approachable theory: Meta Accessibility Tools

Today on approachable theory we’re talking about meta accessibility tools, and we’re going to start by breaking down what I mean by that term. Read more!

approachable theory: Defining Game Genres

Genres always have soft edges, and any given work may fit into multiple genres (e.g., NYPD Blue is a drama, a police procedural, and arguably a modern noir, but it is not a crime thriller in the way that fellow police procedural Law & Order: Criminal Intent is). Games aren’t well defined by the genres we use for fixed fiction (because games are not fixed in that way, and are not experienced the way we experience books or movies).

approachable theory: Post-Consent Safety Paradigm

Hi all! Today I have a post from J Dymphna Coy on the subject of post-consent safety paradigm. For some advance clarity, consent is basically whether or not we grant permission for people to do a given thing. And if you click here, you can find some references for the safety tools mentioned. Otherwise, I … Continue reading “approachable theory: Post-Consent Safety Paradigm”

approachable theory: Destructive Design

Hello all! Many of you have likely seen me mention the methodology behind my design, destructive design, and I thought it was due time I broke the idea down a little bit. I thought approachable theory might be the best place to do it, because simple is good. I’ll talk about the origin of the methodology, … Continue reading “approachable theory: Destructive Design”

approachable theory: Types of Fun

The approachable theory logo. Hi all! Today I have a post by Selene Tan on Types of Fun! Selene is a game designer who is always up for a design competition, and writes about games and GMing. This post is about types of fun – the ways we enjoy games – using a variety of … Continue reading “approachable theory: Types of Fun”

approachable theory: Tabletop RPG Dice Math

approachable theory logo. (By Brie Sheldon) Hi all! I have a post today from Michael “Karrius” Mazur (email) about tabletop RPG dice math. Michael is a tabletop RPG player, more often a GM than not, and in his own words, he’s “always had an interest in tinkering with and designing game systems.” I asked him … Continue reading “approachable theory: Tabletop RPG Dice Math”

approachable theory: Complexity in Game Design by Jacob Kellogg

The approachable theory logo. Today’s approachable theory post is by Jacob Kellogg, creator of the new Journey Away rpg on Kickstarter, and is about complexity in game design! Find out more about Jacob after the post! Please read and enjoy.  Jacob Kellogg, selfie portrait. Complexity in game design can be a touchy subject. Sometimes a … Continue reading “approachable theory: Complexity in Game Design by Jacob Kellogg”

Approachable Theory: Coming Friday!

Hi all, I have a new series (only a few coming up so far, but it’s here) called approachable theory that’s going to focus on writing posts about game theory, design, and similar topics in a tone that’s approachable for new gamers, non-academics, and designers who are getting their start. I’m going to try to do … Continue reading “Approachable Theory: Coming Friday!”

A Very Merry Mental Illness to Me

Hey, friends, supporters, consumers, and colleagues. this one is a little important. I hope the best came for you in major holidays for each culture and religion or lack thereof that came before this post, and the same wishes for you in the festivities (or lack thereof!) to come. Please stay safe in the continuance … Continue reading “A Very Merry Mental Illness to Me”

Big Bad Con 2019

I recently attended Big Bad Con 2019 at the grace of many generous purchasers of a bundle that funded my attendance. Big Bad Con is my favorite con, and I’ve talked about it in the past on Thoughty with a lot of passion and enthusiasm, as well as interviewed the staff. It is a con … Continue reading “Big Bad Con 2019”