Hey, Good Game

Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter

1 Creator

Hey, Good Game explores the stories behind your favorite brainy games. Each week, we interview game creators and dig into what it takes to build a successful indie game, how to monetize, and how to get traction.

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 Hey, Good Game Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Hey, Good Game episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Hey, Good Game for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Hey, Good Game episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

How to Build a Successful Art Career by Embracing Creative Selfishness

Hey, Good Game

07/30/24 • 54 min

Peter Mohrbacher, creator of Angelarium, emphasizes the importance of creating art for yourself rather than trying to please others or meet market expectations. He argues that the best art comes from a place of "creative selfishness" - following your own obsessions and interests without worrying about external validation. This approach has allowed him to maintain a unique artistic voice while building a successful business around his personal project. However, he acknowledges that this path isn't for everyone, as many artists struggle with the business side of self-publishing and marketing their work.

Check out Peter's Resources:
https://www.angelarium.net
https://angelarium.shop
https://www.patreon.com/angelarium
https://x.com/bugmeyer
https://bugmeyer.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/angelarium
https://www.pinterest.com/petemohrbacher/

(00:00) - Introduction to AI Prompting
(00:26) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast
(00:42) - Interview with Peter Mohrbacher
(02:08) - Peter's Favorite Game: Elden Ring
(05:54) - The Art of Angelarium
(19:15) - Challenges of Sharing Art Online
(27:04) - Embracing Creative Obsessions
(28:10) - Balancing Art and Business
(29:00) - Challenges in the Art Business
(32:38) - Gamifying Social Media and Marketing
(35:00) - Corporate Exploitation in the Art World
(37:33) - Venturing into Tabletop RPGs
(41:39) - Navigating Patreon and Crowdfunding
(48:58) - Scams and Online Security
(54:42) - Conclusion and Future Projects

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

Waffle: How this game reached 500k daily players

Hey, Good Game

04/16/24 • 68 min

Episode 19: James Robinson runs the ever-popular game, Wafflegame.net. In his first-ever podcast, he shares the history of Waffle, where it is headed, and how it has reached 500,000 daily players.

James discusses the game's design, user feedback, and the human-centric approach to game creation. Themes include his accidental success, and the future plans for Waffle Studio.

Check out James's games and links:
https://wafflegame.net https://www.facebook.com/wafflegame
https://www.threads.net/@thatwafflegame
https://twitter.com/thatwafflegame
--

(00:00) - Opening Remarks and Podcast Introduction
(00:25) - Reflections on Interview with James Robinson
(01:46) - Introducing James Robinson and Waffle Studio
(02:40) - James Robinson's Gaming Favorites and Influences
(03:50) - Early Programming Experiences and Creative Beginnings
(05:59) - The Journey from Hobbyist to Game Developer
(07:45) - Design Philosophy Behind Waffle
(10:59) - Curating Puzzles: The Blend of Algorithm and Creativity
(16:24) - Player Engagement and Feedback Insights
(19:06) - Exploring New Game Ideas and Future Plans
(22:41) - Reflecting on Offers to Sell Waffle and Future Aspirations
(30:26) - Engaging with the Gaming Community and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(33:03) - Exploring Game Crossovers and Collaborations
(34:40) - The Genesis of Collaborative Projects
(36:24) - The Viral Journey of Waffle: From Launch to Popularity
(42:38) - Navigating Trademarks and Copycats in Game Development
(45:18) - Monetization Strategies and the Shift to Ads
(48:28) - Expanding into Mobile Apps and Future Plans
(54:02) - Building a Game Studio and Community Engagement
(01:00:05) - Advice for Aspiring Game Developers
(01:02:50) - Embracing AI in Game Development

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

The Beauty of Games With Frank Lantz

Hey, Good Game

05/07/24 • 67 min

Episode 22: This conversation features a deep and insightful discussion with Frank Lantz, the director of the New York University Game Center and an award-winning game designer. Throughout the interview, Lantz explores the intricate relationship between games, culture, and education, highlighting how games can serve as a potent medium for both artistic expression and intellectual challenge.

Check out Frank's Games and Resources:
“The Beauty of Games” - A book by Frank Lantz
Universal Paperclips - A game by Frank Lantz
https://twitter.com/flantz
https://www.franklantz.net/
https://www.franklantz.net/work
https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklantz/

Resources Mentioned:
Balatro - Mentioned as a current favorite game of Frank Lantz.
Portal - Highlighted as possibly the funniest and one of the greatest games, with contributions from Eric Wolpaw.
Disco Elysium - Cited as an example of excellent narrative in games.
Kentucky Route Zero - Mentioned for its narrative focus.
The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide
GeoGuessr

(00:00) - Exploring Comedy's Influence in Game Design
(00:31) - Welcome to Hey, Good Game Podcast
(00:54) - Post-Interview Reflections and Takeaways
(02:09) - Deep Dive with Frank Lantz: A Gaming Luminary
(03:36) - The Art and Challenge of Comedy in Games
(05:14) - Navigating the Addictive Nature of Games
(07:40) - Universal Paperclips: Designing for Disengagement
(26:18) - The Role of Narrative and Writing in Games
(31:12) - Games as Social and Cultural Artifacts
(33:53) - Exploring the Social Impact of Gaming
(34:21) - The Art of Taste and Social Connections in Cooking vs. Gaming
(34:39) - The Evolution of Gaming Communities and Cultural Shifts
(36:06) - The Founding and Philosophy of the NYU Game Center
(37:53) - Teaching Game Design as a Creative Discipline
(39:16) - Games as Cultural Forms and Their Deep Connection to Computer Science
(39:49) - The Intricacies of Game Design and Its Historical Significance
(40:51) - Finding Joy and Social Exchange in Sports and Games
(42:30) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Gaming Understanding
(46:47) - The Fascination with Watching Games and eSports
(51:41) - The Intellectual Depth of Bridge and Its Cultural Phenomenon
(57:42) - Envisioning the Future of Games and Their Role in Society
(01:05:28) - The Journey of Games Towards a Richer Cultural Spectrum
(01:06:01) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

Check out our brainy games:

Building Games at the NY Times: Interview With Jeff Petriello

Hey, Good Game

06/04/24 • 66 min

Episode 26: Jeff Petriello, a game producer at the New York Times and a game design educator at NYU Game Center, shares his unique journey from producing movies to producing games played by millions of people.

Go behind the scenes at the New York Times, learn what it's like to shepherd hits like Wordle, and create games from scratch like Strands.

Working closely with the New Games Squad and the Gameplay Squad, Jeff shares what inspires him, his teaching experiences, and the significant role of games in building social connections.

This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring game designers and enthusiasts alike.

Check out Jeff's Social and Resources:
https://www.thebeff.com/https://www.thepastatarot.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpetriello/
https://gamecenter.nyu.edu/faculty/jeff-petriello/
https://thebeff.itch.io/self-portrait
https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords

(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:39) - Jeff Petriello's Journey to Game Production
(02:43) - Jeff's Current Gaming Favorites and Insights
(05:44) - The Personal Impact of Games on Jeff's Life
(10:44) - Transitioning from Philosophy to Game Design
(24:33) - The Evolution of Teaching Game Design
(30:32) - Jeff's Path to the New York Times
(35:35) - The Evolution of NYT Games: From Crosswords to Wordle
(35:56) - Joining the NYT Games Team and Developing New Hits
(36:36) - The Creative Process Behind NYT's Newest Game, Strands
(39:04) - The Art of Puzzle Creation: A Blend of Technology and Creativity
(40:19) - The Impact of Games on NYT's Subscription Model
(46:43) - Exploring the Buy vs. Build Strategy in Game Development
(56:53) - The Personal Journey: Career Advice and Side Hustles
(01:01:47) - A Tarot Reading to Close: Insights and Reflections

Check out our brainy games:

