38: Creating Simple-to-Play Games with Cole Smith

In this episode of the Player Lair Podcast, we sit down with Cole Smith, designer of Tanuki, 3 Magi, and Sauros, to talk about his journey from pandemic hobbyist to published game designer. We dive into his roots in childhood rule-bending, how being a graphic designer informs his prototypes, and why sometimes it's better to shelve a game, or fight for it.

Cole shares insights on pitching, playtesting, balancing creativity with feedback, and why quick overview videos might be more important than your rulebook. We also explore his latest game Sauros, a clever blend of trick-taking and puzzly tile placement… with dinosaurs.

Whether you're just getting into game design or looking to refine your pitch process, this episode is packed with honest advice, practical tools, and a good dose of creative encouragement.

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:00 Childhood Games and Rule-Bending Beginnings
• 3:30 From Pandemic Hobby to First Signed Game
• 6:00 Graphic Design as a Prototyping Superpower
• 10:00 Theme-First Design and Inspirations
• 13:00 Development, Playtesting, and the Nitty Gritty
• 16:45 Inside Sauros: Dinosaurs, Mahjong Tiles & Puzzles
• 20:20 Design Style: Light, Elegant, and Evolving
• 25:00 Pitching Process & Pro Tips
• 42:00 Creative Confidence and Knowing When a Game is "Done"