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.

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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.

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:

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

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

He Made a Game So Big It Needed 27 Puzzle Designers

Hey, Good Game

04/22/25 • 61 min

Elyot Grant, CEO and Game Director at Lunar Studios. Elyot shares his prolific journey from academia to game development, highlighting his expertise in creating engaging puzzles and successful indie games like Prisma. He discusses his favorite classic games, including Tetris and StarCraft, and provides deep insights into the intricacies of game design and puzzle creation.

Elyot also recounts compelling stories about their Kickstarter campaign for Prisma and using Reddit to build an early audience. Additionally, he sheds light on the making and scaling of 'Islands of Insight,' a puzzle game known for its vast number of handcrafted puzzles, emphasizing the blend of artistry and algorithmic generation in game design. This episode is filled with valuable tips for indie developers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.

Check out Elyot's Resources:
http://lunarchstudios.com/
https://user-74792.artstation.com/
Socials:
http://twitter.com/lunarchstudios https://www.facebook.com/Prismata/
https://www.youtube.com/lunarchstudios
--

(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
(02:17) - Elyot Grant's Gaming Preferences
(04:41) - Deep Dive into Tetris
(16:09) - Challenges and Weaknesses in Gaming
(19:43) - Kickstarter and Game Development Journey
(30:58) - Building a Community at Expos
(31:55) - Building a Community Around a Game
(32:49) - Challenges of Collecting Emails at Conventions
(35:28) - The Reddit Story: Turning a Failure into Success
(42:09) - Kickstarter Campaign: Seizing the Momentum
(45:49) - Islands of Insight: Crafting 10,000 Handcrafted Puzzles
(53:56) - The Value of Handmade Puzzles vs. Generated Puzzles
(01:00:04) - Conclusion and Future Projects

Check out our brainy games:

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:

From Angry Birds to Escape Rooms: The Game Design Journey of Johannes Ahvenniemi

Hey, Good Game

02/11/25 • 38 min

Johannes Ahvenniemi, a seasoned mobile gaming industry professional with a diverse portfolio, including working on hits like Best Fiends and Angry Birds. Johannes shares how his interest in games started at a very young age, inspired by his brother. He discusses his passion for creating quality games without ads, his consulting work, and innovative projects like escape puzzle magazines and Sudoku solvers.

Johannes also shares his experiences working at top companies like Seriously Digital and Rovio Entertainment and founding Papukaija to make games for underserved audiences. Tune in to learn more about his unconventional journey and ambitious future projects.

Check out Johannes's Resources:https://adartis.fi/
http://tikola.com/
https://cluehound.com/
https://sudokugen.com/
https://adartis.fi/games-by-sam/

Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-ahvenniemi-0b71ab19/

(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast
(00:26) - Guest Introduction: Johannes Ahvenniemi
(01:18) - Johannes' Favorite Games
(02:40) - Escape Room Games and Market
(05:08) - Early Coding Journey
(07:39) - Transition to Professional Game Development
(08:31) - Experience at Rovio
(11:18) - Game Industry in Finland
(13:45) - Time at Seriously Digital
(15:18) - Starting Independent Projects
(23:12) - Games by Sam
(32:43) - Consulting and Future Plans
(36:53) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Check out our brainy games:

Why Most Web Games Skip the Sound—and What They’re Missing

Hey, Good Game

06/17/25 • 47 min

What does it take to create unforgettable game audio—from eerie soundscapes in Death Stranding to iconic branding in Mortal Kombat?

Composer and sound designer Joel Corelitz joins us to talk about his path from writing music for pharmaceutical ads to shaping the sonic identity of major titles. We dive into the creative process, what good feedback really sounds like, the overlooked potential of sound in web games, and why sometimes doing the work is more important than waiting for inspiration.

Check out Joel's Resources:
https://joelcorelitz.com/
http://twitter.com/joelcorelitz
http://instagram.com/joelcorelitz
https://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@joelcorelitzmusic

Games Mentioned:
Dark Souls - Joel's favorite game to playHalo Infinite
Death Stranding
Mortal Kombat One
The Unfinished Swan
Nine Souls
The Last Clockwinder
Hyperlight Breaker
Hyperlight Drifter
Lazy River

