Cole Wehrle — Cute Creatures, Brutal Games, Asymmetric Design, and Subverting Expectations (#88)

Cole Wehrle — Cute Creatures, Brutal Games, Asymmetric Design, and Subverting Expectations (#88)

Author: Justin Gary July 24, 2025 Duration: 1:15:36

About Cole

Cole Wehrle is one of the most innovative minds in board game design today. Cole is a partner at Leder Games, but best-known as the creator of Root, the woodland war game that redefined asymmetric play. Cole’s work reaches far beyond cute meeples and clever mechanics, with a background in history and a career in academia, Cole approaches game design as a way to explore systems of power, narrative ambiguity, and the complexity of human behavior. In this episode, Cole and I dive deep into the tension between control and chaos, discussing how historical research fuels good design, and why the best games ask players to grapple with uncomfortable truths. Whether you’re designing your first prototype or searching for deeper meaning in your work, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what games can do.



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Ever wonder how a great board game comes together, or what it takes to craft a video game that captures the world's imagination? Think Like A Game Designer pulls back the curtain on those creative mysteries. Hosted by Justin Gary, an award-winning designer and the CEO of Stone Blade Entertainment, this conversation series sits down with world-class creators from game design and other creative fields. The discussions go far beyond simple rules and mechanics, though. Justin and his guests deconstruct the entire creative process, tracing how cultural shifts, emerging technologies, and business realities shape the games we play and the stories we experience. You'll hear specific, actionable advice drawn from real projects, alongside unique perspectives on problem-solving and innovation. This isn't just a niche show for industry insiders; it's for anyone curious about how creative minds work. By listening to this podcast, you gain a toolkit for thinking more strategically and imaginatively, whether you're building a game, launching a product, or just looking to understand the artistry behind your favorite pastimes. Each episode feels like a masterclass, offering deep insights that apply far beyond the game table.
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