podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
And Cassandra Chowdhury
Shows
PlayDNA
Play DNA Quick Update
No episode of Play DNA this week as Damon and Cassandra are a bit under the weather. They are continuing to improve and we will be back in two weeks! We will miss you. Keep playing games while we are out!
2023-06-20
00 min
PlayDNA
Game Movies
There are a few notable game-inspired movies out there- Clue, Ouija, etc. But it looks like the future holds a lot more! Which one is most surprising, and which one might turn out best?Games we played:Shuffleboard | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHarry Potter: Hogwarts Battle | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHues and Cues | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Oregon Trail Card Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFlesh and Blood | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2022-03-30
37 min
PlayDNA
I'm Here for the Food
Bunco! You may have played this extremely simple dice rolling game, especially if you are a middle aged or senior woman. From gambling parlors to middle America households, this game has experienced numerous waves of extreme popularity. What makes it the choice of game for so many women's social groups?Games we played:Parade | Board Game | BoardGameGeekArboretum | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPiece o' Cake | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPictionary Air | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMission: Red Planet (Second Edition) | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Quacks of Quedlinburg | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Quacks of...
2022-03-23
43 min
PlayDNA
Farming Picks! (best farming games)
If you're into farming games, we have 9 picks that you might enjoy!Games we playedCribbage | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSo Clover! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Search for Planet X | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMansions of Madness: Second Edition | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussedViticulture | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLlamaland | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEgizia | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHappy Pigs | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJuicy Fruits | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMyrmes | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBunny Kingdom | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBohnanza | Board Game | BoardGameGeekAgricola | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2022-03-12
36 min
PlayDNA
Water and Worms
Dune! It's a beloved property that has been made into multiple board games, with more on the way thanks to the popularity of the newest Dune film. What about the Dune story makes it fit for game design, and how have different games interpreted the property differently?Games we played:So Clover! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Dune | Board Game | BoardGameGeek 1979Dune | Board Game | BoardGameGeek 2019Dune: Imperium | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDune: House Secrets | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCosmic Encounter | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA Game of Thrones: The Board G...
2022-03-09
38 min
PlayDNA
Stressed Out
How much stress is too much in a game? We want tension of course, stakes, interesting social interactions. But some kinds of stress are just too hard to handle- and which type is the worst is going to be different for each player.Games We played BanduRadlandsNew York ZooHappy SalmonWord On The StreetCivilization: A New DawnSummer CampGames We DiscussedTichuChessZoolorettoMagic MazeDominant SpeciesCaptain SonarParksSummer CampTicket To RideGoDunePitGhost Blitz Ladies and Gentlemen Shamans PandemicKill Doctor LuckyCards Against HumanityKeyflowerTaco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaFold ItGet Packing
2022-03-02
33 min
PlayDNA
Do you Remember?
Nostalgia! It's hard to define but easy to feel. Do you feel it for games? Which ones? Is nostalgia a good feeling or a bad one?Games we played:Ricochet Robots | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:3UP 3DOWN | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFireball Island | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHeroQuest Advanced Quest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLearn more about nostalgia here!Why Nostalgia Ain't So Rosy — The Happiness Lab
2022-02-23
41 min
PlayDNA
Dice Picks! (great games featuring dice)
Love dice? So do we! Here are 9 of our fave dice-based games!Games we played:Escape Simulator on Steam (steampowered.com)Canvas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Dice Hospital | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLas Vegas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEra: Medieval Age | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSagrada | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEscape: The Curse of the Temple | Board Game | BoardGameGeekKing of Tokyo | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTroyes Dice | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCan't Stop | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPerudo | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2022-02-16
25 min
PlayDNA
The Two Types of Randomness
Love randomness in some games but abhor it in others? Perhaps we can help you understand why. In this episode, Damon sheds light on the difference between input and output randomness, and the fine line designers tread to make a game deliciously tense and not enraging.Games we played:https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/284742/honey-buzzhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/282954/parishttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/214396/campy-creatureshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27225/bananagramshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/270971/era-medieval-agehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2398/cribbagehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/303057/pan-amGames we discussed:...
2022-02-09
50 min
PlayDNA
Do You Rate?
How often do you check the Board Game Geek ratings of games before you try them? How often do you rate them yourself? Today we talk about whether BGG's rating system is a good indicator of board game quality, what types of gamers are using BGG, and how it could be improved.Games we played:Magic: The Gathering | Board Game | BoardGameGeekVampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBox One | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNew York Zoo | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Top 100 Board Game Geek Games
2022-02-03
45 min
PlayDNA
Summarize to Avoid Surprise
How do you summarize a game to new players? And what types of summaries will usually convince you to give a game a try? Do you like to hear about the theme, mechanics, weight, duration, perhaps puns? The answer is different for everyone, but summarizing games is an important skill for anyone in the hobby!Games we played:Era: Medieval Age | Board Game | BoardGameGeekChimera | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFish 'n' Chips | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCelestia | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA great BGG article about how to categorize gamesAn Alternative Classification...
