Tetris, Chess, and Go: Martin Grider’s Indie Game Design Playbook
Feb 18, 2025
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In this session, Martin Grider, the mastermind behind Abstract Puzzle, shares his evolution from web developer to indie game creator. He discusses the intersection of AI and gaming, his preferred programming tools like Swift and Godot, and the nuanced art of board game adaptations. Martin explores the monetization hurdles in the App Store, critiques the freemium model, and offers insights into his latest Zelda-inspired game. With a focus on creative gameplay mechanics, he emphasizes the importance of innovation in the indie game space.
Martin Greider emphasizes the importance of user experience in mobile game design, favoring premium models over monetization through in-app purchases.
Despite the growing trend of AI in game development, Greider prioritizes traditional design principles and the integrity of gameplay over AI-driven solutions.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Game Development
Martin Greider, the creator of Abstract Puzzle, emphasizes his journey from web development to specializing in mobile game applications. He recalls starting as a web developer in the early 2000s and gradually transitioning to game development, with early projects like Flash games leading to a focus on unique mobile experiences. His company, Abstract Puzzle, features a range of games, including board games and VR platforms, particularly thriving in the iOS market. Greider's passion for creating thought-provoking games drives his design philosophy, which is focused on enjoyable user experiences and experimentation with traditional game concepts.
Navigating Mobile Platforms
Greider discusses the complexities of porting games to various platforms, especially when considering the transition from iOS to Android. As he delves into app development, he highlights challenges with utilizing Swift on different platforms, maintaining that the experience on Android remains inferior. He mentions his recent project 'Thrive,' which was simultaneously released on both iOS and Android, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap across platforms. However, he admits that the majority of his recent work has been more focused on Swift and less on adapting games for Android due to personal preferences and technological limitations.
Design Philosophy and Monetization
Greider reflects on the shifting landscape of mobile game monetization, citing his belief that the 'race to the bottom' mentality in app stores has led to a decline in quality experiences. He expresses preference for premium game models over free-to-play structures, arguing that in-app purchases can compromise game design integrity. Despite the challenges of selling premium games, Greider remains committed to creating enjoyable experiences he would want to play himself, even if financial success is limited. His release of games, like those for the Apple Vision Pro, encounters difficulties, underscoring the competitive nature of the app marketplace.
The Role of AI in Game Development
Contrary to the rising trend of integrating AI in various sectors, Greider does not view AI as an essential tool for game development but rather as a broader topic of futurism. He shares an anecdote about using AI for generating nonsensical words in a game design context, highlighting its occasional utility in brainstorming phases. Greider notes that while he has integrated some AI features in development environments, he primarily focuses on the design and user experience of games rather than AI-driven solutions. His discussions about game design revolve around fundamental game mechanics and the design choices that enhance playability, suggesting he will continue prioritizing traditional design principles over AI assistance.
Martin's journey in game development, starting from his early days as a web developer to his current focus on iOS mobile applications. Martin shares his thoughts on AI in game development, his preferences for using Swift and Godot over Unity, and his experience with board game conversions and licensing.
Martin also delves into his design philosophy, the challenges of monetizing games in the App Store, and his latest game projects, including a Zelda-ish 2D story-based game.