Justin Gary
@justingary.bsky.social
Entrepreneur Game Designer. Founder of Stone Blade Entertainment and Gamer Entertainment. Author of Think Like a Game Designer.
Great games follow a clear order of operations:
1️⃣ Engine Design – Find the fun.
2️⃣ Engine Development – Build the structure.
3️⃣ Component Design – Define each piece.
4️⃣ Component Development – Balance the details.
5️⃣ Polish – Make it shine.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/leveraging...
1️⃣ Engine Design – Find the fun.
2️⃣ Engine Development – Build the structure.
3️⃣ Component Design – Define each piece.
4️⃣ Component Development – Balance the details.
5️⃣ Polish – Make it shine.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/leveraging...
Every Game Needs a Solid Foundation
The five phases of design that keep your game from collapsing
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Great games follow a clear order of operations:
1️⃣ Engine Design – Find the fun.
2️⃣ Engine Development – Build the structure.
3️⃣ Component Design – Define each piece.
4️⃣ Component Development – Balance the details.
5️⃣ Polish – Make it shine.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/leveraging...
1️⃣ Engine Design – Find the fun.
2️⃣ Engine Development – Build the structure.
3️⃣ Component Design – Define each piece.
4️⃣ Component Development – Balance the details.
5️⃣ Polish – Make it shine.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/leveraging...
Reposted by Justin Gary
This is a great post. I say this all the time to my boys about hockey. I don't worry about the goals. You put in the effort, and the goals will come.*
(*or the opposite, in the case of the goalie)
(*or the opposite, in the case of the goalie)
June 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
This is a great post. I say this all the time to my boys about hockey. I don't worry about the goals. You put in the effort, and the goals will come.*
(*or the opposite, in the case of the goalie)
(*or the opposite, in the case of the goalie)
Reposted by Justin Gary
I've been listening to "Think Like A Game Designer", insightful game designer interviews by @justingary.bsky.social .
Every so often I find myself writing down quotes, which I'll be sharing in this thread:
🎲✂️
Every so often I find myself writing down quotes, which I'll be sharing in this thread:
🎲✂️
July 14, 2025 at 9:40 AM
I've been listening to "Think Like A Game Designer", insightful game designer interviews by @justingary.bsky.social .
Every so often I find myself writing down quotes, which I'll be sharing in this thread:
🎲✂️
Every so often I find myself writing down quotes, which I'll be sharing in this thread:
🎲✂️
Thank you so much!
Really great article by @justingary.bsky.social about the design, development and publishing of Ascension over the past 15 years, lots of great advice for designers.
Highly recommend.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Highly recommend.
boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogp...
Designer Diary: 5 Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Ascension | BoardGameGeek News
boardgamegeek.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Thank you so much!
Reposted by Justin Gary
I recommend listening to this fantastic episode of the "Think Like A Game Designer Podcast"; tons of insightful comments on balancing, Root, and much, much more! Thank you very much @colewehrle.bsky.social and @justingary.bsky.social justingarydesign.substack.com/p/cole-wehrl...
Cole Wehrle — Cute Creatures, Brutal Games, Asymmetric Design, and Subverting Expectations (#88)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:42 AM
I recommend listening to this fantastic episode of the "Think Like A Game Designer Podcast"; tons of insightful comments on balancing, Root, and much, much more! Thank you very much @colewehrle.bsky.social and @justingary.bsky.social justingarydesign.substack.com/p/cole-wehrl...
Big-wave surfer + storyteller Kyle Thiermann joins the podcast! 🌊✍️
We talk fear as fuel for creativity, surfing six-story waves, and how curiosity can reshape your work—and your relationships.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/kyle-thier...
We talk fear as fuel for creativity, surfing six-story waves, and how curiosity can reshape your work—and your relationships.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/kyle-thier...
Kyle Thiermann — Deadlines, Mentors, Curiosity, and the Craft of Connection (#94)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Big-wave surfer + storyteller Kyle Thiermann joins the podcast! 🌊✍️
We talk fear as fuel for creativity, surfing six-story waves, and how curiosity can reshape your work—and your relationships.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/kyle-thier...
We talk fear as fuel for creativity, surfing six-story waves, and how curiosity can reshape your work—and your relationships.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/kyle-thier...
On my Substack, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too.
💡 Want to level up your creativity? Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com
💡 Want to level up your creativity? Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com
Think Like A Game Designer | Justin Gary | Substack
Delivering 20 Years Of Game Design Experience Straight To Your Inbox! Unpacking Game Design Lessons And Their Applications In Everyday Life With Brilliant Game Designers From Across The Globe! Click t...
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:43 PM
On my Substack, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too.
💡 Want to level up your creativity? Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com
💡 Want to level up your creativity? Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com
Reposted by Justin Gary
Game designer Touko Tahkokallio has mastered both tabletop and digital play. In this episode, he shares how to stay playful under pressure, why “mental playtesting” beats rushing to prototype, and how a physics mindset fuels creativity.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
Touko Tahkokallio — Curiosity, Physics, and the Power of Mental Playtesting (#94)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Game designer Touko Tahkokallio has mastered both tabletop and digital play. In this episode, he shares how to stay playful under pressure, why “mental playtesting” beats rushing to prototype, and how a physics mindset fuels creativity.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
Game designer Touko Tahkokallio has mastered both tabletop and digital play. In this episode, he shares how to stay playful under pressure, why “mental playtesting” beats rushing to prototype, and how a physics mindset fuels creativity.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
Touko Tahkokallio — Curiosity, Physics, and the Power of Mental Playtesting (#94)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Game designer Touko Tahkokallio has mastered both tabletop and digital play. In this episode, he shares how to stay playful under pressure, why “mental playtesting” beats rushing to prototype, and how a physics mindset fuels creativity.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/touko-tahk...
Reposted by Justin Gary
On my podcast, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too. Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com/about
About - Think Like A Game Designer
Delivering 20 Years Of Game Design Experience Straight To Your Inbox! Unpacking Game Design Lessons And Their Applications In Everyday Life With Brilliant Game Designers From Across The Globe! Click t...
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:28 AM
On my podcast, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too. Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com/about
Reposted by Justin Gary
Every aspiring game designer has that idea—the one they’ve been thinking about for years but never actually make. Why? Fear disguised as perfectionism.
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
Deadlines Are Magic
Why the Best Designers Embrace Constraints
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Every aspiring game designer has that idea—the one they’ve been thinking about for years but never actually make. Why? Fear disguised as perfectionism.
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
Reposted by Justin Gary
Reposted by Justin Gary
Jordan Weisman—creator of Battletech, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies—has shaped generations of players and creators. This episode is a masterclass in lifelong creativity and emotional courage.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
Jordan Weisman — From Battletech to Shadowrun: The Power of Curiosity and Collaboration (#93)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Jordan Weisman—creator of Battletech, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies—has shaped generations of players and creators. This episode is a masterclass in lifelong creativity and emotional courage.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
Reposted by Justin Gary
What We Earn by Struggling: Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
What We Earn by Struggling
Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You
justingarydesign.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:06 PM
What We Earn by Struggling: Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
On my podcast, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too. Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com/about
About - Think Like A Game Designer
Delivering 20 Years Of Game Design Experience Straight To Your Inbox! Unpacking Game Design Lessons And Their Applications In Everyday Life With Brilliant Game Designers From Across The Globe! Click t...
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:28 AM
On my podcast, Think Like a Game Designer, I interview top designers, share actionable creativity tips, and break down the art of making games you can apply to life too. Subscribe now for insights, lessons, and exclusive content: justingarydesign.substack.com/about
Every aspiring game designer has that idea—the one they’ve been thinking about for years but never actually make. Why? Fear disguised as perfectionism.
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
Deadlines Are Magic
Why the Best Designers Embrace Constraints
justingarydesign.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Every aspiring game designer has that idea—the one they’ve been thinking about for years but never actually make. Why? Fear disguised as perfectionism.
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
The fix is simple: set a deadline.
