Make That Game! A Game Design Podcast
By Claire and Isaac
Not only do we design games but we also break down popular games and the designs behind them. Sometimes we ask the big game design questions, like tackling replayability, difficulty and other things! These aren't your normal game reviews, they're game design reviews!
Make That Game! A Game Design PodcastMar 08, 2022
Ep. 91 - Watershed: This is My Town
Claire's game racers humanoid trains... with RHYTHM! Isaac's game is about holding limes, and also racing, coincidentally. Then we talk about the Fallout TV Show. Not much game design chatter there, but it's a fun show!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 90 - Wacky Paths
Isaac gets super excited about a dragon-taming simulation game that he forgot to design flying mechanics for! Claire's game idea is a game you can play forever! And ever... and ever... Then we talk about The Pokemon Problem! What happens when your one character/attack/whatever is TOO POWERFUL and you just do the same boring thing over and over!? What kind of design leads to this, what can you do to steer away from it?
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 89 - Table Talkin' Family Food Feud
This week Claire pitches a run 'em up game about business reviews, and Isaac makes a time-stopped mission-planning warrior assassin game! And he asks a small question about limited tries in games.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 88 - Grand Marshall: My Special Occasion
This week Claire pitches a visual novel city builder roguelite where you play across generations with each choice impacting the future for generations! Isaac's idea is "edgy Kirby". That's it. That's the game. It's Kirby and edgy. Isaac asks Claire: "Well, what WOULD you read, in a game, if not instructions!?" and she answers!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 87 - Seas Get Degrees
Isaac pitches an auto-scroller to the chagrin of every speedrunner, and Claire pitches a Percy Jackson themed rogueLITE! Then she Honks and Bonks Kirby: Return to Dreamland Deluxe!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 86 - Bald Eagle Football: Similar to Other Sports You Know
Claire wants to play games that follow a growing career, so she pitches an idea for being a pyschic medium on tour! Isaac's pitch is a Fire Department management sim game! We discuss how games inform the player of what's going on and what the player should be doing. The user experience! That's the term we never use in our discussion! Look at us.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 85 - Colorado Valley Sunshine
Claire pitches a game about spending large sums of cash as fast as possible! Isaac decides it's like a Legend of Zelda randomizer but with money instead of fighting!
Isaac pitches a game that, yet again, tries to bring tabletop wargames to the computer. This time, as a tower defense!
Claire learns, through discussion, that dry land can exist below sea level. Folks!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 84 - Awooooo! A Wolf's Life
Isaac pitches a puzzle game about navigating traffic (is he worried about a commute or something?) and Claire wants to put players in charge of running a craft fair booth!
We talk about our recent livestream ROGUE-A-THON where we tried to help Claire understand what Roguelike/Roguelites were through FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE! Does she have a better idea now, or is she still lost in the dungeon!?
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 83 - Monastery Harry and His Many Books
Isaac pitches a game idea about a zombie monkey and Claire pitches a game where you can build "I Spy" games for your friends!
Claire talks about Escape Rooms and we discuss how escape room design can apply to video game designs/how they are similar!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 82 - You're Spying on a Spy at a Party (YSOASAAP)
Claire pitches a relaxing wedding cake baking game. Isaac tries to make that Goron spinny thing from Majora's Mask a whole game. Can he avoid making it a Sonic game???
We recap our first live stream of 2024 and semi-honk and bonk ANGRY BIRDS! Whoa, is it really 2024? Seems a little late to be having Angry Birds discourse...
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 81 - Sip n' Spook: A Wine-Ghost Game
Isaac's idea for this week is bringing the doldrums of the office to your video game console... with minigames! Can he make office busywork... fun!?
Claire gives us an idea for a party game (but really she just wants to outsource pro/con lists to her friends)!
Then we talk about a potential new Nintendo console?? There's rumors of it? Idle Speculation? The... Switch 2???
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 80 - Johnny Apple-Freed
Hey hey hey, we're here to pitch game ideas and Isaac's pitch is: Glitch Hunters! A Spot-the-difference puzzle game.