Building Multiplayer Card Games: Insights from CardsJD.com

Hey, Good Game

10/22/24 • 50 min

Jimmy Dickinson, the creator of CardsJD.com. Jimmy shares his journey from early console gaming to becoming a full-time indie developer, shedding light on the unique challenges of building multiplayer games. The discussion covers his transition from Intel to game development, offering insights into successful platform ports and the importance of versatile coding skills. James emphasizes marketing strategies, including App Store Optimization (ASO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), alongside his rebranding journey for better platform recognition.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Game Development Insights: They will hear about Jimmy Dickinson’s journey in game development, including his move from corporate jobs to full-time indie development.
Challenges in Multiplayer Game Development: Jimmy discusses the intricacies and challenges, especially around maintaining chat and player interactions in multiplayer games.
Entrepreneurship and Game Monetization: Insights into Jimmy's entrepreneurial mindset, strategies for monetizing games without disrupting player experience, and the balance between in-app purchases and ads.
Community Building: Learn about Jimmy's emphasis on community building, from running chess tournaments to managing Facebook groups effectively.
Technical Aspects and SEO Strategy: How Jimmy deals with technical challenges such as implementing leaderboards, optimizing for different platforms (iOS, Android), and his strategies for SEO to increase game visibility.
Innovative Problem Solving: Hear about Jimmy’s unique approach to solving various problems with innovative tools, making offline functionalities more robust, and how he leverages his coding skills.

Check out Jimmy's Resources:

https://cardsjd.com/
https://cribbagecalculator.com/
https://twitter.com/jamesfdickinson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfdickinson/

Where to play Online:

Cribbage JD - https://cardsjd.com/cribbage/
BracketJD - https://BracketJD.com

eCribbage - http://ecribbage.com/

PlayOK cribbage - https://www.playok.com/en/cribbage/

Cribbage Pro - http://www.cribbagepro.net/

Facebook - https://fb.gg/play/jimmy-cribbage

Contact:
[email protected]

(00:00) - Introduction to Multiplayer Games
(00:43) - Welcome to the Hey Good Game Podcast
(01:33) - Jimmy Dickinson's Background and Career
(02:24) - Early Programming and Game Development
(05:02) - Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges
(10:13) - Developing and Marketing Games
(24:20) - Chess Tournament Software and Innovations
(26:23) - Adapting to COVID: Transforming Tournament Software
(26:52) - Building a Community Through Online Tournaments
(29:57) - Challenges in Multiplayer Game Development
(31:07) - Enhancing User Experience with Leaderboards and Achievements
(36:45) - Monetization Strategies for Indie Developers
(48:54) - Managing and Growing Game Communities
(51:18) - Conclusion and Contact Informatio

Check out our brainy games:

Say Yes to Creativity: Tracy Fullerton's 10-Year Project

Hey, Good Game

06/18/24 • 58 min

Episode 28: Tracy Fullerton is a pioneering game designer, educator, and USC Games Program Director emeritus. The conversation covers Tracy's extensive career in game design, her creation of the game 'Walden,' and her unique approach to blending philosophy with gameplay.

Tracy opens up about the decade-long development of 'Walden,' the challenges and joys of translating Thoreau's philosophies into an immersive experience, and her experiences mentoring the next generation of game designers.

We talk about why you shouldn't say "No," the intricacies of player emotional experience goals, and the importance of being a passionate and generous designer.

Check out Tracy's Resources:
https://www.waldengame.com/
https://www.gameinnovationlab.com/
https://www.thenightjourney.com/
https://www.tracyfullerton.com/
https://gameinnovationlab.itch.io/walden
https://www.gamedesignworkshop.com

(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast
(01:27) - Meet Tracy Fullerton
(04:01) - Tracy's Early Gaming Experiences
(07:58) - The Birth of Spiderdance
(12:44) - Creating Walden, a Game
(20:01) - Challenges and Persistence
(24:44) - Pricing Strategy and Educational Impact
(29:15) - Launching on Multiple Platforms
(29:28) - Impact of COVID on Game Launches
(30:09) - International Reach and Localization Challenges
(31:47) - Player Feedback and Diverse Audience
(32:22) - Teaching First-Person Game Mechanics
(36:28) - The Night Journey Collaboration
(43:01) - Mentoring and Teaching Game Design
(48:37) - Balancing Passion Projects and Career
(52:48) - Game Design Workshop 20th Anniversary
(57:35) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Check out our brainy games:

How to Build and Launch Successful Web Games Using AI

Hey, Good Game

08/27/24 • 44 min

Daniel Tait is a prolific indie game developer who has created several popular puzzle games, including Mathler, CrossWordle, and Sumplete. Despite not considering himself a professional programmer, Daniel has a knack for quickly building and launching games that capture players' attention.