2022-01-26
51 min
PlayDNA
2022 Holiday Catchup Part 2
We played so many more games. SO MANY. From On Tour, to Hogwarts Battle, to Babylonia, we found some good ones and some others that we suggest you avoid.Games we played:On Tour (Second Edition) | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTRAILS | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDinosaur Island | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPUSH | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSanta Monica | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEra: Medieval Age | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMole Rats in Space | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHarry Potter: Hogwarts Battle | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMystery of the Abbey | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUtter Nonsense...
2022-01-19
53 min
PlayDNA
2022 Holiday Catchup!
WE ARE BACK! Happy New Year everyone! We played a TON of games over break, so this week is part one of our catchup. Games we played:CuBirds | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDr. Eureka | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDr. Microbe | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJunk Art | Board Game | BoardGameGeek (we recommend Bandu instead Bausack | Board Game | BoardGameGeek)Mamma Mia! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDrone Home | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA Game of Cat & Mouth | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBeez | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Golden Ticket Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekIndulgence | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2022-01-12
47 min
PlayDNA
2021 in Review
2021 is at an end! This episode we discuss our favorites of the year.This is our last episode of the year! Subscribe to the podcast, our facebook, and our instagram to get a notification when we post our first episode of 2022!Games we played:Cascadia | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJuicy Fruits | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDice Miner | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWindward | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCanvas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Summer Camp | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCalico | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTaco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza | Board Game...
2021-12-01
35 min
PlayDNA
City Picks! (best city building games)
Who doesn't love building a civilization from the ground up? In these city building games, you can build towers, cultivate crops, plan neighborhoods, and even buy votes to pass bills that will benefit you. These are our faves!Games we played:Dune | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSkull | Board Game | BoardGameGeekYINSH | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTurn the Tide | Board Game | BoardGameGeekAzul | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Tiny Towns | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRoll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age | Board Game | BoardGameGeekAlhambra | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWelcome...
2021-11-24
31 min
PlayDNA
Set 'em Up
Game setup- I think it's safe to say that for many people this is the worst part of the board game experience. Which games have the best and worst setups, and how can designers improve the experience?Games We Played:Unspeakable Words | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFearsome Floors | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPiece o' Cake | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExit: The Game – The Gate Between Worlds | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTEN | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Chameleon | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHorrified | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames We Discussed:Wasteland Express Delivery Service | Board Ga...
2021-11-17
43 min
PlayDNA
Thank the Artist
Let's stop a moment to thank the amazing artists who make our games beautiful! Which games do you find breathtaking every time you put them on the table?Games we played:Piece o' Cake | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:PARKS | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMagic: The Gathering | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRaccoon Tycoon | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDixit | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMysterium | Board Game | BoardGameGeekAzul | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCalico | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCa$h 'n Gun$ | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWasteland Express Delivery Service | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-11-10
27 min
PlayDNA
Would You Replay it?
How often do you replay your games? What draws you back to them? This episode that's exactly what we discuss- what makes certain games fun to play over and over again and how does that answer differ for different types of gamer?What we played:Fold-it | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTumblin-Dice | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSkull King | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRed Rising | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMandala | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWhat we discussed:The Resistance: Avalon | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCodenames | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Taverns of Tiefenthal | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-11-03
36 min
PlayDNA
A Letter to Lovecraft
This humble podcast has been disparaging Lovecraft board games since the beginning- but this week, special guest Kyu Saiewitz is here to set the record straight! Lovecraft enthusiasts, hop in and share the Lovecraft Love.Games we played:Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHalf Truth | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWindward | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGuillotine | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Arkham Horror | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEldritch Horror | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMansions of Madness | Board Game | BoardGameGeekElder Sign | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...
2021-10-27
52 min
PlayDNA
Word Picks! (great word games)
Who doesn't love a good word game? Step aside scrabble, these are some fantastic word games you can play with just about anyone!Games we played:The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHappy City | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Letter Jam | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWord on the Street | Board Game | BoardGameGeekKonexi | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrapwords | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBananagrams | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPictomania | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnspeakable Words | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWhen I Dream | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCodenames...
2021-10-20
22 min
PlayDNA
Representing the Unrepresentable
Hunger, madness, cold, and fatigue. These are strong motivators we experience as humans and enticing topics to include in a board game. But how can a designer go about doing so effectively? Damon talks us through ways that "unrepresentable" feelings have been mechanized in games, both effectively and ineffectively.Games we played:Throw Throw Burrito | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSheriff of Nottingham | Board Game | BoardGameGeekShadows in the Forest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFire Tower | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Butchering Pathologic - Part 1: The Body | Rock Paper ShotgunAgricola...
2021-10-13
32 min
PlayDNA
It's About the Cones
Read any rules that have given you real "Cones of Dunshire" vibes? We sure have. Here are some of the rulebooks passages that have baffled, horrified, and delighted us with their overcomplicated language.Parks and Recreation- The Cones of Dunshire- The Cones of Dunshire - Parks and Recreation - YouTubeBen Throws Down on Cones of Dunshire - Parks and Recreation - YouTubeGames we played:Juicy Fruits | Board Game | BoardGameGeekOn Tour | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNew York Slice | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPuzzle Effect Denver | The Ultimate Escape Room...
2021-10-06
29 min
PlayDNA
Fifty-Two
We are so used to the fifty two card deck we rarely stop to think about how it came to be. Today Sarah tells us how the standard card deck has changed over time to become what we know so well today. Plus, the secret history behind the ornate Ace of Spades!Games we played:Turn the Tide | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBausack | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWordariffic | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSkull King | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWelcome to the Dungeon | Board Game | BoardGameGeekShamans | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-09-29
25 min
PlayDNA
GenCon 2021!
Oh, the games that we have played!! GenCon 2021 has come and gone and we had such a great time playing games and meeting people!(Forgive our growing pains as we test out new microphone setups! Mistakes were made . . .)Games we played:On Tour | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFire Tower | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSHŌBU | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrapwords | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSuper Mega Lucky Box | Board Game | BoardGameGeekQ.E. | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJuicy Fruits | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRorschach | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEchidna Shuffle | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-09-22
37 min
PlayDNA
Ocean Picks! (games about the ocean)
In this episode, 9 ways to dive into a fantastical, watery world! These are our favorite ocean games. Games we played:Puzzle Strike | Board Game | BoardGameGeekVisitor in Blackwood Grove | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBurgle Bros 2: The Casino Capers | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Oceans | Board Game | BoardGameGeekAbyss | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHey, That's My Fish! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCaptain Sonar | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFrancis Drake | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTurn the Tide | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSeaFall | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMerchants & Marauders | Board Game | BoardGameGeekN...
2021-09-15
34 min
PlayDNA
Seeing Red
What games have made you see red? Broken up friendships? Inspired dramatic, stomping exits? These are games that induce rage!Games we played:Dice Hospital | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPARKS: Nightfall Expansion | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHow to Play PARKS Nightfall - YouTubeThe Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTaco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSheriff of Nottingham | Board Game | BoardGameGeekShadows in the Forest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Risk Legacy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMy City | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...
2021-09-08
32 min
PlayDNA
The Stereotype
What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of a "gamer?" The answer will differ for everyone but we may find some common themes. Where do these stereotypes come from? And are they accurate? Games we played:https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/307997/insider-blackhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/246228/impact-battle-elements
2021-09-01
35 min
PlayDNA
Groove with your Games
Do you listen to music while you are playing games? Have any favorite games that utilize music and soundtracks in their gameplay? This episode we talk about great utilization of audio in creating immersion and unique game mechanics. Games we played:Skull | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCosmic Encounter | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTichu | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGet some cool tabletop soundtracks here!Tabletop Audio - Ambiences and Music for Tabletop Role Playing GamesGames we discussed:Meeple Circus | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMysterium | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMysterium – LibelludLa...
2021-08-25
33 min
PlayDNA
Space Picks! (great space themed games)
Travelling to space is now affordable for everyone! Just play one of these great space themed board games.Games we played:Mission: Red Planet (Second Edition) | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNear and Far | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSkull | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFor Sale | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCartographers | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEminent Domain | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRelationship Tightrope | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRock the Beat | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Golden Ticket Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Race for the Galaxy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRoll for the...
2021-08-18
39 min
PlayDNA
A catch up
We went on a trip! And played a crapload of games. This episode is a catchup.Games we played:Shifting Stones | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGhost Blitz | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDurian | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTaco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrails of Tucana | Board Game | BoardGameGeekIllusion | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSummer Camp | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPARKS | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSpicy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJoraku | Board Game | BoardGameGeekQ.E. | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBrass: Lancashire | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTerraforming Mars | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-08-11
45 min
PlayDNA
Games in Distress
It's easy to forget that play is not just a luxury, but an essential part of our development into fully functional adults. This episode we talk about how play continues even when children and adults are face with extremely distressing circumstances.Content warning- We talk about some dark historical moments that may not be appropriate for children.Games we played:Skull King | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLoot | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBabylonia | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrial by Trolley | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWhat we discussed:Play Therapy: What Is It, How...
2021-08-04
23 min
PlayDNA
On the Subject of Ghost Beef
Yu-Gu-Oh! is one of the most popular card games of all time. Today, Damon talks about how it came to be and some of the absolutely absurd cards the game has accumulated over time.Games we played:Deckscape: The Mystery of Eldorado | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEscape Room in a Box: Flashback | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPitchstorm | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Shining | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLost Ruins of Arnak | Board Game | BoardGameGeekParis: La Cité de la Lumière | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA Little Wordy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrial by Trolley | Bo...
2021-07-28
37 min
PlayDNA
Cool Components
What are some games with amazing, unusual components that you just can't stop playing with? From rugs, to drones, to dice towers, these are some super cool components!Games we played:Nine Tiles Panic | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMoon Adventure | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBausack | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDungeon Drop | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSummer Camp | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBye, Felicia! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Deck-Building Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThunderstone Quest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Camel Up...
2021-07-21
32 min
PlayDNA
Bidding picks! (Games with a bidding mechanic)
Let's do some gambling! Or rather, bidding, and boy are there some fantastic bidding games out there. From Medici to Dogs of War, here are our favorite bidding games!Games we played:Veiled Fate | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPiepmatz | Board Game | BoardGameGeekChakra | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discuss:Ra | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMedici | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBiblios | Board Game | BoardGameGeekVegas Showdown | Board Game | BoardGameGeekColosseum | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFor Sale | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDogs of War | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBausack | Board Game...
