Design Doc

Fatigue

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we talk fatigue. Is fatigue something to conquer, or is it a warning sign on the way to a physical and emotional crash? Evan is tired, but we’ve got strategies! After years of learning what the burnout cycle looks like while working on a game, we’re eager to intervene before exhaustion gets the best of us.

Episode mentions:

Ever so briefly, The Witness (2016 video game, Jonathan Blow)

Snowpiercer (2013 movie, Bong Joon Ho)

Links:

Join us on Discord! ⁠ https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Support our work Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games online: ⁠⁠https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: ⁠⁠https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: ⁠⁠https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/turtleandbun⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com⁠

The Path to a Question

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Game design questions can be longer and more complex than their answers. In this episode, we initially set out to do a live-design session tackling an issue from our latest playtest, but discovered that describing the question required revisiting nearly every other part of the game. Join us for a chat about Twilight rules, open-eyed investigations, and escaping a cursed amusement park.

Links:

We have a Discord! Come talk about Design Doc and Star Trek. ⁠https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Turtlebun on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our games: ⁠https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: ⁠https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: ⁠https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/turtleandbun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com⁠

Who Designs the Game?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Who designs the game? Is it the players, who make decisions in real time at the table? The GM, who’s at the ready to suggest ideas or dole out consequences? Or the designers, who… well… make the game? In this episode, we talk about when and how to distribute control of the experience between the players, the GM, ourselves as designers, and random rolls of the dice.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/ApNfNvUk

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

https://letterboxd.com/hanbandit/diary/films/for/2025/by/added-earliest/

A Year of Movies

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Hannah watched 51 movies in 2025. Not all of them were helpful for game design, but there was inspiration to be found everywhere—in the form of left-behind robots, edgy existential planets, sci-fi noir, and Mother. Mother? Mother!

Follow along and find every movie mentioned in the episode here:

Watch movies through your library on Kanopy:

https://www.kanopy.com/

More Links:

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episodes edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Epiphanies

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Sometimes a design problem can't be solved in any straightforward way. You need an epiphany! That can't be forced, but it can be encouraged. Hannah and Evan talk about the epiphanies that shaped their previous games and how to attract those mysterious flashes of insight.

Links:

We have a Discord! Come talk about Design Doc and Star Trek. https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Turtlebun on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Resolutions New and Old

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

As the year draws to a close we talk about New Year's resolutions. Hannah makes them every year, Evan does not. Hannah shares her elaborate system for setting goals of masteries, experiences, and skills. And together, we consider Turtlebun's upcoming year.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Convention Dids and Didn’ts

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Conventions are an opportunity for us to get our games in front of a bigger audience, and PAX Unplugged is our biggest show. The stakes feel high, and we have to balance our ambitious goals with practical preparations. In this episode, we talk about what we were proud of, what we wish we’d done differently, and how every year we get a little better.

Episode mentions:

Thoughtcrime Games - https://thoughtcrimegames.itch.io/

Elliot Davis - https://www.moreblueberries.com/

World Champ Game Co. - https://www.worldchamp.io/

Links:

Public Guest 5: https://turtlebun.com/products/public-guest-5-notebook

Worldbuilding Art Print: https://turtlebun.com/products/worldbuilding-art-print

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Design Doc on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Short Break Announcement

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Just a quick announcement that we'll be skipping a release cycle for the Thanksgiving holiday. See you back in two weeks with a new episode!

In the meantime you might consider:

Joining the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Supporting Design Doc on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Picking up one of our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Design Doc Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Making Game Hacks That Stay Small

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

It's hard for us to make a hack that doesn't grow into a game of its own. In this episode, we talk about two playtests—one for a game variant, another for a new hack—and say what went well, what needs work, and how to keep small things small.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Design Doc Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

You Can’t End the Game Until You Know What It Means

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Endings are hard. The ending of a roleplaying game isn’t just the culmination of the story; it’s also when the themes and purpose of the game become clear. In this episode we talk about designing a conclusion that comes at the right time, conveys the right message, and still leaves room for all the improvisation of roleplaying.

Episode mentions:

Ready Player One—but just a brief mention this time, promise!

