My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Derek Yu, gamemaker (Spelunky, UFO 50).
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Sep 16, 2024 Derek Yu, an influential American video game artist and designer, talks about his journey from childhood gaming on the Atari 2600 to creating acclaimed titles like Spelunky and the upcoming UFO 50. He reflects on how childhood memories sparked his creativity and the evolution of game design. Yu discusses the challenges of indie game development, the impact of games like 'I'm O.K – A Murder Simulator' in critiquing the industry, and the importance of collaboration and nostalgia in his current projects.
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Player Agency Creates Meaning
- Derek Yu values player agency and meaningful consequences in game design.
- He believes actions that matter create lasting player meaning and connection.
Childhood Friend Sparked UFO 50
- UFO 50 began as Derek wanting to make a small game with his childhood friend John Perry and recapture their early jam sessions.
- They decided to make many small games together and release them as a commercial collection.
Mystery From Limited Info
- Older games carried mystery because players lacked previews and tutorials, creating a stronger sense of discovery.
- Derek sought to reintroduce that mystery selectively in UFO 50 while keeping useful modern conveniences.