Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games
Candid conversations with game creators that dive deep into the art, craft, and process of making games.
Fri, April 18, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rock On! Island
We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Gab Koenig (Tux and Fanny) to discuss Rock On! Island, the 30th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Rally your cavemen and defend your cave from waves of attacking dinosaurs.” Next week: Pingolf Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Jon Perry – How Tabletop Design Helped Shape ‘UFO 50’ https://gdcvault.com/play/1035154/How-Tabletop-Design-Helped-Shape Bloons TD 6 https://store.steampowered.com/app/960090/Bloons_TD_6/ PixelJunk Monsters 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/749800/PixelJunk_Monsters_2/ Orcs Must Die! https://store.steampowered.com/app/102600/Orcs_Must_Die/ Dungeon Defenders https://store.steampowered.com/app/65800/Dungeon_Defenders/ Go Home Dinosaurs! https://store.steampowered.com/app/216090/Go_Home_Dinosaurs/ Tillmonk Spreadsheet with Rock On! Island Maps https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SKJjhP__EzNfMxeaDgvVVizerLlmimvsrVh-z13CAlo/edit?gid=358915784#gid=358915784 Brick101 Save Between Waves Mod https://github.com/davidmpickett/ufo50-rock-on-island-save-state Tooth and Tail https://store.steampowered.com/app/286000/Tooth_and_Tail/ Blood on the Clocktower https://bloodontheclocktower.com/ A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-mortol Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 1 https://eggplant.show/into-the-depths-kentucky-route-zero-part-1 A Year of UFO 50 - Party House https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-party-house “Yes, And”-ing Your Design with Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig
Fri, April 18, 2025
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 4
We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 4 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Wie is de Mol (Netherlands) Season 14, Episode 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTgfpKoX96M&list=PL0V4yzkm-Av38Wy9dJZCLGsjOhKzXDVRp&index=3 Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant
Fri, April 11, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Vainger
We're joined by guest hosts Adam Saltsman (Finji), Trent Kusters (League of Geeks), and Teddy Dief (We Are OFK) to discuss Vainger, the 29th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The Vainger returns to Io and finds itself betrayed. The enemy must be found and eradicated.” Next week: Rock On! Island Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Prince of Prussia https://adamatomic.itch.io/prince Deus Ex https://store.steampowered.com/app/6910/Deus_Ex_Game_of_the_Year_Edition/ The Swapper https://store.steampowered.com/app/231160/The_Swapper/ Transistor https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/transistor/ Uncle Slam's record Vainger speed run https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q12oY8A5ekA Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown https://store.steampowered.com/app/2751000/Prince_of_Persia_The_Lost_Crown/ Bloodborne https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/bloodborne/ Magic, Kevlar, and Conspiracies with Tactical Breach Wizards Dev Tom Francis https://interactive.libsyn.com/magic-kevlar-and-conspiracies-with-tactical-breach-wizards-dev-tom-francis Usual June https://store.steampowered.com/app/2702430/Usual_June/ Hyper Light Drifter https://store.steampowered.com/app/257850/Hyper_Light_Drifter/ We Are OFK (game) https://store.steampowered.com/app/1490340/We_Are_OFK/ We Are OFK (artist page) https://www.ofk.cool/ Teddy Dief’s webpage https://www.teddydief.com/ Gaburi Chicken, LA https://gaburiusa.com/ A Year of UFO 50 – Warptank https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-warptank A Year of UFO 50 – Camouflage https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-camouflage Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman <a href= "https://eggpla
Thu, April 10, 2025
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 3
We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 3 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant
Fri, April 04, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rail Heist
We're joined by guest hosts Xalavier Nelson Jr. (I Am Your Beast) and Bennett Foddy (Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy) to discuss Rail Heist, the 28th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The most infamous train robbers in the west pull off a series of daring heists.” Next week: Vainger Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode : Colt Express https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/158899/colt-express Invisible, Inc. https://store.steampowered.com/app/243970/Invisible_Inc/ Gunpoint https://store.steampowered.com/app/206190/Gunpoint/ SteamWorld Heist https://www.gog.com/en/game/steamworld_heist Hotline Miami https://store.steampowered.com/app/219150/Hotline_Miami/ Killer Queen https://killerqueenarcade.com/ Leisure Suit Larry https://store.steampowered.com/app/763970/Leisure_Suit_Larry_1__In_the_Land_of_the_Lounge_Lizards/ Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2116510/Creepy_Redneck_Dinosaur_Mansion_3/ Baby Steps https://store.steampowered.com/app/1281040/Baby_Steps/ https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Thu, April 03, 2025
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 2
We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 2 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant
Fri, March 28, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Divers
We're joined by guest hosts Kayin (I Wanna Be The Guy), Jay Ma (Into the Breach), and droqen (Starseed Pilgrim) to discuss Divers, the 27th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Control Dylan, Orlok, and Thyme as they explore the watery depths” Next week: Rail Heist Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Final Fantasy Legend 1 (via the Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend) https://saga-franchise.square-enix-games.com/en-us/games/collection-saga-final-fantasy-legend Dungeon Encounters https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_US/games/dungeon-encounters Girls Last Tour https://yenpress.com/titles/9780316470636-girls-last-tour-vol-1 Subnautica https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/Subnautica/ Stardom World Wrestling https://www.stardom-world.com/contents/4272 Droqen’s website https://www.droqen.com/ Jay Ma on bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jarmustard.bsky.social Kayin on bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/kayin.moe droqen on bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/droqen.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Thu, March 27, 2025
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 1
We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 1 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant live from the De Mol 2024 finale https://www.patreon.com/posts/eggplant-de-mol-105398809 Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant Taskmaster - Get To 11 Points as Fast as Possible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgLthsvxyAs
Fri, March 21, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Hot Foot
Recorded in person at GDC 2025, we're joined by guest host Alfredo Barraza (Riot), and UFO 50 developers Jon Perry, Derek Yu, and Tyriq Plummer to discuss Hot Foot, the 26th game in the UFO 50 collection. "It's time to grab your beanbags and settle your differences on the Hot Foot court!" Next week: Divers http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Trailer · Thu, March 20, 2025
Announcing: Eggplant Plays De Mol (2025 season)
For the 2nd year in a row, we're recapping the new 2025 season of Flemish De Mol. And this time, we're posting the episodes to the main feed here. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant live from the De Mol 2024 finale https://www.patreon.com/posts/eggplant-de-mol-105398809 Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant
Fri, March 14, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Party House
We're joined by guest hosts Billy Basso (Animal Well), Jack Schlesinger (Baby Steps), and Gab Koenig (Tux and Fanny) to discuss Party House, the 25th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Can you throw the best house party of the summer without getting busted?” Next week: Hot Foot Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: The Quacks of Quedlinburg https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/244521/the-quacks-of-quedlinburg Dominion (Temple Gate Games) https://templegatesgames.com/gamepages/dominion.html Quarriors! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/91536/quarriors Jon Perry’s board games https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/73364/jon-perry Michael O’Blivion’s UFO 50 YouTube videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjLTO0klFN8&list=PL1D9Hwc75ZKp0tryurUbmtRUufIk_j6GD&index=4 Luck be a Landlord https://store.steampowered.com/app/1404850/Luck_be_a_Landlord/ Slice & Dice https://tann.fun/games/dice/ Into the Depths: Slice & Dice – Part 1 https://eggplant.show/into-the-depths-slice-dice-part-1 Baby Steps https://www.babystepsgame.com/ Animal Well https://www.animalwell.net/ Episode 139 – Sticking to Your Systems with Animal Well https://eggplant.show/139-sticking-to-your-systems-with-animal-well Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 1) https://eggplant.show/into-the-depths-caves-of-qud-part-1 Episode 92 – Untangling Language with Knotwords https://eggplant.show/92-untangling-language-with-knotwords Episode 128 – "Yes, And"-ing Your Design with Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig (Tux and Fanny) https://eggplant.show/128-yes-and-ing-your-design-with-albert-birney-and-gabriel-koenig-tux-and-fanny https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant <a href= "
Fri, March 07, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Caramel Caramel
We're joined by guest host Madison Karrh (Birth), Billy Basso (Animal Well), and Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV) to discuss Caramel Caramel, the 24th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Melon got a new camera and is going on a galactic adventure to try it out!” Next week: Party House Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Snapshot Game https://store.steampowered.com/app/204220/Snapshot/ Spelunky by Derek Yu https://bossfightbooks.com/products/spelunky-by-derek-yu Brick101’s mod for Caramel Caramel https://github.com/davidmpickett/ufo50-caramel-health Animal Well https://www.animalwell.net/ Episode 139 – Sticking to Your Systems with Animal Well https://eggplant.show/139-sticking-to-your-systems-with-animal-well Abnormal Mapping https://www.abnormalmapping.com/ https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, February 28, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Onion Delivery
We're joined by guest host Alfredo Barraza (Riot), plus Farbs (Wild Bastards), Dan Vecchitto (Trombone Champ), and Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) to discuss Onion Delivery, the 23rd game in the UFO 50 collection. "Can you survive the work-week in Zorrg City? Do your best to make deliveries amidst the chaos!" Next week: Caramel Caramel Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Retro Racing 2 https://www.mrqwak.com/games/retro-racing-2/ Grand Theft Auto https://www.rockstargames.com/games/gta Trombone Champ https://www.trombonechamp.com/ ICE CREAM DELIVERY JOB https://youtu.be/NfnzV0eMdug?si=q3rBfxpj9cI9cPbU "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein https://tsd.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine.html Adam Conover Tour Dates https://www.adamconover.net/new-tour-dates/ Adam Conover on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/adamconover.net Farbs on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@Farbs Holy Wow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/holywowstudios.bsky.social http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Mon, February 24, 2025
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 3)
In the 3rd installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into Caves of Qud. This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015. Doug and Rob - joined by special guest host Star St. Germain - talk to one of the game's creators Jason Grinblat about the main quest - from Bethesda Susa, Omonporch, and the quest after that. Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series. Show Notes: Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io: https://freeholdgames.itch.io/cavesofqud Jason's reference image for Bethesda Susa: https://imgur.com/a/rH257at Star on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/thisisstar.bsky.social Jason on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zflcrtqmb7pcwouiixuf22pq
Fri, February 21, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Porgy
We're joined by Trent Kusters (League of Geeks) and Kayin (I Wanna Be The Guy) to discuss Porgy, the 22nd game in the UFO 50 collection. "Strange happenings near the coast! Dive deep and get to the bottom of what's fishy in the sea." Next week: Onion Delivery Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: Kayin’s Porgy Blog Post – ”On Backtracking” https://kayin.moe/backtracking Games: Agency as Art – C. Thi Nguyen https://global.oup.com/academic/product/games-9780190052089?cc=us&lang=en& A Play of Bodies – Brendan Keogh https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262037631/a-play-of-bodies/ Shadow The Past’s Porgy Speedruns (1st World Record run) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoYXGkX2_IA&t=1s Game Maker’s Notebook – 17 Year Development Journey with Caves of Qud https://interactive.libsyn.com/17-year-development-journey-with-caves-of-qud Kayin’s website https://kayin.moe/about Kayin on bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/kayin.moe Trent on bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/trentkusters.bsky.social http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, February 14, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Waldorf’s Journey
We're joined by Liz Ryerson (Sounds from the Abyss) and Ben Esposito (Neon White) to discuss Waldorf’s Journey, the 21st game in the UFO 50 collection. "Waldorf didn't go looking for adventure. He was just trying to enjoy a nice nap..." Next week: Porgy Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Show Notes: Terry’s Other Games – A collection of Terry Cavanagh’s smaller works https://terrycavanagh.itch.io/terrys-other-games Paralect https://igf.com/paralect-0 Waldorf’s Journey Speedrun World Record by MACH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv2IlhR1fQw Neon White https://neonwhite.rip/ Liz Ryerson’s Bandcamp https://bandcamp.com/lizryerson Sounds from the Abyss mixes https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdRlER1F5rGvaoE-XbV6jz6OymxQw4jx&si=HFcDTYa5DPqD_aD5 Great Art by Liz Ryerson https://www.mostancient.com/shop/great-art GDC Experimental Game Workshop links: 2004–2022 GDC Vault Recordings https://gdcvault.com/browse?keyword=experimental+gameplay+workshop 2023–2024 GDC Vault Recordings https://gdcvault.com/browse?keyword=experimental+game+workshop Experimental Game Workshop website https://www.experimentalgameworkshop.org/ GDC 2025 Experimental Games Showcase speaker list https://schedule.gdconf.com/session/experimental-games-showcase/911131 Episode 145 – Addressing Memory with Plunderludics https://eggplant.show/145-addressing-memory-with-plunderludics Episode 94 – Learning to Unclench with Ben Esposito (Neon White) https://eggplant.show/94-neon-white http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Tue, February 11, 2025
Addressing Memory with Plunderludics
Doug and Rob chat with mut moochi, Jonny Hopkins, and Gurn Group about their experimental game and emulator hacking practice, which they call "plunderludics". We're also joined by special guest co-host Bennett Foddy. We describe some of their pieces, the comparison against plunderphonics and other related terms, the tools they've developed, and more. Show notes: plunderludics wiki https://plunderludics.github.io/ Unityhawk https://plunderludics.github.io/tools/unityhawk.html boshi's place https://boshis.place/ mut's Tapestry https://2024.amaze-berlin.de/mentions/tapestry/ mut's Auto Mario https://nes.mut.media/goodluck.html Mario Mario's bro skater 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWHXMURV2vo tetris, but all at once, but all at once https://x.com/jwhopkin/status/1624188079408918528 jonny's Mario x film composites https://x.com/jwhopkin/status/1627367719518576656 https://x.com/jwhopkin/status/1628938203435614208 https://x.com/jwhopkin/status/1630298848479281153 Gurn Group's itch page https://gurnburial.itch.io/ Mario Tag documentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pul43sdWO8k Multibowl https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multibowl "Plunderphonics, or Audio Piracy as a Compositional Prerogative" https://plunderphonics.com/ JohnLee Cooper's list Plundercore (Not By Me Mostly) https://itch.io/c/2861178/plundercore-not-by-me-mostly Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION by hatimb00 https://hatimb00.itch.io/blue-exploration
Fri, February 07, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Warptank
We're joined by Adam Saltsman (Finji), Liz Ryerson (musician, writer, podcaster), and Bijan Stephen (Compulsion Games) to discuss Warptank, the 20th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Use your tank to regain control of the station and sever all ties to Capsule World!" Next week: Waldorf’s Journey Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. The Cousin Game is one of the oldest and most underappreciated genres by Patrick Gill (Polygon) Sounds from the Abyss mixes South of Midnight Fun City (Cyberpunk TTRPG podcast) Adam’s itch.io (adamatonic.itch.io) Great Art by Liz Ryerson GDC Experimental Game Workshop links: <a st
Fri, January 31, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Big Bell Race
We're joined by Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Big Bell Race, the 19th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Do you have what it takes to become the Big Bell Race Champion?" Our show has been nominated for a 2024 Thinky Award in some great company! Check out the full list here ... and if you should be moved to vote for us, that is between you and whatever higher power you recognize. Thanks to Thinky Games for the recognition. Next week: Warptank Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: Darknet Remastered Darknet Soundtrack Arco Arco Soundtrack http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, January 24, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Golfaria
We're joined by John Axon (Capybara Games) and Ben Wilson (Die Gute Fabrik) to discuss Golfaria, the 18th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Deep beneath the fairway, a golf ball awakens. Where did it come from? What is its purpose?" Next week: The Big Bell Race Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. John Axon on Bluesky Zerofiftyone.net (Ben’s crosswords) Episode 69 – Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson Episode 129 – Reinforcing Worldbuilding through Gameplay with Spoils http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Mon, January 20, 2025
Keeping it Queer with Mo Cohen and Hagen Deloss (Queer Quest)
We chat with Mo Cohen (Queermo Games) and Hagen Deloss about Queer Quest, a point-and-click adventure that's best described as "gay Monkey Island meets feminist Leisure Suit Larry ". Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Show notes: Queer Quest official site (Queermo Games) Mo Cohen Queer Quest on Steam and itch.io Hagen Deloss Eggplant interview with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Leisure Suit Larry Monkey Island Queer Quest Kickstarter (October 2016) Mar Del Castillo and Miss Honey Skullduggery! mobile game Read Only Memories (ROM) (MidBoss) My Ex-Boyfriend the Space Tyrant (Luke Miller) Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator Sense8 Rise of the Video Game Zinesters by Anna Anthropy Tarotno Kentucky Route Zero Eggplant episode Beak, Feather & Bone
Fri, January 17, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella
We're joined by Carolyn Petit (Kotaku) and Russ Frushtick (Polygon) to discuss Campanella, the 17th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Fly the Campanella through five challenging worlds! And don't forget to stop for coffee!" Next week: Golfaria Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Space Taxi Alfonzo’s Bowling Challenge Carolyn on Bluesky Russ on Bluesky The Besties Podcast http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, January 10, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Camouflage
We're joined by Adam Saltsman (Finji) and Izzy Kestrel (Funomena, No Goblin) to discuss Camouflage, the 16th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Blend in with your surroundings to evade predators and fulfill your destiny." Next week: Campanella Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love – A Journey to the End of Taste by Carl Wilson Willy’s Wonderland Adam’s PICO-8 Games (and other itch.io releases!) Izzy’s itch.io page (specific titles mentioned below) Gexfeld Universal Studios Theme Parks Adventure Adventure Channel Surfing Oral Gex Podcast Episode 28 – Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman Adam Saltsman on Bluesky Izzy Kestrel on Bluesky http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Tue, January 07, 2025
143: Games of the Year 2024
The whole crew assembles to share our personal five favorite games of 2024, alongside picks from previous show guests and our listeners. Happy 2025! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS): Doug: Xenosphere B3313 (Mario 64 mod) Boku no Natsuyasumi 2 Slice & Dice 3.0 Caves of Qud Sarah: Velgress (from UFO 50 ) Balatro Bridge Command Waxwing Key of Dreams Zach: Astro Bot Astro Bot Astro Bot Astro Bot Astro Bot Laura: Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Balloon SMP Interstate 35 Games to play with babies / Zach’s 2023 pick Dress to Impress (Roblox) Nick: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Pseudoregalia Paper Beast Smart Ball The Nest Andy: Hollow Knight Pokemon TCG Pocket Super Mario Galaxy 2 <a href= "https://www.playst
Fri, January 03, 2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Block Koala
We're joined by Patrick Traynor (Patrick’s Parabox) and Frank Lantz (Universal Paperclips, NYU Game Center) to discuss Block Koala, the 15th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Flamingus has stolen all the water! Solve puzzles to defeat him and save the park!" Next week: Camouflage Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Frank Lantz’s Substack Patrick’s Parabox PuzzleScript Stephen’s Sausage Roll by increpare Corrypt by Michael Brough Hectique’s UFO 50 All Games Speedrun (the Block Koala part) Jelly no Puzzle by Qrostar Blockhouse by Kory Heath The Gang by Kory Heath Episode 124 – Thinking Inside the Box with Patrick Traynor (Patrick’s Parabox) Episode 87 – Fighting Words with Everybody House Games (Babble Royale) Episode 31 – Good Times with Bad Robots with Frank Lantz (Hey Robot) Join our Discord: http://discord.gg/eggplant Leave us a tip: https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, December 27, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Bushido Ball
We're joined by Casey Yano (Mega Crit), Trent Kusters (League of Geeks), and Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Bushido Ball, the 14th game in the UFO 50 collection. "It’s the annual Bushido Ball tournament. Choose from 6 fighters and compete to win!" Next week: Block Koala http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Tue, December 24, 2024
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 2)
In the 2nd installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into Caves of Qud . This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015, and in this episode we celebrate this month's momentous v1.0 release. Doug and Rob talk to one of the game's creators Jason Grinblat about Qud basics and the early game (up to Golgotha). Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series. Show Notes Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io Caves of Qud merch qudzoo - "Your one-stop shop for improving in Caves of Qud" Recommended settings for playing Qud on a Steamdeck (credit to Discord user patric !) "The important changes are all in UI portion of the options menu: UI Scale: 1.25 Play Area Scale: Pixel Perfect Pixel Perfect Tile Graphic Scale: 2 Ability Bar Mode: Compact Mini Map: Off Nearby Objects: Off Message Log Font: -5 Last but not least, use your finger to move the bar between the play area & the message log as far to the right as you can. It’s a little fiddly to do, but frees up a good amount of real estate."
