Vertical Slice

A podcast on the art and science of making great games. New episodes every other Monday.

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

A quick scheduling note: we’re enjoying a summer holiday this month, and will be taking a short hiatus from our regular schedule. We’ll be back on July 9th for Episode 51!

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Traversing the gap between “Good” and “Great” #GameDesign is no mean feat, requiring equal parts inspiration, vision, and sheer stubborn determination. Let’s see what we can we learn from the paths taken by notably successful creators. https://t.co/yx9qwVK5pC

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

It's hard to make a stand-out game by sticking to averages, and that means taking constructive risks in #GameDesign. As creators, how can improve at making the hard design calls we know some players will dislike? Let's explore opinionated game design! https://t.co/iqbjB8GSRZ

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

As the titans of the games industry look to mobile to increase their momentum, what might the ascendance of mobile core games mean for the future? Let’s see what we can learn about the impact of mobile core games on #GameDesign and the games business. https://t.co/xbgzpJR2Gh

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Great games take time, but long development cycles can be a huge business risk. Are there more creative approaches to #GameDev than multi-year creation times and boom-or-bust releases? Let's explore the overlooked possibilities of episodic game content! https://t.co/qMuIyujXZs

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

In a market where new titles launch by the hour, creating a fun game is only half the battle; an equal part of modern #GameDesign is positioning your concept for success in a saturated ecosystem. Let’s learn how to break through and find an audience! https://t.co/jM5mDoPVds

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Player feedback can be a powerful ingredient in #GameDesign… but first you have to figure out how to listen to it honestly and act on it constructively. What’s the secret? Let’s learn how to make feedback our friend! https://t.co/kr2a9ugVcr

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Now that even “simple” games have multiple overlapping gameplay systems, how can designers best support meaningful inter-system interaction? Let’s see what we can learn about this fascinating challenge! #GameDesign https://t.co/3fc2l9plRV

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

#GameDesign is an unpredictable creative process, but it often needs to coexist with the business realities of schedules, deadlines, and budgets. How do you put these seemingly contradictory pieces together? Let's unravel the paradox! https://t.co/N2hlrnSQu3

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Grinding has been a part of games since the 8-bit JRPGs of yore, but keeping this kind of gameplay fresh and rewarding is a special challenge. Let’s unravel the special alchemy behind the #gamedesign of player-friendly grinds! https://t.co/FlT8Lbc2CG

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Open-world concepts have been a transformative addition to modern #gamedesign, but where does the genre go from here? Join us for a blue-sky discussion on the future of open-world adventures! https://t.co/OrhqitkAME

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Exploration and discovery are powerful elements of any #gamedesign, but how do you create moments of surprise for some players without frustrating others? Join us as we puzzle through the best ways of guiding players towards creative exploration. https://t.co/3ixxaCtG1O

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

The long-term health of the game industry isn't just about revenue; it's also about respect. In the face of the AAA loot box avalanche, let's talk about how developers and publishers can do more to respect the players that support their work. https://t.co/J4Eb7nzhgF

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

With so many great games arriving in 2017, it was easy to miss some truly superb experiences. But fear not! Episode 38 is here to help. Join us as we discuss our favorite underappreciated gems of the last twelve months. https://t.co/GP32d5Q3ca

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Your game solves a problem; do you know what it is? Let's explore #gamedesign as problem-solving with special guest designer @Weszt! https://t.co/aHmNkfh5NK

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Is there such a thing as player-friendly loot boxes? Join us for a discussion of #gamedesign, player behavior, and micro-transaction ethics in the age of random loot. https://t.co/u8FPvO2xKf

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

To err is human (especially on the last boss). How can #gamedesign help players find comfort with their mistakes? https://t.co/9QHVTM7mxz

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

Are single-player games still relevant? #Gamedesign, emotion, and the power of solo play in a networked world. https://t.co/lYfV3tOJtB

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

All games offer choices, but only some make them matter. Let's learn to design for meaningful decisions! #gamedesign https://t.co/EZWKFYYaLp

[Vertical Slice @verticalslicefm]

#Destiny2 calls! Let’s discuss the #gamedesign, world building, and social play of Bungie’s latest sci-fi epic. https://t.co/XvosdFSs5G