Software Engineering Daily Designing Innovative Puzzle Games with Zach Barth
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Dec 18, 2025 Zach Barth, an independent game designer and founder of Zachtronics, shares his journey from Microsoft to indie game development. He discusses the essence of Zachtronics' unique puzzle games and the challenges of running a small studio. Barth explains the co-op model of his new venture, Coincidence Games, and the approachability of their latest title, Kaizen. He highlights design choices aimed at easing player entry, balancing accessibility with deep challenges, and the importance of game mechanics evolving to capture player interest.
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Open-Ended Programming Puzzles
- Zach Barth defines his games as open-ended programming-like puzzles with many valid solutions and secondary optimization goals.
- These metrics turn problem-solving into ongoing optimization play that resonates strongly with programmers.
SpaceChem Launched The Studio
- Zach recounts moving from Microsoft to shipping SpaceChem and founding Zachtronics after Steam accepted the game.
- The early success let him quit Microsoft and make indie games full-time.
Valve Stint Fueled By FOMO
- Zach describes burning out and joining Valve to work on VR, driven by a desire to make a more commercially successful game.
- He spent 10 months at Valve working on The Lab and VR prototypes before leaving.