And Claire pitches "9 Month Cruise", a game about managing *and surviving* a 9 month cruise! Hm, that sounds topical!?
And for our discussion, Isaac mopes about Twitter/X. How... how is that game design related? Guess you gotta listen to find out.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 79 - Day of the Corn
Claire, who has NOT been reading and watching and listening to a podcast about Percy Jackson at all, visits Olympus and brings us an idea for a game where you play as Atlas! What genre of game could it be??
Isaac's game idea is an RTS (Real Time Strategy) game with no resource collectors - no, you have to raid your enemies for supplies!
For today's discussion topic we discuss gaming resolutions for the new year!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 78 - Learn 'Em Up Kids: The House Always Wins
We're back to our normal scheduling! Claire pitches a game idea which borrows the gameplay of beloved SkiFree, and gives it a story and cute kitty characters!
Isaac says his pitch is 'tetris interior design' but a) what does that mean? And b) is that even true? Is there really interior design going on?
Our discussion is using the mechanics of a game to tell or enforce the story/narrative of a game! Isaac realizes how important taking notes is as his brain refuses to come up with any examples of what he means - only examples of games that don't do it! Eugh! Ugh!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 77 - CybWARg
We're back from a Health and Holiday Hiatus! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, your gift from us to you is that Isaac let's Claire do most of the talking this episode!
There's a little changeup from the usual dynamic this week. Isaac pitches a game idea that was inspired by his bout of coughing fits but somehow transformed into a game about spear-fishing on a raft! What a journey for an idea!
The real meat and potatoes of this episode however is The Rant! Claire and Isaac watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and they (but mostly Claire) have a lot to say! Are they good things? You'll just have to listen to find out!
But don't worry, we still do the Rapid Fire Round. However this week, we only generate three random words TOTAL. That is to say, we only do one round of the Rapid Fire Round. But don't worry - it's a good one!
Your favorite video game design podcast is BACK in the New Year and coming swinging! Get ready for more episodes in the coming weeks!
Ep. 76 - Joystick Joytime
Today's episode has a SECRET MYSTERY! Throughout the episode we drop 3 total hints. Listen carefully, and see if you can solve the mystery yourself!
Claire's idea this episode is a game idea about a guy with ideas! An idea guy game idea.
Isaac's game idea puts you in charge of a cute li'l space explorin' rover, like the Mars Curiosity Rover, but for alien planets!
For a discussion, Isaac rants and raves about Real Time Strategy games and their split into City Builders and MOBAs, and expresses some hope for the future (let's go Stormgate!)
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 75 - Seasonsville
Isaac goes solo! That's right, freed from the shackles of Claire he gets to ramble, uninterrupted, for 5 whole game ideas (counting the rapid fire round!). Just absolute stream of consciousness stuff going on here, may as well be Finnegan's Wake. That's right, Isaac talking is equivalent to a James Joyce novel! Anyways, he pitches a TACTICAL BATTLE SIMULATOR (who would ever predict that??), and a game about shooting dragons with a ballista... and being corrupt about it!?
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 74 - Most Miserables
You're finally awake. Not even last night's storm could wake you... or could it not??? Ignoring the confusing double (triple?) negatives there, Isaac's game idea takes inspo from that famous line from Elder Scrolls: Morrowind and has you play as a storm trying to wake up a fated hero!
Claire pitches a game idea about designing houses. Like, really hardcore simulation style, not Sims/Animal Crossing style. Her game idea digs into the real life "rules" of room design!
This week's discussion is about storyboarding/prototyping games. Mostly their stories, but Isaac brings it to gameplay by bringing up cardboard prototypes again!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 73 - Too Fast, Too Food
It's an episode for HALLOWEEN! How spooky are our game ideas? Isaac pitches "S.S.S." a game about exploding skeleton armies, and Claire pitches a fixed camera horror game about exploring a museeeeeum.
Then we talk about those apps that help you build habits. Gamified chore lists, you might call them.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep 72 - These Shorts Will Go Places
This week Claire's embracing the season with a game idea named... Skeleton Hands!? So spooky!
