Joy to the world!

This week, for our Christmas podcast, we discuss joy. Games should be fun, right - so why are so many so grim? Season's Greeting, y'all!

What happens if Sherlock gets it wrong? When players are in control, designers need tricks to prevent the player from breaking the story.

What is it about 3D games that makes them so much more appealing and valuable to players - and surely 3D games aren't so much harder to build?

History is full of bloodthirsty battles and dreadful wars. But does that mean games should play with history more - or less? And what makes some settings more acceptable than others?

We hate crafting systems. Or do we?

If and when designers provide opportunities for players to stop playing can have a massive impact on the addictiveness and longevity of a game. Should games be designed with stopping points in mind?

Jon is upset that Lara Croft's fast travel breaks the story canon, sparking a general discussion about how and why quick travel has become so widespread.

Jon's been playing Really Bad Chess (which is apparently really good), and it's got us talking about fairness in games. Get Really Bad Chess - http://reallybadchess.com/

Inkle take a (somewhat nostalgic) look at the state of mobile gaming, and Jon doesn't lose a finger.

With Sorcery wrapped up, we take a cryptic peek behind the curtain of the Next Big Thing; a game that's been brewing for the last two years...