Space and Things · And Things Productions

STP159 - Liftoff 2.0 - The Ultimate Space Board Game? - with Fritz Bronner

September 14, 2023·47 min·4 clips

Board game designer Fritz Bronner created a 90s computer game with astronaut Buzz Aldrin—now he's back with Liftoff 2.0.

This episode features hosts Emily Carney and Dave Giles interviewing board game designer Fritz Bronner about his upcoming game, Liftoff 2.0. Bronner has designed games since the early 1980s and previously created a 1990s computer game with astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The conversation centers on the development and mechanics of this new space-themed board game. Liftoff 2.0 is an updated version of the 1989 board game "Liftoff: Race to the Moon" and the 1994 computer game "Buzz Aldrin's Race into Space." The game simulates the historical space race, offering what its designer calls high-tension mission gameplay. Fritz Bronner discusses the original game's development and his collaboration with Buzz Aldrin. He explains the process of updating and modernizing the game for a new release. The hosts mention other space games like a Mars terraforming game and a potential Apollo-themed game for context. Bronner shares insights into the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with engaging game mechanics. A notable point is his direct work with Buzz Aldrin, who provided firsthand experience to inform the game's design. The episode reveals that the game aims to simulate the high-stakes decisions and risks of actual space missions. The original "Race into Space" computer game is noted as a significant precursor that incorporated detailed mission elements. The tone is casual and conversational, driven by the hosts' curiosity and the guest's expertise. The style is interview-based and educational, focusing on game design history and specifics. Listeners interested in board games, space history, or the intersection of hobby gaming and aerospace would enjoy this episode. Those seeking discussions on current spaceflight news or deep technical aerospace engineering might find the topic too niche.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Space and Things