In this episode, we explore Daniel's journey from tinkering with games as a kid to becoming a successful indie developer.

He shares insights on:

How he created Mathler, his breakout hit inspired by Wordle, using an open-source clone and basic math equations
His approach to rapidly prototyping and launching games, often spending just a weekend to get an MVP out
Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome technical challenges and generate unique puzzles
The pros and cons of selling some of his most popular games
His latest project, WordNerd.co, which aims to be a hub for word game enthusiasts

You'll learn:

Why Daniel prefers to launch games quickly and imperfectly rather than polishing them extensively
How he uses domain name availability to influence game ideas (23 Words came from 23words.com being available!)
His simple but effective launch strategy using Hacker News and Reddit
The importance of building games you enjoy playing yourselfCheck out Daniel's Resources:
https://wordnerd.co/
23words.com
https://killercrossword.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-tait/Contact:
[email protected] --
- (00:00) - Introduction to Game Development
- (00:41) - Welcome to the Hey Good Game Podcast
- (02:21) - Interview with Daniel Tait
- (03:24) - Daniel's Gaming Background
- (06:57) - The Creation of Mathler
- (08:52) - Launching and Promoting Mathler
- (10:16) - Daniel's Game Development Philosophy
- (19:46) - Monetization Strategies
- (21:48) - Acquisition by Hey Good Game
- (23:15) - Exploring AI-Assisted Game Development
- (23:25) - Creating a Puzzle Game with ChatGPT
- (24:07) - Developing and Testing the Game
- (25:44) - Using AI for Game Development
- (26:35) - The Joy of Building Games
- (30:57) - Balancing Game Development and Personal Life
- (37:19) - Launching and Promoting New Games
- (41:00) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Developers
-- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

Building Random Trivia Generator: From Hobby to Household Name

Hey, Good Game

12/10/24 • 45 min

Slavi Grozev, the creator of Random Trivia Generator. Slavi, originally an acoustic engineer, shares his journey of developing the popular trivia website, discussing his inspiration from long drives and quiz bowls during his time at engineering school. Despite having a full-time job and family commitments, Slavi dedicates time daily to update and evolve the platform. The conversation delves into Slavi's approach to building the site, handling user submissions, and future plans for new features. The episode also highlights Slavi's philosophy on user interaction, design focus, and the challenges of monetizing a passion project while keeping it accessible.

Check out Slavi's Resources:
https://www.randomtriviagenerator.com/
https://twitter.com/randomtrivia
https://www.facebook.com/randomtriviagenerator

(00:00) - Introduction and Early Marketing Challenges
(00:22) - Podcast Welcome and Listener Engagement
(01:36) - Interview with Slavi Grozev Begins
(02:24) - Slavi's Favorite Game: Heroes of Might and Magic
(04:55) - Career Journey: From Chemical to Noise Engineer
(08:23) - The Birth of Random Trivia Generator
(11:36) - Building and Growing the Trivia Platform
(17:03) - User Engagement and Content Creation
(21:56) - Future Features and Enhancements
(22:28) - Early Growth and Viral Moments
(23:59) - Impact of the Pandemic
(26:30) - Acquisition Offers and Business Decisions
(27:35) - Future Plans and User Engagement
(34:17) - Monetization Strategies
(37:43) - Localization and Translation
(41:38) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators
(43:12) - Final Thoughts and Fun Facts

Check out our brainy games:

Scoring Like Hell: Garry Schyman

Hey, Good Game

09/24/24 • 49 min

Garry Schyman, a renowned composer for film, television, and video games. Garry shares insights from his prolific career, discusses the intricacies of game scoring, and offers valuable advice on creativity and composing. He also delves into his experiences teaching at USC, the impact of AI on the music industry, and the joy of working on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno. This episode is a deep dive into the world of game music composition and the evolving landscape of the industry.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Always Do Your Best Work: Garry highlights the importance of always putting your best effort into every project, as you never know who will hear it and what opportunities might come from it.
Understanding the Project's Needs: Learn how Garry navigates the process of defining the musical needs for a game or film, balancing client expectations with creative experimentation.
AI as a Tool or Threat: Understand Garry’s perspective on the role of AI in music composition, seeing it as a possible tool for creativity but also a threat to traditional compositional work.
Teaching and Mentoring: Appreciate the value of mentorship and education through Garry’s experiences teaching aspiring composers at USC.
Scoring Hell: Enjoy intriguing stories from Garry's career, like the unique experience of scoring for Dante’s Inferno and recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios.

