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July 4, 2025 69 mins

In this episode of Gamelayer, we delve into the intersection of game design, user experience, and product development with special guest Brett Wardle. From his roots in gaming to his current work at the intersection of UX and gamification, Brett shares his unique journey and insights.

We explore what makes games engaging, how game mechanics translate to product design, and why humility and continuous learning are crucial in any creative field. Along the way, we discuss the evolution of gaming platforms, the power of the modding community, and how games like Minecraft are shaping not just entertainment but also education.

Whether you're a designer, developer, or just a curious gamer, this episode is packed with wisdom on creating meaningful experiences—from earning XP to mastering UX.

Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm

Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music

 OUTLINE

00:00 Introduction to Gamelayer and Guest Introduction

00:56 The Value of Humility in Expertise

01:19 Introduction to Brett Wardle and His Journey

04:12 The Intersection of Gaming and Product Development

07:08 Understanding User Experience and Gamification

09:55 The Role of Gamification in Product Design

12:47 Defining Games and Their Appeal

15:56 The History of Games and Their Evolution

23:56 Reading the Room in Design

25:19 Quality Over Quantity in Gaming

28:09 The Importance of Mechanics in Game Design

30:10 Sharing Knowledge in Game Design

33:43 The Journey to Becoming a Game Designer

39:49 The Evolution of Gaming Platforms

43:36 Favorite Games and Their Impact

46:25 Nostalgic Gaming Favorites

47:36 The Allure of Minecraft

50:16 The Modding Community and Its Impact

52:44 Exploring Game Mechanics in Minecraft

01:04:55 Learning Through Play: Minecraft as an EducationalTool 

CREDITS

Found Sound on the "domain of play" borrowed from ⁠⁠Balance in the Spiritual Life Dharma talk by Sr. Trai Nghiem⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/yZag9LOp7uc?si=T2Qyfc-4y-XJoSOz&t=3301⁠

Mark as Played

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