Mother! (2017 film written & directed by Darren Aronofsky)

Other Design Doc episodes mentioned:

Epilogues in Games (May 2025)

Finding the Game's Emotional Core (March 2019)

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc 101

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Is Design Doc a game design podcast? A saga about the challenges of making art for a living? A never-ending field trip? In episode 101 we talk about how Design Doc began, what it became, and what we hope it could become. Plus, dinosaurs!

Episode mentions:

Internet Shaquille video about short-form content - “I Posted a Short EVERY Day and THIS Happened!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvu3SDigoMA

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 2—the Movie!)

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We conclude our discussion of Ready Player One with an updated review of the movie. In pondering this mid movie, we leave no stone unturned... and no critically-acclaimed director forgiven. Come for the movie critique, stay for the poetry!

Find part 1 of the discussion, Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1), here.

Find our original review of the movie on Patreon here.

Episode Mentions:

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013 directed by Tommy Wirkola)

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Bonus: Ernest Cline's Stinker (Part 1)

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We’re pulling an unaired episode from the archives this week! We talk about Ready Player One, the dystopian virtual-world novel that took the world by storm over a decade ago. We each completed the book independently, then came together in this conversation to share our thoughts with each other (and the world). In part 1 we discuss the novel, in part 2 we watch the movie and read an illuminating poem.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

The ⁠circular piano keyboard patent⁠

The Realest Place on Earth

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Happy Design Doc episode 100! In this special episode, we take a field trip with our game Escape from Wonderland. Trapped in an amusement park with a half-finished game, we explore liminal spaces, shuttered VIP lounges, and mind-bendingly long queues. To escape Six Flags New England, we must first fix our broken larp.

Creepy circus music is ⁠Creepy Circus Music from Derek Fiechter & Brandon Fiechter on Soundcloud⁠

Roller coaster screams captured by Carrie, who can be found ⁠here⁠

Find Jill Bernard's Small Cute Book of Improv here

Find Thank You, Places in Philadelhpia

Experience Houdini's Great Escape

The ⁠⁠Brock360 Circular Keyboard⁠⁠

Previous Six Flags episode include Roleplaying in the Park and The Liminal Spaces of Six Flags

And more links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by (and spooky laugh by) Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Game Design Grab Bag

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In an impromptu recording, we decided to take turns setting a 6-minute timer and sharing whatever topics came to mind. The result was a series of compressed design conversations and a snapshot of our current ambitions and troubles.

1 - Sandbox exploration (chicken)

2 - Questlandia audio drama (cow)

3 - Traits & Conditions accounting (duck)

4 - Making the bed (whale)

5 - Null result (seagull)

6 - Mud gallery (horse)

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode edited by Hannah Shaffer. Episode editing usually by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Roleplaying in the Park

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We're going back to the park and taking Wonderland with us! To get the game off the table and into the real world, there are a number of changes we'll have to make. We talk fanny packs, waterproof paper, coordinated outfits, and ditching friends.

You can listen to our previous episode about Six Flags here.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Creative Disagreements

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Even after years of working together, there are times where we just can’t agree. The work grinds to a halt, and we end up frustrated and confused. When there’s a breakdown in collaboration, how do you diagnose what went wrong, repair the rift, and move forward together?

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Fortunately (1964 illustrated book, Remy Charlip)

The Game Takes Shape

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the early stages of a game's design, it's hard to even know what questions to answer. We've hit a turning point with Escape from Wonderland where we can see the shape of the game taking form. Big, abstract questions are getting small and specific. Now that the game has real structure, what comes next?

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠⁠⁠ https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠⁠

Buy our games:⁠⁠⁠ https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado:⁠⁠⁠ https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/turtleandbun⁠⁠

Bluesky:⁠⁠⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com

The Rules Tell a Story

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

After you’ve made the rules, you need to decide how you’re going to tell them. The right rule in the wrong order can make all the difference!

In this unscripted episode, we share our initial thoughts about how we want our next rulebook to start, how to include immersive writing without sacrificing clarity, and (for some reason) reminisce about spooky VHS covers we encountered as children.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠⁠ https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠⁠

Support our work on Patreon:⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠⁠

Buy our games:⁠⁠ https://turtlebun.com/⁠⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost:⁠⁠ https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado:⁠⁠ https://robabrazado.com/⁠⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/turtleandbun⁠

Bluesky:⁠⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com

Epilogues in Games

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Story endings are hard! The epilogue of a game not only has to logically wrap up the story and tie up any loose ends—it’s also the moment to reflect on how your character has grown over many sessions, and a moment for you as the player to feel like the time spent playing was worthwhile.

