From Crosswords to Squeezy: Jeff Chen's Creative Adventure
Mar 19, 2024
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Jeff Chen, creator of Squeezy and puzzle maker, shares his creative journey, from crosswords to game development. He discusses iterating game design, implementing new features, unique solutions, and engaging community strategies. Chen also delves into transitioning from game design to writing, balancing projects, and offers advice for aspiring game creators.
Jeff Chen highlights the importance of persistence and feedback in game development.
Collaboration and partnership are crucial for refining game ideas and receiving valuable feedback.
Deep dives
The Journey to Creating Squeezy
Jeff Chen shares his journey of creating the game 'Squeezy.' For Jeff, the game development process involved overcoming challenges and seeking feedback. He shared how he honed the concept, including inserting letters into words to create new valid words, culminating in the creation of 'Squeezy.'
Jeff's persistence and passion for game development shine through as he navigates the complexities of game creation, illustrating the iterative nature of turning ideas into a playable game.
Collaboration and Learning in Game Development
Collaboration played a significant role in Jeff's game development journey. He highlighted his partnership with Jim Horn and the valuable feedback received, emphasizing the importance of testing ideas with beta users. Jeff's openness to learning new skills, from watching YouTube tutorials to building prototypes, demonstrates his dedication to refining his game design process.
Game Design Challenges and Iterative Refinement
Jeff discussed the challenges faced in game design, such as ensuring there is only one correct solution for a puzzle. He shared insights into the iterative refinement process, where unexpected player experiences led to adjustments in the game mechanics. Jeff's commitment to enhancing player interaction and experience underscores his dedication to creating engaging gameplay.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Jeff expressed his aspirations for 'Squeezy,' aiming to expand its user base and foster community engagement. He highlighted the joy of receiving feedback from players and expressed willingness to collaborate with aspiring game creators. Jeff's genuine enthusiasm for supporting others in their creative endeavors showcases his passionate commitment to the gaming community.
Episode 16: Today's episode features an interview with Jeff Chen, the creator of the new game Squeezy, discussing his journey in creating the game, his experience in puzzle making and writing, including the challenges and successes. Jeff also shares his writing experience and the upcoming puzzle book collaboration with Stuart Gibbs. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, listening to feedback, and living with frustration for aspiring game creators.
Check out the games and resources from this episode: