How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates bi-weekly.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Games Every Designer Should Play

Claim This Podcast

by Stuart Lilford

5.0(7 reviews)

22 episodes

Updated Bi-weekly

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧

Podcast Authority

Beta

PoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more

Quality16

Social0

YouTube85

Engagement27

Learn more

Podcast Overview

This is ’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 your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us. In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play. At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game 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!

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

3/25/2024

Visit Website View on Apple Podcasts RSS Feed

🇺🇸 Charts #3

Outreach generated

Apple 142

Spotify 827

Instant mention tracking

Perfect fit!

Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report

See how your podcast performs across key metrics

Podcast Authority

Beta

PoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more

Quality16

Social0

YouTube85

Engagement27

Learn more

Excellent Areas

Good Performance

Growth Opportunities

excellent

Episode Length

1h 12m

Performing excellently!

poor

Publishing Consistency

Every 37 days

Recommendations available

Unlock the full report to see detailed tips

+16 More Metrics

Unlock comprehensive insights including:

• YouTube presence analysis
• Social media reach metrics
• RSS compliance scoring
• Podcast 2.0 features
• Technical standards

What's Included in Your Full Report

Detailed Analytics

Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
Personalized recommendations for each metric
Industry benchmarks and comparisons
Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring

Growth Strategies

Step-by-step action plans for improvement
Quick wins to boost your score immediately
Pro tips from successful podcasters

Get your free podcast insights report

See how your show performs across every key metric

Instant delivery

No spam

Attract Better Guests

High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.

Secure Sponsorships

Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.

Grow Your Audience

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.

1 verified contact email on file for Games Every Designer Should Play

Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.

See contact details

Recent Episodes

June 13, 2026

Downwell - (Small) Games Every Designer Should Play [BONUS EPISODE]

Welcome to this bonus 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 descend into the minimalist, addictive, and brilliantly designed world of Downwell. 🚨 Spoiler alert for the game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we explore what Downwell teaches us about game design — and why it stands as one of the best examples of doing more with less. Armed with little more than a simple control scheme, a procedurally generated well, and a pair of gunboots, Downwell creates an endlessly compelling gameplay loop built around mastery, momentum, and risk versus reward. We discuss how the game extracts remarkable depth from a tiny set of mechanics, why limitations and constraints often produce better design solutions, and how every action in the game serves multiple purposes. Along the way, we examine the psychology of falling rather than climbing, the importance of visual and audio "juice", how rapid run times make difficult games more approachable, and why Downwell remains a masterclass in elegant game design. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Downwell a must-play for every designer? 📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com Tune in next episode for Dorf Romantik! Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #Downwell #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #IndieGames #Roguelike #GameDesignPodcast #ProceduralGeneration #GameDevelopment #GameFeel #DesignThinking Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support.

May 23, 2026

EP17: Gorogoa - Games Every Designer Should Play

Welcome to Episode 17 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 see what's between the panels in Gorogoa. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. In this episode, we explore what Gorogoa teaches us about game design — and why it's a great example of doing more with less. We look at how limitations are a designers friend and why it's vague narrative is so powerful. We also discuss the importance of design constraints, the idea that fewer mechanics can lead to more meaningful play, and how Gorogoa proves that strong art direction will always outlive realism. Along the way, we break down its oblique narrative design, its careful puzzle pacing, and the confidence it shows in players by offering no tutorials or hand-holding. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Gorogoa 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! 👀 #Gorogoa #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #IndieGames #PuzzleDesign #NarrativeDesign #GameArt #GameDesignPodcast #DesignThinking Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

May 1, 2026

EP16: Super Mario Galaxy - Games Every Designer Should Play

Welcome to Episode 16 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 blast off into the vibrant, gravity-defying world of Super Mario Galaxy. 🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening. n this episode, we explore what Super Mario Galaxy teaches us about game design — and why it remains one of the most celebrated 3D platformers ever made. We break down how its innovative use of gravity reshapes 3D movement, how its tightly structured levels deliver constant variety, and why its game feel and presentation are so consistently satisfying. We also dig into the game’s more critical aspects, questioning whether its linear structure and repeated ideas hold it back compared to the sandbox freedom of Super Mario 64. Along the way, we discuss its unforgettable musical score, the joy of launching into each level, and the surprisingly emotional story of Rosalina. Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Super Mario Galaxy a must-play for every designer? 🔴 BACK ADRIAN'S KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zappedtothepast/zapped-to-the-past - The ZAPPED TO THE PAST C64 BOOK 🔴 📧 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! #SuperMarioGalaxy #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Nintendo #LevelDesign #GameFeel #Mario #GameDesignPodcast #DesignThinking Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨ We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube. === CREDITS === Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay. Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay. Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

22 total episodes available

Similar Podcasts

Discover related shows you might enjoy

Zapped to the Past

zappedtothepast

Think Like A Game Designer

Justin Gary

This Week in Retro

Chris from 005 AGIMA, Jason from The Retro Adventurers, Dave and Duncan Styles

The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Retro Game Club

Rob From Detroit

Deep-dive analytics for Games Every Designer Should Play

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is Games Every Designer Should Play?: This is ’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 your lecturers in game design: Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant, as they explore the essential games that have left a lasting impression on the industry and on us.

In each episode, we dissect and analyse a game that shaped the landscape of game design. From classic titles to contemporary masterpieces, we unravel the intricate layers of gameplay, narrative, and art direction, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned game designers.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, seeking to understand the principles of great game design, or simply love exploring the artistry behind your favorite games, this podcast is your go-to source. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the fascinating world of game design, and discover the games that every designer should play.

At the end of the episode one of us will reveal to the others the game 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!
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates bi-weekly.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Legal Disclaimer

Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.

All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.

We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.

By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.