In this episode, we talk about what makes roleplaying game epilogues special, and how we're approaching epilogue design in Escape from Wonderland.

Episode Mentions:

Return to Oz (1985 film)

Something Wicked this Way Comes (1962 novel, Ray Bradbury)

Tuiti and R2D2 at Dakin Animal Shelter

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord:⁠ https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz⁠

Support our work on Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun⁠

Buy our games:⁠ https://turtlebun.com/⁠

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost:⁠ https://www.ipaghost.com/⁠

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado:⁠ https://robabrazado.com/⁠

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Bluesky:⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com

Balancing the Pendulum

Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

This week, we talk about the unpredictable mechanical swings that can happen between different versions of a game. Small tweaks to mechanics can trigger a cascade of unintended effects, causing the game design pendulum to swing from too many choices to too few and back again. We talk through examples of how we've managed these swings in Escape from Wonderland, and discuss our ongoing efforts to find the right balance.

Links:

Join the Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun

Buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: instagram.com/turtleandbun

Now You're the Bad Guy

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

We’re introducing a new dynamic to our latest roleplaying game! You all came to this amusement park as friends, but one of you started serving the park’s demonic forces. And things are about to get mean.

How can characters become enemies while players remain friends? When the rules ask you to clash with you peers, care and consideration needs to be given to keeping the antagonism fun.

Links:

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Support Design Doc monthly on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun

Where to buy our games: https://turtlebun.com/

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: instagram.com/turtleandbun

https://www.patreon.com/joshua

Don’t Stop Making Art! (Feat. Joshua A.C. Newman)

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Hannah had to get a full time office job. Since then, finding the time and energy for creative work has been an uphill battle. In this episode, Hannah sits down with close friend and fellow game designer Joshua A.C. Newman to talk about life, art, and staying true to your values in trying times.

Support Joshua’s work!

https://www.patreon.com/PunkPedagogy

Links:

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/turtlebun

Website: https://turtlebun.com/

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Instagram: instagram.com/turtleandbun

It’s My Playtest and I’ll Cry If I Want To

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan discuss Wonderland's first four-player playtest. When a playtest goes wrong, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause. How much is due to the rules, and what's connected to the more subtle influence of mood and flow?

Links:

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Website: turtlebun.com

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Pacing

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Slow and steady wins the race... but does it work in a one-session RPG? From what we've seen in Escape from Wonderland, not quite. In this episode, we discuss pacing in roleplaying games: from the moment players arrive at the table to leaving everyone feeling satisfied with the story's twists and turns. We dig into the challenge of building uncanny horror—where a slow burn creates the best dread—and whether it's possible to communicate that in a single sitting.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visioneers (2008 film)

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Insights and Secrets

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Sometimes a secret is worth more than gold. But how do you make concrete rules for something intangible? Hannah and Evan talk about the secrets of Wonderland and what to do when the rules are out of step with the story.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

We're now on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/turtlebun.com

Rewards and Prizes

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Even when things are going wrong for your characters, you as a player might feel rewarded by narrative twists and turns. In this episode, Hannah and Evan discuss the ways that games can reward both players and characters, and do some live game design about claw machine prizes...

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

https://www.operaballet.nl/en/dancers/olga-smirnova

The Art of Perfect Art

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

When people decide what art is worth looking at, they look for the very best. In a world that demands creative endeavors be perfect, how do we find the confidence to make and share our own art?

Episode mentions:

Olga Smirnova / Dutch National Ballet:

Toki Pona:

https://tokipona.org/

A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart (essay):

https://worrydream.com/refs/Lockhart_2002_-_A_Mathematician's_Lament.pdf

The Jewish Wedding by Jovan Obican (lithograph):

https://rogallery.com/artists/jovan-obican/jewish-wedding-2/

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

What Makes a Good Playtest?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Is playtesting more of a science, or more art? How prepared should you be for a playtest if you're testing rules that might change on the fly, never to be seen again? In this episode we talk about playtesting our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, and how that went!

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

When Mechanics Don't Match

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 14:57:00 -0000

Our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, began as a hack of Questlandia. But what happens when the mechanics of an old game don't work with the story you want to tell? In this episode we talk about hacking games to do what we want them to do.

Links:

Support Design Doc on Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun

Find our games at: turtlebun.com

Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Going Places! (or, Navigation Mechanics in Games)

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:03:58 -0000

We often ask ourselves, "Do we need a mechanic for that?" In our newest game, Escape from Wonderland, we want to encourage players to travel across a haunted amusement park. How can the rules create meaningful choices about the places they should and shouldn't go? And when is it better to lose that choice, and end up somewhere randomized or predetermined? Join us as we navigate these questions and arrive in unexpected places!

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

A Moment of Rest

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:29:00 -0000

We're taking a week off to recharge! We'll see you back in two weeks with a new episode of Design Doc. Rest easy.

Sincerely,

Hannah and Evan

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Finding Community Again

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

We recently realized that we’ve drifted apart not just from our games community, but from our community at large. Now, in a world where the future feels uncertain and dire, we're asking ourselves: how do we reconnect?

Escape from Wonderland has just one week left on Kickstarter. You can read more and back the project here.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc on Patreon: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Levels of Doneness

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:30:00 -0000

The Kickstarter for Escape from Wonderland is LIVE! Support the game here!

How do you know when a game is ready for Kickstarter? How far along should it be before bringing it to the world? In this episode, we talk about the delicate balance of presentation—slick, but not *too* slick; done, but not *too* done. We explored how crowdfunding has changed for small creators now that big, well-resourced companies are bringing their games to Kickstarter too. When faced with a rising standard of "doneness," should we try to match them, or pave our own scrappy way?

Mentioned in this episode:

Yes, L'Oreal did do a Kickstarter (we're not linking to it).
Double Fine's adventure game Kickstarter (for the game that would eventually be called Broken Age).
Czech Dream documentary.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc on Patreon: Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Judging a Book by Its Cover

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

The first conversation we've had about cover design in games! We discuss how book covers are often the first thing people see of our games, how a well-designed cover can stick in someone's memory, and how a great cover isn't just about first impressions—it can make you want to pick up a book again and again.

And a special thanks to our editor, Rob, for letting us know that yes, Scholastic Book Fairs do still exist. Link here: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com

Covers mentioned:

The Martian Chronicles (Link to cover, art by Michael Whelan)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Link)

The Golden Compass (Link to cover, art by Eric Rohmann)

Our covers mentioned, all by Evan Rowland:

Questlandia original edition

Questlandia second edition

Noirlandia

Mud: A Golem Memoir

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

The Ideas You'll Be Buried With

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

One of the hardest lessons in game design is coming to terms with the fact that many of our favorite ideas will remain unrealized. In this episode, we explore the games we may never complete, our lingering dream of bringing them to life, and how accepting their incompleteness might help us face the reality of death.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

https://turtlebun.com/pages/downloads

Designing a Spooky Game (Part 4): Finally, the Playtest

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:34:33 -0000

Evan and Hannah try playing their new game with a very rough draft of the rules, in a cross between a playtest and design session. New ideas and new questions abound as they explore uncharted territory.

To follow along with the design, Questlandia character sheets and reference rules can be downloaded for free here:

Questlandia can be purchased here:

https://turtlebun.itch.io/questlandia-second-edition

https://turtlebun.com/products/questlandia

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

The Pizza or the Basket? (Amusement Park Horror w/ Alanna Shaffer)

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

We're joined by public historian and musical improviser Alanna Shaffer to discuss real-world amusement park horror and Dippin' Dots scams at Dorney Park.

Alanna shares thoughts about story vs plot, new character drives, and everyone's personal breaking point after a day with no water. To see Alanna and Thank You, Places in person, check out their monthly improvised musical every last Thursday of the month at Tavern on Camac!

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a one-time tip: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord (we chat about Design Doc here!): https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

https://turtlebun.com/pages/downloads

Designing a Spooky Game (Part 3): Mr. Bones' Wild Ride

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:24:31 -0000

We continue our design of a creepy amusement park game, starting with the question, "What does bad behavior look like in an amusement park?" In this episode, we begin with a lot of questions, and end with a roadmap to a first playtest that includes character weaknesses, theme park-related goals, and an unreliable park map filled with skulls and crossbones.