Isaac thinks about VR for the first time in his life and pitches a game about untangling cords and cables. Claire isn't so sure if it's a game that actually makes sense for VR though...
You know those unhinged mobile game ads? That's what we chat about this episode.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 71 - Annual Park Music Event
Claire's game idea this week is an online social deduction game. Sounds pretty sus to me!
Isaac's got an idea for a city builder disguised as a farming game disguised as a Halloween game!
Then he rants about being able to move buildings in a city builder he played. And city builders in general. He might lose the plot a bit.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 70 - Pretty City 3D
Isaac pitches a game idea where you can't stop moving, ever, for any reason, or else you die! It's sort of an anti-Superhot!
Claire pitches an adventure game where your hoop skirt defines your abilities/tools... and where you can fit!
Claire asks about arcade games. What ever happened to those? Do people still make new ones, like games specific for arcades? We talk about that a bit.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 69 - The Quest for the Golden Roger
This week's episode will have you saying "nice"!
Isaac's idea his about robbing museums, returning artifacts to the people they belong to, and smashing stuff that doesn't belong at all!
Claire pitches an arcade game about jousting. With normal horses, even!
What ever happened to Flash, anyways? Is that a game design question? We ask it anyways!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 68 - Learn 'Em Up Kids: Big Ice
Claire's idea brings us on an adventure to discover pieces of a secret code to find big treasure!
Isaac's idea has us scavenging a post-apocalyptic wasteland for... laserdiscs? And VHSes! That's right, an alternate history post-apocalypse game where Blockbuster (don't sue us please) survives the apocalypse and you've gotta keep it going!
Claire asks about ending Open World Games. Do you just go for the final boss as fast as possible? Do you diddle about with side quests? Do you do something in between?
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 67 - PawPaw Needs a New Pair of Shoes
Isaac pitches us a mini-game idea about emulating the tactile feel of juggling with a video game controller! Also, it turns out Claire knows a lot about juggling. Who knew!
Claire's idea this week is a tycoon/business management game about making cereals! Can you top Kellog's? Will your cereal knock Count Chocula off the shelves?
We also go off on a wild tangent about Reese's puffs, rap songs, messed up candy ads, and pronunciation!
Claire watched some TikToks about Baldur's Gate 3 and they raised questions about... save scumming! We discuss save scumming, what it means to scum a save, what a developer can do to prevent it (or encourage it!) and whether save scumming is wrong. It also gives Isaac flashbacks to Disco Elysium. You can hear his grimacing, folks. It's weird how he can do that.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 66 - Bald Blitz
Claire's game idea this week is My Wonderful YA Novel, a choose your own adventure game about being the most tropey YA character you can be!
Isaac pitches us a game he describes as "Reverse Fishing". Well, that could mean... a lot of things? You'll have to find out what specifically he means by listening!
Claire Honks and Bonks Unpacking, by Witch Beam. It's a game about unpacking boxes as your character moves into new homes!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 65 - Flood II: Noah's Revenge
Isaac's idea this week is Lil Cart Person, a trading game! Trade a paperclip for a kingdom, or whatever! (there is a LOT of discourse about whether the cart is worth mentioning in the title...)Claire's idea is a point n' click adventure game where you gotta escape the library. Possibly an Arthur (the PBS show) tie in game???
Isaac ask's Claire, and the designer duo discusses... tactile controls! Or, I guess, controls in general. And Isaac complains about rocks and logs in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom a lot.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 64 - Leaf My Fashion Alone!
Claire's game pitch this week is a flamingo breeding game! Can you find the food that gives your flock the prettiest colors? Isaac's game is about jester's insulting each other and then falling from really high towers. It's a turn-based RPG *AND* a Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy clone in one game!
We talk about gameplay loops! What are they? How many times should you loop? Let's discuss!!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot! Send us an email at makethatgamepodcast@gmail.com
Ep. 63 - Cow Pie In The Sky
Isaac's game idea this week puts you in control of as many decisions as you want to be! You decide the outcome of any - or EVERY - event, no matter how small or how large! A global war? Decide who wins. A mouse looking for snacks? See if he gets the cheese! It's ALL in your hands!