👉 Read the full article here: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/deadlines-...
What We Earn by Struggling: Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
What We Earn by Struggling
Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You
justingarydesign.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:06 PM
What We Earn by Struggling: Finding Joy, Purpose, and Flow in the Work That Tests You.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/the-meanin...
Jordan Weisman—creator of Battletech, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies—has shaped generations of players and creators. This episode is a masterclass in lifelong creativity and emotional courage.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
Jordan Weisman — From Battletech to Shadowrun: The Power of Curiosity and Collaboration (#93)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Jordan Weisman—creator of Battletech, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies—has shaped generations of players and creators. This episode is a masterclass in lifelong creativity and emotional courage.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jordan-wei...
🎮 Jonathan Grant (Zynga, Orbital Games, We Thought It Would Be Easy) joins us to talk making bold bets, growing through feedback, and why the best games are full of mystery. Don’t miss this deep dive into creative risk & game design!
🎧 Listen now: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jonathan-g...
🎧 Listen now: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jonathan-g...
Jonathan Grant — Critics, Experiments, Secrets, and the Business of Play (#92)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
🎮 Jonathan Grant (Zynga, Orbital Games, We Thought It Would Be Easy) joins us to talk making bold bets, growing through feedback, and why the best games are full of mystery. Don’t miss this deep dive into creative risk & game design!
🎧 Listen now: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jonathan-g...
🎧 Listen now: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/jonathan-g...
Reposted by Justin Gary
I spent 8 years avoiding writing my book—then finished it in 2 by changing one thing: I made winning easy.
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
How a Magic Champion Wins at Life
The Power of Focus Blocks
justingarydesign.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I spent 8 years avoiding writing my book—then finished it in 2 by changing one thing: I made winning easy.
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
🎮 Want to level up your game design skills?
Think Like a Game Designer delivers 20+ years of industry insights.
Subscribe to get free articles, lessons, podcast interviews, and access to exclusive content and community.
justingarydesign.substack.com/about
Think Like a Game Designer delivers 20+ years of industry insights.
Subscribe to get free articles, lessons, podcast interviews, and access to exclusive content and community.
justingarydesign.substack.com/about
About - Think Like A Game Designer
Delivering 20 Years Of Game Design Experience Straight To Your Inbox! Unpacking Game Design Lessons And Their Applications In Everyday Life With Brilliant Game Designers From Across The Globe! Click t...
justingarydesign.substack.com
September 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
🎮 Want to level up your game design skills?
Think Like a Game Designer delivers 20+ years of industry insights.
Subscribe to get free articles, lessons, podcast interviews, and access to exclusive content and community.
justingarydesign.substack.com/about
Think Like a Game Designer delivers 20+ years of industry insights.
Subscribe to get free articles, lessons, podcast interviews, and access to exclusive content and community.
justingarydesign.substack.com/about
I spent 8 years avoiding writing my book—then finished it in 2 by changing one thing: I made winning easy.
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
How a Magic Champion Wins at Life
The Power of Focus Blocks
justingarydesign.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I spent 8 years avoiding writing my book—then finished it in 2 by changing one thing: I made winning easy.
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
Learn the system that helped me write a book, design games, and stay sane.
Read the full post & subscribe: justingarydesign.substack.com/p/make-winni...
In this episode, Elan and I discuss into how his company built their rigorous playtesting culture, why marketing is inseparable from product design, and how pitching to Target and Walmart is just another kind of game.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/elan-lee-b...
bsky.app/profile/elan...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/elan-lee-b...
bsky.app/profile/elan...
Elan Lee — Building Exploding Kittens, Marketing as Design, Retail Pitches, and Playing to Sell (#90)
Think Like A Game Designer Podcast
justingarydesign.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
In this episode, Elan and I discuss into how his company built their rigorous playtesting culture, why marketing is inseparable from product design, and how pitching to Target and Walmart is just another kind of game.
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/elan-lee-b...
bsky.app/profile/elan...
justingarydesign.substack.com/p/elan-lee-b...
bsky.app/profile/elan...