(00:00) - Introduction to Joel Kitz and Wave Plant
(00:56) - Joel's Favorite Games and Balancing Work and Play
(03:36) - The Journey from Advertising to Game Composing
(08:52) - The Creative Process and Musical Language
(15:51) - Feedback and Collaboration in Game Music
(19:30) - Budgeting for Game Music and Audio Branding
(25:30) - Exploring Sound Design in Games
(26:14) - The Role of Musicality in Sound Design
(30:02) - Challenges in Sound Design and Asset Management
(31:04) - Collaborations and Working Solo
(32:29) - Impact of AI on Creative Work
(35:30) - Teaching Game Music Composition
(38:23) - Starting a YouTube Channel
(41:46) - Formal Education vs. Self-Learning in Music Composition
(43:49) - Reflecting on Career Choices
(44:59) - Current and Upcoming Projects
(46:08) - Connecting with Joel Online

Check out our brainy games:

The Faceless Creator Behind One of YouTube’s Brainiest Channels

Hey, Good Game

06/03/25 • 56 min

In this episode, we talk with Jason Todd—aka Timberlake—the faceless creator behind the YouTube channel Smart Hobbies. Jason shares how he turned Sudoku from a personal pastime into a thriving YouTube channel with over 900K views on a single video. We dive into the strategy behind his growth, why he stays off-camera, how he connects with an older audience, and the surprising power of Sudoku games in a fast-paced creator economy.

Check out Timberlake's Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/@SmartHobbies
https://buymeacoffee.com/timberlakeb
https://www.instagram.com/timberlakesmarthobbies

Games Mentioned:
Sudoku - Timberlake's favorite game to play
Wingspan
Scrabble
Chess

(00:00) - Introduction and Top Videos Overview
(00:20) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:12) - Meet Jason Todd, AKA Timberlake
(01:51) - Jason's Favorite Games
(02:22) - The Birth of Smart Hobbies
(04:04) - The Faceless Channel Strategy
(06:25) - Jason's Background and Career
(08:33) - The Journey to YouTube Success
(10:35) - Content Creation and Audience Engagement
(23:44) - Revenue Streams and Future Plans
(29:30) - Balancing Work and Personal Life
(29:49) - Overcoming Regret and Embracing Routine
(30:18) - Collaborating in the Sudoku Community
(33:35) - Growing Your YouTube Channel
(34:14) - Choosing the Right Platform for Courses
(39:15) - Understanding Your Audience
(41:51) - The Importance of Quality Content
(45:36) - Exploring the Benefits of Sudoku
(52:07) - Future of Sudoku and Community Building
(54:55) - Connecting with Timberlake

Check out our brainy games:

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:

How to Build a Crossword Puzzle (That People Actually Want to Play)

Hey, Good Game

05/13/25 • 41 min

David Steinberg went from submitting crosswords to the New York Times at age 12 to becoming the editorial manager at Andrews McMeel. In this episode, he shares how puzzles captured his imagination, what makes a great daily game, and why accessibility, surprise, and player-first design are key to long-term success. We also dive into how AI, onboarding, and syndication are shaping the future of games for indie developers and solvers alike.

Check out David's Resources:
https://syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com/puzzles/category/puzzles https://www.gocomics.com

Find David Online:
http://www.customcrossword.com https://www.xwordinfo.com/Thumbs/?author=David+Steinberg 60 Seconds With David Steinberg

Game Mentions
https://beekeeperlabs.com/crossfire/https://www.playbalatro.com/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2400510/Dungeons__Degenerate_Gamblers/
https://playthebazaar.com/
https://imsqueezy.com/
https://crosswordfiend.com/

(00:59) - David's Favorite Game Right Now
(02:13) - Discovering Crosswords and Early Inspirations
(03:54) - First Attempts and Early Rejections
(04:46) - Getting Published and Shifting Focus
(06:27) - The Appeal and Evolution of Crosswords
(09:14) - Creating Crosswords: Tools and Tips
(12:56) - Solving Strategies and Tournament Insights
(14:58) - Crossword Tournaments and Competitions
(18:49) - The Future of Crosswords and Puzzle Games
(21:49) - Easy Mode for Friday Crosswords
(22:03) - Evolution of Puzzle Creation
(23:20) - Criteria for Syndicating Puzzles
(25:12) - Measuring Puzzle Success
(27:23) - Surprising Aspects of Syndication
(28:28) - Trends in the Puzzle and Gaming Industry
(33:04) - Merging Comics and Puzzles
(35:42) - AI in Puzzle Creation
(37:29) - Onboarding Players in Puzzle Games

Check out our brainy games:

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FAQ

How many episodes does Hey, Good Game have?

Hey, Good Game currently has 68 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?

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