The basic tier is now open to everyone with additional features and options for those who support our Patreon. Anyone on the discord also gets the archives of our game streams for free. discord.gg/MFdkhMz
Hitting goals will allow me to add more content and let patreon supporters vote on what they would like to see each month. For any pledges, you will get access to our private discord channel where we talk about game design and industry topics.
If you would like to make a one time donation -- You can send money directly through Paypal through this link: http://paypal.me/GWBycer
Nightly at 10 est I have my regular streaming of a video game. Saturday nights we do our grab bag stream where I'll play games voted on by the fans.
At Noon est on most days, there will be a vlog video. Either a Critical Thought, Industry Insight or update to the channel. Around 6:00 PM est, a video looking at a video game. Either part of a let's play, or a spotlight on a game.
Sunday: Around 2:30 est we do a live show here on the channel with the recording available to watch in a few days.
Mondays: A Dissecting Game Design will be posted. My video series examining a game's design.
ABOUT ME:
I'm Josh Bycer and I run the site Game-Wisdom, where I examine the art and science of games. Here on Youtube, I put out a variety of videos that consists of let's plays, examinations and more.
The Gamedev Roundtable | Discussing Virtual Development, Narrative Mechanics and MoreGame Wisdom2020-06-23 | Regular game stream. ____________________________________________________________ BOOKS I'VE WRITTEN ON GAME DESIGN:
The basic tier is now open to everyone with additional features and options for those who support our Patreon. Anyone on the discord also gets the archives of our game streams for free. discord.gg/MFdkhMz
Hitting goals will allow me to add more content and let patreon supporters vote on what they would like to see each month. For any pledges, you will get access to our private discord channel where we talk about game design and industry topics.
If you would like to make a one time donation -- You can send money directly through Paypal through this link: http://paypal.me/GWBycer
Nightly at 10 est I have my regular streaming of a video game. Saturday nights we do our grab bag stream where I'll play games voted on by the fans.
At Noon est on most days, there will be a vlog video. Either a Critical Thought, Industry Insight or update to the channel. Around 6:00 PM est, a video looking at a video game. Either part of a let's play, or a spotlight on a game.
Sunday: Around 2:30 est we do a live show here on the channel with the recording available to watch in a few days.
Mondays: A Dissecting Game Design will be posted. My video series examining a game's design.
ABOUT ME:
I'm Josh Bycer and I run the site Game-Wisdom, where I examine the art and science of games. Here on Youtube, I put out a variety of videos that consists of let's plays, examinations and more.Night 5 of Next Fest Mega Coverage | #gamewisdom #steamnextfestGame Wisdom2024-10-19 | Our regular game stream coverage. ____________________________________________________________ All videogame streams are now archived on my secondary channel: youtube.com/channel/UCpzr0SZCSz2lvc90GaVDGbw
#gamedesign #indiedev #indiegamesThe Best Demos From Steam Next Fest Part 4 |#gamewisdom #indiegame showcase 258 #steamnextfestGame Wisdom2024-10-18 | This is part 4 of my favorite demos from steam next fest October 2024.
0:00 Intro 00:20 Mousebusters 1:30 Hark The Ghoul 3:24 Tower Factory 5:23 Onikura 7:32 The Good Old Days 9:02 Escapen't 10:20 Prospector
#gamedesignMore Amazing Demos From Steam Next Fest Part 3 | #gamewisdom #steamnextfest #indiegame showcase 257Game Wisdom2024-10-17 | Part 3 of my coverage of Steam Next Fest 2024 October edition of indie game demos.
0:00 Intro 00:20 Somber Echos 2:36 Diesel Dome Oil & Blood 4:31 Rift of the Necrodancer 5:34 System Purge: Hollow Point 6:59 Symphonia 8:34 To Kill a God 10:15 Carnival Massacre 12:08 Super Dash
#gamedesign #indiegames #steamnextfestBest Upcoming Games From Steam Next Fest Part 2 | #gamewisdom #indiegame showcase 256 #steamnextfestGame Wisdom2024-10-16 | This is part 2 of my favorite demos from Steam Next Fest October 2024.
