Episode 245: Exit 73 Studios Indie Game Dev Journey With #Blud
Mar 6, 2024
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Join the co-founders of Exit 73 Studios as they share their indie game dev journey, from no prior gaming experience to creating the unique game #Blud. Discover the challenges of entering the gaming industry, the strategic decision to share their work on social media, and the advantage of #Blud looking like a TV show. Explore the transition from animation to game development, managing massive amounts of animation assets, and refining game elements based on player feedback.
Entering the gaming industry without prior experience requires perseverance and strategic sharing of work on social media.
Efficiency in animation production can be improved by utilizing techniques like frame repetition and shot composition for effective storytelling.
Feedback from players is integral in refining gameplay elements and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Animation to Video Games
Moving from animation to video games felt like a natural transition as both industries have parallels, such as engaging with fans and showcasing progress. The indie game scene was particularly suitable for our style, allowing us to show prototypes and solicit feedback, which proved valuable for development. While animation offers a one-time viewing experience, video games provide ongoing interactivity and room for audience engagement.
Efficiency Tricks in Animation
Learning to be efficient over the years has been crucial in speeding up animation without compromising quality. Involving shot composition, such as using close-ups and creative angles, helps convey storytelling effectively while conserving resources. To save time, techniques like frame repetition or the boil effect can be utilized to streamline the animation process and make it visually compelling.
Feedback Loop in Video Game Development
Feedback played a pivotal role in our video game development process. Engaging with players at conventions and welcoming their input helped identify areas for improvement, leading to enhancements like reworking backgrounds based on player comments about door perspectives. Iteratively refining gameplay elements based on player feedback was essential in shaping a more engaging and polished gaming experience.
Balancing Work Between Animation and Video Games
With a focus on video games, juggling animation projects alongside game development becomes more challenging. Focusing on cool projects that support our families while pursuing video game ventures remains a priority. Video games offer interactive storytelling opportunities and creative freedom that align with our collaborative and hands-on approach.
Maintaining a Compact Team and Creative Autonomy
Operating with a small team of experienced individuals allows for creative autonomy and streamlined decision-making processes. The ability to work efficiently and maintain quality standards while pursuing diverse projects, from animation to video games, reflects our commitment to artistic integrity and audience engagement.
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This chat features the co-founders of Exit 73 Studios - Chris Burns, and Bob Fox. Over the years they’ve done many projects for TV, commercials, websites, video games, and more, but currently their in-production game called #Blud, set to release this year. In their chat, Burns and Fox share how they began their indie game dev journey (without any prior gaming experience), found a producer, and their strategic decision to share all their work in process on social media.
Tune in to Ibele, Burns, and Fox to hear:
*How big a team is needed to produce something of #Blud’s caliber
*How difficult it is to enter the gaming industry without any prior experience
*Why #Blud looks like a TV show rather than a typical game (and what advantage that has)
Social Links:
*Follow Exit 73 Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exit73studios/
*Check out Exit 73 Studios on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/exit73studios
*Wishlist #Blud on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1921480/BLUD/
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