Had your fill of the 'Are Games Art?' debate? This edition of the podcast, featuring an interview with veteran game designer Brenda Brathwaite and art historian John Sharp, takes the conversation in adifferent and, I hope, more useful direction. Focusing on Brenda'sremarkably poignant game Train, we discuss the intersection ofart and game design and consider how a designer's personal vision and game design skills dovetail in the conception and development of a new game.

We also discuss John's views on the coming Ludic Age, and bothguests share their thoughts on educating young designers for careers in the game industry. These and a variety of other topics - including anexciting conference announcement - in this edition of the Brainy Gamer podcast.

Note: If you're unfamiliar with Train, I highly recommend reading Ian Bogost's thoughtful account of it at Gamasutra. I'm linking to the section of his article that deals directly with Train, but I hope you'll read the entire piece. C'mon, it's Bogost. You know it'll be interesting. :-)

• The Art History of Games conference
• Brenda's Applied Game Design blog
• SCAD - Interactive Design and Game Development program