Jonathan Blow, creator of Braid and The Witness, discusses topics such as dropping out of school, his experiences in the gaming industry, challenges of game development, working with artists, intense Kung Fu training, the physical and mental benefits of Tai Chi, and the design choices behind 'The Witness'.
Using rewind mechanics in games can simplify and enhance gameplay experiences.
Braid was inspired by books like Invisible Cities and Einstein's Dreams, aiming to capture their contemplative atmosphere.
The development of Braid faced challenges with mechanics, platform requirements, and collaboration, emphasizing the complexity of game development.
Deep dives
Development of Braid and the Inspiration Behind It
The podcast episode discusses the development of the game Braid. The main ideas covered include the initial experiment of using rewind mechanics, the frustration with traditional game mechanics, the inspiration from books like Invisible Cities and Einstein's Dreams, and the focus on design and art to create a cohesive experience. The speaker also mentions the challenges faced during development, including the need for robust features, compliance with platform requirements, and collaboration with artists and musicians. Overall, the podcast explores the creative process and motivations behind the unique and critically acclaimed game Braid.
The Role of Rewind Mechanics in Games
The episode delves into the concept of rewind mechanics in games. It emphasizes the potential benefits of implementing rewind features in games to simplify and enhance gameplay experiences. The discussion highlights the contrast between traditional games with cumbersome save-load functionalities and the prospect of using rewinding as a more intuitive and effective method to deal with failure. The speaker also considers the debate surrounding the issue, including concerns about consequences and how rewind mechanics might affect player engagement. Ultimately, the podcast sheds light on the value and potential applications of rewind mechanics in game design.
Drawing Inspiration from Literature
The podcast episode delves into the sources of inspiration for the game Braid, particularly from works of literature. The speaker mentions books like Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino and Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman as influences for the game's structure and themes. These books, characterized by vignettes and imaginative explorations of alternative worlds, sparked the idea of creating a game that would capture similar qualities. The episode discusses how the game aimed to evoke the contemplative atmosphere and thought-provoking narratives found in literary works, offering players a distinct and enriching gaming experience.
Challenges and Reflections on Game Development
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and reflections associated with game development. The speaker shares personal experiences, including struggles encountered during the development of Braid, such as cumbersome save-load mechanics, Microsoft's platform requirements, and the need for collaboration with artists and musicians to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing game. The discussion explores the iterative nature of the development process and the importance of finding the right balance between technical innovation and enjoyable gameplay. Overall, the episode provides insights into the complexities, decisions, and reflections faced by game developers.
The Witness: Exploring a 3D Ambitious Game
The Witness is a game that focuses on creating a rich and immersive experience for players. With over 500 puzzles, the game offers a variety of challenges that range from easy to difficult. The puzzles are designed to provide players with moments of epiphany and aha moments as they explore the game world and discover new ways to interact with it. The game also features a unique progression system where players can uncover the story through audio logs and other in-game elements. The Witness offers a deep and interesting experience that goes beyond the traditional puzzle-solving gameplay.
We all know Jonathan Blow as the creator of Braid and The Witness. But what was he up to before bursting onto the scene circa 2008? Not crazy multiplayer-only squad warfare shenanigans, surely. Not online games that used huge server farms to do their physics calculations. Not learning deadly martial arts! Surely not! Discover the truth on episode 9 of Tone Control.
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