2021-07-14
42 min
PlayDNA
Think Outside the Box
How do you feel about weird game boxes? Boxes shaped like books? Boxes shaped like bullets? Or banana shaped bags with the pieces thrown in? Today we talk weird board game packaging!Games we played:Spicy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBlack Spy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTapeworm | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCuBirds | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Bananagrams | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRamen Fury | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBiblios | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWicked Witches Way | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBANG! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSlamwich | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDungeon...
2021-07-07
19 min
PlayDNA
Mathiness
Points, points, points. So much of gaming is a question of how we get points. But there are a growing number of games that will give players points for well, just about anything. This week Damon talks 'mathiness' in game, point salad mechanics and how it can hurt players' ability to intuit rules and strategy.Games we played:Dwellings of Eldervale | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExit: The Game – The Enchanted Forest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRainbow Pirates | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFriday the 13th | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussedPoint Salad | Bo...
2021-06-30
26 min
PlayDNA
Hawaiian Checkers
One of the joys of board games is that there are so many localized, culture specific ones. Konane is one such game, also known as Hawaiian Checkers. Sarah goes over the history of the game and its survival even in the face of Christian Missionaries.Games we PlayedMarrakech | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBlack Sonata | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBreak In: Alcatraz | Board Game | BoardGameGeek(Oops, not a million dollar puzzle, but still a lot!) The $100,000 Puzzle That Took Two Years to Solve - YouTubeGames we DiscussedKonane | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-06-23
28 min
PlayDNA
Treasure Picks! (best treasure hunting games)
Do you like treasure? So do we! Here are our recommendations for games that will make you feel like Indiana Jones.Games we played:Wish You Were Here | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMariposas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTurn the Tide | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSlip Strike | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Diamant | Board Game | BoardGameGeekForgotten Waters | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThebes | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Quest for El Dorado | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTreasure Island | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTobago | Board Game | BoardGameGeekKaruba | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...
2021-06-16
29 min
PlayDNA
The Relationship Game
Playing games with a significant other is a great way to spend time together- but it can also be challenging. This week we talk about gaming in relationships and games expose our most vulnerable selves.Games we played:Fantasy Realms | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThunderstone Quest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBreak In: Alcatraz | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnlock!: Mystery Adventures – The Nautilus' Traps | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDice Hospital | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPaleo | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCrystallo | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSecond Chance | Board Game | BoardGameGeekWant to figure out what you an...
2021-06-09
38 min
PlayDNA
Multimedia Games
Remember Scene It? VHS games? How about more modern games that heavily utilize apps as part of gameplay? This week Damon talks multimedia games and how video/audio components can add to or limit a gaming experience.Games we played:Carte Rouge (theenigmaemporium.com)Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDungeon Roll | Board Game | BoardGameGeekOrchard: A 9 card solitaire game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekKaruba | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Scene It?: The DVD Movie Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekStar Trek: The Next Generation...
2021-06-02
34 min
PlayDNA
Milton Bradley and Traditional Games
How did the famous Milton Bradley get his start in games? Sarah takes us through the winding company of both the man and the company. Plus we talk about Hasbro's unique place in the gaming market.Games we played:Unlock!: Timeless Adventures | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnlock!: Exotic Adventures – Scheherazade's Last Tale | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnlock!: Heroic Adventures | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCurios | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMarshmallow Test | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-05-26
31 min
PlayDNA
Comedy Picks! (Games that make us laugh)
What games have tickled you? Made you laugh till you cried? The answer will be different for everyone, but here are our favorites!Games we playedTreasure Island | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExit: The Game – The Cemetery of the Knight | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRicochet Robots | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussedPit | Board Game | BoardGameGeekOnce Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBohnanza | Board Game | BoardGameGeekJunta | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA Fake Artist Goes to New York | Board Game | BoardGameGeekA Game of Ca...
2021-05-19
27 min
PlayDNA
Escape the Box!
It's the thrill of an escape room- inside of a box! Back on the show this week is escape room aficionado, Kyu Saiewitz. Here are our favorite thrilling escape experiences!Games we played:A Game of Cat & Mouth | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSecond Chance | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Bloody Inn | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMedium | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRed Flags | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Unlock!: Epic Adventures | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExit: The Game – The Forbidden Castle | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExit: The Game – The Catacombs of Horror | Board Game...
2021-05-12
51 min
PlayDNA
Storing your Games
Where do you put your games? On a shelf, under a table, stuffed between couch cushions? This is a hobby that takes up some serious space. Are your games organized by name? Shape? Theme? Or do you just freeform it and pray? Show us your shelfies!Games we played:Squire for Hire | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCatacombs Conquest | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Isle of Cats | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNew Phone, Who Dis? | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-05-05
33 min
PlayDNA
Play it Yourself
No one to play games with? No problem! There are countless solo games available nowadays. Sarah takes us through some of her favorites, and why she loves the solo play experience.Games we played:https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/294612/unlock-epic-adventureshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254386/raccoon-tycoonhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/323255/box-onehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/275973/curiosGames we discussed:https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/239464/palm-islandhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245654/railroad-ink-deep-blue-editionhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/119506/freedom-underground-railroadhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/240567/chocolate-factoryhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/290982/roll-estatehttps...