Claire's game idea is a text-based adventure game about skipping rocks. Can you solve her DEVIOUS and ~ESOTERIC~ puzzles... with your words!?!
We soooort of open the topic about Toys vs Games, informally. You know, totally casual, chill. We have a little side convo during Isaac's pitch. We don't make it a whole segment but like, it's there. (Isaac calls The Sims a Roguelike during this conversation. You have been warned.)
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 62 - A-DOOR-able
Claire gets ultra-super cozy with Claire Anna's Bananas, an ice cream selling management game where you get to make unique flavors and just ~chill~. No tension, just ~chill~!!
Isaac then describes a game idea about digging holes and driving over and in the holes. For money!
The Honks and Bonks are back, baby! Claire gives her honks and bonks on the new game Sticky Business, a sticker sales management game! It's a very Make That Game game, and we love it.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 61 - Comp-u Diem, Seize the Data
Isaac continues the trend of trying to explain a very complicated game idea in a very clumsy way. There's uh... strings?? webs??? nets??? rooms??? I guess it's about spiders? Or maybe not? Lots of discussion of lines and geometry. And apparently it's like snake?
Meanwhile, Claire has a very easy to explain idea. You place water balloon fish, and they roll through obstacle courses. Then everybody shouts "Bloopums!" Yay!!
This week's question is: What the bloopum is a spin-off? Why are some games spin-offs and some games not?? Like, what's so different about Kirby: Canvas Curse that it's a spin-off? Let's explore the idea!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 60 - Worldwide Fly
Claire pitches an idea that she may have possibly pitched before about being a convention tycoon... and Isaac pitches: tabletop wargame, the game for computers, but tabletop. Yea, it's a whole thing. This is also possibly deja vu because wasn't that what he said last week?? Come on.
For our deep dive question, we talk about boss design/aesthetic and game tone! Listen to Isaac's theory that Dark Souls being a game series about increasingly silly little guys, and their big versions.
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 59 - Every Mans Desires Wargaming
This episode we read a viewer game idea that requires an intimate knowledge of familial references, Isaac spends too much time trying to describe an idea that only he will ever under stand (it's a turn-based real-time strategy game... huh!? okay!!!), and Claire invents a game that you should NOT play if you're afraid of the dark!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 58 - Manuel's Manual Library
This is it, the big one! We list our collective Honks and Bonks with Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. What aspects of the game design did we like? What didn't we like so much. Tune in to find out! We also do our first THEMED game ideas, where the theme this week was... "put a wedge in it"! Isaac inserts himself in between two lovebirds with his game idea, and Claire asks gamers to solve puzzles using simple machines!
This is Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 57 - Words Against Friends
Isaac disperses an idea about trimming - NOT mowing - the lawn, and Claire loops through time while avoiding paradoxes to solve a mystery! For our question, Claire asks - does saving a game... hurt the game?
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 56 - Learn Em Up Kids: I'm Bat at Math
This week, Claire has an idea for a horror game... with cats! And Isaac's idea is about scorpions? but it's half-baked... can Claire bring it to full bake!? We don't ask a question but we do talk about genres. And Folks... Let me tell ya. Genres be weird.
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 55 - Earls of Sandwich: Defend Your Kingdom
DON'T FORGET! NEXT WEEKEND (May 28th-June 4th) is SGDQ! Learn more here https://gamesdonequick.com/ Isaac faces his fears and comes up with a game idea about falling from extreme heights... for fun!? He uses his VAUNTED game idea process (as described previously in Episode 35 - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makethatgame/episodes/Ep--35---Golden-Delicious--an-Apple-Picking-Game-e1qdoht)
Claire tells us her vibe for a video game about controlling the weather! Let's walk through some ideas to bring it to life!
Isaac finally reveals the fruit of his labors researching video game IP (intellectual property) protection.
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 54 - I Love You, Chef
Claire descends from orbit with a multi-player space opera game, and Isaac bores us all with an irrelevant history lesson! Does he pitch a game? I don't know, I fell asleep while he was explaining shields!