Fri, December 20, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mooncat
We're joined by Bennett Foddy (Getting Over It), Kenny Sun (Mr. Sun's Hatbox), and Zach Aikman (Chuhai Labs) to discuss Mooncat, the 13th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Jump and dash through forests, caves and mountains, in search of the egg." Next week: Bushido Ball http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Mon, December 16, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - SPECIAL - Developer Interview
We're joined by UFO 50 developers Derek Yu, Jon Perry, and Eirik Suhrke to discuss the first 12 (?) games in the collection. http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, December 13, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Avianos
We're joined by Tanya X. Short (Kitfox Games), Star St. Germain (Aconite), and Zach Aikman (Chuhai Labs) to discuss Avianos, the 12th game in the UFO 50 collection. "In a time when birds rule, an epic war rages between the red talons and the blue beaks." Next week: Mooncat http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, December 06, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Kick Club
We're joined by John Axon (Capy Games) and Hayden "Docky" Scott-Baron (Planet Coaster) to discuss Kick Club, the 11th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Sports are fighting over who is best! Let’s all play together!” Next week: Avianos http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, November 29, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Devilition
We're joined by Tanya X. Short (Kitfox Games) to discuss Devilition, the 10th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Build and detonate chain reactions to drive the demon horde out of town!” Next week: Kick Club http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Sat, November 23, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Attactics
We're joined by Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) and Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Attactics, the ninth game in the UFO 50 collection. “Carefully arrange your troops for maximum advantage in this game of realtime tactics.” Next week: Devilition http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, November 15, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Planet Zoldath
We're joined by Marc Flury (Thumper) and Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Planet Zoldath, the eighth game in the UFO 50 collection. “Brave the wilds of Planet Zoldath in search of the intergalactic treasure map!” Next week: Attactics http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, November 08, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Velgress
We're joined by Derek Lieu ( derek-lieu.com ) and Colin Northway (Fantastic Contraption) to discuss Velgress, the seventh game in the UFO 50 collection. “The space pirate Alpha is trapped in the deep pit known as Velgress. Help her climb out!” Next week: Planet Zoldath http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, November 01, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol
We're joined by Aaron "ix" Kearsley (speedrunner), Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), and Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis) to discuss Mortol, the sixth game in the UFO 50 collection. “How many people will lay down their lives to save Mortolia?” Next week: Velgress http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, October 25, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Magic Garden
We're joined by Daniel Mullins (Inscryption), Stuffed Wombat (Mosa Lina), and XanaGear (youtube.com/xanagear) to discuss Magic Garden, the fifth game in the UFO 50 collection. “Stop the jealous witch Cloverana from sabotaging your garden!” Next week: Mortol http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Sun, October 20, 2024
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 1)
In the first installment of a new Into the Depths series, we dive into the brilliant Caves of Qud . This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015, and we're celebrating it as it nears a v1.0 release. Doug and Rob, together with guest host and Qud-head Jack Schlesinger ( Puzzmo, Knotwords, Good Sudoku ), talk to Caves of Qud creators Brian Bucklew and Jason Grinblat all about post-apocalyptic worldbuilding, building an emergence-focused game engine, and what it takes to keep a project and partnership going for nearly two decades. Don't forget to join our discord and play along with the series. Try to get a character to Level 5 before our next episode, where we'll get into some basics around the early game and Qud's many interlocking systems. You can purchase Caves of Qud -- still in Early Access, for now -- on Steam or GOG . Discussed in this Episode Gamma World Dwarf Fortress Kitfox Games Data-Driven Engines of Qud and Sproggiwood , talk by Brian Bucklew @ IRDC 2015 A Data-Driven Object System , talk by Scott Bilas @ GDC 2002 ("Looks like the paper isn't available but here's a talk on the same subject matter") The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Ancient Domains of Mystery (ADOM) Tracery for context-free grammar generation Emergent Narrative in Dwarf Fortress , talk by Tarn Adams @ Progression Mechanics 2017 The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Clark Ashton Smith Sam Wilson (pixel artist) Craig Hamilton (OST)
Fri, October 18, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Paint Chase
We're joined by Frank Lantz (The Beauty of Games) to discuss Paint Chase, the fourth game in the UFO 50 collection. “Rev your engines and color your way to victory in the local paint racing competition!” Next week: Magic Garden http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, October 11, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Ninpek
We're joined by Adam Robinson-Yu (A Short Hike) to discuss Ninpek, the third game in the UFO 50 collection. “It’s ninja time! Run and jump to reach the end of the world.” Next week: Paint Chase, with guest co-host Carolyn Petit http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, October 04, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Bug Hunter
We're joined by Frank Lantz (Universal Paperclips), Jack Schlesinger (Knotwords), and John Axon (Battle Vision Network) to discuss Bug Hunter, the second game in the UFO 50 collection. “The moon quarry has a bug problem and you’ve been hired to fix it.” Next week: Ninpek http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, September 27, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Barbuta
We're joined by Xalavier Nelson Jr. (I Am Your Beast), Sylvie (Sylvie Lime), and Gabe Cuzzillo (Ape Out) to discuss Barbuta, the first game in the UFO 50 collection. "Explore the castle but watch out for traps!" Next week: Bug Hunter http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
Fri, September 20, 2024
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Introduction
We introduce Eggplant Presents: A Year of UFO 50 - our new 1-year weekly show covering every game in the UFO 50 collection. Join us! Next week: Barbuta, with guest co-hosts Xalavier Nelson Jr. and Gabe Cuzzillo.
Sun, September 01, 2024
Winning Together with Sarah Elmaleh (SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike)
We’re joined by our own Sarah Elmaleh, who is currently leading the SAG-AFTRA video-game actors’ strike as Chair of the union's Interactive Negotiating Committee. In this rare topical emergency episode, we discuss the urgency of securing basic protections for performers in the age of so-called “generative A.I.,” the power of collective action, and why this fight has existential stakes for video games as a commercial medium. Happy Labor Day! Show Notes Sarah Elmaleh <a class="c-link" style= "box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(var(--sk_highlight,18,100,163),1); text-decoration: none; font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);" href= "https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts-industry-resources/contracts/video-game-strike/video-game-strike-faqs" target
Wed, August 28, 2024
Into the Depths: Slice & Dice - Part 3
In this 3rd and final installment of our latest deep-dive miniseries, the crew continue to discuss “yahtzee roguelike” Slice & Dice, a host favorite that has made our GOTY list for two years running. We're joined once again by series guest co-host Darius Kazemi. This episode, we ask Slice & Dice developer tann six (6) questions about the game. We also discuss Nightmare mode, as well as the modding system. Show Notes: Slice & Dice on Steam , itch , iOS , and Google Play Into the Depths: Slice & Dice - Episode 1 & 2 Eggplant interview with Animal Well's Billy Basso and Dan Adelman Eggplant interview with Balatro's localthunk Slice & Dice 20 Boss Bossrush mod Knytt & Knytt Stories by Nifflas
Wed, August 21, 2024
An otherworldly Eggplant announcement!
Sorry for the lack of new episodes! We have some big stuff brewing though, tune into this announcement for the details.
Wed, July 17, 2024
Challenging Orthodoxy with sylvie
Doug and Zach talk to prolific game maker sylvie (love game), together with guest co-host Raigan Burns (Metanet Software). We talk about sylvie's design process, freeware games, subverting traditional orthodoxies around gamefeel, sylvie's influences, and more. Show Notes: sylvie's website Catalog of sylvie's games sylvie's blog posts sylvie's post on playtesting Bennett Foddy on JIGGLY ZONE Eggplant Episode 11 with Raigan Melos Han-Tani on Living in the Relational Playworld John Thyer's How To Make Good Small Games
Fri, June 28, 2024
Minding Your Manors with Botany Manor
We're joined by Laure De Mey and Kitt Byrne of Balloon Studios to chat about their Victorian first-person puzzler Botany Manor. We discuss building a space that feels the right amount of "real," letting history guide your setting, weaving a subtly affecting narrative, and...priest holes. Show Notes: Laura De Mey Kitt Byrne Alba: A Wildlife Adventure Return of the Obra Dinn Pettson O Findus in the Garden Sapphire Tower Monkey Island Over the Garden Wall Little Women MacDowell Colony Nicholas Owen / Priest Holes RickRack Cactus Cragside Manor Greenway House Wild garlic
Fri, June 14, 2024
Into the Depths: Slice & Dice - Part 2
In this 2nd installment of our latest deep-dive miniseries, the crew continue to discuss “yahtzee roguelike” Slice & Dice, a host favorite that has made our GOTY list for two years running. We're joined once again by series guest co-host Darius Kazemi, as well as very special guest Michael Brough (!), whose own roguelike Cinco Paus is one of the cited inspirations behind Slice & Dice. This episode, we discuss the game's curses and blessings system, as well as its links to some of Michael's games, including 868 HACK. Join our Discord and send in your questions for the Slice & Dice designer tann. Show Notes: Slice & Dice on Steam , itch , iOS , and Google Play Michael Brough's blog posts on streak scoring ( 2013 , 2017 ) 868-HACK Cinco Paus Michael Brough's blog post on the "powerup" (curse) system in 868-HACK Slice and Dice | 98%+ Winrate Unfair Hero Tier List video Hoplite Classic Unfair run with Doug, Rob, and Andy
Sat, June 01, 2024
Sticking to Your Systems with Animal Well
We're joined by Animal Well's sole developer Billy Basso and his business partner Dan Adelman to discuss their genre-defying/defining, steeped-in-secrets hit. Plus special guest co-host Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything), as we dig deep into the game's slow-burn development, the iteration of its manifold gameplay (and other) layers, and the delicate balance of stoking the fires of your fanbase. Show Notes: Animal Well Billy Basso Dan Adelman Adam Conover Scary kangaroo video Axiom Verge The Decade-Long Quest for Shadow of the Colossus' Last Secret Fez The Witness Spelunky Why do God of War's characters keep spoiling puzzles? All of the Secret Bunnies in Animal Well (HUGE SPOILERS) The Ultimate Secret Ending of Animal Well (EVEN BIGGER SPOILERS) haseverythinginanimalwellbeenfoundyet.com ARG Guardrails blog post VVVVVV Riven Super Win the Game
Mon, May 27, 2024
Into the Depths: Slice & Dice - Part 1
In the first installment of our Slice & Dice deep-dive miniseries, the crew head Into the Depths with the “yahtzee roguelike” that's shown up on our GOTY list for two years running. We're joined by interactive artist/developer Darius Kazemi to help introduce the game and share beginner tips from our (significant) playtime, and get into its unique combination of maximalist design and systems-driven humor. Next episode, we’ll get into some of our favorite game modes: Classic Unfair, Cursed, and Cursed-Hyper. Don’t forget to join our Discord and send in your questions for the game's designer tann, to be answered over email later in the series. Show Notes: Slice & Dice on Steam , itch , iOS , and Google Play Eggplant’s 2022 GOTY Episode (S&D Rob’s #2) Eggplant’s 2023 GOTY Episode (S&D Doug’s #2) Darius Kazemi’s Spelunky level-gen browser tool Slice & Dice development history essay , by tann Allison Parrish’s <a class="c-link" href= "https://vimeo.com/134734729" target="_blank"
Wed, May 08, 2024
Getting Goofy with Listener Letters
Left to our own devices without a guest, we get a little goofy - thankfully our listener letters overfloweth, so we dive into a few of them. Thanks, listeners! Show Notes: Jupiter Sunrise Dinner with the Band GeoGuesser World Cup 2023 Knytt Seiklus Daniels: Why We Tell The Stories We Tell Pale Fire
Mon, April 22, 2024
Reflecting (and More) on GDC 2024
Four of ours hosts went to the 2024 Game Developers Conference, and we lived to share anecdotes, interesting games we saw, and the highlights (and injuries) of our week! Also, Rob chases down a handful of other lovely devs to tell us the best/hardest things about making games right now. Show Notes: Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure Experimental Game Workshop Museum of Mechanics: Lockpicking Once Upon a Jester Misshapen Mediterranea Inferno Kill Lincoln The Crush House
Fri, April 05, 2024
Going in Blind with Balatro
We're joined by LocalThunk, solo creator of the hypnotic deckbuilder Balatro. We discuss flauting the fashion of a genre and going into development blind, the benefits of balacing by feel, and why Balatro shouldn't exist. Show Notes: Balatro LocalThunk Big two Luck Be a Landlord Slice & Dice Slay the Spire Risk of Rain 2
S135 Enull · Fri, March 15, 2024
Harnessing the Algorithm with Eric Chahi
We're joined by renowned designer Eric Chahi (Another World, From Dust) to discuss his singularly surreal VR adventure Paper Beast. We discuss building a living ecosystem born from constraints, how the craft has changed over the decades, and the indecency of technology. Show Notes: Eric Chahi Paper Beast Another World From Dust Heart of Darkness Strandbeest TsuShiMaMiRe Paprika Pale Blue Dot
Sat, February 24, 2024
Striving for Imperfection with Jon Ingold (A Highland Song)
We're joined by Jon Ingold, co-founder of Inkle Studios (80 Days, Heaven's Vault) to discuss A Highland Song - a wild adventure through the Scottish Highlands. We chat about creating narrative-driven games without a critical path, allowing players to fail forward, and the origins of Inkle's beloved narrative scripting language, ink. Show Notes: Jon Ingold A Highland Song Inkle Studios ink The Forever Labyrinth Rick Dangerous TV Superstars Inform MUDs Uncharted 3's horse-riding section
Fri, February 09, 2024
Celebrating Our 5th Anniversary!
We (belatedly) celebrate the 5th anniversary of our show with a sprawling, silly, reflective episode with a full house of hosts! Thanks for listening to us for all this time. Show Notes: Bob Mould Heat: Pedal to the Metal Everest Pipkin's The Poppy Grower Learning Moonring with Zach A Link to the Past Redux Paper Beast Late Show 3-Legged Race: Video Game Speedrunner Edition Tharsis Blue Thunder Everyday Shooter PixelJunk Monsters Puzzled Pint Sleep No More Teeny Little Super Guy LearnedLeague
Tue, January 30, 2024
Welcoming Rob!
We welcome Rob Dubbin (he/they) as a permanent member of the host pool! We discuss his journey from Late Night into making games, applicable lessons learned in the writers' room, and the importance of making your own shot. Show Notes: Rob Dubbin NYU Game Center Babycastles Wonderville Game Studies Study Buddies I Am America (And So Can You!) Earl Grey ZZT by Anna Anthropy London Jerry: Freelance Mailman Stephen Colbert at the White House Correspondants' Dinner Samurai Gunn Sportsfriends Scripto Scripto + Global Game Jam 2024
Fri, January 12, 2024
Using All of Your Tools with Kevin Poupard (Jusant)
We're joined by Kevin Poupard, co-creative director of the beautiful, meditative climbing game Jusant. We discuss the pains and gains of physics, trying something new as a studio, and anthropomorphizing mountains. Plus special guest co-host Mark Brown of Game Maker's Toolkit! Thanks Mark! Show Notes: Jusant GMTK - How Jusant Makes Rock-Climbing More Immersive Mind Over Magnet Grow Home Shadow of the Colossus
Sun, December 31, 2023
Games of the Year 2023
We sit down with our newest co-host, writer/developer Rob Dubbin, to each count down our Top 5 games of 2023, alongside picks from previous show guests and our listeners. Happy New Year! Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS): Zach: Super Locomotive Kirby's Dream Land 2 The F Train Simulator Playing Wii-U with a kid Yamaha TENORI-ON Sarah: Betrayal at Club Low Puzzmo Crosswords The Emerald Flame Case of the Golden Idol Organized Labor Andy: System Shock (remake) Pikmin 1+2 (remakes) Horseless Carriage Betrayal at Club Low Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition Rob: Puzzmo Crosswords Overflow Lasers & Feelings Mr. Sun's Hatbox Rude Tales of Magic Laura: Dredge Return of the Obra Dinn -likes VIDEOVERSE Girls' High School Mystery Class The Exit 8 Doug: The Password Game Human Chess 5th Season of Survivor Maryland Slice & Dice Blood on the Clocktower Nick: Rez Infinite PSVR2 w/ eye tracking Hi-Fi RUSH So Clover! Tux and Fanny EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 Other picks from guests and listeners: Suika Game Baldur's Gate 3 Puyo Puyo Tetris Picross S9 <a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_S
Sat, December 23, 2023
Reinforcing Worldbuilding through Gameplay with Spoils
Daria Radu, Ben Wilson, and our very own Douglas Wilson join us to discuss their trick-taking card game Spoils, featured as an optional game within story-driven adventure game Saltsea Chronicles. We discuss the genesis of the game, drawing inspiration from worldbuilding, trick-taking as a mechanic, the programming of the AI systems, and more. Show Notes: Episode 69: Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson Spoils - A Development Retrospective Briscola Chiamata Bridge Skat The Fox in the Forest
Wed, December 13, 2023
"Yes, And"-ing Your Design with Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig (Tux and Fanny)
The creators of Tux and Fanny - Albery Birney and Gabriel Koenig - stop by to discuss their existential and hilarious adventure game Tux and Fanny. We discuss collaboration as improv comedy, the benefit of working with people from outside of games, and creating a Saturday morning cartoon from another world. Show Notes: Tux and Fanny (game) Tux and Fanny (film) Albert Birney Gabriel Koenig Dr. Mario or: House I Learned to Love Video Games Again and Accidentally Made One Pixilart Stalker Birth - Eggplant Episode Turn Towards Instead of Away Russian Winnie-the-Pooh McPixel Animal Crossing: New Horizons Katamari Damacy by L. E. Hall Humanity Stray Super Mario Bros. 35 The Books - The Lemon of Pink (bonus from post-show discussion)
Sun, November 26, 2023
Plotting a Course with Hannah Nicklin and Harry Josephine Giles (Saltsea Chronicles)
We're joined by creative director Hannah Nicklin and writer Harry Josephine Giles to discuss Die Gute Fabrik's beautiful new story-driven adventure, Saltsea Chronicles. We dig into the world-building and construction of the playable ensemble cast, the writer's room that pulled it off, and building out design process as design. Show Notes: Saltsea Chronicles Die Gute Fabrik Hannah Nicklin Harry Josephine Giles Ink Deep Dive: Designing a narrative for multiple middles and multiple heroes in Saltsea Chronicles Saltsea Chronicles and Writing the Future Pool Panic Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit notgoingbacktonormal.com 'Endemic' SARS-CoV-2 and the death of public health Rebecca Solnit: When the Hero is the Problem
Sun, November 12, 2023
Building Your Own Platform with Zach Gage (Puzzmo)
We talk to our very own Zach Gage about his brand new games website, Puzzmo. We talk about player curiosity, newspaper games, Crosswords, and more. Show Notes: Episode 37: Designing Around Language with Zach Gage Puzzmo manifesto AVCX How Hard Could It Be? (crossword puzzle by Rob Dubbin)
Sat, October 28, 2023
Exploring Your Own Landscape with Mars First Logistics
Ian MacLarty and Kalonica Quigley join us to discuss their open world physics simulation game, Mars First Logistics. We talk about the tech art behind the game's visual style, the procedurally generated landscape, the humor of the gameplay, and more. Show Notes: Mars First Logistics Catacombs of Solaris Apartment Red Desert Render Out of Bounds: Exploring the Limits of Videogames Ian's tech art posts Jumpgrid Bennett Foddy blog post about zk map
Sat, October 07, 2023
Thinking Inside the Box with Patrick Traynor (Patrick's Parabox)
We're joined by Patrick Traynor, creator of Patrick's Parabox, a mind-bending recursive puzzle game about boxes within boxes. We discuss following your gut to what a game wants to be, being part of the puzzle design community, and our core philosophies behind puzzle design. Show Notes: Patrick's Parabox Patrick Traynor Linelith I Wanna Be the Guy Fangames Sokosoko Sokoban Stephen's Sausage Roll Singles - Rebecca Sugar Patrick's Parabox OST Osmos Puzzle Level Idea Strategies The Witness Tyler Glaiel - Make and release lots of small games before making a big one Jonathan Blow - Truth in Game Design
Fri, August 25, 2023
(Rerun) Maximizing Minimalism with Disc Room
We're taking a small summer break, so please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from 2020 with a new introduction from Doug! The ENTIRE all-star Disc Room team - Kitty Calis, JW Nijman, Doseone, and Terri Vellmann - stop by for a rowdy disc-ussion on their new arcade sci-fi avoid-em-up. We chat about making the Margherita pizza of games, nailing the details to make a simple concept sing, and making the most of team collaborations. Show notes: Disc Room Launch trailer Kitty Calis JW Nijman Doseone Terri Vellmann Pizza Margherita Disc Room Game Jam VVVVVV Chris Ware Monolith Bit Pilot
Fri, August 11, 2023
Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol)
We're honored to be joined by Gilles De Coster, host of our favorite Belgian reality TV game show - De Mol - to talk about the process, inspirations, and execution of the sublime game design behind its thrilling, subversive challenges. We spend the first hour giving all the context you'll need to follow along, before diving into the interview. This is a special one for us, check it out! Show Notes: De Mol (SPOILERS) The Mole (inferior American version) Wie is de Mol? (Dutch version) The Amazing Race Every Game in This City Bestemming X
Fri, July 28, 2023
Developing Your Taste with Abhi (Venba)
We're joined by Abhi to discuss Venba - Visai Games' short narrative cooking game about family, love, and loss. We discuss uniting narrative and gameplay, making a very personal game in a commercial industry, and creating a cooking experience with its own distinct flavor. Show Notes: Abhi Venba Papers, Please Assemble with Care Idli Exit/Corners Wholesome Games Laundry Bear Games Alpha Something - Venba soundtrack Keel Haul Abhi's picks: Favorite cooking videos: Layered Biriyani Kerala Style Fried Chicken Chicken Ghee roast Great Tamil movies to get started with: Merku Thodarchi Malai Kaaka Muttai Kaithi A playlist of songs that inspired Venba's soundtrack
Fri, July 14, 2023
Making a Case for Intuition with Andrejs Kļaviņš (The Case of the Golden Idol)
We're joined by Color Gray Games' Andrejs Kļaviņš to discuss their deeply rewarding detective game The Case of the Golden Idol. We discuss building on the game's cross-media inspirations, finding the 'aha!' moments in playtesting, and trusting yourself to trust your players. Show Notes: The Case of the Golden Idol Color Gray Games Andrejs Kļaviņš Resonance Return of the Obra Dinn gamedeveloper.com interview GMTK - What Makes a Good Detective Game? Understanding Comics William Hogarth Her Story Outer Wilds Dark Souls Foucault's Pendulum PostCurious episode Godot Engine Mark Brown episode SpiderHeck Hercule Poirot Poker Face show Under a Killing Moon
Fri, June 30, 2023
Collaborating in Character with Ashly Burch and Guerrilla Games (Horizon)
We're joined by actor Ashly Burch and Guerilla Games' Ben McCaw and Jochen Willemsen to deconstruct their deeply collaborative work on the Horizon game franchise - building the character of Aloy, the role of performance capture, and carving out nuance and evolution in a blockbuster series. Show Notes: Horizon Forbidden West Horizon series Ashly Burch Ben McCaw Jochen Willemson Hey Ash Whatcha Playin'? Tenzin (Uncharted 2) Gildun (Horizon character) Seyka (Horizon character)
Fri, June 16, 2023
Exploring Your Curiosity with Rita Orlov (PostCurious)
We're joined by Rita Orlov to discuss her PostCurious catalog of captivating narrative tabletop puzzle games, including her journey from physical and fine art into games, why designers love bouldering, and trusting players to summit her puzzles. Show Notes: Rita Orlov PostCurious The Emerald Flame Threads of Fate KickStarter Lauren Bello Rita’s furniture Rita's masks Prague tunnels Bouldering Chip’s Challenge Syberia Rush Hour Society of Curiosities Traveler's Guide to Little Sodaburg Jack Fallows Voynich Manuscript Codex Seraphinianus The Case of the Golden Idol Mother of Frankenstein
Fri, June 02, 2023
Answering Your Questions without a Guest (June 2023 Edition)
Four of our hosts get a little loopy answering questions submitted by our listeners, from how we all met, to our favorite game controllers, to the importance of mechanics vs vibes. We plan to do more of these episides once in a while, so let us know what you think and send us your most burning, random questions! Show Notes: Andean Abyss Zach's dreamy eyes Game of Thrones board game NeGcon Gravis PC GamePad PsychOdyssey Dysforgiveness Unify XOXO Festival Edgar Rice Soiree Clusterf**k! Every Game in This City The AirBnB we were going to rent findsatoshi.com The Jejune Institute Signal Tower speakeasy Lost Cities Planet of Lana The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Chrono Trigger EarthBound
Fri, May 19, 2023
Finding Hope in Loss with Red Hook Studios (Darkest Dungeon II)
We're joined by co-founders Tyler Sigman and Chris Bourassa to discuss Red Hook Studios' new roguelike road trip of the damned, Darkest Dungeon II. We explore heroism by contrast, the delicate stakes of making an unforgiving game more forgiving, and fostering the will to get back up again when the road gets tough. Show Notes: Red Hook Studios Darkest Dungeon II Tyler Sigman Chris Bourassa Fury (2014 movie)
Mon, May 08, 2023
Doubling Down on Intuition with Kenny Sun (Mr. Sun's Hatbox)
We're joined by Kenny Sun (Twinfold) to chat about his slapstick, roguelite platformer Mr. Sun's Hatbox. We talk about the benefits of setting a prototype down for a while, what humor can let you get away with, and trusting your instincts. Show Notes: Kenny Sun Mr. Sun's Hatbox Kenny's concert photography Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Gabe Cuzzillo Ape Out
Fri, April 21, 2023
Loving Mondays with Cosmo D (Betrayal at Club Low)
We're joined by Greg “Cosmo D” Heffernan to discuss his IGF-winning, dice-fueled fever dream Betrayal at Club Low . We explore his fascinating journey from making music to making games, balancing for transparency, and letting your love of the process guide you. Show Notes: Cosmo D Betrayal at Club Low Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories Boiler Room London live set Despelote Glasslands Gallery Gloomhaven The Brooklyn Strategist Disco Elysium Fate role-playing system Charles Pratt Desktop Dungeons Wizardry Vlaada Chvátil Parasite Infinity Engine
Sun, April 09, 2023
On top of the Fires of Hell w/ Daniel Benmergui (Storyteller)
We're joined by Daniel Benmergui (I Wish I Were the Moon, Fidel Dungeon Rescue), creator of the narrative-weaving puzzle game Storyteller. We discuss the challenges of designing playful and snappy interaction, wrangling cause and effect, and managing expectations for a game 15 years in the making. Daniel Benmergui Storyteller Cosmicomics Petri Purho I Wish I Were the Moon Today I Die Fidel Dungeon Rescue Scribblenauts Florence worm club Framed Façade
Fri, March 24, 2023
Playing in the Moment with Videogamo (DOBOTONE)
We're joined by Hernán Sáez of Videogamo (DOBOTONE, NAVE) to discuss his beautifully ephemeral party/arcade games, as well as Marie Foulston, a playful curator/creative director who commissioned Videogamo's latest work, GOL-E-GOL. We discuss site-specific experiences, and the slippage between hardware and software realms. Show Notes: Hernán Sáez Marie Foulston Videogamo Máximo Balestrini NAVE Arcade DOBOTONE Gol-E-Gol Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt Wild Rumpus No Quarter Exhibition 2022 The Grannies Australian Centre for the Moving Image OUYA B.U.T.T.O.N. California Extreme Slick Shot (pool arcade game)
Sat, March 11, 2023
Finding Your Groove with John Johanas (Hi-Fi RUSH)
We're joined by John Johanas, Director of Tango Gameworks' pitch-perfect rhythm action game Hi-Fi RUSH. We discuss the many challenges of creating a world and systems that stay on beat, while John and Sarah discuss the creation of the character she plays in the game (!), Korsica. Show Notes: John Johanas Hi-Fi RUSH Tango Gameworks Sekiro Skate's text-based prototype Everyday Shooter Tormentor X Punisher Patapon PaRappa the Rapper GuitarFreaks Guitar Hero Live Dyad Thumper Zwan - Honestly
Fri, February 24, 2023
Making Friends with Madison Karrh (Birth)
We're joined by Madison Karrh, the solo dev behind Birth, a curious new adventure puzzle game about building a companion to quell your loneliness. We discuss the density and voyeurism of exploring city spaces, embracing the aesthetics of death, and making games that respect your time on earth. Show Notes: Madison Karrh IndieCade: Canabalt's Adam Saltsman's Pursuit of the Infinite Cole Imperi (Thanatologist) Double Fine's PsychOdyssey Everyone I Know Keeps Breaking Things A Chat With the Creator of Birth - Eurogamer Feral Earth Solar Protocol Weiwei Xu's Multiverse Library of Babel
Sat, February 11, 2023
Answering Your Questions without a Guest
No guest this week, so we chat about the motley selection of games we're playing, before hopping into some thoughtful listener questions. We talk reality shows, historical board games, our go-to podcasts, and the importance of making things for yourself. Show Notes: Betrayal at Club Low Noita Slice & Dice Hi-Fi RUSH Duolingo I Imported EDF6, And Here's Why You Should Too Boss Fight Books - Season 6 Kickstarter OODA loop Paolo Pedercini's Making Games in an F****d Up World Greening the Games Industry Homo Ludens Podcast Playing at the World Molly House Dead Eyes Rashomon Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV The Eleventh podcast The Worst Idea of All Time Guy Montgomory Lolita Podcast You Must Remember This A More Civilized Age Dr. Gameshow Hey Riddle Riddle Just Button
Fri, January 27, 2023
Designing For Delight with Vectorpark (Windosill)
Patrick "Vectorpark" Smith joins us to discuss his curious and inspiring oeuvre, the lost art of Flash games and DVD menus, and the pros and cons of keeping your art to yourself. Show Notes: Vectorpark Windosill Patrick's paintings Haunt the House Dorling Kindersley's 1995 Encyclopedia of Nature Daniel Clowes Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan Julie Doucet Jim Woodring's Frank "Playdate" by Chris Ware Richard McGuire TET Playables Hollow Ponds Noby Noby Boy
Fri, January 13, 2023
Welcoming Laura!