2021-04-28
25 min
PlayDNA
Escape the Room!
Escape rooms are an utterly unique and powerful game genre- one that combines game design with story, lighting, production design, engineering, and sometimes even acting. Today we speak with special guest and escape room enthusiast Kyu Saiewitz about their many escape room experiences all over the US. We discuss what makes a room great, and what leaves us wanting. WARNING! Minor spoilers in the episode! Visit us at playdnapodcast.com to send us a message or see images from our episodes!What we played:Solani | Board Game | BoardGameGeekColosseum | Board Game | BoardGameGeekR...
2021-04-21
57 min
PlayDNA
Print n' Play Picks!
Have you played every single game in your library 100 times? Print some more! Here are our top picks for Print n' Play games that are officially released by their publishers and (in most cases) free! Have fun!Games we played:Istanbul: The Dice Game | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCat Café | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCondottiere | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMetroX: Sendai & Hakata & Nagoya | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Secret Hitler | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSecret_Hitler_Print_and_Play-c6d30b0928e91d6b3c5ce73df4c87441.pdf (vapid.site)
2021-04-14
23 min
PlayDNA
Games with Flavor
Flavor text! Compelling writing! These obviously make games better, so why does it seem like many tabletop games put so little effort into these elements? This week Damon talks about games with great writing and flavor, and which games fall surprisingly short.Visit us at our website playdnapodcast.com, and shoot us an email to tell us about games you think have great (or awful) writing!Games we discuss:Risk Legacy | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMagic: The Gathering | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCuba | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNear and Far | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...
2021-04-07
42 min
PlayDNA
Never Again
Let's be honest- there are a lot of games that we would never play again. Like, ever. Here are some of the ones we can't stand, and why we wouldn't recommend it to others. Of course, everyone's taste is different, so all advice is given with a grain of salt!Games we playedCuba | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEvolution | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFumbling Ferrets | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTaco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLinq | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussedRattlebones | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPyramix | Board Game...
2021-03-31
45 min
PlayDNA
Games in Translation
Can you buy board games in your native language? Are the games translated or are they localized? What's the difference and why is it important? This week we talk about how differences in language structure, cultural references, and cultural sensibilities are tackled creatively to insure that board games can be enjoyed around the world.Games we played:Tiki Topple | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCahoots | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExcape | Board Game | BoardGameGeekShifting Stones | Board Game | BoardGameGeekForgotten Waters | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Magic: The Gathering | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-03-24
33 min
PlayDNA
How Does it Begin?
There are multiple layers to a game's beginning- the rules reading, the setup, and the actual first turn. What makes for a great beginning and which ones leave players feeling immediately unbalanced and annoyed?Find us on Instagram PlayDNA (@playdna_podcast) or Facebook Play DNA | FacebookGames we played:Catan | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCalico | Board Game | BoardGameGeekQwixx | Board Game | BoardGameGeekIstanbul | Board Game | BoardGameGeekChairs | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLet's Go Fishin' | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Talisman | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHey, That's M...
2021-03-17
43 min
PlayDNA
Wild Picks! (animal themed games)
Love board games AND animals? So do we! These picks are for you.This episode is a crossover between this podcast and our new comedy animal themed podcast, Best Beast. Check out Best Beast here! Best Beast (buzzsprout.com)Games we played:Awkward Guests | Board Game | BoardGameGeekForgotten Waters | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDurian | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Climbers | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:Evolution | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHappy Pigs | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTrash Pandas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekZooloretto | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMariposas | Board G...
2021-03-10
30 min
PlayDNA
Toy vs Game
Which one is it? Can a toy have a beginning and end and not be a game? Can a game have rules and actually be a toy? And where on earth do we fit in puzzles? We slog our way through this question and try to determine what qualities make something feel like a "game" vs any other activity.Games we played:Commands & Colors: Napoleonics | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnderwater Cities | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSchool of Sorcery | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-03-03
41 min
PlayDNA
Games as Propaganda
Games have been used throughout history as a means of communication, for both good and evil. From Hitler to Queen Elizabeth I, cards and games have proven a powerful tool in manipulating people's feelings and beliefs.Games we played:ZÈRTZ | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCommands & Colors: Napoleonics | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMore information about propaganda in games:In der Fuehrer’s Face - The World of Playing Cards (wopc.co.uk)Using Playing Cards For Propaganda – PlayingCardDecks.comIf you want to learn more about how games have been used d...
2021-02-24
25 min
PlayDNA
How Does it End?
How important is the way a game ends? A good ending can cement a playing experience together, while a bad one can erase a game completely from your memory, or even worse, make it memorable for all the wrong reasons. This week Damon talks about how having a strong narrative arc and a satisfying ending is possible to achieve, even in games without complex stories or themes. We discuss our favorite victory point endings, fixed time endings, control endings, and aha endings, and which ones left us feeling unsatisfied.Games we played:Baron Voodoo | Board Game...
2021-02-17
47 min
PlayDNA
Play With My Heart Picks (Love Themed Games)
A Valentine's Day Curation- 9 love themed games you can play with your partner or friends this Valentine's Day, or anytime you are feeling the love!Games we discuss:The Ravens of Thri Sahashri | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRose Ceremony | Board Game | BoardGameGeekConsentacle | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFog of Love | Board Game | BoardGameGeekMarrying Mr. Darcy | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...and then, we held hands. | Board Game | BoardGameGeekArranged! | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGiftTRAP | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLove Letter | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2021-02-10
42 min
PlayDNA
All Aboard Games!
