158: Cozy games, what makes a game a good product (guest: Alex Cutler)

Cozy is the new zombie. Or Cthulhu. Seriously -- just keep your eye on those store shelves (especially over the next few months), and you'll likely see so many new board games themed around the art of non-conflict. Maybe you'll be cuddling up with kitties. Or you'll be sitting around, peacefully matching tiles at your own pace. Or you'll be arranging books around your home in ways that please only you, as in our guest's co-designed A Place for All My Books.

Alex Cutler joins the podcast this week to talk about what exactly makes a game "cozy." Plus we lean into his experience as a developer (not just designer) to learn what makes for a good product. Sure, great gameplay is a must -- but what else will make gamers want to make that purchase?

Timeline:

• 3:15 - Going Analog's game pick: Black Forest.
• 6:59 - Alex's game pick: Fishing.
• 10:33 - Going Analog's topic: cozy games.
• 22:12 - Alex's topic: what makes a game a good product.