We welcome Laura E. Hall (they/she) as a permanent member of the cast! Fresh off a session of their online escape game The Traveler's Guide to Little Sodaburg, we dig into its web-savvy design, how the last few years have impacted the immersive games space, and the inspirations behind a rad career of experience design. Show Notes: Laura E. Hall The Traveler's Guide to Little Sodaburg The Pop Star's Room of Doom Pursuit of the Assassin Artist Palace Games Sleep No More Meow Wolf I Love Bees The Beast Masquerade book The 11th Hour book Level99 The Silence in Room 1258 De Mol A Game Designer's Analysis of QAnon
Fri, December 30, 2022
Games of the Year 2022
Per tradition, we sit down with immersive puzzle designer Laura E. Hall - and bonus guest writer/developer Rob Dubbin - to count down our Top 5 games of 2022, alongside picks from previous show guests and our listeners. Happy New Year! Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS): Laura : Pentiment Bureau of Multiversal Arbitration Immortality The Case of the Golden Idol The Emerald Flame Rob : Kubb I Was a Teenage Exocolonist Fun City Slice & Dice Babble Royale Andy: Metroid Dread Pentiment (... and Modern Warfare 2) Neon White Elden Ring (and Sekiro) Root (and John Company, Oath, and Pax Pamir) Sarah: Horizon Forbidden West Knotwords Escape Academy Subaltern Music League (but actually kpop ) Zach: (Three-way tie) Elden Ring / Robotron: 2084 / fetch Super Mario Land DX (on the Analogue Pocket) Need for Speed Unbound (Tie) Isle of Arrows / Gargoyle’s Quest Legend of Zelda Ancient Dungeon (Complete Conversion of NES Legend of Zelda) Doug: Top 5 TikTok Games Apartment Claim to Fame The Mo!e ORG (application form) Super "Sonic Saves the World" Wor
Fri, December 16, 2022
Making History with Josh Sawyer (Pentiment)
Josh Sawyer (Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity) joins us to discuss Obsidian's historical, narrative-driven adventure game Pentiment. We chat about text boxes as game feel, creating hard player choices that don't feel bad, and putting yourself in your art. Show Notes: Josh Sawyer Pentiment The Name of the Rose Pitching a 16th Century Murder Mystery - AIAS Game Maker's Notebook Juice It or Lose It talk Lettermatic Night in the Woods So where *is* Tassing, actually? (Tumblr post) Darklands Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio Andrei Rublev
Thu, December 08, 2022
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Our guest couldn't make it, so we gathered some listener questions and got weird! Join us for Thanksgiving recipes, our favorite recent game mechanics, and some "state of the industry" musings. Enjoy! Show notes: Vectorpark Meathead's AmazingRibs.com Manchego mashed potatoes Kabocha Pie Nick's pancake recipe Paprika Recipe Manager Sarah's Konsoll talk Sarah as She-Venom Marvel Snap Caper: Europe Air, Land & Sea God of War: Ragnarok Pax Pamir John Company Tango Theory of Mind Donkeyspace
Sun, November 20, 2022
Day of the Devs Special
We (well, Nick) stops by the annual Day of the Devs event in San Francisco, and chats to a bunch of lovely developers about the games they're showing there, their biggest design challenges, and what it feels like making games in the cursed year of 2022. Show notes: Day of the Devs Double Fine iam8bit Pietro Righi Riva Saturnalia Chandana Ekanayake Thirsty Suitors Jasper Oprel Indiana Jonas Surmount Madison Karrh Birth Billy Basso Animal Well Xalavier Nelson Jr. Sunshine Shuffle Rachel Heleva Astra Games Doseone Game Over by A7PHA Brandon Sheffield Demonschool
Fri, November 04, 2022
Playing on Your Own Terms with Wayward Strand
Ghost Pattern's Jason Bakker and Georgia Symons join us to discuss their heartfelt interactive story Wayward Strand. We meander through its immersive theater inspirations, the origins of its airship, and the process of rethinking player agency in the attention economy. Show Notes: Jason Bakker Georgia Symons Ghost Pattern Wayward Strand Need 4e+9 Speed The Last Express Sleep No More The Drowned Man The Life Aquatic VicScreen Freeplay
Fri, October 21, 2022
Working in a Vacuum with Heavenly Bodies
Alexander Perrin and Joshua Tatangelo join us to discuss their expressive, physics-driven space puzzler Heavenly Bodies. We chat about designing a challenging game that isn't antagonistic, a funny game whose comedy is inherent, and their inspirations (or lack thereof). Show Notes: Heavenly Bodies 2pt Interactive Pogo Cat Short Trip Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy Meredith Hall Untitled Goose Game Simpsons space scene
Tue, October 04, 2022
Just One (Hundred) with Friends of Eggplant
We're joined by dear friends of the show Laura E. Hall, Bennett Foddy, and Doseone for a Doug-masterminded, Eggplant-themed game of Just One. Stick around after the insanity for a reflection on the past four years of the show, how our lives have changed since, and what the show means to us (and you - thanks for the letters!). Show notes: Laura E. Hall 31 Days of Halloween newsletter Find Satoshi Bennett Foddy Doseone Demon Throttle Immortality Hyper Demon Just One Anthony Carboni
Fri, September 16, 2022
Charting the Future with Sarah Northway (I Was a Teenage Exocolonist)
Sarah Northway (Northway Games) joins us to discuss her sprawling new narrative RPG I Was a Teenage Exocolonist. We discuss juggling a staggering script, deckbuilding as storytelling, and some of the wilder places that the game's time looping can go. Show notes: Northway Games Sarah Northway I Was a Teenage Exocolonist Museum of Other Realities Princess Maker (series) Groundhog Day Signs of the Sojourner Dragon Age (series) Jogging House
Fri, September 02, 2022
Escaping Your Fate with Coin Crew Games (Escape Academy)
Co-founders Wyatt Bushnell and Mike Salyh - and special guest co-host Laura E. Hall - join us to discuss Coin Crew's awesome new co-op escape room game Escape Academy. We discuss pandemic pivoting to the digital space, designing for arcades vs. living rooms, and the perils of playtesting in both mediums. Show notes: Coin Crew Games Escape Academy Laura E. Hall Planning Your Escape The Traveler's Guide to Little Sodaburg Space Squad in Space Two Bit Circus Hot Wheels: King of the Road 999 (series) The Room (series) My Hero Academia Mark Rosewater
Fri, August 19, 2022
Hosting Online Reality Games (ORGs) w/ Ash Neleh
Ash Neleh, host of the ! Series of online reality games, joins Doug for a conversation about adapting reality TV competition games for online fan communities. We talk about the 18-year history of the ! Series, as well as some of the favorite twists he's designed. Show notes: ! Series Wiki ! Series Discord De Mol
Fri, August 05, 2022
Eavesdropping for Inspiration with Grace Bruxner (Frog Detective)
Frog Detective creator Grace Bruxner joins us to discuss the inspirations and process behind her charming detective series, including the upcoming Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County. We discuss sticking to scope (or not), making the most of adventure game tropes, and finding inspiration in the mundane. Show notes: Grace Bruxner Frog Detective ALIEN CASENO Games Talks 2020: Grace Bruxner Building Games Around Humor (GDC talk) L.A. Noire Frog Detective Twitter account Freaky Ep 7 - Dummy Round the Twist (full first season)
Fri, July 22, 2022
(Rerun) Making Generous Games with Terry Cavanagh (Dicey Dungeons)
We're taking a small summer break, so please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from a few years ago. And check out the new mobile version of Dicey Dungeons, and the free DLC! Terry Cavanagh (Super Hexagon, VVVVVV) joins us to talk about his fantastic roguelike deckbuilder, Dicey Dungeons. We discuss the thread of generosity in his game design, the challenges of working across genres, and what might be next for Terry! Show notes: Terry's distractionware.com Dicey Dungeons VVVVVV Super Hexagon Tiny Heist Stephen Lavelle Dream Quest 7 Day Roguelike Naya’s Quest The Long Dark Super Hexagon playthrough at Fantastic Arcade Hearthstone Battlegrounds
Fri, July 08, 2022
Learning to Unclench with Ben Esposito (Neon White)
Ben Esposito (Donut County, What Remains of Edith Finch) joins us to talk about his heavenly new card-powered, speedrunning FPS Neon White. We discuss making tight designs by keeping things loose, what a "career" of indie games feels like, and making games u wish 2 see on the Dreamcast. Show notes: Ben Esposito Neon White Donut County Arcane Kids Glitch City Super Meat Boy Killer7 Cowboy Bebop Trigun Hunter x Hunter GoldenEye 007 Lovely Planet Machine Girl Sonic Dreams Collection Perfect Stride CRAP! No One Loves Me Room of 1000 Snakes Arcane Kids manifesto
Fri, June 24, 2022
Cheating Depth with Card Shark
Card Shark creators Arnaud De Bock of Nerial (Reigns) and Nicolai Troshinsky join us to discuss their innovative new adventure game about cheating. We discuss its filmic inspirations, the narrative progression of chaining tricks, and designing a game loop of teaching and testing. Show notes: Arnaud De Bock Nicolai Troshinky Nerial Reigns Pikuniku UFO On Tape Loop Raccord Barry Lyndon The Expert at the Card Table Gambling Sleight of Hand - Steve Forte The Magic Castle
Fri, June 10, 2022
Untangling Language with Knotwords
Knotwords creators Jack Schlesinger and our own Zach Gage chat to us about their elegant new logic puzzle word game. We discuss "cracking" the game design they'd been chasing forever, and how they created the puzzle/word generator that makes it great. Show notes: Jack Schlesinger Zach Gage Knotwords Nikoli puzzles Alcazar Two Not Touch puzzles Good Sudoku SpellTower+ Bit Pilot Wordle Calvin & Hobbes This episode edited by Dylan Shumway, thanks Dylan!
Fri, May 27, 2022
91: Finding Poetry in Geometry with Mahdi Bahrami (Tandis)
Mahdi Bahrami joins us to discuss his beautiful, mind-bending new puzzle game Tandis. We discuss teaching complex geometry concepts without any numbers, poetry as playtesting, and drawing a line through Mahdi's math-inspired oeuvre. Show notes: Mahdi Bahrami Tandis Engare Farsh ArsTechnica Tandis review Waldorf Education Mercator Projection
Fri, May 13, 2022
90: Rethinking Reality with Tender Claws (The Under Presents)
Tender Claws' Samantha Gorman and Danny Cannizzazo join us - alongside guest co-host Star St. Germain - to discuss their singular immersive theater experience The Under, creating an enriching social space in VR, and gameplay as an act of rebellion. Show notes: Tender Claws The Under Virtual Virtual Reality Star St. Germain Tumball Piehole The Severance Theory: Welcome to Respite Royal Shakespeare Company's Dream Talk 'n Play The Invention of Morel Uncle Roy All Around You Janet Cardiff Mary Sweeney Walkabout Mini Golf
Fri, April 29, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Bonus Episode!
Surprise! In the spirit of SMW's bonus worlds, we're back with a Special episode to cap off our deep-dive miniseries, as previous Into the Depths guests Stephanie Boluk and Patrick LeMieux take us on a tour of some of the coolest SMW ephemera yet! Show notes: Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Tons of links this week, so please check out this great syllabus that Patrick put together for us!
Fri, April 15, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 5
In the fifth - and final! - installment of our Super Mario World deep-dive miniseries, streamer/speedrunner Grand POOBear joins us to discuss the uncanny valley of SMW Remade From Memory, and the masterful Super 'Sonic Saves the World' World romhack by the mysterious 'Maddy, allegedly'. Show Notes: GrandPOOBear The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe DougDoug SMW Remade From Memory Super 'Sonic Saves the World' World Grand Poo World 2 Invictus SMW romhack Luminescent SMW romhack Celeste.smc Spelunky 2 randomizer Celeste: Farewell
Fri, April 01, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 4
In the fourth installment of our Super Mario World deep-dive miniseries, Davey Wreden (The Stanley Parable) joins us to discuss the infamous Star and Special worlds, and walk us through the ever-evolving, often hilarious culture of Kaizo Mario. Show notes: Davey Wreden The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe The Beginner's Guide Ivy Road Elden Ring VICE article The Japanese names for the Special courses Asshole Mario Stage 1 Asshole Mario Stage 10 Asshole Mario 2 Stage 9 Claustrophobia Kaizo hack Icing (game) The Complete History of Kaizo Mario Homework for next episode: SMW Remade From Memory Sonic Saves the World played by Grand POOBear
Fri, March 18, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 3
In the third installment of our Super Mario World deep-dive miniseries, David Hellman (Braid) joins us to discuss the aesthetics of SMW, touch on its recent widescreen mod, and suffer through the game's worst world and level (while savoring the interesting bits). Show notes: David Hellman Braid: Anniversay Edition Satoru Iwata tribute The eyes on question mark blocks Mario shades of red SMW widescreen mod SMW jazz fusion album Homework for next episode: Star World Special World Watch some Kaizo/Asshole Mario World
Fri, March 11, 2022
Elden Ring roundtable with Jake Kazdal (17-Bit)
Our friend Jake Kazdal (17-Bit) joins us for a (spoiler-free!) roundtable discussion of Elden Ring, in which we compare our experiences in FromSoftware's latest monsterpiece, consider the inseparable nature of its community, and deliberate its bolder design decisions. Show notes: Jake Kazdal 17-BIt Elden Ring Souls (series) Resident Evil 7 Nick's home invasion thread Clint Hocking on the virtues of exploration Lord of the Rings (films) Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Discovery Tour There's no such thing as an Elden Ring cheese Halo Infinite Bill Mudron on player summoning
Fri, February 25, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 2
In the second installment of our Super Mario World deep-dive miniseries, Mare Sheppard and Raigan Burns of Metanet Software (N++) join us to talk about the inertia that makes Mario feel like Mario, the beautiful strangeness of the cape, and just how deep SMW's control quirks go. Show notes: Metanet Software N++ The Story of Super Mario World Elasto Mania Bernard Suits MineRalph Gish Tumbledown Drive Jiggly Zone Making History with Summoning Salt Kaizo Kindergarden The Decade-Long Quest for Shadow of the Colossus' Last Secret Retronauts on SMW Reverse Design: SMW Burned Mario and Luigi SMW Widescreen 11 Years of N
Fri, February 11, 2022
Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 1
In the first installment of our Super Mario World deep-dive miniseries, Derek Yu (Spelunky) and Maddy Thorson (Celeste) join us to talk about our personal histories with the game, its iconic world map and multi-layered secrets, and all sorts of Mario ephemera in-between. Show notes: Super Mario World Derek Yu Maddy Thorson Ep. 75: Finding our Intersection Tastes Kaizo Mario SMW as an "athletic game" Atheltic Theme The Wizard (1989) Mario death sprite How to get 50+ lives in SMW LOVE
Fri, January 28, 2022
Welcoming Sarah!