This week Sarah tells us about the two most common flavors of train game, we talk about our favorite train games, and how the "genre" train and the "theme" train differ.Games we played:Shadows in Kyoto | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPortals and Prophets | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we discussed:1829 | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRailways of the World | Board Game | BoardGameGeekParis Connection | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEmpire Builder | Board Game | BoardGameGeekString Railway | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTransAmerica | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTicket to Ride | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFirst...
2021-02-03
26 min
PlayDNA
Games You Can Eat!
Yes! Edible games are a thing and they are delicious. Cassandra discusses her experience with one of Jenn Sandercock's edible games The Order of the Oven Mitt, and how edible games can make us think differently about design and play.Games we played:Drone Home | Board Game | BoardGameGeekPARKS | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCurious Cargo | Board Game | BoardGameGeekEdible Game Links:The Order of the Oven Mitt (free sample recipe and game!)EdibleGamesCookbook_sample.pdfEdible Games Cookbook (hard copy or kindle options)Edible Games | Play...
2021-01-27
31 min
PlayDNA
The Church of Bridge
Bridge is a classic game- but more than that it's a tradition, passed down for centuries. The game has blossomed into a culture, with rituals, conventions, and metagaming that go well beyond the game rules. This week Damon discusses Bridge and the vast difference between the game as written vs the game as practiced. We also discuss other trick taking games that have evolved from Whist and which one might be the best for your group.Games we played:Via Nebula | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine | Board Game | BoardGameGeekI...
2021-01-20
53 min
PlayDNA
Disability Picks! (The best board games for different types of disability)
Starting off this season we wanted to talk about accessibility! Here are our ideas for how to make sure everyone can be included in your board gaming sessions.We aren't experts but the people over at Meeple Like Us are! Check out their list of accessible board games here! Meeple Like Us Masterlist - Meeple Like UsGames we discussed:Great games for Visual Impairment:Chess | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNyctophobia | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGreat games for Hearing Impairment:Chess | Board Game | BoardGameGeekQwirkle | Board Game | BoardGameGeek...
2021-01-13
30 min
PlayDNA
Our Holiday Catchup
New year, new season! Welcome to season 2 of PlayDNA- this week we catch up on all the games we received and played over the holidays.Games we played:Visitor in Blackwood Grove | Board Game | BoardGameGeekChocolate Factory | Board Game | BoardGameGeekDune | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCóatl | Board Game | BoardGameGeekIllusion | Board Game | BoardGameGeekFugitive | Board Game | BoardGameGeekHardback | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSHŌBU | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Great Dalmuti | Board Game | BoardGameGeekExchange | Board Game | BoardGameGeekUnlock!: Epic Adventures | Board Game | BoardGameGeek (The Seventh Screening)
2021-01-06
30 min
PlayDNA
2020 End of Year Review
This is our last episode of 2020! We discuss the games we loved the most this year, plus the things we are looking forward to in 2021.Have a great holiday season, friends! We will be back in January!Games we played:UNO | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRed7 | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGames we mentioned:Azul: Summer Pavilion | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Taverns of Tiefenthal | Board Game | BoardGameGeekTang Garden | Board Game | BoardGameGeekOceans | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSonora | Board...
2020-12-02
33 min
PlayDNA
Thanksgiving!
We are grateful for this podcast and for you guys! Today we talk about what makes us grateful about our board gaming hobby, how we got into it, and why others should, too!Games we played:Paranormal Detectives | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCompounded | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCartographers | Board Game | BoardGameGeekBig Money | Board Game | BoardGameGeekLas Vegas | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSilver & Gold | Board Game | BoardGameGeekRailways of the World | Board Game | BoardGameGeekCatan | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2020-11-25
29 min
PlayDNA
Pink vs. Blue
Like it or not, there's a gender divide in play of all kinds, including board games. Why does this divide exist and what can we do about it? Damon talks about inclusivity in design and in play, we talk about early experiences playing with 'gendered' toys, and we discuss what makes a game feel more "masculine" or "feminine."Games we Played:Ubongohttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16986/ubongoTwinklehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/318559/twinkleWasteland Expresshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/195560/wasteland-express-delivery-serviceAce of Aceshttps...
2020-11-18
43 min
PlayDNA
Food Picks! (The Best Food Themed Games)
Games good enough to eat! For all you foodies and home chefs out there, this week we talk about food themed games! From the fast-playing casual Sushi Go, to the elegant Elevenses, we have some great picks to satisfy your appetite.Games we mention:Piece O' Cake https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/37371/piece-o-cakeA La Cartehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/217/la-carteSushi Gohttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/133473/sushi-goWasabihttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/33154/wasabiMaki Stackhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/240094/maki-stackG...
