And Cassandra Chowdhury - Podcast Details

Shows

PlayDNA Play DNA Quick UpdateNo 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!

2023-06-2000 min

2022-03-3037 min

PlayDNA I'm Here for the FoodBunco! 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...

2022-03-2343 min

2022-03-1236 min

PlayDNA Water and WormsDune! 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...

2022-03-0938 min

PlayDNA Stressed OutHow 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

2022-03-0233 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

2022-02-2341 min

2022-02-1625 min

PlayDNA The Two Types of RandomnessLove 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:...

2022-02-0950 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

2022-02-0345 min

PlayDNA Summarize to Avoid SurpriseHow 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...

PlayDNA Representing the UnrepresentableHunger, 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...

2021-10-1332 min

PlayDNA It's About the ConesRead 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...

PlayDNA The StereotypeWhat'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

2021-09-0135 min

PlayDNA Groove with your GamesDo 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...

2021-08-2533 min

2021-08-1839 min

2021-08-1145 min

PlayDNA Games in DistressIt'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...

PlayDNA MathinessPoints, 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...

2021-06-3026 min

PlayDNA Hawaiian CheckersOne 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

2021-06-2328 min

2021-06-1629 min

2021-06-0938 min

PlayDNA Multimedia GamesRemember 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...

2021-06-0234 min

PlayDNA Milton Bradley and Traditional GamesHow 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

2021-05-2631 min

2021-05-1927 min

2021-05-1251 min

PlayDNA Storing your GamesWhere 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

2021-05-0533 min

2021-04-2825 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...

2021-04-2157 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)

2021-04-1423 min

PlayDNA Games with FlavorFlavor 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...

2021-04-0742 min

2021-03-3145 min

PlayDNA Games in TranslationCan 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

2021-03-2433 min

2021-03-1743 min

2021-03-1030 min

PlayDNA Toy vs GameWhich 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

2021-03-0341 min

PlayDNA Games as PropagandaGames 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...

2021-02-2425 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...

2021-02-1747 min

2021-02-1042 min

2021-02-0326 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...

2021-01-2731 min

PlayDNA The Church of BridgeBridge 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...

2021-01-2053 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...

PlayDNA Pink vs. BlueLike 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...

2020-11-1843 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...

2020-11-1121 min

PlayDNA CheatersThe 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/...

2020-11-0445 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...

2020-10-2826 min

PlayDNA All's Fair in Games and WarHow 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...

2020-10-2130 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...

2020-10-1425 min

PlayDNA Games That TeachGames 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

2020-10-0749 min

PlayDNA Aging GamefullyBoard 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.

2020-09-3032 min

PlayDNA The Triumph and Tragedy of Marvin GlassPerhaps 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.

2020-09-2331 min

PlayDNA Magical MechanicsHave 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.

2020-09-1640 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.

2020-09-0922 min

PlayDNA Pet PeevesWhen 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.

2020-09-0245 min

PlayDNA Gaming the SystemPerhaps 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.

2020-08-2643 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.

2020-08-1942 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!

2020-08-1239 min

PlayDNA Child's PlayChildren'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.

2020-08-0544 min

PlayDNA Olympic ChessIs 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.

2020-07-2945 min

PlayDNA The Life and Death of CCG'sFollowing 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.

2020-07-2249 min

PlayDNA Pigs in a CloverFrom 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.

2020-07-1539 min

PlayDNA The Game of the GooseConsidered 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.

2020-07-0830 min

PlayDNA Your Gamer ZodiacNot 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.

2020-07-0144 min

PlayDNA Puzzle Me This

2020-06-2441 min

PlayDNA Induction, my dear WatsonInductive 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!

2020-06-1740 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."

2020-06-1057 min

PlayDNA Ancient GamesArchaeologists 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.

2020-06-0354 min

PlayDNA Seeking the DivineWhich 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.

2020-05-2740 min

PlayDNA FeeliesThe 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.

2020-05-201h 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/

2020-05-1356 min

PlayDNA How Games Made ComputersIn 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

2020-05-0635 min

PlayDNA Simple SimulationsDamon gives us a list of games with elegant, simple mechanics that simulate complex real-world situations.

2020-04-2950 min

PlayDNA Let's Teach You TichuThe 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/

2020-04-2229 min

PlayDNA Gaming Under QuarantineDigital 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/

2020-04-1535 min

PlayDNA How Games Tell Us StoriesLinear 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/

2020-04-0847 min

PlayDNA Joy in AbstractionLove 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/

2020-04-0132 min

PlayDNA Make BelieveHumans 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/

2020-03-1934 min

PlayDNA The Rise of the American Board GameFrom 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/

2020-03-1926 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/

2020-03-1925 min