It's not a game design deep dive per se, but we do hype about Tears of the Kingdom. WHICH IS OUT NOW!!! Listen to this episode, and then GO PLAY IT!!!
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 53 - Horse Dispenser: Gallop Ahead!
Claire asks gamers to step into the role of a "dark ride" designer... what is a dark ride? You'll have to listen to find out!
Isaac tries to innovate but all he comes up with is... Scissorhead. Well, it's a nice thought, Isaac.
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Mario Maker: https://supermariomaker.nintendo.com/
Locomancer:https://store.steampowered.com/app/490250/Locomancer/
Jenny Nicholson: https://www.jennywebsite.com/
Crusader Kings: https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/1158310/
Ep. 52 - Totally Tubular!
Claire checks the vibe with a gamified date app - NOT a dating app. Can you become the master of date ideas?
Isaac spends a lot of time dancing around the fact and trying to avoid the fact that his monster taming game idea revolves around eugenics. Wow, how uncomfortable!
Claire, inspired by Jason Schreier's book Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, starts a discussion on the game industry. Why does it seem like people don't have a lot of fun in the game industry? Shouldn't it be... the most fun!?
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Easter Egg Deep Dive: https://media.hubspot.com/the-story-behind-the-first-video-game-easter-eggs
Ep. 51 - Learn Em Up Kids: Bakery Design is My Passion
Isaac's game idea this week is a bird-brained city builder. Can you gather enough seed to survive the winter, when most of your flock migrates south?
Claire is feeling a little bit of cabin fever as her idea revolves around being in one room while solving mysteries in another room that you can only watch from afar!
Claire starts a discussion on picking between multiple characters in a game. We discuss classes, "builds", unique characters and powers, and the design around such things!
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
April Fools! We let ChatGPT Write This Episode!
Welcome to Make That Game, the podcast that explores the world of game design and provides insights for aspiring game creators. In this episode, we'll be exploring two exciting game ideas: "Escape The Island," a survival game, and "Cyber Ninja," a fast-paced action game.
Our host will dive deep into the game design process, sharing their tips and experiences along the way. You'll learn about the challenges of designing a survival game, such as creating a believable world, designing engaging mechanics, and crafting an immersive experience for players.
We'll also explore the world of action games, discussing the importance of responsive controls, exciting level design, and how to keep players engaged with fast-paced action.
Whether you're an experienced game designer or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by these two amazing game ideas. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Make That Game!
Ep. 50 - The Itsy 0101sy Spider
Isaac pitches a Real Time Strategy game that takes OUT his favorite aspect - the city building - and focuses on LUDICROUS numbers of units and macro-level control of the battle!
Claire's game is... well you better just listen to this one - no spoilers from me! It's called "Boop".
For our game design deep dive for this episode we discuss Game Overs! If I can keep gaming, how is it "over"? Who came up with this phrase!?
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 49 - Beat the Heat!
This week, Claire's pitch puts you on the other side of Diner Dash and has you playing a character who... has to order food? That's the game!
Then, Isaac goes into his New England weather-trauma and digs a game idea right out of the snow! It blows! Snow, that is. This game is for you people from warmer climate!
Our deep dive discussion this week is... what's the difference between a hard-lock and a soft-lock? What are they and why do they happen? We also talk about some notable ones!
We also tangentially revisit the honks and bonks for Breath of the Wild, just sneak a few more things in there!
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Ep. 48 - Global Disappointment
Isaac pitches a dungeon crawler drawing game. A dungeon drawer! Have fun defeating monsters with freeform shapes! Maybe you can kill a dragon with a puppy's pawprint!?
Claire reads not one, but TWO listener game ideas! You too can have your game idea read on air, if only you submit them! Why not comment a game idea below!?
And then, ever the trooper, Claire CONTINUES! There's a lot to discuss about Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. And we discuss it in the very convenient and not obtusely named HONKS AND BONKS segment! That's right it's back in full force! WAHOO!
