Player Lair Podcast

In the Player Lair podcast, we delve into the process of making games and interview various game designers, publishers and people involved in the gaming community.

Player Lair Podcast is a leisure podcast hosted by Ivan Alexiev, with 43 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ivan Alexiev hosts Player Lair Podcast, a leisure show with 43 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #42

  42: Designing Complex and Successful Games with Dávid Turczi

  Apr 22, 202658 minS1

  <p>You can watch this episode with video on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paxJFQ90qAY</p><p>I sat down with David Turczi to talk about his approach to game design, working with other designers, and what goes into making amazing games.<br/><br/>Sponsors:<br/><br/>Hero Time Manufacturing (5% discount + free quote): https://herotime1.com/?utm_source=ivanalexiev<br/>Omnibus Gaming: https://omnibusgaming.com<br/><br/>My Upcoming Games:<br/><br/>Siege Perilous: https://playsiegeperilous.com<br/>Grimbrew: https://grimbrewgame.com<br/>Song of the Wildkin: https://songofthewildkin.com<br/><br/>Book...

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  Player Lair Podcast

  41: Making an EPIC 4X game with Preben Møller

  Mar 9, 20261h 13mS0

  <p>Danish game designer and publisher Preben Møller joins me to talk about the long road of creating and publishing his ambitious 4X board game <b>Sky Empire</b>. We discuss how the project evolved over two years of development, the lessons learned from canceling a first crowdfunding campaign, and what changed before launching again successfully. Preben also shares insights into marketing board games, designing meaningful solo modes, gathering honest playtesting feedback, and why designers should decide early whether they want to pitch their games or publish them themselves. </p><p>Support the show</p>

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  Episode #40

  40: Finding your game's hook FAST with Renato Simões

  Sep 10, 20251h 3mS1

  <p>Brazilian designer and publisher <b>Renato Simões</b> (FlipToons, Piratas, OZOB: A Cyberpunk Board Game) joins me to talk about the importance of finding the hook in game design. We discuss his journey from King of Tokyo fan to publishing Brazil’s best-selling card game, how FlipToons went from idea to contract in just a month, and why OZOB became a $1,000,000+ crowdfunding success. Renato also shares insights into collaboration, the Brazilian market, and why networking is just as vital as design. </p><p>Support the show</p>

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  Episode #39

  39: Co-Design, Pitching, and Elegant Mechanics with David Gordon

  Aug 12, 202549 minS1

  <p> I chat with designer <b>David Gordon</b> (Floristry, Finspan, Making Monsters) about co-designing, filtering feedback, pitching to publishers, and crafting tense, elegant mechanics like Floristry’s Dutch auction. We also dive into his process, inspiration, and lessons from working with top publishers like Stonemaier Games. </p><p>Support the show</p>

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  Episode #38

  38: Creating Simple-to-Play Games with Cole Smith

  Jun 11, 202555 minS1

  <p>In this episode of the Player Lair Podcast, we sit down with Cole Smith, designer of Tanuki, 3 Magi, and Sauros, to talk about his journey from pandemic hobbyist to published game designer. We dive into his roots in childhood rule-bending, how being a graphic designer informs his prototypes, and why sometimes it's better to shelve a game, or fight for it.</p><p>Cole shares insights on pitching, playtesting, balancing creativity with feedback, and why quick overview videos might be more important than your rulebook. We also explore his latest game Sauros, a clever blend of trick-taking and puzzly...

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Recent guests on Player Lair Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

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