Welcome to a Special Bonus Halloween Episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they discuss Mouthwashing — a visceral indie game that shows us how to tell a powerful narrative. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Mouthwashing demonstrates the value of starting small, using a compact scope to deliver a focused and memorable experience. We explore how removing player choice can strengthen narrative impact, how environmental storytelling and sharp dialogue build emotional depth, and how leaning into limitations — whether in animation, art style, or level design — can lead to bold creative decisions. 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #IndieGames #NarrativeDesign #Mouthwashing Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to Episode 13 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they try to communicate the chaotic pressures of Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes transforms communication itself into gameplay, creating tension, teamwork, and comedy through pure verbal coordination. We explore how its VR origins shaped its design, how its paper manual becomes a brilliant piece of diegetic UI, and why its approachability makes it one of the most inclusive multiplayer games ever made. We also look at what designers can learn from its game jam roots, where a 48-hour prototype evolved into a timeless co-op experience. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #KeepTalkingAndNobodyExplodes #IndieGames #CoopGames #CommunicationDesign Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to Episode 12 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they descend into the chaotic, grotesque, and endlessly replayable world of The Binding of Isaac. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how The Binding of Isaac turns randomness into both its greatest strength and biggest challenge. We compare it's gameplay to the act of gambling — where the anticipation of a great run keeps players coming back — and debate whether requiring players to learn so much outside the game is good or bad design. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is The Binding of Isaac a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #BindingOfIsaac #IndieGames #Roguelike #GameMechanics Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to Episode 11 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they navigate the dark corridors of Resident Evil 2 (2019) - a modern remake of a survival horror classic. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Resident Evil 2 (2019) delivers efficient, well-crafted level design: from its looping layout to its clever reuse of environments and assets. We explore how the game builds tension and meaningful player choices through resource scarcity, limited inventory, and risk-reward decisions - all wrapped in a B-movie script that somehow works. On the critical side, we examine the timeline inconsistencies compared to the original and ask whether the boss fights break the game's own rules. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Resident Evil 2 (2019) a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #ResidentEvil2 Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 10 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Subnautica—a genre-defying deduction game that puts players in the role of a 19th-century insurance investigator aboard a ghost ship. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we talk about Return of the Obra Dinn's distinctive and effective soundtrack, how the game’s tight constraints (from visuals to location to mechanics) actually enhance creativity, and how the deductive gameplay allows for multiple valid paths to a solution. We also explored how the game masterfully manufactures “aha!” moments—rewarding players not through traditional level progression, but through the satisfaction of piecing together a mystery on their own. On the critical side, we questioned whether the story itself delivers a meaningful emotional payoff, and debated whether the non-linear structure enhances or weakens the overall narrative impact. Does the fragmented timeline add intrigue, or does it distance the player from the characters and events? Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Return of the Obra Dinn a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #ObraDinn Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 09 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Subnautica—a survival game that blends mystery, exploration, and tension beneath the waves. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we discuss how Subnautica creates an incredible sense of mystery and discovery, its immersive survival mechanics, and the brilliance of its environment and creature design. We also explore how sound design enhances tension, making every dive feel equal parts mesmerising and terrifying. But Subnautica isn’t without its faults. We critique its lack of player direction, moments that don’t respect the player’s time, and some frustrating UI elements that can make surviving harder than intended. Ultimately, we unpack a key takeaway for designers: your game won’t (and can’t) please everyone—and that’s okay. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Subnautica a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Subnautica Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 08 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Titanfall 2—a masterclass in movement, pacing, and level design. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we explore how Titanfall 2 blends fluid movement with tight gunplay, the brilliance of Effect and Cause, and how the game’s pacing keeps players constantly engaged. We also discuss how game jams can be a powerful development tool and why designers should look beyond games for inspiration. Plus, Stuart battles his own boss fight—getting Titanfall 2 to run on his laptop. 💻😡 Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Titanfall 2 a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Titanfall2 Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to a Special Bonus Christmas Episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into Tetris, exploring its elegant simplicity, how it mastered the core gameplay loop, and the importance of player choice. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening—also Spoilers for The Witness, The Last of Us: Part 2, and Batman: Arkham Knight. In this episode, we dive into Tetris and explore its timeless design, from its elegant simplicity to its addictive gameplay loop. We discuss how the game excels by focusing on a single core mechanic—clearing lines through falling blocks—while examining its strategic depth, the importance of player choice, and how planning ahead keeps players engaged. Plus, a special Christmas surprise of David and Adrian. 