2020-11-11
21 min
PlayDNA
Cheaters
The accidental cheat is bound to happen when you're an avid boardgamer, but purposeful cheating is another matter entirely. Sarah discusses some of the psychology behind cheating and how you can address a cheater in your gaming group.Games we Played:Tichuhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/215/tichuJust Onehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254640/just-oneGames Mentioned:https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254617/monopoly-cheaters-editionArticles:https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/77316/psychology-cheatinghttps://ifstudies.org/blog/cheating-at-play-cheating-in-lifehttps://geekandsundry.com/science-explains-why-people-cheat-at-games/...
2020-11-04
45 min
PlayDNA
Halloween!
It's here! Even if you're staying in, board games can make your Halloween fun, spooky, memorable. We discuss all our favorite spooky and monster themed games from Mysterium to Nemesis.Games we played:Jawshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/272738/jawsBlank Slatehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254188/blank-slateCartographershttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/263918/cartographersJungle Speedhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8098/jungle-speedHues & Cueshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/302520/hues-and-cuesMy Cityhttps://boardgamegeek...
2020-10-28
26 min
PlayDNA
All's Fair in Games and War
How many lives have Monopoly and Playing Cards saved? Turns out, the answer is in the thousands. This week Cassandra talks about the ways that games have been used as tools of war- as a means of educating wartorn populations, boosting morale, and as incognito war prison escape kits.Games we played:The Taverns of Tiefenthalhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/269207/taverns-tiefenthalCribbagehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2398/cribbagePunderdomehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202771/punderdome-card-game-pun-loversMicropul...
2020-10-21
30 min
PlayDNA
Paper Picks! (games that can be played with only a pencil and paper)
When you've played every game you own 100 times and you're strapped for cash, make your own games! We list games that can be easily made at home using only pencil and paper.Games we mentioned:Skullhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/92415/skullJust Onehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254640/just-oneA Fake Artist Goes to New Yorkhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/135779/fake-artist-goes-new-yorkEat Poop You Cathttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/30618/eat-poop-you-catBlank Slatehttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/254188/blank-slateAvalonhttps://boardgamegeek...
2020-10-14
25 min
PlayDNA
Games That Teach
Games are extraordinary educational tools that allow players to learn new concepts and explore new cultures and histories visually, audibly, and kinesthetically. In our opinion there are some concepts that are better taught through games than any other medium. Damon goes over his favorite educational games, and how designers can take advantage of the opportunity to teach through their games.PODCAST NOTESGames we played this week:Dead Men Tell No Taleshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/141423/dead-men-tell-no-talesTrainshttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/121408/trains
2020-10-07
49 min
PlayDNA
Aging Gamefully
Board games have an astoundingly positive effect on an aging brain. Sarah expresses her fear that people won't want to play games with her when she ages, and we discuss great games that can be played with seniors who have varying capabilities.
2020-09-30
32 min
PlayDNA
The Triumph and Tragedy of Marvin Glass
Perhaps the most famous toy inventor of all time, Marvin Glass rocked the toy world with hits such as wind up chattering teeth and Rock'em Sock'em Robots. With the creation of Mousetrap and Operation he changed the board game industry forever. Despite his incredible success, Glass led a life filled with depression and paranoia.
2020-09-23
31 min
PlayDNA
Magical Mechanics
Have you ever played a game that used simple technologies in such fresh and novel ways that they felt absolutely magical? Damon discusses some of the games that have successfully used magnets, mirrors, and light to achieve truly magical play experiences.
2020-09-16
40 min
PlayDNA
Plane picks! (Games you can play on a plane)
Going on a trip? We've got you covered! Here are some great small games to throw into your carry on before boarding the plane including Jaipur, Cribbage, and A Fake Artist Goes to New York.
2020-09-09
22 min
PlayDNA
Pet Peeves
When you're gaming all the time, you are bound to come across things you don't like. Sarah and special guest Glenn go over the design choices and mechanics that have annoyed and baffled them the most.
2020-09-02
45 min
PlayDNA
Gaming the System
Perhaps you've heard the buzzword gamification, but what exactly is it? Games are highly motivating because they tap into our core drives as humans. Cassandra goes over these core drives and how they have been used to "gamify" learning, mental health, productivity, and even grocery shopping.
2020-08-26
43 min
PlayDNA
But is it Art?
We can all agree- games are fun! But does the fact that they are enjoyable place them outside the realm of "Art?" Damon talks about what makes something art, and whether games can fit into this definition.
2020-08-19
42 min
PlayDNA
Party picks! (Games for 8 or more players)
A new once a month series of curation and design challenges- this month, what games will make an 8+ person gaming party a hit. No teaming up spouses ever again!
2020-08-12
39 min
PlayDNA
Child's Play
Children's board games are quite a mixed bag, encompassing everything from edu-games to games that involve stepping in rubber 'poop'. But there are a lot of gems in the children's space that both kid and adult players alike can enjoy. Sarah takes us through some of her favorite children's games and we discuss competing philosophies on what makes a children's game good.
2020-08-05
44 min
PlayDNA
Olympic Chess
Is chess a sport? Many players think so, and there has be a push to get chess declared an official Olympic sport for over 20 years. Cassandra discusses the many ways the chess community has tried to prove their sport status, from forming an international governing body to administrating doping tests at tournaments. Oh, and she discusses the joys of Chess Boxing.