0:00 Intro 00:17 Antonblast 2:06 The Spirit of the Samurai 3:41 Zefyr A Thief's Melody 5:20 Trash Goblin 6:17 Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator 7:47 Lovish 9:01 Windblown 10:43 Senseless
#gamedesignBest Upcoming Games From Next Fest Part 1 | #gamewisdom #indiedev showcase 255 #steamnextfestGame Wisdom2024-10-15 | This is the first part of our mega showcase from nextfest October 2024 edition.
0:00 Intro 00:28 Mohrta 2:51 Aokaki 4:31 Second Essence 6:28 Tearscape 8:20 Cyclopean 9:29 Splintered 11:43 Kilaflow 13:47 Tenebris Somnia 15:54 The Book of Buja 17:07 Widget Inc 18:42 Journey to Incrementalia
#gamedesignTwo Cozy Indie Games Worth Playing | Harold Halibut, Caravan Sandwitch, #gamewisdom, #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-10-14 | This is a double review of Harold Halibut and Caravan Sandwitch both played with press keys provided by the developers.
0:00 Intro 00:15 Harold Halibut 3:03 Caravan Sandwitch
#gamedesignSustainable Game Dev With Grey Alien Games | Perceptive Podcast #gamewisdom #indiedevelopmentGame Wisdom2024-10-12 | For this interview, I sat down with Grey Alien Games' Jake Birkett and Helen Carmichael to talk about how the studio is doing and their thoughts on where the market is today. We discussed the challenges facing indie studios who are trying to keep going in a brutal period of layoffs and closures.
#gamedesignIndie Store Page Review of Welcome Back, Commander | Indie Inquiries #gamewisdom, #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-10-10 | This is a store page review for the game Welcome Back, Commander. If you would like me to review your store page for a future episode, please reach out. store.steampowered.com/app/3015620/Welcome_Back_Commander
0:00 Intro and Capsule Review 4:34 Trailer 8:12 Images 12:02 About this Game 15:35 Title Card 18:34 Final Grade and Thoughts _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignSix Original Indie Games to Play | #indiegame showcase 254 #gamewisdom #indiedevelopmentGame Wisdom2024-10-09 | The weekly indie showcases highlight the games we check out on stream, please reach out if you would like me to cover your game. All games shown are press key submissions.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Moons of Ardan 2:26 The Great Below 4:04 Stuffed 5:46 Striving For Light: Survival 7:24 Loot River 9:10 Card Detective
#gamedesignA Truly Scary Ending For Fatal Frame (photosensitivity warning) | #gamewisdom #gamingGame Wisdom2024-10-09 | We wrapped up Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse on stream, and I managed to find a new way of choking at the end. _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignWhen Repetitive Design Fails Repeatedly | Critical Thought #gamewisdom #gamedesignGame Wisdom2024-10-08 | For this critical thought, I talked about repetitive design in games and how it's easy to overdesign a problem into your experience.
0:00 Intro 00:33 Annoying Action Commands 1:53 Repetitively Boring 6:56 Why Fast is Better 10:59 Conclusion _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignTwo Indie Games For the Rhythm Lovers | Starstruck: Hands of Time, Keylocker, #gamewisdomGame Wisdom2024-10-07 | This is a double review of Keylocker and Starstruck both played with press keys provided by the developer.
#gamedesignBuilding the Roguelike Battle Train | Perceptive Podcast #gamewisdom Developer InterviewGame Wisdom2024-10-05 | For this perceptive podcast, I sat down with Joseph Mirabello from Terrible Posture Games to talk about developing the upcoming roguelike Battle Train. We spoke about the challenges of roguelike design, what is special about Battle Train, and then talked about the Kickstarter that is happening as of the time of this posting.
#gamedesignIndie Store Page Review For Andy Blast vs. the Forces of Evil | #gamewisdom #marketing #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-10-03 | This is a store page review for the indie game Andy Blast vs. the Forces of Evil, if you would like me to review your page for a future episode, please reach out.