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Tetris Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 07 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into Batman: Arkham Asylum, exploring its groundbreaking Freeflow Combat, immersive environment, and how it set a new standard for superhero games. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we dive into Batman: Arkham Asylum and examine its masterful world-building, from subtle nods to Gotham’s wider universe to its immersive atmosphere. We discuss how the game succeeds by focusing on a few core mechanics—like Freeflow Combat and Predator gameplay—while debating its weaker elements such as boss fights and whether Detective Mode enhanced or undermined the experience. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Batman: Arkham Asylum a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #ArkhamAsylum Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 06 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they navigate the reverse bullet-hell of VAMPIRE SURVIVORS, discussing its perfected core game loop and the beauty of its simplicity. Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we delve into the chaotic world of Vampire Survivors! We break down its brilliantly addictive core gameplay loop, explore the elegance of its simple yet effective design, and discuss how it masterfully condenses an entire game arc into a high-stakes 30-minute experience. We also examine how the game presents meaningful decisions to the player and balances overwhelming visuals with a sense of control. Along the way, there’s plenty of reminiscing about our favorite upgrades and one of us tries to explain why Vampire Survivors is like social media. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Vampire Survivors a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #VampireSurvivors Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Edited by Helen Mitchell

Welcome to Episode 05 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the absurd comedy slapformer THANK GOODNESS YOU'RE HERE!, exploring its blend of comedy and game design as well as it's approach to backtracking and reactions to the player Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you play before listening. In this episode, we dive into the delightfully quirky world of Thank Goodness You’re Here! We explore how voice acting brings characters to life, break down comedy theory in game design, and discuss how games can react to the player to enhance their experience. Plus, we chat about designing games based on personal experiences and discuss the concept of bi-directional gameplay. Along the way, there’s plenty of reminiscing about our favorite jokes, and we may even try out a few silly voices ourselves.  Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Thank Goodness You're Here! a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Bioshock  Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 04 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the seminal first-person shooter BIOSHOCK, exploring its rich narrative and immersive world-building. Spoiler alert for Bioshock! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you play before listening. In this episode, we explore how BioShock draws inspiration from art, philosophy, and history, while also breaking down its exceptional sound design and how it leverages the 'rule of cool' with iconic elements like Big Daddies and epic set-pieces. We also dive into what hasn’t aged as well, from excessive bloom effects to bloated systems—and one of us has a serious bone to pick with Vita-Chambers. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Bioshock a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Bioshock  Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 03 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the mysterious card-battler INSCRYPTION, exploring its emergent gameplay and ability to keep things fresh. Spoiler alert for Inscryption! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you play before listening. You can grab it here. In this episode, we discuss emergent gameplay, subverting expectations and keeping things fresh, ARGs, using sound design and VFX to bolster atmosphere, adaptive difficulty and FMVs go bad!  Featuring feedback from listeners(?) and the verdict: Is Inscryption a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Inscryption Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨   === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 02 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the exceptional puzzle game COCOON, exploring its controlled design and simple player actions. Spoiler alert for Cocoon! 🚨 We advise you play before listening. You can grab it here. In this episode, we discuss the KISS rule, controlled design, restrictive level design, using sound design to reward the player, affordances, demonstrating progression within the front end, and rage quitting!  Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Cocoon a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨   === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 01 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the iconic game PORTAL, exploring its innovative mechanics and design insights. Spoiler alert for Portal! 🚨 We advise you play before listening. You can grab it here. In this episode, we discuss environmental storytelling, pacing and progression, the importance of playtesting and iterative design, and the debate of Cut scenes vs. non-interruptive dialogue. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Portal a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com  It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ === REFERENCES === Narbacular Drop by the DigiPen Institute of Technology  DoubleFIne Adventure Documentary when Tim Schafer shares his notebooks on Grim Fandango  Robert Yang's Level with Me videos on YouTube  Game Maker's Toolkit video on Valve's "Secret Weapon" (Playtesting)   GDC Talk - Level Design Workshop: Solving Puzzle Design by Ubisoft's Jolie Menzel The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell  Game Theory === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.

Welcome to the debut episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they introduce the podcast's format, share their expertise, and tease the game up for discussion in the forthcoming Episode 1.   Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.