Cole Wehrle (ROOT, OATH) on Design Process, "Mean" Games and Why Game Boxes Suck | Full Interview

Veteran game designer Cole Wehrle had a ton of insight and fascinating things to say about his design process, but we didn't have much time for it in the last video. So here's my full remote interview with Cole to talk about his research process, why "fun" can be an empty signifier and what's next for Wehrlegig Games and Leder Games.
Check out Arcs:
ledergames.com/products/arcs
Check out Molly House:
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/...
ICYMI, see the full episode on Tabletop Games:
• We made a board game. ...
Music - Universal Production Music
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[@pa_zere]

Thank you for this! He’s such an incredible creator!

[@FlyoverCulture]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Scarxful]

really nice interview!

[@Big_Dai]

"I have a different way of working" .. when the map in ARCS completely changed, and the gameplay is NOT the same as originally shown, don't backers get disappointed? His "best version" of it might not be what the backers wanted. I dislike his way of working, and his games should be bought only after they are done.

[@EricKuha]

I think the final product of Arcs is exactly what was originally described. The only thing that's different is that the map looks different. But functionally, it's basically identical to the original pitch.
Have you even played it yet?

[@biffybeans]

You do know that Cole is one of the most successful board game designers… right? His games are all extremely successful. His Kickstarters earn massive amounts of money because people believe in his vision as a creative. I think a thing that not everyone understands about creatives/artists of all kinds is that we don’t always know what a finished product is going to look like. Ideas evolve. Plus, KS adds a layer of “if we raise more we can do more” which allows for someone like Cole to create the best gaming experience possible. Does that mean sometimes visual designs change throughout the process? Definitely! Because they may have realized something that works BETTER and can give it to you without asking you to buy the game again 3 years from now when it needs to be redesigned or updated because it didn’t work exactly as planned.
The thing about KS is that you don’t have to back a game if you don’t like a designer’s process. I also think a lot of people forget that crowdfunding comes with an element of risk. Maybe the game takes 5 years to complete instead of 2. Maybe the components need to be replaced because there was a pandemic and supply chain logistics have thrown a wrench in the game.
I myself, tend to only buy crowdfunded games once they are in the fulfillment stage because that’s what works best for me.

[@okkiebok]

If any of their kickstarters looked like the initial version when they shipped I'd be intensely disappointed.
They clearly communicate that the game is in active development and that some of it will change.