Pros and Cons Ep 18
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In this live episode of Pros and Cons at Breakout Con Toronto 2025, host interviews game designer Chris Chung, known for Lanterns at the Harvest Festival and the My Little Pony deck-building game. Chung opens up about his journey from an introverted, isolated youth to a celebrated designer, sharing how a dream-inspired prototype led to his breakout hit Lanterns—originally themed around flowers, but reimagined as lanterns by publisher Randy Hoyt after feedback that 'flowers weren't sellable.' He reflects on the evolution of the industry, noting how once-unpopular themes like floristry are now thriving. Chung discusses his shift from in-person to online playtesting via the Discord group Break My Games, praising its global accessibility and rapid iteration. He offers candid advice to new designers: seek honest feedback beyond family, embrace constructive criticism as a gift, and know when to stop iterating. Chung also reveals his dream project—a hockey-themed game inspired by the Toronto Maple Leafs—and touches on the personal challenges of convention life, including 'con crash' and the importance of fitness in sustaining a long-term career in gaming. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on imposter syndrome, community, and the joy of seeing one’s name on a game box.
Seek honest, external feedback early—family may not give the critical input you need.
Online playtesting via groups like Break My Games enables rapid iteration and global collaboration.
Know when to stop refining a game; over-designing can kill momentum and viability.
Themes once deemed 'unsellable' (like flowers) can become market successes with the right timing and context.
Feedback, even if delivered harshly, is typically given with the intention to help improve your game.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Live from Breakout Con 2025: Introducing Chris Chung
The episode begins live at Breakout Con Toronto 2025 with the host introducing Chris Chung, a designer known for Lanterns at the Harvest Festival and the My Little Pony deck-building game. The host sets the tone for the conversation, highlighting the energy and spontaneity of a live podcast at a convention.
From Dream to Design: The Birth of Lanterns
“When I knew I was dreaming, I woke up and I prototyped that game over the next however number of weeks and months.”
The Evolution of Game Themes and Market Trends
“It's a different scene these days. It's a kinder, gentler scene, I guess.”
The Role of Feedback and Playtesting
“Every piece of feedback you receive is a gift, right? And you might not accept it but it's still a gift that somebody gave you.”
The My Little Pony Game and Future Projects
Chung discusses the cooperative deck-building mechanics of the My Little Pony game and its upcoming expansion, Festival of Lanterns, which blends the original game’s mechanics with the pony universe. He reveals his dream IP: a hockey-themed game inspired by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“Every piece of feedback you receive is a gift, right? And you might not accept it but it's still a gift that somebody gave you.”
“It's just so weird to see your name on a box even though you put all the work on it it's just like is this surreal?”
“When I knew I was dreaming, I woke up and I prototyped that game over the next however number of weeks and months.”
Host
Guest
Chris Chung
person
Lanterns at the Harvest Festival
other
My Little Pony
other
Break My Games
other
Renegade Game Studios
organization
Foxtrot Games
organization
Tangled
media
Daryl Andrews
person
Toronto Maple Leafs
other
S-T-A-L-K
other
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