Kohji Nagata — Building Parallel, Designing with Obsession, and Falling in Love with Your Creations (#84)

Kohji Nagata — Building Parallel, Designing with Obsession, and Falling in Love with Your Creations (#84)

Author: Justin Gary May 15, 2025 Duration: 1:29:42

Kohji Nagata has worn many hats—software developer, musician, podcast creator—but today he’s best known as Head of Design and co-founder of Parallel Studios, where he helped launch the massively successful Web3 trading card game Parallel. What started as a passion project has become a genre-defining phenomenon, valued at one point at half a billion dollars. Kohji approaches design from a deep philosophical place, wrestling with fear of failure, perfectionism, and the drive to always improve. In this episode, he and Justin explore the creative tension between success and self-doubt, dissect the mechanics of resource systems in TCGs, and dig into the role of AI in the future of game design. Whether you're an aspiring creator or a veteran designer, this conversation offers a rare window into the mind of someone building at the frontier of games and technology.



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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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