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Fun Problems

by AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

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Episodes

  1. #109 The Final Episode

    The final episode of Fun Problems! Thanks so much to everyone who's listened over the years, it's been a pleasure talking to our microphones and it somehow ending up in your ears. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  2. #108 Zones of Play

    Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: Zones of play, questions to ask when playtesting, core gameplay loops, replayability, designing to form, and creating combos! Scott Rogers' Zones of Play: https://mrbossdesign.blogspot.com/201... Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei…

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  3. #107 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 13

    The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is the FINAL part of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  4. #106 The Problems with Victory Points – Grab Bag

    Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: Victory points, playtesting with skilled designers, positive player interaction, "accountancy phases", IP games, and developing your own games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  5. #105 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 12

    The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 12 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  6. #104 Would Stonemaier Publish This?

    Jamey Stegmaier explains what Stonemaier is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Stonemaier is looking to publish! Stonemaier submissions are open here Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  7. #103 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 4 (Daniel Piechnick)

    We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  8. #102 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 3 (Daniel Piechnick)

    We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  9. #111 How to Design Framework Games (Jon Perry and Christian Kudahl)

    AJ is joined by guests Jon Perry and Christian Kudahl to talk all about "framework" games. This episode was released early to coincide with the limited preorder for Gauntlet of Gods. Buy Gauntlet of Gods Play Gauntlet of Gods Self balancing game mechanics Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei...

  10. #101 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 2 (Daniel Piechnick)

    We have Daniel Piechnick back on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  11. #100 The Best Design Advisor on the Internet – Part 1 (Daniel Piechnick)

    For our 100th episode (depending on how you count...) we have Daniel Piechnick on as a special guest! His game design advice can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  12. #99 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 11

    The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 11 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  13. #98 Designing Solo Games

    Have you ever wondered how to design a solo board game? You are in luck! Today Peter talks through his process of designing solo-only games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  14. #97 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 10

    The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 10 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  15. #96 The Upsides of Downsides – Grab Bag

    Grab Bag episode! We talk about so many things, including: which games will still be around in a century, the donkey problem, learning curves, game arc, and why/when to add downsides to your actions! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  16. #95 Decisions vs Calculations – Grab Bag

    Today we talk about so many things, including: calculations, decisions, NON-decisions, drive vs friction, atomic actions, time equity, hooks, and offloading rules to components! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  17. #94 Generating Infinite Content

    How do you come up with UNLIMITED IDEAS for your games? Tune in and we'll tell you! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  18. #93 Would Bitewing Publish This?

    Nick Murray and Kyle Spackman explain what Bitewing is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Bitewing is looking to publish! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  19. #92 Complexity – Grab Bag

    We talk about complexity, economies, decision-making, and spatial elements in your games. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  20. #91 Ideas We Won't Touch – Grab Bag

    Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including why we won't design certain ideas. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  21. #90 Audience Sell-Sheets 4 (Guest Joe Wiggins)

    Peter C. Hayward and special guest Joe Wiggins explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of…

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  22. #89 Party Games (Guest Alex Cutler)

    With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about party games! Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  23. #88 Ludonarrative Assonance (Guest Alex Cutler)

    With special guest Alex Cutler, we talk about ludonarrative assonance: making your game's mechanics match the theme, and vice-versa! Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  24. BONUS: Rolling Deep interview

    A bonus episode of Fun Problems, featuring an indepth interview by the YouTuber Neon Gorilla. Originally found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VTo5DiRaTVY?si=XAK_pAzr1gwwn4iY Rolling Deep live on Kickstarter here:...

  25. #87 The best design advice on the internet - Part 9

    This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog written by Daniel Piechnick. Mathew Dunstan Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  26. #86 Careers in Board Games - Grab bag

    Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including careers in board games. The Bits Podcast with Peter Discord Email Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  27. #85 The best design advice on the internet - Part 8

    This is part of a series where we explore the game design blog https://daniel.games/ written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  28. #84 Board Game Fragility - Grab bag

    Grab Bag episode! We go through a bunch of smaller topics, including development and how to make your game less fragile. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  29. #83 The Three Pillars of Game Design

    Peter has a new model that breaks down ALL OF BOARD GAME DESIGN! NOTE: Peter consistently uses "ergonomics" wrong in this episode! Ergonomics is the *reduction* of work; when he says he 'reduces ergonomics' that should be increases ergonomics (or reduces work). Sorry! Discord:...

  30. #82 It took me a decade to get this interview with Elan Lee

    Exactly 10 years ago AJ sent a message asking questions about the design of Exploding Kittens. Today he finally gets some answers from the LEGENDARY Elan Lee! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] AJ's favourite artist:...

  31. #81 Board Game Contracts

    Board game contracts with special guest Zachary Strebeck! We talk through EVERYTHING board game contracts, including specific percentage numbers, what to avoid, what to look for. Everything, guys. It's EVERYTHING. You can find Zack here: https://legalmoveslawfirm.com/ Peter's checklist:...

  32. #80 Peter's Board Game Design Finances 2025

    Ever wonder how much a full time board game designer makes? Today we deep dive into the money Peter has made from board game design over the years in total, in 2025 specifically, and broken down by how much money each board game made. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email:...

  33. #79 Would Exploding Kittens Publish This?

