Technology
The Design Deck
Why do some games hook you in seconds while others collect dust?
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Episodes
The archive
22 episodes, newest first.
- UK Games Expo at 20: What 53,000 Players Are Voting ForUKGE 2026 hits Birmingham on May 29-31 as a 20th anniversary milestone, and Grant and Miles use the show's exhibitor scale, award shortlists, and demo culture as a live design trend report for where the tabletop industry is actually putting its money right now.
- Spiel des Jahres 2026: The Jury Has SpokenThe Spiel des Jahres 2026 nominations drop on May 19th, and Grant and Miles dig into the design DNA behind the shortlisted games, debating what the jury's choices reveal about where mainstream board game design is heading.
About
What the show is
The Design Deck breaks down the hidden mechanics, forgotten prototypes, and risky creative bets behind the games you love. Each week, two hosts pick apart a specific game (board, card, or video) and trace the design choices that made it click, from early sketches through final playtesting. Built for players who want to understand what they're feeling at the table, and for aspiring designers looking for concrete lessons from shipped games.
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