The Secret Lives of Games 150: Making It Great with Kimmo Lahtinen (Sektori)
Dec 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Kimmo Lahtinen, an independent game developer and the creative mind behind the twin-stick shooter Sektori, shares his insights on game design and the indie scene. He dives into the importance of crafting a replayable experience with numerous side modes and balancing minimal tutorials. Kimmo reflects on the competitive landscape of game development and how personal passion drives his work. He also explores the challenges of solo development and the creative freedom it brings, while reminiscing about his Finnish gaming roots.
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A Game That Feels Like Many Games
- Sektori blends a dozen familiar shooter ideas into one game, making it feel like multiple games at once.
- That mash-up approach helped it stand out despite the crowded twin-stick genre.
Teach The One Essential Move
- Teach only the crucial mechanics to avoid overwhelming players with a long tutorial.
- Force players to learn the core aggressive move (strike) because passive play ruins the experience.
Saturated Genres Demand 'Undeniable' Quality
- Entering a saturated genre requires making a game that's undeniably excellent to be noticed.
- Being merely good won't surface your game in today's crowded market.