Blog - The Game Development Strategy Guide

Enduring Play: A Game Development Podcast An Ideaplatz, LLC Production No generative AI tools were used in the production of this podcast. Created and Produced ByCheryl PlatzOriginal Theme and Music ByCheryl PlatzHosted ByCheryl PlatzSeason 1 Review TeamDavid FoubertDavid DemmaGraphic DesignCheryl PlatzThe Game Development Strategy Guide Cover Art byHeads of StateSound effects and accent musicAdobe Audition library (open license)Accent music (selected episodes)Adobe Stock (licensed)Special ThanksLou RosenfeldMarta JustakZontee HouChristopher MaverickJulia Hansen Podcasters are often asked about their setup - here's mine. I am not currently sponsored by any of these companies, although if you'd like to discuss sponsorship you can always reach…

14 Jul 2025

Enduring Play

A Game Development Podcast hosted by game developer and author Cheryl Platz. Season 1 interviews are based on the research for her book, The Game Development Strategy Guide: Crafting Modern Video Games that Thrive. Season 1 of the Enduring Play Podcast launches August 19, 2025 on your favorite podcast platform - add it to your lists today so that you don't miss a moment! Creative director, game designer, and author of The Game Development Strategy Guide Cheryl Platz hosts this engaging look behind the scenes at what it takes to make video games that transcend the test of time. In-depth…

13 Jul 2025

Chapter Quests

Book

Deepen your understanding of The Game Development Strategy Guide with custom exercises These Chapter Quests didn't fit in the book, but were intended to help provide you with calls to action to start applying the concepts in the book by analyzing the market and your own work. Use this material to follow along as you complete the content in The Game Development Strategy Guide: Crafting Video Games That Thrive. Click on the chapter title to explore the full chapter quest. Perfect for educators and book clubs looking to ensure lasting comprehension and spark deep conversation. Not an experienced gamer? Not…

13 Jul 2025

Chapter Quest 15: Video Game Launch Party

Chapter Quests

Objective: Observe a game launch unfolding in real time conditions from a player perspective. Inspired by material from Chapter 15: Failure to Thrive QUEST: Choose 1-2 upcoming games that you can track that have not yet launched. Add them to your wishlist, follow them, or pre-order them so you can get updates. Then, revisit this page for suggestions on how to journal your lived experience as a player going through this launch period. First, select one or more upcoming games. Try some of these Coming Soon lists from popular marketplaces. There aren't very good mechanics for mobile game prereleases, so…

13 Jul 2025

Chapter Quest 14: In the Details

Chapter Quests

Objective: Learn to balance great ideas with the challenges of delivering great video games Use material from Chapter 14: Let the Right Ideas Win QUEST: Review the publicly available technical requirements for one of the major hardware platforms: iOS/Apple, Xbox, or Epic Games Store(other platforms are not publicly available.) What is most surprising? How might you use a framework like MVP or MoSCoW to include these requirements? Select one or more of the following requirements definitions to review: Apple App Review Xbox Policies and Requirements Epic Games Store Requirements For each set of requirements you review: Review your selected requirements…

13 Jul 2025

Chapter Quest 13: What’s Your Role?

Chapter Quests

Objective: Map your skillset into the general game development process alongside other disciplines. Use material from Chapter 13: The Good and Bad of Game Dev Processes QUEST: Review the phases of game development and reflect on your specific role in each of these phases. Where are you needed most? Where do you need others most? Review the phases of game development and reflect on your specific role in the game development process. If you're an aspiring developer, reflect on your desired role or roles. When are you and your skills needed most? What deliverables do you own and during which…