Check out Garry's Resources:

https://garryschyman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/garry.schyman
http://www.youtube.com/@garryschyman99

(00:00) - Introduction to Creative Principles
(00:53) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast
(01:59) - Meet Gary Scheiman: Composer Extraordinaire
(03:14) - Gary's Favorite Games
(04:19) - Teaching at USC and Game Scoring Insights
(07:55) - The Evolution of Game Music
(17:04) - The Bioshock Sound: A Unique Challenge
(26:28) - Misconceptions About Composers
(26:56) - The Composing Process and Tools
(28:42) - AI's Impact on Music Composition
(36:00) - Conducting at Abbey Road
(38:28) - Advice for Aspiring Composers
(45:34) - Future Projects and Career Reflections
(47:22) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Check out our brainy games:

Sega’s Downfall Was… Sega?

Hey, Good Game

06/11/24 • 64 min

Episode 27: Blake Harris is the acclaimed author of "Console Wars" and "The History of the Future." Blake shares his journey from a struggling screenwriter to a successful author, diving into the intense rivalry between Sega and Nintendo that defined a generation of gaming.

He reveals insights into the internal conflicts at Sega that contributed to their downfall and discusses the revolutionary impact of Oculus and virtual reality on the tech landscape.

Blake also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book about comedy legend Larry David, creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," complete with humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. From the challenges of getting in touch with industry giants like Seth Rogen to the joys and struggles of writing about beloved cultural icons, this episode is packed with compelling stories and valuable lessons on persistence, research, and the art of storytelling.

Check out Blake's Resources:
https://twitter.com/blakejharrisNYC
https://www.amazon.com/Console-Wars-Nintendo-Defined-Generation/
https://www.amazon.com/History-Future-Facebook-Revolution-Virtual/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/author-blake-j-harris-and-the-history-of-the-future/
Console Wars Documentary

(00:00) - Connecting with Seth Rogen: A Game-Changing Experience
(00:33) - Interview with Blake Harris: Insights and Takeaways
(01:38) - Blake Harris's Journey: From Console Wars to New Projects
(04:22) - The Fascinating World of Sega and Nintendo
(07:34) - From Video Games to Authorship: Blake's Path
(20:35) - Challenges and Triumphs in Writing Console Wars
(29:34) - The Impact of Sega's Internal Conflicts
(33:21) - The Oculus Story: A Mind-Blowing Experience
(34:49) - Challenges in VR: Monetization and Market Penetration
(35:58) - The Evolution of VR Hardware
(36:59) - The Search for VR's Killer App
(40:22) - The Social and Practical Applications of VR
(50:31) - The Impact of Politics on Oculus
(54:15) - Larry David: From Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm
(55:24) - The Joy of Writing About Larry David
(57:59) - Conclusion and Future Projects

Check out our brainy games:

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Hey, Good Game have?

Hey, Good Game currently has 52 episodes available.

What topics does Hey, Good Game cover?

The podcast is about Game Design, Leisure, Games, Entrepreneurship, Advertising, Game Development, Podcasts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Hey, Good Game?

The episode title 'Turning $30 Into $25,000 a Month with Online Solitaire' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Hey, Good Game?

The average episode length on Hey, Good Game is 47 minutes.

How often are episodes of Hey, Good Game released?

Episodes of Hey, Good Game are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Hey, Good Game?

The first episode of Hey, Good Game was released on Dec 5, 2023.

Show more FAQ

Hey, Good Game

Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter

Top 10 Hey, Good Game Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Hey, Good Game have?

What topics does Hey, Good Game cover?

What is the most popular episode on Hey, Good Game?

What is the average episode length on Hey, Good Game?

How often are episodes of Hey, Good Game released?

When was the first episode of Hey, Good Game?

Comments