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Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to PublicationAuthor: Danielle Reynolds
Game Design Unboxed features interviews with tabletop game designers on specific games or series of games they have created. Listeners will learn where the initial idea for the game came from, how the game developed over time and where the game is now after being published. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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GDU 129 - Gelt Galore
Episode 129
Monday, 1 December, 2025
In this festive episode 129 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with sister duo Anya and Irina Kagan - game designers and the founders of Gifts Galore - about their Hanukkah-themed party game, Gelt Galore. They talk about how magical childhood traditions inspired them as adults to bring new energy to holiday gatherings and how a simple homemade game — originally crafted from post-its, stickers, and family trivia — turned into a full-fledged board game. We discuss several unique design challenges including how to compile authentic and accurate historical info for trivia questions and how to strike the right balance between questions that are easy/fun and questions that are deep or educational. The sisters also share how they designed Gelt Galore to be accessible and inclusive by using pictures along with colors (considering colorblind accessibility), designing mechanics that work for players of all ages and mobility capabilities, the “bribes” that help them attract playtesters (like candy or pizza), the inviting game design community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, stories of little-known Hanukkah heroines, and the age-old debate of the superior latke topping. Is it sour cream or applesauce? You decide! Featuring: Anya and Irina Kagan - Guests Danielle Reynolds - Host
