Hyperbole Games

Proud Prototype Papa

Grant Rodiek | May 21, 2012

To say I'm enamored of my war game Field Marshals is a bit of an understatement. I'm fairly proud of the game, even though I know she has a long way to go. Since Farmageddon, I've killed two bad designs, spent 8 months trying to revive what may be a lost cause, and watched dozens of ideas just flounder.

Designer To-Do List

Grant Rodiek | May 16, 2012

The article is another one that may be of questionable value to you, dear reader. I just know that I think about these things all the time and one of the purposes of a blog is to catalog thoughts. Also, as with all posts, perhaps it'll generate a conversation? What are your goals? Post by: Grant Rodiek When setting out to do things, grand things, things of great import, I find it useful to set goals.

Game Design Gone Loopy

Grant Rodiek | May 11, 2012

I bumped into Jesse Catron on The Game Crafter chat when I first joined the small online board game design community. Jesse sent me a copy of his prototype Pond Farr and it was a real hit with my group.

Mechanically Sound #2

Grant Rodiek | May 09, 2012

Post by: Grant Rodiek Mechanically Sound is a recurring column in which I quickly detail some interesting game mechanics that have appealed to me recently. By promoting the mechanics, I'm not necessarily recommending the game itself (though that's often the case).

Better Digital Board Games

Grant Rodiek | April 27, 2012

Post by: Grant Rodiek In my professional life I'm a producer/designer of iOS and Android games. Prior to that, I worked on PC games. As a consumer, I spend a great deal of time and money playing mobile and board games, which is why it's often so frustrating that many of the digital versions of print games don't turn out so well.

My Six Recommendations for Video Gamers

Grant Rodiek | April 25, 2012

A friend just sent me this Kotaku post, in which they recommend six board games that all video gamers should play. Their list was comprised of: Cyclades Risk: Legacy The Fury of Dracula Descent Catacombs The Resistance I don't really agree with this list, at least not entirely.

Introducing Field Marshals

Grant Rodiek | April 22, 2012

I think it's best for all creative types to have side interests, whether that's cooking, or brewing beer, or anime, or comics, or what have you. For me, that side interest is history. I love it. The heroes, the villains, the war, the diplomacy, inventions, triumphs, and great sadness.

The Joys of Youth (Part 1)

Grant Rodiek | April 16, 2012

One of my favorite things about board games is their tactile qualities and toy like nature. The joy of holding cards, throwing dice, and moving little figures around the play space. It's fun to touch and hold the pieces and imagine a greater world before you (as opposed to having a video game dictate things to you).

Poor Abby Progress Report

Grant Rodiek | April 13, 2012

I've reached a minor milestone with my newest game, Poor Abby Farnsworth, and I wanted to take a moment to write about its development so far. I just ordered my first print version of the game with nicer cards and some rough, but passable graphic design and iconography.

On the Take (That!)

Grant Rodiek | April 09, 2012

A Take That! mechanic in a board or card game is essentially griefing that's allowed, encouraged, and promoted by the rules. Take That! is typically defined by overtly aggressive player actions that are performed to the detriment of one's opponents.