EP01: Portal - Games Every Designer Should Play

Welcome to Episode 01 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Lecturers in Game Design, Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they delve into the iconic game PORTAL, exploring its innovative mechanics and design insights.

Spoiler alert for Portal! 🚨 We advise you play before listening. You can grab it here.

In this episode, we discuss environmental storytelling, pacing and progression, the importance of playtesting and iterative design, and the debate of Cut scenes vs. non-interruptive dialogue.

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Portal a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [e-mail] 

It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

=== REFERENCES ===

• Narbacular Drop by the DigiPen Institute of Technology 
• DoubleFIne Adventure Documentary when Tim Schafer shares his notebooks on Grim Fandango 
• Robert Yang's Level with Me videos on YouTube 
• Game Maker's Toolkit video on Valve's "Secret Weapon" (Playtesting)  
• GDC Talk - Level Design Workshop: Solving Puzzle Design by Ubisoft's Jolie Menzel
• The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell 
• Game Theory

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic Pixabay.