playtesting — Experience Points

Episode 162 Jon Spike on Games as Creative Constraint

In this episode of Experience Points, Jon Spike explores how creative constraint drives innovation in game design and learning. A former K–12 English teacher now working at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Jon shares how classroom experimentation led him to design tabletop educational games through GamestormEDU. He highlights Gamestormers, which uses a five-card structure to scaffold storytelling while preserving player agency, and Doomscroll, where players step into the role of social media algorithms to unpack persuasive design. Jon emphasizes that educational games must first succeed as enjoyable experiences. Through thoughtful playtesting and adaptable design, he argues that strong constraints don’t limit creativity—they focus and elevate it.

Constraint, Agency, Playtesting, Jon SpikeDave EngApril 26, 2026constraint, storytelling, scaffolding, agency, iteration, playtestingComment

Episode 151 Game Design Constraints and Scope Creep

Today, we’re diving into two little words that have the power to either catapult your project forward… or completely derail it. Those words? Constraints and scope creep. Maybe you’ve heard them thrown around in design meetings. Maybe you’ve bumped into them the hard way on your own projects.

Constraints, Scope CreepDave EngNovember 23, 2025game design, constraints, scope creep, mechanics, playtesting, minimalismComment

Episode 64 What makes a good rule book?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What makes a good rule book?” Rulebooks are one of the first things that players turn to after they’ve decided to play your game. Players turn to this as the guide; the rules; and the structure that will shape their experience. Often designers think about rulebooks at the very end of their design process. However, the ability to write clear, concise, and actionable rules is more challenging that you may think.

rulebookDave EngJuly 31, 2022rulebook, board games, playtesting, structure, theme, core loopComment

Episode 53 Accessibility in Games

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Accessibility in Games.” Accessibility is a concept that is often talked about in game design. Specifically when it comes to making games more accessible to a wider audience. But what does accessibility mean and what does it entail when designing games for entertainment, learning, or personal development?

accessibility, difficultyDave EngFebruary 27, 2022accessibility, difficulty, audience, diversity, changes, playtesting, movement, visionComment

Episode 51 Applying Feedback

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Applying Feedback.” Applying feedback from play testing games, table top games, and educational games is incredibly important. It’s important for multiple reasons. Those reasons extend from shaping the player experience; to connecting learning outcomes; to making sure that the experience stays “fun.”

applying feedbackDave EngJanuary 30, 2022feedback, playtesting, feedback questions, applying feedbackComment

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