2020-07-29
45 min
PlayDNA
The Life and Death of CCG's
Following the release of Magic The Gathering in 1993 there was an explosion of unique and branded collectible card games, many of questionable quality. Many have fallen into obscurity only to be found in the darkest corners of ebay and craigslist. Damon takes us through the best CCG's, both the well known and the forgotten, and gives tips on how to get into the world of CCG's without breaking the bank.
2020-07-22
49 min
PlayDNA
Pigs in a Clover
From ball mazes, to Blow Football, to Meeple Circus, dexterity games have blossomed and grown into a rich, diverse genre of tabletop experiences. Sarah takes us through some historical delights and modern favorites.
2020-07-15
39 min
PlayDNA
The Game of the Goose
Considered by many to be the first "modern" board game, The Game of the Goose has grown and evolved with European culture for 400 year. Cassandra takes us through its strange rise to popularity and the proceeding explosion in branded and rethemed versions of the game.
2020-07-08
30 min
PlayDNA
Your Gamer Zodiac
Not every game is for every gamer. And choosing the perfect game is often more complicated than just staying inside of a single genre or theme. So how should you go about choosing a game that everyone in your group will love? Damon discusses how to discover someone's gamer personality, and how you can use that knowledge during game selection.
2020-07-01
44 min
PlayDNA
Puzzle Me This
2020-06-24
41 min
PlayDNA
Induction, my dear Watson
Inductive reasoning games are as rare as they are spectacularly fun. Cassandra discusses her favorite genre and the differences between induction and deduction. Warning: We do discuss spoilers relating to the card game Mao!
2020-06-17
40 min
PlayDNA
Getting to "Let's Just Play"
We've all experienced it- trying to teach a board game to a friend or parent utterly unfamiliar with the gaming world and getting nowhere. This week Damon discusses game literacy and how we can design and teach games differently to reduce the stress of learning and get closer to the coveted "let's just play."
2020-06-10
57 min
PlayDNA
Ancient Games
Archaeologists have found hundreds of ancient board games dating back thousands of years, most of which, unsurprisingly, had no instruction manual included. The Digital Ludeme Research Project is using artificial intelligence to discover how these games were played.
2020-06-03
54 min
PlayDNA
Seeking the Divine
Which came first, the playing card, or the tarot card? From Tarot decks in the 18th century to the Satanic Panic and backlash against Ouija in the 90's, board games and fortunetelling have evolved in parallel, and often intersected.
2020-05-27
40 min
PlayDNA
Feelies
The tactile feeling of a game can make or break the experience. Damon talks about how a game can be elevated (or hindered) by the materials it is made up of, and the board games that offer the most unique and satisfying tactile experiences.
2020-05-20
1h 07
PlayDNA
Scare Us!
Horror board games- how are they defined, and how do they differ from horror movies, video games, and books? Sarah goes over some of the best horror games out there.Find podcast notes at www.playdnapodcast.comCheck out Tabatha's horror podcast Test Pattern at www.testpatternshow.com/
2020-05-13
56 min
PlayDNA
How Games Made Computers
In the 16th century, a mysterious human-shaped automaton called The Turk toured Europe beating thousands of human players in Chess. Its eerily human intelligence inspired a technology revolution.Find episode notes at www.playdnapodcast.com
2020-05-06
35 min
PlayDNA
Simple Simulations
Damon gives us a list of games with elegant, simple mechanics that simulate complex real-world situations.
2020-04-29
50 min
PlayDNA
Let's Teach You Tichu
The card game Tichu was released in 1991, with a wacky origin story to go with it. But similar climbing games have existed for generations both in China and worldwide.Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-7-lets-teach-you-tichu/
2020-04-22
29 min
PlayDNA
Gaming Under Quarantine
Digital board gaming spaces make playing and socializing with others easy, during quarantine or simply when looking to game long distance . Cassandra lays out the plethora of online gaming options available.Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-6-gaming-under-quarantine/
2020-04-15
35 min
PlayDNA
How Games Tell Us Stories
Linear narrative games like TimeStories aren't the only ones that can tell us stories. Legacy games, roleplaying games, deception games, and even CCG's can deliver compelling narratives in surprising ways.Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-5-games-that-tell-us-stories/
2020-04-08
47 min
PlayDNA
Joy in Abstraction
Love them or hate them, abstract strategy games are the most enduring genre of tabletop games. So what makes them so polarizing?Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-4-abstract-strategy-games/
2020-04-01
32 min
PlayDNA
Make Believe
Humans have a strong instinct to play make believe, but it doesn't stop when we are children. Board games create a magic circle, a place to experience imaginative play with others.Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-3-psychology-of-play/
2020-03-19
34 min
PlayDNA
The Rise of the American Board Game
From soul-saving in Snakes and Ladders to cash-grabbing in The Checkered Game of Life, the landscape of American board games has undergone remarkable changes.Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-2-a-history-of-board-games-in-the-united-states/
2020-03-19
26 min
PlayDNA
Cribbage!
*If this is your first PlayDNA episode, welcome! We apologize for our poor audio quality, don't worry, we figure ourselves out over the next few episodes*Cribbage may have been designed in the 18th century, but it still has enthusiasts all over the world. It's Britain's national card game, and the only one you can legally play and gamble on in public!Find episode notes at https://playdnapodcast.com/index.php/episode-1-cribbage/
2020-03-19
25 min