We celebrate Sarah Elmaleh as a permanent new member of the cast! Yay Sarah! We also announce the next Into the Depths series, dive into some wildly different topics du jour, and answer your questions! Show notes: Sarah Elmaleh Super Mario World "King Me": A Defense of King-Making in Board Game Design Shut Up & Sit Down Root review Line Goes Up - The Problem with NFTs Wordle The Saturday Paper - Wordle Wordles of the World Lingo UK Wordle as poetry generator The Wreck The Red Lantern The Beatles: Get Back Pokemon Red Blinfolded Sekiro run OODA loop Games Done Quick Hanabi
Fri, January 14, 2022
Fighting Words with Everybody House Games (Babble Royale)
Frank and James Lantz of Everybody House Games join us to discuss their tactical word-slinging free-for-all, Babble Royale. We discuss the built-in texture of language, reconsidering elegance, and why not: we phone a few friends for some live rounds of Hey Robot. Show notes: Frank Lantz James Lantz Everybody House Games Hey Robot Babble Royale Babble Royale beginner's guide Babble Royale advanced guide Chris Hecker Scrabble Wordle Typeshift Nethack A Wizard of Earthsea Wordnik Starcraft: Brood War Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Wavelength
Fri, December 31, 2021
Games of the Year 2021
Recurring GOTY guest / immersive puzzle designer Laura E. Hall joins Sarah Elmaleh and the rest of our crew to count down our Top 5 games of 2021, alongside picks from previous guests and our listeners. Happy New Year! Show notes: Laura E. Hall Planning Your Escape The Traveler's Guide to Little Sodaburg Ynglet 101% Completion Guide Find Satoshi Laura's Animal Crossing: New Horizons Dream Code: DA-9271-2414-8564 Our GOTY picks ( SPOILERS ): Zach: Monster Hunter Rise Death’s Door Metroid Fusion Wordle Halo Infinite Sarah: Mass Effect (1) Legendary Edition Wildermyth The Maze on Planet 7 (streaming) It Takes Two Kentucky Route Zero Nick: Sea of Thieves Elechead It Takes Two Guardians of the Galaxy Inscryption Doug: Survivor, South Africa, Season 8 Ynglet <span style="font-weight: 400;"
Fri, December 17, 2021
Thinking Outside the Box with Witch Beam (Unpacking)
Witch Beam's Wren Brier and Tim Dawson join us to discuss their cozy zen puzzle game, Unpacking. We chat about the origins of its subtle narrative, living life on the grid, and the generous details that make it feel like home. Show notes: Witch Beam Assault Android Cactus Unpacking Wren Brier Tim Dawson Stugan Aseprite Making Generous Games with Terry Cavanagh The UI Artist's Survival Kit Cohesion is Key: Art Direction for Indies
Fri, December 03, 2021
Digging the Rabbit Hole with Daniel Mullins (Inscryption)
Daniel Mullins (Pony Island, The Hex) joins us to discuss his inky black card-based odyssey, Inscryption. We discuss [redacted], [redacted], and [redacted]. Just go play it, then come back and listen. Thanks also to our guest co-host Star St. Germain! Show notes: Daniel Mullins Games Inscryption Pony Island The Hex Daniel's Itch Page Star St. Germain Magic: The Gathering Arena Slay the Spire Boss Fight Books - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Buddy Simulator 1984 Hidden my game by mom Sam Barlow ARG video with Daniel Masquerade book Borg vs McEnroe
Fri, November 19, 2021
Getting Feedback with Derek Yu
Our old pal and Spelunky creator Derek Yu stops by to discuss his helpful blog post on how to think about feedback on your game. We discuss sympathetic vs unsympathetic feedback, thinking about feedback across your entire creative practice, and why feedback can be valuable beyond the content itself. Show notes: Derek Yu Indie Game Dev: Getting Feedback Osmos Creativity, Inc. One Night Ultimate Werewolf Slay the Spire: Metrics Driven Design and Balance Lil' Dozer Playtesting: Avoiding Evil Data Hannah Nicklin on Critical Response r/DestoryMyGame
Fri, November 05, 2021
Nurturing a Spark with NamaTakahashi (ElecHead)
ElecHead creator NamaTakahashi joins us to discuss his inventive puzzle-platformer, one of our favorites in years. We discuss the indie scene in Japan, making a game about secrets, and how to avoid players getting too "full" on your game. Big thanks to Chao from Asobu for translation help! Show notes: NamaTakahashi Indie Brains podcast (Japanese language) ElecHead (also on Steam) Chao Zen Makers Fund Asobu Branching Paths Archipel Enhance Experience Celeste VVVVVV NamaTakahashi profile video Downwell Toki Tori 2
Fri, October 22, 2021
Scaling and Scoping with Asher Vollmer (Beast Breaker)
We're joined by Asher Vollmer (Threes) to discuss the mouse-bouncing adventure Beast Breaker, the debut game from his studio Vodeo Games. We discuss the perils of overscoping, scaling up (and back down), and building a studio ethos. Show notes: Asher Vollmer Vodeo Games Threes IndieCade Awards Royals holedown Ballz BBTan Monster Hunter The Witcher A Playful Production Process
Fri, October 08, 2021
Envisioning a Future with JETT: The Far Shore
Craig D. Adams (Superbrothers A/V) and Patrick McAllister (Pine Scented Software) join us as they embark on the release of their interstellar adventure JETT: The Far Shore. We cover its 10+ year development, telling a small piece of a big story, and assembling the right squad to help land it. Show notes: JETT: The Far Shore Superbrothers A/V Pine Scented Software Fatal Inertia Sworcery ARG? Jim Guthrie scntfc MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Monster Hunter Fumito Ueda Ralph McQuarrie 17-BIT Getting Things Done
Fri, September 24, 2021
Shifting Perspectives in Storytelling with Variable State (Last Stop)
Variable State co-founders Jonathan Burroughs, Terry Kenny, and Lyndon Holland pop by to chat about their supernatural anthology drama Last Stop. We discuss capturing London through its details, telling an interconnected story across multiple genres, and the importance of pacing. Show notes: Variable State Virginia Last Stop Hannah Nicklin Attack the Block Fleabag Firewatch Thirty Flights of Loving Primer timeline Dunkirk
Fri, September 10, 2021
Making Myths with Worldwalker Games (Wildermyth)
We're joined by Anne Austin and Nate Austin of Worldwalker Games to explore their charming myth-making tactical RPG, Wildermyth. We dig into the challenges of procedural storytelling, clever ways of handling time passage and death, and capturing a tabletop feel without the table. Show notes: Wildermyth Worldwalker Games AI-Driven Dynamic Dialog through Fuzzy Pattern Matching The Thing (video game) The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31 (board game) Descent: Journeys in the Dark XCOM Spirit of the Century
Fri, August 27, 2021
Learning to Let Go with GoodbyeWorld Games (Before Your Eyes)
Graham Parkes and Bela Messex of GoodbyeWorld Games join us to discuss their beautiful, blink-controlled adventure through the afterlife, Before Your Eyes. We discuss the benefits of disempowerment, working off faith in technology, and teaching players to let go. Show notes: Before Your Eyes GoodbyeWorld Games Graham Parkes Bela Messex Little Bug Close Your Blendo Games Walter Murch's In the Blink of An Eye Death of a Salesman C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce Where You Are short film
Fri, August 13, 2021
Seeing For Yourself with Tali Faulkner (Umurangi Generation)
We chat to Umurangi Generation's Tali Faulkner about his (IGF grand prize-winning!) "first-person photography game in the sh*tty future." We discuss keeping scope small while having a lot to say, the role of respectful design and Indigenous knowledge, and positioning players to see for themselves. Show notes: Tali Faulkner Umurangi Generation Sarah Elmaleh Shooting the Apocalypse by Jini Maxwell Freeplay Parallels 2020 talk Neon Genesis Evangelion British nuclear tests at Maralinga ThorHighHeels' OST Umberto Eco's UR-FASCISM
Fri, July 30, 2021
Finding Our Intersecting Tastes (75th episode special!)
For our 75th episode special, we endeavor to find which games lie at the intersection of our tastes, talking through our ranking algorithm and counting down our top 22 games. Thanks for all the support so far! Show notes: Sportsfriends Knytt StepMania 0SPACE The Little Prince Let's Mosey: A Slow Translation of Final Fantasy VII Chrono Trigger by Michael P. Williams Chrono Trigger Mixtape Losing Your Grip: Futility and Dramatic Necessity in Shadow of the Colossus Arcane Kids Manife$to Kaizo Mario TENNNES TENORI-ON Our Top 22 (SPOILERS): 10th place: Super Puzzle Fighter N++ Katamari Damacy Dance Dance Revolution 9th place: Samurai Gunn 8th place: Everyday Shooter 7th place: Kentucky Route Zero Fez The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 6th place: Super Mario Kart Super Mario Galaxy Portal Final Fantasy VII Doom 5th place: Mario 64 Drop7 Desert Golfing Chrono Trigger 4th place: Shadow of the Colossus 3rd place: Spelunky 2 2nd place: Spelunky HD 1st place: Super Mario World
Fri, July 16, 2021
Taking Our Time with Durational Games (Airplane Mode special #2)
The second special episode originally created in partnership with AMC Games for the in-flight entertainment of Airplane Mode, a very literal flight simulator. We chat about ritual in games, rethinking our relationship to time, and bringing it to bear on our own work and play. Show notes: Lifeline... Shadow of the Colossus Tharsis Star Trek: Discovery The Castles of Burgundy Lost Cities Desert Bus Pippin Barr's Durations Marina Abramović’s The Artist is Present Zach’s Transit Meditation San Andreas Deer Cam Dishonored Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Discovery Tour Grand Theft Auto Pacifist The Traveling Swordsman Problem Nick's Thanksgiving Blade Triptych Casey Reas’ Processing How to do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy Delayed Response: The Art of Waiting From the Ancient to the Instant World The Great British Bake Off Apex Legends VESPER.5 Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP Brandon Sanderson
Fri, July 02, 2021
Constructing Your Dreams with HoloVista
Aconite founders Star St. Germain and Nadya Lev and lead designer Scott Jon Siegel join us to discuss their beautiful, mixed reality mind bender HoloVista. We chat about embracing hidden object game design, telling personal stories through a lens of social media, and subverting the selfie museum. Show notes: HoloVista Star St. Germain Nadya Lev Scott Jon Sigel Aconite Coilhouse The Fallen Cosmos SFZero Journey to the End of the Night Ian Bogost Jane McGonigal Gardens of Time How Return of the Obra Dinn Works Mariode Blake Kathryn Nour: Play With Your Food Andrew Morgan Andi Hegedus MTV Cribs Meow Wolf teamLab Museum of Ice Cream Strix Cory O'Brien LiveJournal Sara Carr Mesmer & Braid: The Alternate Reality Game Steve Peters Nick Tierce
Fri, June 18, 2021
Expanding Your Universe with Jakub Wasilewski (Slipways)
Jakub Wasilewski of Beetlewing joins us to talk about his new grand-yet-bite-sized space strategy game, Slipways. We discuss game feel as inspiration, breaking your game for fun and profit, and limiting your universe to expand your audience. Show notes: Jakub Wasilewski Beetlewing Slipways PICO-8 Indie Fund Celeste hearthstone Pocket-Run Pool Twilight Imperium Teomachia (Jakub's board game) Master of Orion Magic: The Gathering SpellTower Slay the Spire Tom Francis
Fri, June 04, 2021
Surviving the Big Bang with Feral Cat Den (Genesis Noir)
Evan Anthony and Jeremy Abel of Feral Cat Den join us to discuss their inspired cosmic adventure game, Genesis Noir. We discuss the aesthetics of interaction, processing your game launch, and shooting for the stars with your ending. Show notes: Feral Cat Den Evan Anthony Jeremy Abel Genesis Noir Vectorpark Hohokum GNOG Cosmicomics Reaktor Florence Skillbard Oikospiel Inside Busby Berkeley Rez Marcin Zeglinski Interstellar L.A. Noire Wabi-sabi Kintsukuroi
Fri, May 21, 2021
Embracing Your Scars with Hannah Nicklin (Mutazione)
Die Gute Fabrik's Studio Lead Hannah Nicklin joins us to discuss her writing and narrative design work on their sublime mutant soap opera, Mutazione. We discuss working with time and an ensemble cast to create a story with "multiple middles," embracing the scars of a lengthy development cycle, and the best bikes in video games. Show notes: Hannah Nicklin Die Gute Fabrik Mutazione Into the Depths: The Music of Mutazione - Part 1 Divised theater Grey’s Anatomy Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Narrative Design Sliding Doors Multiple Middles & Mutazione Kentucky Route Zero Critical Response Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft N+1 a bike/game zine Sokpop's Digital Bird Playground
Fri, May 07, 2021
Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson
We sit down with Creative Producer Ben Wilson to discuss the thrilling cooperative trick-taking game The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine, and how the game builds on and subverts precedents like Spades and Bridge. Show notes: Ben Wilson Wizard Jam Spelunky Dare Challenge Bot Trick-taking games The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine The Crew - A Card Game for Everyone Skat Hearts Spades Bridge Zach's Grit Bourre Hanabi The Perfect Game of Hanabi Ha Ha Ha! game Codenames #remoteplay: Playing in a Pandemic, Part 2
Fri, April 30, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 6
In the final installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we sit down with two of its creators - Jake Elliott and Ben Babbitt - to discuss the origins of their collaboration, drawing from influences beyond games, and the process of working on such a long-term project. Show notes: Kentucky Route Zero Jake Elliott Ben Babbitt Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Sarah Elmaleh A House in California KRZ Kickstarter Pillars and Tongues Dog and Bone are Friends Jon Cates Critcal Artware Demoscene Ableton .microsound Magic Matrix Mixer Mountain Sidequest The Museum of Jurassic Technology Jorge Luis Borges Balloon Diaspora
Fri, April 23, 2021
Bravely Replacing Randomness with Gloam Collective (Bravery Network Online)
Gloam Collective's Min-Taylor Bai-Woo and Damian Sommer join us to chat about their thrilling new turn-based fighter Bravery Network Online. We discuss the design of its Pokémon-inspired battles, the clever ways in which they replaced randomness, and making friends in the post-post-apocalypse. Show notes: Gloam Collective Min-Taylor Bai-Woo Damian Sommer Bravery Network Online Guillaume Singelin OKAYKELLYK Emily Carroll Pokémon Showdown! droqen Good BNO example match w/ commentary BNO first tournment playlist Daigo Umehara Star Wars: Destiny Magic: The Gathering - Commander Final Fantasy Tactics Splatoon Yomi Umurangi Generation PATH
Fri, April 16, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 5
In the fifth installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we broadcast our thoughts on the Un Pueblo De Nada interlude, before prowling our way through Act V and our closing thoughts on the game. Show notes: Kentucky Route Zero Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Sarah Elmaleh Alice Munro - Dear Life Clara Rockmore - The Art of the Theramin Clara Rockmore - The Swan Brian Rotman: Signifying Nothing - The Semiotics of Zero Bob Moog WEVP-TV transmedia videos Sandin Analog Image Processor Our Town Jenny Odell - How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy How to unlock the bonus interlude Noah Caldwell-Gervais - Notes From Along Kentucky Route Zero Robert Frost - The Death of a Hired Man Orthographic projection Projective Geometry Haruki Murakami - The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle Can't Tell Me Nothing with Zach Galifianakis HQ Walt Whitman - Song of Myself, Verse 52 Nabokov and spirals Jon Cates Metal Gear Solid 3, I Love You With All My Heart Jordan Youngblood “Is Metal Gear’s Rectum a Digital Grave?: Queer Trauma and Failure in the Metal Gear Solid Series.” Panel on Queer Failure. Queerness and Games Conference. University of Berkeley. 24
Fri, April 09, 2021
Finding the Right Words with Dyala Kattan-Wright (Signs of the Sojourner)