0:00 Intro 1:20 Capsule Review 4:33 Trailer Review 20:21 Screenshot Review 24:25 About this Section Review 29:24 Title Card Review 32:58 Final Grade and Conclusion
#gamedesign6 Original Indie Games To Check Out | #gamewisdom Indie Showcase 253 #indiegames #indiedevelopmentGame Wisdom2024-10-02 | The weekly indie showcases highlight the indie games we play on the channel, all games shown are press keys submissions. Please reach out if you would like me to cover your game.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Cross Blitz 2:11 Prison City 4:07 My Next Life is a Bird 5:25 Lucky Hero 7:09 ObenSeuer 8:41 Born of Bread
#gamedesignTwo Amazing Action Games To Play | #gamewisdom Phantom Abyss, Go Mecha Ball Review, #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-10-01 | This is a double indie game review of Phantom Abyss and Go Mecha Ball, both played with press keys.
#gamedesignMetaphor Looks like an SMT Potluck of Design | Metaphor Re Fantazio PreviewGame Wisdom2024-09-30 | This is a preview of Metaphor Refantazio played with the prologue edition available on Steam. _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignA Chat on FPS Design With David Vallieres | Perceptive Podcast #gamedev #gamewisdomGame Wisdom2024-09-27 | For this perceptive podcast, I chatted with David Vallieres who is making the upcoming shooter Alien Boom Boom about game dev, learning competitive and single player FPS design, and the projects he wants to work on in the future.
#gamedesignTwo Upcoming Roguelites To Dig Into | Dins Champion, Drill Core #gamewisdom #indiegames #roguelikeGame Wisdom2024-09-26 | This is a double preview of Din's Champion and Drill Core, both games played with press keys provided by the developers and both were played in early access and may not represent the current version.
#gamedesignEvery UFO 50 Game Reviewed | #indiegame showcase 252 #gamewisdom #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-09-26 | For this supersized indie showcase, I took a look at all 50 games from UFO 50.
#gamedesignPalworlds Lawsuit Presents a Problem for Game Design | #gamewisdom critical thought #palworldGame Wisdom2024-09-24 | For this critical thought, the Palworld lawsuit may sound great to some people, but it also highlights a serious problem regarding the notion of patenting game mechanics and systems.
#gamedesignThe Plucky Squire is a Page Turner For All Ages | #gamewisdom #thepluckysquireGame Wisdom2024-09-23 | This is a video review of the Plucky Squire played with a press key provided by the publisher.
#gamedesignJordan Weisman and Creating Adventure Forge Interview | Perceptive Podcast #gamedevGame Wisdom2024-09-21 | An interview with veteran game designer Jordan Weisman who is currently working on creating the Adventure Forge engine as a way for non-programmers to make video games. We spoke briefly about his history and then went into talking about what Adventure Forge can do and his plans for it.
You can download it here: https://adventureforge.games/home and use this code to get access to it: GAMEWISDOM
#gamedesignTwo Modern Retro Games that Rock | Iron Meat, Alruna and the Necro-Industrialists #gamewisdomGame Wisdom2024-09-19 | This is a double review of Iron Meat and Alruna and the Necro-Industrialists both played with press keys.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Iron Meat 2:54 Alruna and the Necro-Industrialists
#gamedesignSix Great Indie Games Worth Your Time | Indie Game Showcase 251#gamewisdom #indiegames #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-09-18 | The weekly indie game showcases highlight the games we cover here on the channel. All games shown are either press keys or demo suggestions.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Steamworld Build 3:23 Gunhead 6:13 Step By Step 7:36 Limos' Lair 9:25 Wizordum 11:03 Ratopia
#gamedesignDifficulty in Game Design 101 | #gamewisdom #gamedev Critical Thought #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-09-18 | For this critical thought, I went from easy to hardcore discussing the challenges of making difficulty work in a game and why making a game too easy or too hard is not what you want to achieve.