To follow along with the design, Questlandia character sheets and reference rules can be downloaded for free here:

Questlandia can be purchased here:

https://turtlebun.itch.io/questlandia-second-edition

https://turtlebun.com/products/questlandia

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Support Design Doc with a one-time tip: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Designing a Spooky Game (Part 2): The Setting

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:02:19 -0000

How can you use simple rules to create a complex setting? In the second part of this live design series, Hannah and Evan take a swing at world and character mechanics. To create a spooky, surreal environment, they’re forced to come up with new ways to approach worldbuilding and character design.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Support Design Doc with a one-time tip: https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Designing a Spooky Game (Part 1): The Brainstorm

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

What makes a game hack manageable in scope and size? Hannah and Evan delve back into game design to create a creepy amusement park Questlandia hack on the fly. They begin by brainstorming moods, moments, mechanics, and materials for a spoooooky game. From doppelgangers to malevolent crowds to corn dogs, they end with a wealth of ideas for the next design session.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by ipaghost: https://www.ipaghost.com/

Episode edited by Rob Abrazado: https://robabrazado.com/

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

The Founder Olympics

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan face off in a battle of inspiration and ego to outdo each other's most founder ideas. Then, they set impostor syndrome aside and dilute those ideas down to something they'd both be willing to try.

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Jingle news by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/460424/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

twitter.com/turtleandbun

twitter.com/designdocpod

Our Best Design Doc Ideas

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

From Mood, Moments, Mechanics, Materials (MMMM) to "Be aware, be charming," our Design Doc conversations over the years have inspired some of our favorite game design ideas. We talk about the ideas that have had a lasting impact on our game design, and how we're incorporating each one into our most recent project.

Show notes:

Okay, Let's Redesign Noirlandia, for Mood, Moments, Mechanics, Materials

Scopeful Optimism, for discussion of scope

FLETs, for fiddly little end things

Imperfect Inspiration

Kudos Conundrum

Numbers Hide Everything

Founder Energy

Fish People, for "Be aware, be charming"

High Life (2018 film)

Lincoln in the Bardo (2017 George Saunders novel)

Links/Credits:

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Get in touch:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Turtlebun Discord: https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

twitter.com/turtleandbun

twitter.com/designdocpod

The Taste Talent Gap

Fri, 03 May 2024 16:35:26 -0000

Public radio icon Ira Glass has a famous quote describing the gap between taste and talent in trying to hone your creative work. When you start out, your tastes are always bigger than your skill. It's a frustrating gap, and one that causes a lot of people to give up.

In this episode we talk about everything that plays a part in the taste-skill gap. From personal energy and health, to money, ability, mood, and your relationship to the project as a whole. We talk about how our changing tastes have made our recent work all the more challenging.

EPISODE MENTIONS:

Ira Glass on the taste-talent gap: https://youtu.be/91FQKciKfHI?si=2PxIFIGoOwWvM7ty

Chris Ware's Building Stories: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/books/review/building-stories-by-chris-ware.html

Design Doc episode 49, Imperfect Inspiration: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/imperfect-inspiration/id1298080097?i=1000570727332

LINKS/CREDIT

Website: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

GET IN TOUCH:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Adapting a Text

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:32:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan talk about how to transform a beloved movie, book, or show into a game, using their latest project as an example: An adaptation of a 1779 book of cosmetic chemistry, The Toilet of Flora.

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/

Toilet of Flora: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44276

OUR GAMES:

Website: turtlebun.com

GET IN TOUCH:

Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Working around a Job

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In a perfect world, we'd make a living just making roleplaying games. But sometimes, duty calls, and you've got to work around another job. In this episode, we talk about rolling with the punches in a moment when the creative work is competing with a new and time-consuming reality—that of a day job.

FOLLOW/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Get in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Obsessions

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:20:23 -0000

What’s the difference between a “theme” and an “obsession?” Inspired by a classic writing book from the ‘80s, we share our respective obsessions and talk about how they show up in our work, intentionally or otherwise.

