Duncan Trussell Family Hour 712: Edmund McMillen
Sep 15, 2025
Edmund McMillen, a celebrated video game designer known for hits like The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy, shares his creative journey. He reflects on the emotional challenges of parenthood and how it shapes perceptions of violence in media. The conversation dives into the duality of light and dark in creativity, the improvisational nature of game design, and the evolving gaming industry. Edmund also unveils his upcoming game, Mewgenics, while discussing unique game mechanics and the importance of emotional openness in artistic collaboration.
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Cats Sparked The Game's Core
- Edmund explains Mugenics began as a game about their many cats and morphed into themes about legacy and playing god.
- He shares specific breeder and health stories about Bambino and sphynx cats that influenced the game's tone.
Leave Gaps To Let Work Emerge
- Edmund describes his creative process as 'vibe design' where gaps are left to let the project show itself.
- He improvises and fills in emerging gaps rather than fully scripting everything in advance.
Keep Designs Flexible Early
- Do keep designs flexible early so the project can evolve and surprise you.
- Avoid over-designing upfront because it kills improvisation and creative discovery.