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Learn About the Sicarii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicarii
News Update | Kirby Returns and Pokemon Goes To Sleep
A Make That Game! News Update!? So soon after the last? This cannot be! Oh but it is! We've got the hardest hitting news in video games happenings that you can find on this channel! That's right, all the other news from other people on this channel pales in comparison to our news. Anyways, Pokemon. How about those pocket monsters? Sure is a lot going on with them lately. And Kirby! He's got a whole new... old... remake? Game? It's fun! Isaac saw a No Man's Sky update with a new expedition so that means six more weeks of winter. Or at least... 6 more weeks of him playing No Man's Sky again? I forget how this works. Enjoy!
Ep. 47 - The Sads
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
This week Isaac jumps right into it! He doesn't even wait to get asked if he's got a game idea he just starts talking! His idea revolves around being a camera shy sasquatch/samsquanch/bigfoot.
Claire makes a game that begs the question - are arcades still fun... if you're trapped inside!?
This week, Claire asks a question (er, different from the one begged by her game). What's up with durability?! Why do video games love having our stuff break? We spend a lot of time talking about how various games implement durability and the purpose of durability in video games.
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Bonus Episode! AGDQ Live Stream
Welcome to a special episode of Make That Game! Back in January we did a livestream party bus where we shared our excitement for AGDQ, a speedrun marathon for charity! GDQ is currently accepting game submissions for their summer marathon, which you can find here: https://gamesdonequick.com/submission-guide
If you were unable to make it to the big event, now you can relive the magic, compare our pre-marathon thoughts to our post-marathon thoughts, and listen to our soothing voices. Well, we have you covered here!
In this stream, we define a speedrun, define AGDQ (Awesome Games Done Quick), and go over the schedule of events. We also talk about what to expect if you are new to GDQ events.
Are you a speedrunner? Do you want to start? Comment or send us an email at makethatgamepodcast@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts!
Listen to our AGDQ 2023 review episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nDGAB0rdMxb
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Ep. 46 - City Building is Easy!
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
Claire attempts to explain how the fridge light turns on right when you open the door every time with her game pitch about being a friendly goblin who helps manage a refrigerator! That's probably how real life works.
Isaac taps into conspiracy theories and digs up the Tartarian Empire/Tartarian Civilization with his game pitch. Obviously, modern humans aren't capable of creating such a game, but maybe the Tartarians could have!?
This episode marks the long-awaited(?) return of Honks and Bonks! Although Isaac forgets the format a little and just... talks about the game? A lot? Just rants? He only calls one thing out as a honk or bonk. Just, incredible. This whole thing was HIS idea? Anyways - this week Isaac gives his deep game design thoughts on Disco Elysium. Are random rolls with a guaranteed chance of failure good to lock important narratives behind? Let's see what Isaac thinks.
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Stuff We Talk About
Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild https://youtu.be/w1TlQsOzG70
Disco Elysium https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/
Carmen San Deigo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen_Sandiego%27s_Great_Chase_Through_Time
Tomb Raider https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_Raider
Ep. 45 - The Boomies
Welcome back for another weekly episode of Make That Game, the podcast where we talk about the latest and greatest new video games... that aren't ever going to get made. We pitch 'em, you make 'em (if you want, nobody's forcing you I guess). Then we break down games we've played by game design elements we liked or didn't like so much. If you're looking for a video game design focused podcast, we might have just the one for you!
This week, Isaac gets a lesson in French. This is... somehow game design related? Or is it just banter?
Claire takes a map of YOUR city, and fixes all those bad streets and roundabouts with her game idea!
Isaac ruins all your stuff in the process of moving, but looks good doing it with his.
Claire asks about CHARACTER DESIGN, one of the many tentacles of the octopus of GAME DESIGN.
And of course, as always, we have the rapid fire round, where we generate 3 random words and come up with a game idea and design incorporating them! Needless to say, it's a riot!
Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP1OMmrheT-PcgdXu5vs9Q
Rate us on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-that-game/id1608019316
Urban Planning Fun Fact: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/urban-planning
MBMBAM Episode with Video Game Question: https://maximumfun.org/episodes/my-brother-my-brother-and-me/mbmbam-646-fart-power-to-the-max/