Designing Set Collection Games with Steve Finn

Designing Set Collection Games with Steve Finn

Author: Gabe Barrett January 26, 2022 Duration: 49:16

Steve Finn, founder of Dr. Finn’s Games, discusses how to design set collection games. Steve has designed a ton of games with this mechanism including Biblios, Herbaceous, and Sunset over Water, so he has a lot to say on the topic. And be sure to check out Steve’s Latest game on Kickstarter HERE.

The post Designing Set Collection Games with Steve Finn appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.


Ever wondered what separates a clever game concept from a box that actually gets played and loved? That’s the central question explored in Board Game Design Lab, a conversation series hosted by Gabe Barrett. This isn't a general chat about hobbies; it’s a focused resource built from the ground up to assist creators in crafting better games. Each episode functions like a dedicated workshop, zeroing in on a specific element of the craft-whether it's prototyping, balancing mechanics, or navigating the publishing world. Gabe brings designers, publishers, and other industry insiders into the lab to share their hard-won knowledge and practical advice. You won't find off-topic discussions about recent plays or movies here. Instead, the podcast commits to a thorough, detailed examination of topics that directly impact your work. Tuning in feels like gaining access to a private mentorship session, where experienced professionals break down the complexities of design into actionable insights. If you're moving from a rough idea to a refined prototype, or from a prototype to a published product, these conversations provide the kind of nuanced guidance that can shape your entire process. The Board Game Design Lab podcast is essentially a toolkit for your mind, offering the perspectives and techniques you need to progress with confidence on your own design journey.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Board Game Design Lab
Podcast Episodes
6 Takeaways from the game that took 10 years to make [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:24
In this episode, I break down the six things I learned from the game that took 10 years to go from idea to published product. And you can find Football U on Kickstarter HERE The post 6 Takeaways from the game that took 1…
Game Design Trends for 2025 with Jamey Stegmaier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:24
In this episode, Jamey Stegmaier and I chat about the various trends we’re seeing in the current game design landscape. We talk about solo and 2-player games, open worlds, licensed IPs, and more! The post Game Design Tre…
Game Marketing Made Simple with Andrew Lowen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:51
In this episode, I chat with Andrew Lowen, from Crowdfunding Nerds, about how to make people aware your game exists. Also, be sure to check out Andrew’s crowdfunding marketing course, and if you sign up through my affili…
My new book will help you find the FUN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:49:07
My game design book, Find the Fun, recently came out, and in this episode, I do a brief synopsis and give you the audio version of the first three chapters. To check out Find the Fun on Amazon, go here: https://amzn.to/4…
How to Design an Engine Building Game with Elizabeth Hargrave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:30
In this BGDL rewind from May of 2019, Elizabeth Hargrave dives into all the ins and outs of designing an engine-building game. We chat about her personal design process and all the interesting obstacles she encountered w…
How to Design Games that Tell Stories with Ignacy Trzewiczek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
In this BGDL rewind from April of 2020, Ignacy Trzewiczek, founder of Portal Games and designer of Robinson Crusoe, discusses his company’s motto: Games that tell stories. We go in-depth into Ignacy’s design process, tal…
Using math to make your games better with Emerson Matsuuchi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:56
In this BGDL rewind from December of 2020, I chat with Emerson Matsuuch about all the many ways a designer can use math to create better games. We talk spreadsheets, game balance, mathematical models, and more! The post…
Finding the Right Mixture of Luck and Skill with Richard Garfield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:18
In this BGDL rewind from May of 2018, I chat with Richard Garfield about finding the right balance of luck vs skill when designing a game. The post Finding the Right Mixture of Luck and Skill with Richard Garfield appear…