EPISODE MENTIONS:

Learn how to play Go: https://online-go.com/learn-to-play-go

Learn how to smell things (Introduction to Perfumery Kit or Perfumery Notes Kit from Perfumer’s Apprentice): https://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/c-58-educational-kits.aspx

Writing Down the Bones (book by Natalie Goldberg)

Synecdoche, New York (film)

The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity (book by Graeber and Wengrow)

A Pattern Language (architecture and urban design book by Alexander, Ishikawa, Silverstein)

Eating Raoul (film)

The Clock Crew (Newgrounds wiki link)

FOLLOW/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Get in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Instagram: instagram.com/turtleandbun

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Better Never Than Late?

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:56:57 -0000

Kickstarter stretch goals are notorious for getting project creators into trouble. Sometimes, they over promise content. Other times, they create financial strain. Often, it's all of the above. In this episode, we talk about Top Tracks, a stretch goal project we just completed that's so overdue... nobody even remembered it.

CW: This episode contains a discussion of sexual harassment.

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Top Tracks! https://turtlebun.itch.io/damntheman (under Download Demo)

Our games: turtlebun.com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Get in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Designing Alone, but Not Lonely

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:18:47 -0000

In this episode, Hannah talks about the art of doing creative work alone. As part of a game design duo that normally does all creative work together, what does it look like to self-motivate on game design solo? From setting small, manageable goals and little rewards in advance to finding companionship in the work itself.

MENTIONED IN EPISODE:

Scavengers Reign (animated mini series) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21056886/

Health Minds App (available for free on the Apple app store and Google Play) - https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Get in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Design Session: What Makes a Good Solo RPG?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:59:39 -0000

We love making solo RPGs, but we don't always love playing them. In this episode we brainstorm ideas for a possible one-player version of Questlandia, and what would make us excited to play it.

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Join the Turtlebun Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Get in touch! Designdocpod (at) gmail (dot) com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Will We Ever Finish Questlandia 2?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:18:54 -0000

This month marks the sixth anniversary of Design Doc, a podcast that started as a "year-long" project documenting our progress redesigning our first roleplaying game. Six years later, we talk about the different directions we've taken, and what Questlandia 2 means to us today.

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Turtlebun Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun

https://ko-fi.com/designdoc

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

The Liminal Spaces of Six Flags

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:55:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan talk about the strange designs and abandoned places of Six Flags New England, the latest of a series of research trips. Join them on a jeep ride in the Jurassic, through the ghost town of Crackaxle, and into secret corners filled with claw machines.

SUPPORT OUR VISIT BACK TO SIX FLAGS HERE:

EPISODE LINKS/CREDITS:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

"People Were Shorter Back Then" (Guest ep w/ historical interpreter Enzo!)

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:42:15 -0000

Former historical interpreter Enzo joins us to talk about interpreting history! A few months ago we visited Old Sturbridge Village, an 1830s rural New England recreation village. We went as naive visitors, only able to guess at how it was run. Our guest today was kind enough to share his memories of working at the museum! We discuss what it was like interacting with pass-holder guests, being the groom in a historic wedding, and sneaking off to take smoke breaks away from the prying eyes of modernity.

Thanks again to Enzo for sharing his time and knowledge with us!

Episode links:

To learn more about Old Sturbridge Village, visit their website here: www.osv.org

Turtlebun links:

Our games: turtlebun.com

Join our Discord! discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Old Sturbridge Village

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode Hannah and Evan describe their recent trip to Sturbridge Village, an 1800s recreation historical town. They talk about the value of on-the-ground research for creative projects, the peculiarity of animal habitats in fantasy places, and some dredged-up financial controversies paving the ye olde village streets.

Episode mentions:

Sturbridge Village: https://www.osv.org/
Jenny Nicholson video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9OhTB5eBqQ
The Maze Runner (film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maze_Runner_(film)

Turtlebun links:

Our games: turtlebun.com
Patreon: patreon.com/turtlebun
Twitter: twitter.com/turtleandbun
Instagram: instagram.com/turtleandbun
We have a Discord! https://discord.gg/XD4WVDjvbz

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Founder Energy

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:57:00 -0000

We talk about bringing confidence to our own work, including our recent scent-inspired game ideas. We're working on bringing that founder hustle without a toxic founder morality. Plus, we've got two new projects in the works inspired by olfactive poetry!

