Make That Game! A Game Design Podcast

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Well, well, well, what do we have here. A Make That Game! News Update!? There's finally news to report? What a miracle! What's going on in video games now?  Isaac played Disco Elysium, and there's the Nintendo Direct. Wondering how the crew feels about all those juicy new games that were announced? Or the new Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailer? Is Isaac Disco enough to enjoy Disco Elysium? Give us a listen and find out!