0:00 Intro 00:27 Difficulty Extremes 3:27 Getting the Baseline Right 9:09 When it Gets Interesting 16:14 You Can't Please Everyone 20:22 Conclusion _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignDeductive Design With Surradia: An Art Retrospective Interview | Perceptive Podcast #gamedevGame Wisdom2024-09-14 | For this Perceptive Podcast, I spoke with Gwen Katz from Nightwell Games discussing the deductive adventure game Surradia: An Art Retrospective. We talked about wanting to design a deductive reasoning adventure game and what that means in terms of puzzle, pacing, and storytelling.
#gamedesignJosh is Taking a Work Vacation | Channel UpdateGame Wisdom2024-09-12 | Important updates about my latest book now out and about an upcoming trip. I will be away from my computer from Thursday the 27 and will be back Saturday the 29th while giving a talk for Magwest. If you want to see me live, my talk is at 8:30 on Friday.
#gamedesignThe Weekly Indie Game Showcase Part 250 | #gamewisdom #indiegames #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-09-11 | Each week, these showcases highlight the games we play from indie devs on the channel. Games shown are either demos, press key submissions, or games from my collection.
00:00 Intro 00:14 Schism 2:13 Blood Dome99 4:03 The Treehouse Man 6:43 Novus Orbis 8:30 Conquistadorio 10:41 Omnigon
#gamedesignTwo Fantastic GZDoom-Developed Shooters Worth Playing | Selaco, Relentless Frontier #gamewisdom #fpsGame Wisdom2024-09-11 | This is a double preview of Relentless Frontier and Selaco, played with a demo build and retail key respectively.
#gamedesignCowboy 3030 Developer Interview | #gamewisdom Perceptive Podcast, #indiedev #roguelikeGame Wisdom2024-09-06 | For this developer interview, I chatted with the husband and wife team of Soyboy Games George and Vivian to discuss Cowboy 3030, their third person shooter roguelike. We spoke about where the design came from, making a challenging game and more.
#gamedesignThe Weekly #indiegame Showcase 249 | #gamewisdom, Hellcard, Deios, Backpack HeroGame Wisdom2024-09-05 | The weekly showcases highlight the games we play on the channel. Games shown are either press keys, demo builds, or indie games from my collection.
#gamedesignDoes Originality Sell Videogames? | Critical Thought #gamewisdom #gamedev #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-09-04 | For this critical thought, originality and uniqueness are often touted as the major selling points of many indie games, but there is such a thing as being too far out of left field for the consumer.
0:00 Intro 00:33 What Drives Success 2:03 Original Obstacles 3:41 Thinking Too Far Outside the Genre 5:04 Mixing Genres 7:33 What has led to success 12:24 Building Off One-Offs 16:36 Conclusion
games shown: Settlements, Borderlands 3, Balatro, Factorio
#gamedesignArco is A Superhot Spaghetti Western | #gamewisdom Arco Review #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-09-02 | This is a review of Arco played with a press key provided by the developers.
#gamedesignCreating an Engaging Emotional Story with Pine: A Story of Loss | Perceptive PodcastGame Wisdom2024-08-30 | For this pereceptive podcast, I sat down with Tom and Najati from Made Up Games to talk about working on the short-form narrative game Pine: A Story of Loss. We talked about the challenges of making a game about dealing with grief and loss.
#gamedesignTwo Short and Sweet Indie Games Worth Playing | #gamewisdom One Btn Bosses, Nova Drift,Game Wisdom2024-08-29 | This is a double review of One Button Bosses and Nova Drift, both played with press keys.
0:00 Intro 00:15 Nova Drift 2:58 One Btn Bosses _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignIndie Game Showcase 248 | #gamewisdom #indiedev #indiegame #indiegamedevelopmentGame Wisdom2024-08-28 | The weekly indie game showcases highlight the games we cover on the channel. All games shown are press keys, demo builds, or games from my collection. Reach out if you would like me to cover your game for a future one.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Entanglement 1:43 Turret Rampage 2:50 Dotage 5:21 100 Steps 7:20 Bang on Balls: Chronicles 8:25 Beyond Sunset
#gamedesignVolgarr the Viking 2 Delivers Precise Platforming Pain | #gamewisdom #volgarr2 Volgarr ReviewGame Wisdom2024-08-27 | This is a video review of Volgarr the Viking 2 played with a retail key.
