GeekNights Lectures
Most game design discussion focuses on the players. But some of the most popular games on Earth are watched by more people than will ever play them. From sports to live streams, spectators are a fascinating and important aspect of game design. Think about it. Is a game show really a fair competition? Does a game show need to be fun for the players? How different do games look when they’re designed primarily for players versus for spectators? Can you design for both?
Designing for SpectatorsSuper MAGFest 2026
Content tagged with conventions
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Game Mechanics in Tabletop Design
February 2 2026
Game Mechanics in Tabletop DesignPAX East 2025Despite the staggeringly vast variety of games …
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Mastering Game Mechanics: Auctions and Bidding
September 5 2025
Mastering Game Mechanics: Auctions and BiddingPAX West 2025Tabletop games are usually defined by …
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Every Game is the Same Game (Rym Edition)
July 25 2025
Every Game is the Same Game (Rym Edition)Zenkaikon 2025How often do you describe …
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The Everlasting Game
July 4 2025
The Everlasting GamePAX East 2025Most games are worth a few plays but you …
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Games You Can't Play
September 10 2023
Games You Can't Play PAX West 2023 Games disappear. Some forever. There are …
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Rare Game Mechanics - PAX Unplugged 2021
December 12 2021
Rare Game Mechanics PAX Unplugged 2021 Some game mechanics are common. Drafting cards. …
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Atari Game Design - PAX East Online 2021
July 20 2021
Atari Game Design PAX East Online 2021 Game design is a wide subject. …
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PAX Online 2020 - Where is the Finish Line?
August 18 2020
Where is the Finish Line?PAX Online 2020All games must end. This is especially …
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PAX Unplugged 2019 - Take your #@*$ Turn!
December 16 2019
Take your #@*$ Turn!PAX Unplugged 2019 We’ve all played the "30-60 minute" board …
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