The episode features a conversation with Emma Cobb, the designer of Dialox, an Italian language card game that combines language learning and game design. Emma shares her journey and experiences that led her to develop this game, as well as the challenges and successes she encountered during the process. The game is designed to make language learning fun and engaging, with a focus on practical scenarios like ordering in a restaurant and asking for directions. Emma shares her journey of creating a language learning game, and the challenges she faced in playtesting and refining the game. She discusses the educational and social aspects of the game, as well as the potential impact on language learning. The conversation also delves into the Kickstarter project for 'Dialox' and the unique approach to language learning through tabletop games.

Takeaways

Language learning through games
Combining language learning and game design Language learning through tabletop games
Challenges of playtesting and refining a language learning game
Educational and social aspects of 'Dialogues'
The potential impact of 'Dialogues' on language learning
Unique approach to language learning through tabletop games

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Language Learning
03:16 First Board Game Experience
05:22 Inspiration for Language Learning Game
09:10 Tackling Grammar in a Card Game
15:19 Speaking a Foreign Language in a Game
19:28 Expanding Scenarios and Languages
23:05 Evolution from Board Game to Card Game
31:18 Expanding to Spanish and French Versions
31:46 Creating 'Dialogues' and Playtesting Challenges
33:45 Transition to 'Dialogues' as it Exists Currently
35:14 Influence of Culture and Language Selection
39:10 Tackling Colloquialisms and Language Variations
42:23 The Role of Tabletop Games in Language Learning
52:24 The Future of Educational Games and Language Learning
58:28 Kickstarter Project and Stretch Goals