    Elan Lee explains what Exploding Kittens is looking for, and go through many examples of published games that would be a great fit. Tune in to see if you have a game Exploding Kittens is looking to publish! Visit https://www.explodingkittens.com/page... to submit your game ideas to the company!…

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  34. #78 The Levels of Designer

    Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon discuss how to give useful game-design feedback by matching your advice to the designer’s experience. They cover empathy, asking what feedback is wanted, sandwiching critiques, and focusing on tools and experience to help designers improve. Discord:...

  35. #77 Hooks and Introversion

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon talk through a number of grab-bag topics, including how to be successful as an introvert and what makes a hook. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

  36. #76 The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 7

    Episode 75 is on youtube only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqZnFTxZ6nM&list=PLlpOSsHmIZE9Q1V5UuzhrM3ZncMJVsnol&index=2 The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 7 of a series where we explore the game...

  37. #74 - How to Find, Build, and Run Playtest Groups

    Hosts Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon walk through how to start, run and grow board game playtest groups; finding people, finding the right location, handling disputes, scheduling games, and balancing in-person vs digital testing. They share real-world examples (Toronto, First Play LA, ProtoTO),...

  38. #73 - Regretisode

    Peter runs through his regrets over the years from design choices, co-design pitfalls, self-publishing mistakes, failed Kickstarters, and the burnout that followed. Together with AJ they help turn this mistakes into actionable advice to avoid falling into the same traps. Episode starts at 12 min…

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  39. #72 - Types of Fun

    Peter and AJ dissect Daniel Piechnick's "types of fun" framework, exploring 13 varieties grouped into constructive, excitement, social, and emotional categories. They add personal insights, debate nuances, and more! Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Big...

  40. #71 - The problem with end game scoring (Game Feedback) Minisode

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon dig into a common design problem: games that keep scoring until the end don't give feedback to players. They discuss practical fixes to give players earlier, clearer feedback and make learning faster and games more accessible. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me...

  41. #70 - An entire episode about taking an action

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon break down action selection systems in games; why constraints and variance make turns interesting and how different systems (worker placement, dice placement, drafting, rondels, time tracks, menus and more) shape player decisions. The episode gives designers...

  42. #69 - Why We Are Ending the Podcast

    Peter announces he’s stepping back from board games to explore new creative projects and explains why the podcast will be winding down. Plus a lot more fun than usual to make up for the downer announcement. Please suggest topics to cover before the show ends! Discord…

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  43. #68 - Listener Questions

    Peter C. Hayward and AJ Brandon dive into emergent strategy, how to seed subtle interactions, and how to telegraph systems to players. They answer listener questions on market saturation, the future of board games, and personal careers in design. The hosts give detailed playtesting advice—solo...

  44. #67 - Grab Bag Minisode 2

    In this episode AJ and Peter dig into core game-design ideas: the difference between strategy and tactics, how scarcity and tough choices make games engaging, best practices for scoring and playtesting, and designing emergent combos that let players discover clever strategies. Discord:...

  45. #66 - The Best Design Advice on the Internet – Part 6

    The best game design advice on the internet can be found at https://daniel.games/ – we can't recommend it highly enough! This is part 6 of a series where we explore the game design blog "Daniel.Games," written by Daniel Piechnick. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email:...

  46. #65 - How to make a (DEEP) Childishly Simple Game

    This week, we explore the concept of 'childishly simple' games, and how it applies to creating elegant games that seem effortlessly simple but also offer depth. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, dissect both successful and challenging game designs, and discuss the art of simplifying…

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  47. #64 - Helpful Advice with Tim Armstrong

    In this episode of Fun Problems, hosts Peter C. Hayward and guest Tim Armstrong dive deep into the world of game design and publishing. With AJ Brandon absent, Peter brings on Tim, a designer and friend, to explore how their processes differ as they discuss their 10-year journeys in the board…

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  48. #63 - A Week in the Life of a Game Designer

    Join Peter and AJ as they take you behind the curtain to explore a week in the busy life of board game designers. They share their daily routines, challenges, and the creative processes involved in crafting engaging board games. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email:...

  49. #62 - Audience Sell-Sheets 3

    AJ Brandon, Alex Cutler, and Peter C. Hayward explore what makes an effective sell sheet, providing feedback on listener-submitted examples. Throughout the discussion, they offer actionable advice on how to improve clarity, visual hierarchy, and focus in order to capture the interest of potential...

  50. #61 - Amazing Board Game Hooks

    Today we follow up on an exercise of developing hooks we gave to our community by highlighting the very best we've seen shared in our discord. Discord: https://discord.gg/BjerXtQ3Me Email: [email protected] Facebook/Twitter: @FunProblemsPod Big thanks to Eduard Matei for our theme song!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

HOSTED BY

AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward

CATEGORIES

leisure games

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Fun Problems have?

Fun Problems currently has 112 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Fun Problems about?

Board game design is a deep and often challenging pursuit. We explore all aspects of game design and the fun problems (and solutions) that come with it.

How often does Fun Problems release new episodes?

Fun Problems publishes regularly with 112 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Fun Problems?

You can listen to Fun Problems on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Fun Problems?

Fun Problems is created and hosted by AJ Brandon and Peter C. Hayward.
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