Designer Notes

Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, hosts Designer Notes, a podcast from Idle Thumbs that digs into the personal histories and creative philosophies behind game development. The central question isn't just about how games are made, but why people dedicate their lives to making them. Each conversation moves beyond a single project, tracing a guest's entire journey through the industry to uncover the formative experiences, pivotal failures, and core beliefs that shape their work. You'll hear from noted designers as they reflect on their careers with a rare depth and candor, offering more than just postmortems or technical breakdowns. These discussions reveal the human stories behind the games, exploring the intersections of craft, art, and business that define a designer's path. Listening feels like being a fly on the wall for a thoughtful, meandering chat between colleagues who share a deep passion for the medium. The Designer Notes podcast provides a unique long-form perspective on game creation, making it essential for anyone curious about the people and processes that bring interactive worlds to life. It’s a series for those who appreciate that the most compelling design lessons are often wrapped in personal narrative and professional hindsight.