Echodog Games' Dyala Kattan-Wright joins us to discuss their wildly unique and wonderful narrative card game Signs of the Sojourner. We chat about the process of developing the game's innovative dialogue system, its surprising effects on player experience, and why sometimes you just can't go home again. Show notes: Eggplant Patreon Dyala Kattan-Wright Echodog Games Signs of the Sojourner Slay the Spire Ascension: A Case Study in Deckbuilding Games Friday Consentacle Fog of Love Hanabi Hearthstone Dream Quest 80 Days Arkham Horror: The Card Game Signs of the Sojourner Original Soundtrack
Fri, April 02, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 4
In the fourth installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we dial in our thoughts on the Here and There Along the Echo interlude, before bringing our insight to bear on the brittle facts of Act IV. With guest co-hosts Stephanie Boluk, Patrick LeMieux, and Sarah Elmaleh! Show notes: Kentucky Route Zero Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Sarah Elmaleh Limits and Demonstrations Little Berlin installation Sarah's Part 3 Twitter thread Karl Marx, Capital Vol. III Karl Marx, The Fragment on Machines Museum of Jurassic Technology Lee Tusman Richard Lemarchand, Attention Not Immersion Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham), I See a Darkness Kelly Reichardt, Old Joy Martin Deny, Exotica Audiogames.net Kenji Eno, Real Sound: Kaze No Regret Sound of Metal Nomadland Gabriel A. Radvansky et al., Walking Through Doorways Causes Forgetting Andre Bazin, Ontology of the Photographic Image Sigmund Freud, The Uncanny
Fri, March 26, 2021
In-Flight Entertainment with Hosni Auji (Airplane Mode)
A special episode originally created in partnership with AMC Games for the in-flight entertainment of Airplane Mode, a very literal flight simulator. We chat with its creator Hosni Auji about the challenges and benefits of simulating the mundane, our strangely poignant experiences with the game, and our personal flight etiquette. Show notes: Airplane Mode Hosni Auji AMC Games F.E.E.D. Zero Age NYU Game Center Incubator Gone Home The Twilight Zone - Nightmare at 20,000 Feet BLAH airlines Captain Bennet Foddy
Sat, March 20, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 3
In the third installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we take a seat for The Entertainment interlude, before exploring the physical manifestation of debt in Act III. With recurring guest co-hosts Stephanie Boluk and Patrick LeMieux, and bonus guest Sarah Elmaleh! Show notes: Kentucky Route Zero Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Sarah Elmaleh Giving Games a Voice with Sarah Elmaleh Resonance game The Consolidated Power Company The Entertainment paperback Maxim Gorky, The Lower Depths Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Kubla Khan Eugene O’Neill, The Iceman Cometh The Last of Us Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot Julee Cruise, Rockin’ Back Inside My Heart on Twin Peaks Colossal Cave Adventure Junebug, Too Late to Love You Vannevar Bush, As We May Think Steve Russell et al., Space War! Joseph Weizenbaum, Eliza/Doctor Eliza Douglas Engelbart, The Mother All Demos Ted Nelson, Computer Lib/Dream Machines Roberta and Ken Williams, Mystery House David Graeber, Debt: The First 5000 Years <a href= "http://blog.zarfhome.com/2018/06/if-ti
Fri, March 12, 2021
Making History with Summoning Salt
Game historian and documentarian Summoning Salt joins us to discuss the world of speedrunning, the process behind his deep-dive videos that unpack its most exciting moments, and the ineffable magic that makes some classic games so beautifully broken. Show notes: Summoning Salt Home - We're Finally Landing Breaking World Records with Kinnijup and ix The Quest for 1 Million Subscribers Games Done Quick SS's speedrun.com records The Quest to Beat Matt Turk The History of Wii Sports Resort Golf World Records Jon Bois Tim Rogers' Action Button Summoning Salt Patreon The History of Contra World Records Mario Kart 64: The Quest for World Record Perfection Video Game History Foundation World Record Progression: Half-Life 2 Andy's latest EP
Fri, March 05, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 2
In the second installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we marinate in the Limits & Demonstrations interlude, before navigating the Zero to Act II to tackle bureaucracy, bears, and the recurring question: are we inside, or are we outside? Show notes: Kentucky Route Zero Stephanie Boluk Patrick LeMieux Nam Jun Paik, Random Access Edward Packard, UFO 54-40 Museum of Other Realities KRZ Fulltext Jack Burnham, Software Catalogue Eddie Shanken, "The House that Jack Built" Le Corbusier, "Five Points of Architecture" The Jejune Institute SCP Foundation Robert Frost, "Two Tramps in Mud Time" Robert Frost, "Death of the Hired Man" Mark Z. Danielewski, House of Leaves Rene Magritte, The Blank Signature Marie Foulston, Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt
Fri, February 26, 2021
Giving Games a Voice with Sarah Elmaleh
Actor, advocate, and consultant Sarah Elmaleh (Afterparty, Anthem, Gone Home) joins us to discuss her craft across myriad game roles, the connections between voiceover and design, and using your voice to fight for equity and connectedness. Show notes: Sarah Elmaleh Eggplant Podcast Community Game Jam Void Protocol Babycastles Behind the Voice Dominic Armato Afterparty Anthem Gears 5 Superbowl spot Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy A Play of Bodies Hades Disco Elysium Johann Sebastian Joust Lifeline Earplay: Jurassic World Revealed SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreement Pyre Star Wars Twitter thread Gamedev.world IndieCade 2020 Awards
Sun, February 21, 2021
Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 1
In the first installment of our Kentucky Route Zero miniseries, we meet our guest co-hosts, with whom we put Act I's opening scene under a microscope, discuss the game's novel dialogue system, and dive deep into the first batch of its many intertextual references. Show notes: Stephanie Boluk Patrick Lemieux Kentucky Route Zero Cardboard Computer A House in California Metagaming book Mutazione Designing for Mystery in KRZ GDC talk Dear Esther Fluxus Grapefruit Successful Reflective Choices in Interactive Narrative Colossal Cave Adventure Where the Water Tastes Like Wine Recoding Gender: Women’s Changing Participation in Computing Playing with Feelings: Video Games and Affect Game of Life Somewhere Nearby is Colossal Cave One Hundred Years of Solitude A Pedestal, A Table, A Love Letter: Archaeologies of Gender in Videogame History Hundred Thousand Billion Poems 1976: Adventure Mathematical Theory of Communication New Media Reader
Fri, February 12, 2021
Finding Your Own Path with Daniel Helbig (Lonely Mountains: Downhill)
Daniel Helbig of Megagon Industries (Lonely Mountains: Downhill) joins us to discuss the magic behind their pitch-perfect 2019 mountain biking game. We discuss the trials and techniques of their game-defining controls, physics, and camera work, and mastering multifaceted mountains (phew!). Show notes: Eggplant Game Jam Daniel Helbig Megagon Industries Lonely Mountains: Downhill Skiing Yeti Mountain Ski Stunt Simulator Game Feel book Downhill Domination Deep Rock Galactic Ring of Pain
Sat, January 30, 2021
Rethinking Difficulty with Maddy Thorson
Maddy Thorson (Celeste, TowerFall) joins us to discuss the evolution of their excellent catalog of platformers, how Celeste made them reconsider difficulty, and the benefits of working with a team you can trust. Show notes: Maddy Thorson Celeste Classic 2 Celeste source code Axiom Verge randomizer Spelunky Dare Challenge Bot Maddy's Mario Maker 2 courses Maddy's Super Mario World Remix Twilight Imperium Detransition, Baby book Dreamsnake book Line Rider Andy's first Spelunky 2 Cosmic Ocean run
Fri, January 15, 2021
The Joy of Shipping with Xalavier Nelson Jr.
Narrative Director Xalavier Nelson Jr. joins us fresh from his announcement of Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator, the latest in his lengthy list of collaborations. We discuss the methodology behind his prolific oeuvre, the benefits of planning ahead, and how he approaches the unique narrative of a game like Hypnospace Outlaw. Show notes: Xalavier Nelson Jr. Xalavier's Itch.io page Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator Hypnospace Outlaw An Airport For Aliens Currently Run By Dogs Guts of Glory Up in the Air Paper Mario: The Origami King Oreskaband Skatune Network
Fri, January 08, 2021
Into the Depths: The Music of Mutazione - Part 4
The final installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music. In this episode, they discuss the rest of the game's Story Mode music, and play some early sketches. Show notes: Die Gute Fabrik Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack) Alessandro's Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione Nils' Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione
Fri, January 01, 2021
Games of the Year 2020 with Laura E. Hall
Immersive puzzle designer Laura E. Hall returns for another huge year-end show, as we each count down our Top 5 games of 2020, alongside picks from previous guests and our listeners. Happy New Year! Show notes: Laura E. Hall Planning Your Escape: Strategy Secrets to Make You an Escape Room Superstar Every Game in This City Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS): Laura: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Box One Presented by Neil Patrick Harris Holovista The Room VR: A Dark Matter The Truth About Edith / Cain's Jawbone Zach: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Persona 5 Final Fantasy VII Remake Hearthstone Battlegrounds Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Andy: Spelunky 2 Death Stranding Through the Ages Disco Elysium Outer Wilds Doug: De Mol 2020 season Spelunky 2 Kentucky Route Zero The Crew: The Quest For Planet Nine PlayingCards Nick: Ghost of Tsushima Spelunky 2 Astro's Playroom A Short Hike / Lonely Mountains: Downhill Spider-Man: Miles Morales Guest picks:
Fri, December 25, 2020
Into the Depths: The Music of Mutazione - Part 3
The third installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music. In this episode, they discuss the creation and iteration of the game's main 'town' music. Show notes: Die Gute Fabrik Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack) Knytt Stories Sea & Cake
Sat, December 19, 2020
Making Magic with Chevy Ray Johnston (Ikenfell)
Ikenfell creator Chevy Ray Johnston joins us to explore the inner workings of his tactical magic school RPG, from building a meaningful story with interpersonal stakes, to nailing the timing on a streamlined yet dynamic combat system. Show notes: Chevy Ray Johnston Ikenfell Ring Fit Adventure Carry On by Rainbow Rowell Carmilla YouTube series Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga Ikenfell Original Game Soundtrack A Shell in the Pit Sammus Rowan Atkinson bee comedy
Fri, December 11, 2020
Into the Depths: The Music of Mutazione - Part 2
The second installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music. In this episode, they discuss the creation of the game's generative musical gardens. Show notes: Die Gute Fabrik Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack) Gardens teaser video Brian Eno - Music for Airports
Fri, December 04, 2020
Easing into Hades with Supergiant Games
Greg Kasavin and Amir Rao of Supergiant Games join us for a deep design dive on their smash hit dungeon-crawler Hades, from how (and why) they tackled gameplay and narrative persistence in a roguelike, to creating dynamic systems and characters that always have something new to say. Show notes: Hades Greg Kasavin Amir Rao Dead Cells Slay the Spire Noclip's Hades: Developing Hell series
Fri, November 27, 2020
Into the Depths: The Music of Mutazione - Part 1
Introducing a special Into the Depths miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music. In this first installment, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, and the early direction and influences that informed the tone of both the game and its music. Show notes: Die Gute Fabrik Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack) Rückblende Alessandro's Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione Nils' Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione The Books - Lost and Safe (album) Sifteo Cubes
Sat, November 21, 2020
Small Games with Stuffed Wombat
Josh "Stuffed Wombat" Hollendonner joins us to discuss his inspiring oeuvre of Small Games, from creating the 10mg collection - and his entry Always Down - to exploring the tiny text adventures of Ord, and the sustainability and learnings of exploring the Small Games space. Show notes: Stuffed Wombat 10mg Collection The Small Game manifesto Gutwhale How to delete your Twitter account Ord. Handulum+ qomp
Fri, November 13, 2020
Into the Depths: Spelunky 2 - Part 5
In the final installment of our deep-dive Spelunky 2 miniseries, creator Derek Yu and lead programmer Micky Pascual regale us with stories of development, their approach to the post-launch changes, and how they tackled an ocean of secrets. First half is largely spoiler-free (until 1:14), second half is full spoilers! Show notes: Derek Yu Micky Pascual BlitWorks Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone Minus World Spelunky book Andy Baio's kid Eirik Suhrke UFO 50 Goats screaming like humans
Sat, November 07, 2020
Sourcing Locally with Ngoc Vu (Necrobarista)
Necrobarista's lead artist Ngoc Vu sits down to tell us how her team created the singular aesthetic of their kinetic visual novel, and talks us through its inseparable Melbourne inspirations. Show notes: Ngoc Vu Route 59 Games Necrobarista Long Live the Queen (the game Ngoc couldn't remember!) Tumblr Cinegraphs Rabbit Rush Kotaku anime frustration article Tachikoma Bin chickens Ned Kelly Sidney Nolan Understanding Comics Tilt to Live
Sat, October 31, 2020
Into the Depths: Spelunky 2 - Part 4
In the fourth installment of our deep-dive Spelunky 2 miniseries, we wade into the deepest secrets and SPOILERS of the game, covering the entire "chain" path and far beyond, giving our impressions, tips, and design musings along the way. Show notes: Mummy's voice meme A breakdown of 2013's most fascinating video game moment Ancient Egyptian sacrificial mythology Nick's first trip to Duat Our new voicemail number: 312-809-9680
Thu, October 22, 2020
Maximizing Minimalism with Disc Room
The ENTIRE all-star Disc Room team - Kitty Calis, JW Nijman, Doseone, and Terri Vellmann - stop by for a rowdy disc-ussion on their new arcade sci-fi avoid-em-up. We chat about making the Margherita pizza of games, nailing the details to make a simple concept sing, and making the most of team collaborations. Show notes: Disc Room Launch trailer Kitty Calis JW Nijman Doseone Terri Vellmann Pizza Margherita Disc Room Game Jam VVVVVV Chris Ware Monolith Bit Pilot
Fri, October 16, 2020
Into the Depths: Spelunky 2 - Part 3
In the third installment of our deep-dive Spelunky 2 miniseries, we continue the discussion on its unique difficult curve, debate the latest changes to the game, and talk through the design of worlds 3-5. Show notes: Noita 1.0 Thanks for a Great Launch (Update) JakeTreester's Reddit criticisms (big spoilers!) Nick's Olmec whiff Nick's Jiangshi whiff Colin's Daily in a GIF
Sat, October 10, 2020
Trusting Your Gut with Tj Hughes (Nour: Play With Your Food)
Tj Hughes (Terrifying Jellyfish) joins us to talk about his upcoming experimental food/art game Nour: Play With Your Food. We discuss games as toys, making things accessible by making them weird, and the most important element of both cooking and design (spoilers: it's love). Show notes: Tj Hughes Nour: Play With Your Food Feesh Panoramical Electroplankton Tabor Robak on Video Games Food in FFXV Breakfast in Dreams Hero of Time, Vegan of Hyrule Toasted Ravioli City Museum
Fri, October 02, 2020
Into the Depths: Spelunky 2 - Part 2
In the second installment of our deep-dive Spelunky 2 miniseries, we discuss the game's radical approach to difficulty, break down and contrast the second worlds of the game, and compare results on the Daily challenge.
Fri, September 25, 2020
Keeping it Short with Adam Robinson-Yu (A Short Hike)
A Short Hike creator Adam Robinson-Yu chills with us to chat about his cozy exploration game, from its Humble origins and inspirations, to balancing feature density with scope. Show notes: A Short Hike Adam Robinson-Yu Pitfall Planet Adam's Itch.io page Fund: Futures Crafting a Tiny Open World: A Short Hike Postmorterm Building Games Around Humor: Lessons from The Haunted Island, A Frog Detective Game Stugan Breakwaters Kickstarter doseone's new album
Fri, September 18, 2020
Into the Depths: Spelunky 2 - Part 1
In the first installment of our deep-dive Spelunky 2 miniseries, we have a - spoiler-free! - discussion of the first world of the game, design changes big and small and their implications, and what this sequel does to recapture the essence of what make the series so special. Show notes: Spelunky 2 Noita Surviving Spelunky 2: Tips for a Successful Expedition/Transition Northway Games I Was a Teenage Exocolonist Museum of Other Realities Polygon Spelunky 2 review Ojiro's Spelunky 2 death Nick's Spelunky 2 shotgun forgetfulness eggplant.show
Fri, September 11, 2020
Barking Up the Right Tree with Lucy Morris (Best Friend Forever)
Lucy Morris (Starcolt) joins us to talk about her recently-released dating/pet care sim Best Friend Forever! We discuss running a studio in a small community, building three dimensional characters, and the emotional travails of launching a game. Show notes: Lucy Morris Lovegames podcast bffgame.dog Launch Day: the emotional cost of releasing a game Jared Rosen + Dream Daddy Love Transcends All (Geographical) Boundaries acrylic
Fri, August 28, 2020
Good Sudoku with Zach Gage
We kick off a new era with a fully rebranded show! After navel-gazing about the changes, we talk to our own Zach Gage about making a Sudoku game that loves you. Show notes: eggplant.show Good Sudoku doseone Richard Hogg Northway Games Sportsfriends Osmos The Worst Idea of All Time Hot Tub Time Machine Arcane Kids Manife$to The Miracle Sudoku The Berenst#in Bears problem Put Your Name on Your Game GDC talk
Fri, August 14, 2020
Spelunky 2 with Derek Yu and Eirik Suhrke
We close out this chapter of the podcast with some (spoiler-free!) impressions of the near-final Spelunky 2, with creators Derek Yu and Eirik Suhrke to guide us through their design process and answer your burning questions. The walls are shifting... Some things we discussed: Derek Yu Eirik Suhrke Spelunky 2 release date trailer Super Mario World Downwell Faxanadu
Fri, July 31, 2020
Fun with Hexes with Ricky Haggett, Jonathan Whiting, and Tim Schafer (Loot Rascals)
Loot Rascals co-designers Ricky Haggett and Jonathan Whiting join us to discuss their whimsical cosmic roguelike, as does superfan Tim Schafer to help us sing its praises! We discuss playing with hexes in the pub, the function of humor in games, and how Loot Rascals is the first "stranding" game. Some things we discussed: Loot Rascals Hollow Ponds Jonathan Whiting Double Fine Productions RAD Davey Swatpaz Archon: The Light and the Dark Skylanders HeroQuest Good Sudoku Nethack Into the Breach I Am Dead Meowza Jon Boam
Fri, July 17, 2020
Making It Personal with Shawn Alexander Allen (Treachery in Beatdown City)
Shawn Alexander Allen joins us to talk about his tactical brawler, Treachery in Beatdown City. We discuss the roots and inspirations of this innovative mash-up, the action economy that makes it tick, and the process of translating life experience into your creative work. Some things we discussed: Shawn Alexander Allen Treachery in Beatdown City Hybrid Heaven V.A.T.S. system Put Your Glock Away, I've Got a Stronger Weapon For You (A Maze talk) @writnelson's Blockbuster thread Cory Arcangel's Super Mario Clouds Being black in America
Fri, July 03, 2020
Indie Dev as Engine Building with Theresa Duringer
Theresa Duringer (Temple Gates Games) joins us to discuss the process of bringing board games to digital platforms. We discuss tutorial and UI challenges, machine learning for AI, and how to find your niche as a small studio. Show notes: Theresa Duringer Temple Gates Games Roll of the Galaxy beta Gen Con Machine Learning for Boardgame AI in Race for the Galaxy TD-Gammon AlphaStar: Mastering the Real-Time Strategy Game StarCraft II Keldon Jones' Race for the Galaxy AI How to Run a Studio Without a Surprise Hit Scythe: Digital Edition Terraforming Mars
Sat, June 20, 2020
Reconsidering Civilization with Soren Johnson (Old World)
Soren Johnson (Offworld Trading Company) joins us to discuss his new historical strategy game Old World, as we dive into playing by feel in a numbers-driven game, the problematic themes inherent to the 4X genre, and personalizing games through narrative scale. Some things we discussed: Soren Johnson Mohawk Games Civilization IV Spore Offworld Trading Company Old World 4X genre Designer Notes podcast Heroes of Might and Magic Guns versus butter Guns, Germs, and Steel Battle Line Lost Cities
Fri, May 29, 2020
Into the Depths: Noita - Part 5
In the final installment of our Noita miniseries, Nolla Games' Petri Purho and Olli Harjola join us for a deep dive Q&A on the game! We discuss the influence of magic on its design, its origins and early iterations, how they empower different play styles, and where the boundaries of the game might actually be. Some things we discussed: Kloonigames Facepalm Games Hempuli Sisu Knytt The Magic Way Frog Fractions NetHack Game Feel book Stair Dismount Liero The Fight of the Sumo Hoppers Pro Pilkki My Summer Car Nokia worm (Snake) Wings Soldat Stephen’s Sausage Roll Apex Legends Forge misdirect
Fri, May 22, 2020
Andy's Sprawling Birthday Spectacular
It's Andy's big 5-0 and we're celebrating by diving into our mailbag of thoughtful listener questions! We discuss working within a team, how academic practice intersects development, framing your work across a career, the role of aesthetics in games, and the materiality of engines. Phew! Some things we discussed: The Last Dance B.U.T.T.O.N.: On Self-Effacing Games and Unachievements Characteristics of Games Terry Cavanagh Design Anarchy Ansel Adams Clusterf*ck GMTK Game Jam N Designing with Physics: Bend the Physics Engine to Your Will Super Pole Riders: How We Got Full Pole Control Lost Cities Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Fri, May 15, 2020
Into the Depths: Noita - Part 4
In the fourth installment of our Noita miniseries, we discuss the intention of randomness, getting stuck in our play patterns, leaning into the game's weirdness, and some modifications we'd like to see. Some things we discussed: 10,000 Bowls of Oatmeal Problem Brogue Teamfight Tactics Balancing Multiplayer Games
Fri, May 08, 2020
Quarantine Arcade with Derek Yu
Spelunky creator Derek Yu returns for an expansive discussion on the membrane between players/devs, the connection between design/process, and the understated influence of arcade games on his work - all through the lens of what we've been playing and thinking about in quarantine. Some things we discussed: Derek Yu UFO 50 Noita Animal Crossing: New Horizons AC:NH QoL fan video Marina Abramović Streets of Rage 4 Metal Slug X Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 Web Liero Scourgebringer Bargain Basement Bathysphere Gals' Fighters boardgamearena.com Can’t Stop Acquire Innovation Sea Block Factorio mod SnowRunner Caveblazers Miasmata Escape From Tarkov Gutwhale Just One Lost Cities Azul What Up With That?
Fri, May 01, 2020
Into the Depths: Noita - Part 3
In the third installment of our miniseries, we discuss Noita's worldbuilding, secrets in game culture, games as toys, tutorialization (or lack thereof), and the conflicts of wandcrafting. Some things we discussed: Noita Arcane Kids Manife$to Magicians Trilogy Rain World Noita 101 - Tips for new players Else Heart.Break() My Summer Car - Early Access trailer TIS-100
Fri, April 24, 2020
A Window Into Narrative Systems with Tom Francis
Tom Francis (Gunpoint, Heat Signature) crashes in to discuss his upcoming small-scale strategy game Tactical Breach Wizards, how he finds and focuses on the cores of his games, and the narrative systems that make them sing. Some things we discussed: Tom Francis Gunpoint Heat Sig Tactical Breach Wizards (new walkthrough) RPS: What Works And Why Morphblade Imbroglio GameMaker Into the Breach The GIPF Project Dawn of War: Dark Crusade Dishonored Brick Design Talk: Difficulty is Random
Fri, April 17, 2020
Into the Depths: Noita - Part 2
In the second installment of our miniseries, we discuss our different play styles, wand customization, building games around online communities, and our experiences with - and the implementation of - Noita's Daily Challenge. Some things we discussed: Noita Risk of Rain Zach's badass barrel kick Noita 101 - Tips for new players Wand Stats - Noita Notes 4
Fri, April 10, 2020
The Secrets of Simplicity with Martin Jonasson (holedown)
Martin Jonasson (holedown) joins us to extract the juiciness that powers his "delightful spectacle of bouncing," reveals the truth behind his rounded corners, and discusses the aesthetic and scope commitments that drove games like twofold inc. and rymdkapsel. Some things we discussed: grapefrukt games holedown twofold, inc. rymdkapsel jesus vs. dinosaurs Juice it or lose it Breakout: Pilgrim in the Microworld experimental gameplay project vectorpark
Fri, April 03, 2020
Into the Depths: Noita - Part 1
In this first installment of our new miniseries focused on Noita (with guest co-host Bennett Foddy), we share our early stories and beginner tips, discuss the genealogy of the game, and contemplate how we feel about shooting being its primary verb. Some things we discussed: Noita Bennett Foddy Crayon Physics Deluxe The Swapper Baba Is You Liero Worms Kuron and the Jelly Islands Sisu
Fri, March 27, 2020
Producing More Than You Consume with Tyriq Plummer (Catacomb Kids)
Tyriq Plummer (Catacomb Kids, UFO 50) joins us to discuss the guts and evolution of his long-term roguelike project, how he stays motivated, and making his minions matter. Plus a very special show announcement! Some things we discussed: Tyriq Plummer Catacomb Kids UFO 50 Our new Discord! Noita Made out of Meat: Health Systems in Video Games Tyriq's dev streams Pixelation.org Aesop Rock Sachin Teng Basic Animation Aesthetics by David OReilly The External World The Amazing World of Gumball
Fri, March 13, 2020
The Physics of Uncertainly with Andrea Roberts (Roundguard)
Andrea Roberts of Wonderbelly Games talks to us about her brand-new bouncy dungeon crawler Roundguard! We discuss physics as a system of uncertainty, combining Peggle with a roguelike formula, and using that formula to create player friendliness. Things we discussed: Roundguard Spelunky 2 PS Blog post Dunklords Peggle Fable A Guide to Proc Gen Practitioners That's the Way the Ball Bounces: Using Physics to Manifest Chance in Roundguard Caves of Qud Subterfuge Disgaea Cleromancy Baby's First RPG Electronic Rituals, Oracles and Fortune Telling Cinco Paus
Fri, February 28, 2020
The Tricks of the Toolkit with Mark Brown (Game Maker's Toolkit)
Mark Brown of Game Maker's Toolkit joins us to talk about the process behind his excellent series on game design. We discuss his recent video on randomness - diving deep on input/output randomness - as well as roguelike progression, and much more! Things we discussed: Game Maker's Toolkit How (And Why) Spelunky Makes its Own Levels The Two Types of Random Michael Brough's Imbroglio "brog" Characteristics of Games Playing at the World Sid Meier's Psychology of Game Design Geoff Engelstein's "pink noise" talk Roguelikes, Persistency, and Progression Let's Game it Out YouTube channel The Best Games from GMTK Game Jam 2019
Sat, February 15, 2020
The Rhythms and Layers of Ryan Clark
Ryan Clark of Brace Yourself Games (Crypt of the Necrodancer, Cadence of Hyrule) sashays in to chat with us about how he hit on his rhythm roguelike formula, layering in depth to make his systems sing, and how he's found - and repeated - indie game success. Some things we discussed: Brace Yourself Games Crypt of the Necrodancer Industries of Titan Phantom Brigade Bard seeded speed world record How to Consistently Make Profitable Indie Games Dwarf Fortress Meteorfall Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
Fri, January 31, 2020
Designing Around Language with Zach Gage
We get cozy with our own Zach Gage to talk about his just-released SpellTower+, the follow-up to the puzzle game that put him on the map. We discuss making word searches interesting, the design of letter distribution, and making the Westworld of word games. SpellTower+ zachgage.com Kinnijup’s new eggplant run world record Kinnijup's new low% hell run world record Puzzlejuice Letterpress The history of Tetris randomizers Typeshift
Fri, January 17, 2020
Game Feel as Procrastination with Jan Willem Nijman
Jan Willem "JW" Nijman (Nuclear Throne, Minit) sits down with us to help us fix mini golf, before we dig into some of the design thinking behind Vlambeer's amazing catalog of action games, how he approaches prototyping, and being the self-proclaimed "Jamie Oliver of game feel." Things we discussed: Vlambeer The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan Ribbit King JW's The Art of Screen Shake talk Samurai Gunn Monolith
Fri, January 03, 2020
Games of the Year 2019 with Laura E. Hall
Immersive puzzle designer Laura E. Hall joins for our big GOTY show, as we each share our Top 5 games of 2019. We also hear many of YOUR picks (thanks!), and stick around until the end to hear picks from several of our 2019 guests. Happy New Year! Things we discussed: Laura E. Hall Katamari Damacy by Boss Fight Books Every Game in This City podcast Sleep No More Trolling as an Air Traffic Controller in Flight Sim X Our GOTY picks ( SPOILERS ) Laura: Heaven's Vault Elsinore Lianna Fled the Cranberry Bog: A Story in Cootie Catchers Shenmue III Storyteller's Secret Zach: Call of Dury: Modern Warfare Slay the Spire The Pinball Wizard Apex Legends Vagante Doug: Slay the Spire Disco Elysium Return of the Obra Dinn A Short Hike Petscop Andy: Lonely Mountains: Downhill A Short Hike Sekiro Song of Bloom Auto Chess Nick: Ape Out Painter Detective Pilgrims Remember Our Trip Earth Defense Force 5
Fri, December 20, 2019
Getting Over Spelunky with Bennett Foddy
With the help of our friend Bennett Foddy (QWOP, Getting Over It) we consider Spelunky as the Game of the Decade - we discuss what influence it's had (or hasn't had) in and beyond its genre, its distinct connection to Dark Souls, and experiencing the external narrative of modern gaming. Things we discussed: Bennett Foddy's games Ape Out TIGSource Tim Rogers Presents The Games of the Decade Finishing a Game by Derek Yu Vagante Characteristics of Games Assassination of Lord British Reasons and Persons book Put Your Name on Your Game GDC talk Song of Bloom
Sat, December 07, 2019
Making Generous Games with Terry Cavanagh (Dicey Dungeons)
Terry Cavanagh (Super Hexagon, VVVVVV) joins us to talk about his fantastic roguelike deckbuilder, Dicey Dungeons. We discuss the thread of generosity in his game design, the challenges of working across genres, and what might be next for Terry! Things we discussed: Terry's distractionware.com Dicey Dungeons VVVVVV Super Hexagon Tiny Heist Stephen Lavelle Dream Quest 7 Day Roguelike Naya’s Quest The Long Dark Super Hexagon playthrough at Fantastic Arcade Hearthstone Battlegrounds
Fri, November 22, 2019
(Rerun) Into the Breach with Justin Ma
We're taking a much-needed week off, but please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from early on. We'll be back in two weeks with guest Terry Cavanagh to talk about his new roguelike deckbuilder (dicebuilder?) Dicey Dungeons - check it out and send us your questions! Anyways, on to our show: Justin Ma of Subset Games joins us to discuss the design of his excellent sci-fi strategy game Into the Breach, from its Spelunky-inspired high/low-level design, to how they cracked its time-driven gameplay, to why throwing away 80% of their work...worked. Things we talked about: Justin Ma Subset Games FTL Into the Breach Input / Output Randomness 'Into the Breach' Didn't Click Until I Played it Like an EMT Into the Breach - Fantastic Arcade 2017 Developer Commentary Stephen's Sausage Roll Return of the Obra Dinn
Fri, November 08, 2019
Good Times With Bad Robots with Frank Lantz (Hey Robot)