1:25 - Founder energy

13:58 - Project Gutenberg

32:32 - Pie Girl

Episode Links and Credits

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Mentioned in this episode

Outsider Comics in Seattle - https://outsidercomics.com/

Project Gutenberg - https://www.gutenberg.org/

The Art of Perfumery by G. W. Septimus Piesse (1857) - https://www.gutenberg.org/files/16378/16378-h/16378-h.htm

Turtlebun links

Our games: turtlebun.com

Fish People

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:46:00 -0000

In a much-requested episode topic, Hannah and Evan talk about WORLDBUILDING. We narrow in on three worldbuilding faux pas we're trying to be aware of in our own work: Word swapping, "Fish People," and the dreaded authorial insert.

Episode Mentions:

Lincoln in the Bardo: novel by George Saunders

Upload: comedy-drama series

Episode Links and Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun Links

Our other games: turtlebun.com

Focusing on Focus

Wed, 10 May 2023 11:51:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan discuss their personal experiences and struggles with focus. A new kind of work requires long stretches of sustained focus, disrupting old routines and demanding new strategies. They delve into the challenges and rewards of dodging distractions and shepherding wandering thoughts.

Timestamps:

00:55 - Introduction. The need to transition from sprint focus to something more sustained.

10:10 - Our different styles of focus and how we work together: Switching off the role of cheerleader, having a plan and holding to routines; setting boundaries with friends, family, ourselves.

18:17 - Switching to long-form work. Ramping up, getting into a flow, building a slower momentum.

23:51 - External and internal distractions. When the work becomes its own distraction.

32:26 - The dynamic tension, the ongoing battle; eliminating distractions vs the resolve to ignore and power through. Self-esteem.

35:25 - How the switch to long-form focus has helped our work in games.

38:04 - Closing thoughts. What we’ve learned, the ritual of it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Deep Work by Cal Newport (We feel "meh" about this one)

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (We liked this one)

Links and credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Our games: turtlebun.com

We're Writing a Novel

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:30:37 -0000

Hannah and Evan talk about what it's like to tackle a very different type of creative work—writing a novel! We discuss the fun parts and the challenges of being two people trying to hone in on a single narrative voice.

Mentioned in this episode:

3-Act Structure: Abbie Emmons on YouTube

Passing mentions: Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, Robert A. Heinlein, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, Over the Garden Wall (Episode 5: Mad Love)

Episode Links and Credits:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun Links

Our other games: turtlebun.com

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/turtlebun/public-guest-five

Packed With Care (Part 2)

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:31:55 -0000

Hannah and Evan discuss the trials and tribulations of packing a "deluxe" edition of Questlandia and the ridiculous mishaps that ensued.

They chat fancy boxes, missing fonts, and making creative use of a limited budget.

Episode Links and Credits:

Our Kickstarter for a poster print run of our one-page single-player RPG Public Guest 5 ends tonight, February 16th at 8pm EST. You can support the project here:

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun Links

Our other games: turtlebun.com

Packed With Care (Part 1)

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:49:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan talk about the increasingly complicated logistics of packing and shipping games as small creators.

In this episode, we talk all about packing and shipping. Where do you get bubble wrap when you need more than a roll, but less than a warehouse's-worth? What happens when a printer you've worked with for years really messes up, with no chance to fix it? All this and more in part 1, with part 2 to come.

Episode Links and Credits

The sticker makers we work with: https://stickerninja.com/

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun links

Questlandia 2nd Edition: turtlebun.com/products/questlandia

Our other games: turtlebun.com

Actually selling our games

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:44:14 -0000

We made the games, now we have to sell them. Hannah and Evan talk about something they're good at: making new games. And something they're bad at: confidently sharing those games with an audience that might like them.

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun links

Questlandia 2nd Edition: turtlebun.com/products/questlandia

Our other games: turtlebun.com

What to do when you're sick of your game

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:06:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan discuss how to repair their relationship with a game they've spent a year struggling to complete.

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Mentioned in this episode:

Microscope RPG by Ben Robbins.

Turtlebun links

Our games: turtlebun.com

FLETs (Fiddly Little End Things)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:28:00 -0000

Hannah and Evan talk about the fiddly little end things that make a project go on, and on, and on much longer than you expected.

Design Doc intro/outro theme by Pat King

Design Doc on twitter: twitter.com/designdocpod

Turtlebun links

Our games: turtlebun.com