Welcome to Episode 10 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Subnautica—a genre-defying deduction game that puts players in the role of a 19th-century insurance investigator aboard a ghost ship.

Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we talk about Return of the Obra Dinn's distinctive and effective soundtrack, how the game’s tight constraints (from visuals to location to mechanics) actually enhance creativity, and how the deductive gameplay allows for multiple valid paths to a solution. We also explored how the game masterfully manufactures “aha!” moments—rewarding players not through traditional level progression, but through the satisfaction of piecing together a mystery on their own.

On the critical side, we questioned whether the story itself delivers a meaningful emotional payoff, and debated whether the non-linear structure enhances or weakens the overall narrative impact. Does the fragmented timeline add intrigue, or does it distance the player from the characters and events?

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Return of the Obra Dinn a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com

It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #ObraDinn

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 09 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Subnautica—a survival game that blends mystery, exploration, and tension beneath the waves.

Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we discuss how Subnautica creates an incredible sense of mystery and discovery, its immersive survival mechanics, and the brilliance of its environment and creature design. We also explore how sound design enhances tension, making every dive feel equal parts mesmerising and terrifying.

But Subnautica isn’t without its faults. We critique its lack of player direction, moments that don’t respect the player’s time, and some frustrating UI elements that can make surviving harder than intended. Ultimately, we unpack a key takeaway for designers: your game won’t (and can’t) please everyone—and that’s okay.

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Subnautica a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com

It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Subnautica

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Welcome to Episode 08 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they dive into Titanfall 2—a masterclass in movement, pacing, and level design.

Spoiler alert for The Game! 🚨 We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we explore how Titanfall 2 blends fluid movement with tight gunplay, the brilliance of Effect and Cause, and how the game’s pacing keeps players constantly engaged. We also discuss how game jams can be a powerful development tool and why designers should look beyond games for inspiration.

Plus, Stuart battles his own boss fight—getting Titanfall 2 to run on his laptop. 💻😡

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Titanfall 2 a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at shouldplaypodcast@gmail.com

It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Titanfall2

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.