Frank Lantz (Drop7, Universal Paperclips) stops by to tell us about his new party game for smart speakers, Hey Robot. We discuss fun ways to engage with rigid AI - and the privacy issues inherent to doing so - before taking a wild detour into the taxonomy of paddle boats. Things we discussed: Frank Lantz Hey Robot Breakfast Spelunky Shiren the Wanderer ClemmyGames' Top 10 Best Underrated Roguelike/Roguelites NYU Game Center Pac Manhattan Drop7 Universal Paperclips Everybody House Games Antigrams SmileBot Lodden Thinks Paddle Boats The history of Tetris randomizers Frank's How to play Cinco Paus Hanabi
Fri, October 25, 2019
Making Games is Hard
Free of guests or a "plan," our crew of intrepid hosts dives into a bounty of stimulating listener questions! We discuss our personal roads into game design, the challenge of procedural generation in AAA games, and the game design of reality shows. Things we discussed: Kirby703_'s World 23 correction Demon’s Souls IndieCade Game Design Deep Dive: The creative camaraderie behind Wilmot's Warehouse Kate Compton's 10,000 Bowls of Oatmeal Drop7 Noita Conan Death Stranding video Classic Tetris World Championship Deadwood Are You The One? The Stormlight Archive Pilgrims Machinarium Remixed Card of Darkness
Fri, October 11, 2019
Card of Darkness with Zach Gage
The gang’s all here to chat with our own Zach Gage (SpellTower, Tharsis) about his new Apple Arcade adventure game, Card of Darkness. We discuss distilling roguelikes, the role of randomness, and designing 52 cards in two days. Things we discussed: Card of Darkness Andy’s baby! World 23 Spelunky glitch The Grannies (Red Dead Redemption explorers) Zach’s collaborators Card of Darkness soundtrack Zach's games Hearthstone: Dungeon Run
Fri, September 27, 2019
Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman
Finji’s Adam Saltsman drops by for a deep dive on his new road trip survival game Overland. We discuss its surprisingly affecting narrative innovations, design epiphanies from its 6+ year development, and its understated influence from Legacy board games. Things we discussed: Overland New Spelunky duplication glitch Canabalt Finji Adam's blog X-COM: UFO Defense 868-HACK Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space Oasis Rebuild Underworld Play Dead Podcast with Adam
Fri, September 13, 2019
Teamfight Tactics with Greg Borenstein
Riot Games’ Greg Borenstein joins us to chat about the design behind their red-hot autobattler Teamfight Tactics, as we discuss the benefits of embracing complexity, the rise of randomness, and what the game has in common with Sorry! You know, that Sorry! Things we discussed: Teamfight Tactics Mutazione Untitled Goose Game UFO 50 Riot Games controversy - timeline of events Riot Games controversy - one year later Dota Auto Chess Dota Underlords League of Legends Richard Garfield: Luck and Games
Fri, August 30, 2019
The Nick and Andy Show
Our crew is stretched thin, but we soldier on with a wide-ranging, freeform 1-year anniversary episode! Nick and Andy chat about the recent glut of amazing game releases - and upcoming highlights (roguelights?) - while Andy reflects on the 10-year anniversary of his career-defining game Osmos, and we dive into a bounty of beautiful listener letters. Things we discussed: Mutazione Zach's game tease Noita Overland Osmos agar.io Telling Lies Eliza Control Dicey Dungeons RAD Plunge EarthNight Loren Schmidt's Roguelike Loot Rascals Michael Brough Kamibox Cryptark Teamfight Tactics
Sun, August 18, 2019
Slay the Spire with Anthony Giovannetti
Megacrit’s Anthony Giovannetti sits down with us to dive deep into the iterative design process of his hit roguelike deckbuilder, Slay the Spire. Things we discussed: Slay the Spire Stimhack Android: Netrunner Spelunky 2 delay Magic: the Gathering Dominion Dream Quest GDC talk - Slay the Spire: Metrics Drive Design and Balance FTL Desktop Dungeons The Binding of Isaac Brogue Why Revealing All is the Secret of Slay the Spire's Success How Slay the Spire's Original Interface Almost Killed the Game Milling in MtG
Thu, August 01, 2019
Going Rogue with Glenn Wichman (Rogue)
The co-creator of Rogue - yes, THAT Rogue - chats with us about the creation and legacy of his seminal 1980 game that birthed a genre! We discuss the origins of its key innovations of procedural generation and “consequence permanence,” its surprisingly Chesslike origins, and the secret metagame behind Quicken (shhh!). Rogue Hack Nethack Brogue Curses programming library Diablo ADOM Moria Angband Rogue's instruction manual Glenn’s unused Rogue manual art
Thu, July 18, 2019
Reinventing Basketball (and Spelunky) with Andy Hull (Dunk Lords)
Our full crew is reunited, and just in time for a very special guest! Spelunky HD programmer Andy Hull joins us to chat about his time as a toy designer, rebuilding Spelunky from the ground up, and nailing the jelly shader in his upcoming 2v2 basketball beat ‘em up, Dunk Lords. Things we discussed: Dunk Lords Mossranking Klik & Play Sushi Slicing Play Set Scoop & Stack Ice Cream Cone Play Set Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set What is Bothering Carl? Spelunky book Aquaria Braid Ridiculous Fishing Corridor Crew Spelunky render dupe Solo Eggplant Run Indie Tech Talk #17: Andy Hull Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy Ape Out NBA Jam
Thu, July 04, 2019
Making the post-post-apocalypse RAD with Double Fine’s Lee Petty
Lee Petty of Double Fine (Psychonauts, Brütal Legend , Stacking) drops by to talk to us about their upcoming post-post-apocalyptic roguelike, RAD! We discuss the emergent origins of its procedural design, capturing ‘80s nuclear angst, and Tim Schafer’s love/hate relationship with farts. Things we discussed: leepetty.com Tharsis (iPad) Brutal Legend Broken Age Stacking Headlander RAD Amnesia Fortnight Psychonauts 2 Grim Fandango Remastered Brothers Quay Hitman Autonomous Chromehounds Risk of Rain Inside Out The Return of Heracles Gamma World Moebius Talisman
Fri, June 21, 2019
Keeping Spelunky Alive with MossRanking
MossRanking creator Mathieu “saturnin55 ” Legaré and advisor/speedrunner Kevin “meowmixmix” Hyer join us to talk about the history and design behind Spelunky’s incredible community hub. Things we discussed: MossRanking mewomixmix's GDQx2018 run Playing the Spelunky 2 demo at TwitchCon speedrun.com Bananasaurus Rex's infamous solo eggplant run Crypt of the Necrodancer Nick’s Daily Death
Thu, June 06, 2019
Going Into the Void (Bastards) with Cara Ellison and Farbs
Sci-fi strategy-shooter Void Bastards is tearing up the charts, and we’ve got two of its creators on the show! We discuss worldbuilding via British bureaucracy, telling stories in a world of roguelite progression, and yelling at yourself in your own game...as a pirate. Things we discussed: Void Bastards Embed with Games: A Year on the Couch with Game Developers System Shock Dishonored 2 Captain Forever Card Hunter Brazil Red Dwarf The Stanley Parable Choose Your Own Anna Anthropy interview
Thu, May 23, 2019
The Organized Chaos of Edmund McMillen
The creator of The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy joins us for a career-spanning discussion of his design ethos, and the organized chaos that drove the creation of the most successful roguelite ever. Things we discussed: Super Meat Boy The Binding of Isaac The End is Nigh The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Gish Aether Closure Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup Desktop Dungeons Fingered The Binding of Isaac: Antibirth Keyforge Overwatch Kingdom Death
Fri, May 10, 2019
Exploring Brogue with Brian Walker
Brogue creator Brian “Pender” Walker joins us to chat about the elegant design behind his sublime roguelike dungeon-crawler, from the lessons he took from Rogue (and those he didn’t), to creating a rich world of interactions while keeping things simple. Things we discussed: Brogue Zach's instructional Brogue stream Brogue w/ Daily Challenge Brogue w/ Daily Challenge + Potion change Rogue Angband Nethack Derek Yu on Brogue Roguelike Celebration talk: Procedural level design in Brogue and beyond Hearthstone's Dungeon Run David Sirlin on balancing multiplayer games Slay the Spire Andrew Doull's Ascii Dreams Unangband Brian's lessons From the original Rogue post Brian's Roguelike Radio interview Brogue's Jellymancer build Into the Breach Caves of Qud Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup Braid
Fri, April 26, 2019
Climbing Gloves in the Jungle
The crew makes the most of being paired off: Andy and Zach talk climbing documentaries, persistence, and design back home, while Nick and Doug play and discuss some Spelunky co-op on the road in New Zealand. Plus a quick interview with Mini Metro’s Robert Curry, one of the biggest Spelunky fans we know! Things we discussed: Free Solo The Dawn Wall PRACTICE 2016 Talk - Mastering Movement Notes on the Synthesis of Form Grow21 Typeshift Mini Metro
Thu, April 11, 2019
The Spelunky Book Club
We delve deep into the pages of Derek Yu’s excellent Spelunky book, from its thoughtful musings on creativity, to its inspiring lessons in game design. A must-read on how our favorite game came to be! Plus some record-breaking Spelunky news, the Weekly Challenge, and more. Things we discussed: Now Play This Low% Hell World Record d_tea's back-to-back World Records Co-op All Journal Entries run Spelunky book Boss Fight Books Humble Bundle TIG source Derek Yu's Twitter thread on difficulty Mutazione announcement trailer Shopstorm, A Spelunky Story Spelunky Generator Lessons A Breakdown of 2013's Most Fascinating Video Game Moment
Thu, March 28, 2019
GDC Special - Derek Yu and Slay the Spire
We return home from the Game Developers Conference with hands-on impressions of the new Spelunky 2 demo, while the muse himself Derek Yu gives us a Spelunky 2 development update. Plus Slay the Spire’s Casey Yano talks about the design of their hit roguelike deckbuilder! Things we talked about: GDC Day of the Devs Slay the Spire Dream Quest Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Cyber Shadow
Thu, March 14, 2019
Diversifying Play with Greg Johnson (ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove)
ToeJam & Earl creator Greg Johnson gets funky with us, as we deconstruct his latest entry in the series - Back in the Groove - and discuss his approach to playfulness and accessibility in roguelikes, the lack of cultural diversity in games, and much more. Things we talked about: New Spelunky WR run Dwarf Fortress remaster ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove HumaNature Studios Doki Doki Universe Brogue A Few Provocative Thoughts by Greg Johnson ToeJam & Earl launch party
Thu, February 28, 2019
Procedural Storytelling with Tanya X Short
Tanya X. Short of Kitfox Games drops by to discuss her co-edited essay collections Procedural Storytelling / Generation in Game Design, as well as her own approach and challenges to procedural narrative in Moon Hunters, and the upcoming Boyfriend Dungeon. Things we talked about: Kitfox Games Procedural Generation in Game Design Procedural Storytelling in Game Design Dwarf Fortress Spelunky Udjet Eye run Moon Hunters The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Age of Conan Boyfriend Dungeon The Shrouded Isle ESC
Thu, February 14, 2019
Into the Breach with Justin Ma
Justin Ma of Subset Games joins us to discuss the design of his excellent sci-fi strategy game Into the Breach, from its Spelunky-inspired high/low-level design, to how they cracked its time-driven gameplay, to why throwing away 80% of their work...worked. Things we talked about: FTL Into the Breach Input / Output Randomness 'Into the Breach' Didn't Click Until I Played it Like an EMT Into the Breach - Fantastic Arcade 2017 Developer Commentary Stephen's Sausage Roll Return of the Obra Dinn
Thu, January 31, 2019
Taking Back Roguelikes with Raigan Burns
Raigan Burns of Metanet Software (N, N+, N++) stops by for a spirited debate on the term “roguelike,” as we discuss the tenets of the genre, why (and if) they’re important, and how Spelunky fits into it all. Things we talked about: N++ GMTK: Roguelikes, Persistency, and Progression Wandering Towards Interactive Narrative Notes on the Synthesis of Form DoomRL probability 0 Downwell
Thu, January 17, 2019
Keyforge with Richard Garfield
The creator of Magic: the Gathering, Netrunner, King of Tokyo, and so much of the modern gaming culture we love joins us to talk about finding cohesion in the beautiful randomness of his latest design: the world’s first Unique Deck Game, Keyforge. Things we mentioned in the interview: Keyforge ! The Art of Warcast: A Keyforge Special Richard Garfield - Game Boy Geek interview Richard Garfield on Luck vs. Skill Characteristics of Games Rest of the show: Blindfolded Final Fantasy IX menu Everspace Noita Mutant Year Zero How I Built This podcast Dev Game Club podcast Reply All podcast In 2019, We Need to Learn How to Break a Perpetually Tied Game
Mon, December 31, 2018
Games of the Year 2018
We sit down to talk about our favorite games that we played in 2018 - from videogames, to board games, to escape rooms, to Malaysian schoolyard games. Join us for the most diverse GOTY list you’ll hear! We’ll see you - and Spelunky 2 - in 2019! ... Our GOTY picks ( SPOILERS ) Zach: Dr. Meep Mega Man 11 Noita Pokémon Go Hollow Knight Andy: Wind the Film Into the Breach Azul Cinco Paus Magic: the Gathering Arena Doug: Holedown Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Classroom Murder Unsolved: Part 2 The Best Thing Children's Malaysian folk game Nick: Celeste The Mind Florence Here Comes the Dog Bacon / Supertype / See/Saw
Thu, December 20, 2018
Designing Tharsis with Zach Gage
We chat to our own Zach Gage about his 2016 spacefaring strategy game Tharsis, from its roguelike and tabletop influences, to promoting player narrative, to the psychology of randomness. Plus first impressions of Twinfold and Below! Some things we mentioned: The Systems Design of Tharsis Let's Get Physical: Lessons From the Real World How to win Tharsis Twinfold Below
Thu, December 06, 2018
Death in Roguelikes with Kawa
Roguelike expert and advocate Kawa (@KawaiiDragoness) stops by to talk Death in Roguelikes, and the power and potential of the post-death "morgue" experience. We also dig into our relationship to dying in Spelunky, and recount our best deaths! Links from the interview with Kawa: Nethack fanfic dramatic reading Original fic A Trip to the Morgue Roguelike Radio Twitter: @ kawaiidragoness Discord - Kawa#7680 Our best Spelunky deaths: Nick Andy @toythatkills @aaronkearsley @aaronkearsley2 d_tea @tictacfoe
Thu, November 15, 2018
Making Spelunky 2 with Derek Yu
Spelunky creator Derek Yu joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on his design philosophies for approaching a sequel, embracing chaos in design, and so much more. This is a special one, so brew some tea, grab a pug, and get comfortable!
Thu, November 01, 2018
The Design of Spelunky
We dive deep into the core design of Spelunky - what exactly fuels its procedural perfection, and why is its world still so compelling? And what design touches do our listeners love, and which would they send to Hell? Plus some new Spelunky 2 tidbits!
Thu, October 18, 2018
Making the Spelunky 2 trailer with Derek Lieu
Master trailer craftsman Derek Lieu stops by to go deep on the making of the awesome Spelunky 2 trailer! We talk through his process, the unique challenges of working with a procedural game, and even unearth a few new Spelunky 2 tidbits along the way.
Thu, October 04, 2018
Breaking world records with Kinnijup and ix
We welcome world-record speedrunners and all-around Spelunky experts Jamie “Kinnijup” White and Aaron “ix” Kearsley to the show! We talk about the culture of competitive Spelunky, recent record-breaking runs, and why speedrunning feels like skateboarding.
Thu, September 20, 2018
The Spelunky Beginner's Guide
The Spelunky Beginner’s Guide! For anyone who ever hit a wall, we’re here to help. We dive into both the practical and philosophical approach to upping your Spelunky game, and share some great tips submitted by listeners. Plus the first Weekly Challenge!
Wed, September 05, 2018
First Spelunky 2 impressions!
Hands-on Spelunky 2 demo impressions! Nick is fresh off the PAX plane, and Andy, Zach, and Doug are here to grill him on the details, while the whole crew breaks down the first gameplay trailer, chat about the new art, branching paths, mounts, and more.
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