Podcasts (The best place to leave reviews for us)https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/character-creation-cast/id1363822066?mt=2&ls=1Character Creation Cast on Podchaserhttps://podchaser.com/CharacterCreationCastCharacter...2019-11-1357 minCharacter Creation CastSeries 22.1 - Questlandia 2 with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland [Designers] (Creation)Welcome to the first episode of series 22, everyone! This episode we cover character creation for Questlandia 2, get into some great discussion about game design and collaboration, and stumble into a really flattering design decision with Hannah Shaffer and Evan Rowland, designers of the game and hosts of the Design Doc podcast, also part of the One Shot Podcast Network!Leave us reviews in any, or all, of these places:Character Creation Cast on Apple Podcasts (The best place to leave reviews for us)https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/character-creation-cast/id1363822066?mt=2&ls=1...2019-11-041h 05Design DocWhen to Add Ghosts to Your GameThe junk poets are changing again. This time, maybe in a spoooooky way.We talk again about the junk poets as GMing tools and making them less corporeal, but more present than ever.
Design Doc Intro/outro theme: Pat King
Intermission music: New Ages 1 by Little Dog Big Ears
Design Doc on twitter: @designdocpod
2019-10-2246 minDesign DocWhen No One Is the GM, Everyone IsQuestlandia 2 is a campaign game with no Game Master. Without a designated person in the GM role, that responsibility must be distributed among all players. We talk about how the Junk Poets can support every player in the GM role.
2019-08-2344 minDesign DocThe UltraLux Bait-and-SwitchQuestlandia 2 has been delayed. Now, we're releasing an entirely different RPG first. We talk about—and try not to apologize for—how timelines and business have to adapt to design difficulties.
Design Doc intro/outro theme: by Pat King
2019-07-2436 min
Design DocYour Kickstarter Questions (Mostly) AnsweredWe asked on Twitter what you wanted to know about running a roleplaying game Kickstarter. Now, we're answering your questions. From self-promotion to self-care, what to say when there's nothing to say, and pretending we know anything about taxes.
Show notes:
Design Doc Intro/Outro theme by Pat King
Additional music: New Ages 1 by Little Dog Big Ears
2019-06-181h 18
Design DocOkay, Let's Redesign NoirlandiaWe try redesigning Noirlandia, one of our other roleplaying games, in one hour!
2019-05-211h 05
Design DocWe Still Don't Know Who the Junk Poets AreWho are the Junk Poets and what do they add to Questlandia? We go over what we know, what's still missing, and how they could make a GMless game easier to play!
2019-04-1648 min
Design DocFinding the Game's Emotional CoreWe've finished the first two playtests of Questlandia and something is still missing. In this episode we talk about how to hone in on the emotional core of the game. What stories does this game want to tell and how do we make sure it tells them?
2019-03-1346 min
Design DocPlaytesting Progress Part 2: The Spinning MountainAfter playtesting Questlandia's new kingdom and character creation, it's time to test some scenes! Bartholomew the anxious city planner and Quincy the cast out justice-bringer will have to make some hard choices. Choices that begin with a cat and end with a geological anomaly.
Intro/Outro theme music - by Pat King
2019-02-2148 minDesign DocPlaytesting Progress Part 1: Knotty BusinessWelcome to Kingdom Knot, where our people keep vigil over the void at the edge of the world. Something has emerged from that void—a creature for which we have no words, of which we have no memory. For now, we will call it...a "cat."
Music credits:
Design Doc Intro/Outro theme written by Pat King
Also featuring New Ages 1 by Little Dog, Big Ears
2019-01-3153 min
Design DocMake-Believe HistoryAlanna Shaffer joins us to talk about how, even when telling made-up stories, we can be aware of biases in the way we talk about history. Whose stories get told? Whose get left behind? And what's our responsibility to our fictional worlds?
Mentioned reading:
Charity and Sylvia by Rachel Hope Cleves
The New Map of Empire: How Britain Imagined America before Independence by Max Edelson
The Cheese and the Worms: The Cosmos of a Sixteenth-Century Miller by Carlo Ginzburg
Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution by Kathleen DuVal
A Misplaced Massacre: Struggling...2019-01-1152 min
Design DocWhoops, It's a DystopiaWhy are our worlds turning out horrible? After playtesting at Metatopia, we talk about how the framing for worldbuilding can exaggerate societies to cartoonish levels. Maybe we can learn from the original Questlandia?
2018-12-1237 min
Design DocIt's Trans Awareness Week (Mini Bonus Ep)It's Trans Awareness Week. A short bonus episode about trans allyship, education, and creating better gaming spaces.
Trans Awareness Week: https://www.glaad.org/transweek
The Trans Language Primer : https://www.translanguageprimer.com/
2018-11-1905 min
Design DocGames Are PoliticalWe talk about acknowledging—and embracing—the inherent politics of game design.
Intro music credit. New Ages 1 from Little Big Dog Ears.
http://opsound.org/artist/littledogbigears/
http://opsound.org/info/license/
2018-11-0635 min
Design DocRetreat ForwardIn September we met for a mini Questlandia retreat. We talked about how our intentions for the game have shifted in the current political landscape and introduced an unfolding guidebook that will sit at the center of play.
2018-10-0437 min
Design DocMaking Things in Hard TimesHow do you keep making things when life throws the unexpected your way? We're learning what that looks like now.
2018-08-1735 min
Design DocSocial Dynamics at the TableA good GM can step up to manage social dynamics at the table. But in Questlandia 2, there is no GM, so the rules we write need to do that work. How can we keep the excitement and ideas flowing without leaving quieter players out of the fun?
2018-07-1342 min
Design DocYou Can Kill a King, but You Can't Make a MarinaraWhat happens if a player achieves their big character goal in the very first scene of the game? We found out.
2018-06-1847 min
Design DocRomancing the WallWith no GM, players in Questlandia 2 are responsible for framing their own scene types. As a result they animate objects, make holy voyages, and befriend a sentient wall.
2018-05-1839 min
Design DocThe Worst Ideas We've Had so FarGood games are often built on an avalanche of bad ideas. We talk about the worst ideas we've had so far, and how to turn them into something useful.
2018-04-2342 min
Design DocDeadline MotivatedWe talk about deadlines, and the whooshing noise they make as they go by.
2018-03-2339 min
Design DocMosslickersThe first playtest that takes us all the way through character creation. Meet beasts of burden, puppeteers, and the queens who inhabit Mosslicker Alley.2018-03-0439 min
Design DocThe Symbol ReaderWe experiment with a customized alethiometer to explore stories and build new worlds.
2018-02-1644 min
Design DocCollaborationThe Make Big Things team talks about making games as a cooperative.
2018-01-2548 min
Design DocThe First PlaytestWith one playtest down, we talk about what went right, what went wrong, and what we'd like to change.2017-12-2843 min
Design DocPreparing the PlaytestWe attempt to put theory into practice as we prep for Questlandia's first playtest.
2017-12-1646 min
Design DocPlumb BobsWhat makes for a good RPG toolkit? We explore dice, cards, dactylomancy, and some of the weirder tactile tools you can bring to the table.
2017-11-2941 min
Design DocWorldbuildingHow we built worlds in the original Questlandia, and what's to come.
2017-11-1450 min
Design DocMetaplotA discussion of worlds within worlds within worlds.
2017-10-3135 min
Design DocWelcome To Questlandia!Hannah and Evan embark on a journey to redesign their first roleplaying game. Welcome to Design Doc, our year-long experiment in transparent design!
Social media
https://twitter.com/designdocpod
designdocpod@gmail.com
2017-10-1739 min