AP Table Talk: Variable Player Powers

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave explore Variable Player Powers, where players get unique abilities (or flaws!) that shape strategy and spark replayability. From the classic HeroQuest and Battlestar Galactica to asymmetric gems like Root, Sky Team, and Star Wars: Rebellion, they break down how this mechanic fuels dynamic gameplay, negotiation, and storytelling.

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Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode delivered directly to you. We’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show! We live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit. Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.comUniversity XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP.

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/153

Artist / Guest

Brian Eng & Dave Eng

Summary

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave explore Variable Player Powers, where players get unique abilities (or flaws!) that shape strategy and spark replayability. From the classic HeroQuest and Battlestar Galactica to asymmetric gems like Root, Sky Team, and Star Wars: Rebellion, they break down how this mechanic fuels dynamic gameplay, negotiation, and storytelling.

Custom Episode Webpage

https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/153

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Richard Durham on Learning through Engaging Gameplay

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng speaks with Richard Durham, a prolific game designer, creative director, and educator at Wondertree Studios. Richard shares insights from designing over 30 games across mediums—from street festivals and museum activations to tabletop and secret events—driven by curiosity and a focus on player experience. He explains his “quick, dirty, backwards” design approach, using laddering questions to uncover core values and align game goals with meaningful outcomes. They explore intentional incoherence, balancing fidelity and abstraction, and how purposeful design choices spark discussion and deeper engagement. Richard emphasizes debriefing as essential for transforming gameplay into lasting learning.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/152

Support the show

Game Design Constraints and Scope Creep

Today, we’re diving into two little words that have the power to either catapult your project forward… or completely derail it. Those words? Constraints and scope creep. Maybe you’ve heard them thrown around in design meetings. Maybe you’ve bumped into them the hard way on your own projects. Either way, by the end of this episode, you’ll see why understanding these two forces—and learning to wield them wisely—is absolutely essential to your success as a designer.

Let’s start with a quick scene.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/151

Support the show