#gamedesignThe Marketing Mistakes of Concord | #gamewisdom Critical Thought #concord #gamedev #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-08-26 | For this critical thought, Concord's poor reception frames a chat about marketing, multiplayer, and how both have changed in the time since the game started development.
0:00 Intro 00:30 The Multiplayer Market 7:44 AAA Inquiries Store Page Review Show 25:28 Multiplayer Successes 36:12 Wrapping Up _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignCelebrating 10 Years of Serenity Forge | Perceptive Podcast #gamewisdom #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-08-24 | For this perceptive podcast, I sat down with the owner of Serenity Forge Zhenghua Yang to catch up about the 10th anniversary of his studio and what it's like to have grown the company over that time.
#gamedesignIndie Inquiries Store Page Review for Business Heroes Street Grub | #gamewisdom #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-08-21 | After a long hiatus, I'm back with another Indie Inquiries to review steam store pages and provide marketing advice for indie devs on steam. If you would like me to review your store page for a future episode, please reach out.
0:00 Intro 00:29 Game Introduction and Thumbnail Review 3:22 Trailer Review 12:58 Images Review 17:33 About This Game Review 24:39 Title Card Review 28:03 Final Grade and Thoughts _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignWhen the X-Com Luck Catches Up To You | #gamewisdom #xcomGame Wisdom2024-08-21 | X-Com is a game of chance, and sometimes you get really unlucky. _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join
#gamedesignThe Weekly #indiegame Showcase 247 | #gamewisdom #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-08-20 | The indie showcases highlight the many indie games we play on the channel, if you would like to submit a game for a future one, please reach out. Games shown are either press key submissions, demos, or indie games from my collection.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Mail Time 1:56 Savant Ascent Redux 4:14 Dungeon Drafters 8:54 Divine Frequency 11:41 Holstin 14:16 Sigil of the Magi
#gamedesignKingdom Shell is A Solid Metroidvania | #gamewisdom kingdom shell review #metroidvaniaGame Wisdom2024-08-20 | This is a video review of Kingdom Shell played with a retail key.
#gamedesignEffective Action Design With Tony Barnes (Part 2) | #gamewisdom Perceptive Podcast, #gamedevelopmentGame Wisdom2024-08-17 | This is part 2 of my conversation with game designer Tony Barnes. Continuing our chat, we talked more about action game design and the challenges of making it feel good in the player's hands and building a market around it.
#gamedesignLinkito is a Relaxed Take on Brain Melting Puzzles | Linkito Review #gamewisdom #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-08-16 | This is a video review of Linkito played with a press key provided by the developer.
#gamedesignThe Weekly Indie Game Showcase 246 | #gamewisdom #indiegames #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-08-14 | The weekly showcases highlight the many indie games we check out, unless otherwise noted, all games are press keys or demo submissions.
0:00 Intro 00:14 Scholar of the Arcane Arts 2:23 Cantata 5:36 Steredenn Binary Stars 7:20 Ignistone 9:06 Sipho 11:11 The Last Exterminator
#gamedesignKitsune Tails is a Romantically Retro Experience | #gamewisdom #indiegamesGame Wisdom2024-08-13 | This is a video review of Kitsune Tails with a press key provided by the developer. Correction at 6:21 when I said timers, I meant "cycles."
#gamedesignWhat is Good and Bad Friction in Game Design | #gamewisdom #criticalthought #gamedev #indiedevGame Wisdom2024-08-12 | For this critical thought, I talked about friction in games, when do you want your game to have some spikes to it, and is intentional friction good for a game's success?
0:00 Intro 00:20 What is Friction? 2:31 When Friction is Good 3:50 What Friction Limits 7:29 When Friction Turns to Jank 9:39 The First Timer Friction 11:55 Marketing Your Friction 15:31 Wrapping Up _____________________________________________________________ Join this channel to get access to perks: youtube.com/channel/UCJPQyAGAbIcXZXfM01oOPOA/join