Billy Basso, the sole developer of the indie hit 'Animal Well', and his business partner Dan Adelman share insights on their unique game design. Joined by Adam Conover, they discuss the game's slow-burn development and layers of gameplay. Fascinating anecdotes reveal how childhood fears influenced their creative process, while exploring the delicate balance of player challenge and enjoyment. They also tackle the struggles of maintaining game secrets while engaging a community eager for discovery, highlighting the importance of collaboration in indie game development.
The podcast showcases the collaborative nature of game development, highlighting how varied perspectives enrich the creative process.
Billy Basso emphasizes player freedom and exploration in Animal Well, encouraging personal engagement with its interconnected labyrinth.
The intricately layered secrets in Animal Well are intentionally designed to invite players back even years after completion.
The iterative nature of game design enables creators to evolve mechanics through player feedback, enriching the overall gaming experience.
Deep dives
The Journey of Development and Collaboration
The podcast highlights the collaborative nature of game development, particularly emphasizing the roles of co-hosts and special guests. The hosts, experienced developers themselves, share the excitement of being involved in the creative process and engaging in candid conversations about game creation. The introduction of Adam Conover as a guest adds an investigative comedian's perspective, fostering discussions around the artistic aspects of game design. This interaction demonstrates the importance of varied insights and experiences in enriching the conversation about games and their development.
Exploring Animal Well's Game Mechanics
Animal Well is presented as a unique blend of gameplay mechanics drawn from various genres, particularly survival horror and Metroidvania elements. The creator, Billy Basso, discusses his inspiration from classic horror games and how he aimed to incorporate suspenseful puzzles along with exploration. The game emphasizes the importance of player freedom and exploration, allowing them to discover the interconnected labyrinth at their own pace. This design choice enhances the experience, making every new area feel meaningful and encouraging players to engage deeply with the environment.
Layered Secrets and Replayability
A major aspect of Animal Well is its intricate layer of secrets that invite players to return even after completing the game. The developers intentionally crafted an environment filled with riddles and challenges that may take years for players to fully uncover. This design approach is a response to modern gaming trends that often favor transient content over depth, aiming to create a lasting experience. As players navigate through the game, they may find themselves delightfully surprised by the hidden layers, urging them to revisit and unlock additional puzzles.
Safer Gameplay with a Unique Aesthetic
The podcast delves into the aesthetic choices of Animal Well, such as the decision to use pixel art and fixed screen scrolling. Not only does this choice evoke nostalgia, but it also allows for a careful design of gameplay elements without overwhelming the player. The creators highlight how each screen can present distinct challenges and surprises, enhancing the exploratory nature of the game. By limiting visual clutter and promoting intentional design, players can navigate through a structured yet mysterious environment.
The Iterative Process of Game Design
The discussion emphasizes the iterative nature of game design whereby ideas evolve through testing and player feedback. Billy Basso reflects on how many game mechanics, such as the simulation of elements like vines and fluids, emerged organically through his development process. This adaptability ensures the final game not only meets the creators' vision but also aligns with player expectations and experiences. Engaging directly with players creates opportunities for unexpected discoveries and enriches the overall gameplay experience.
Balancing Community Expectations and Creative Control
Another key theme in the podcast is how audience feedback shapes the post-launch journey for creators. While community engagement is crucial, it also introduces challenges, as players may become too focused on puzzle-solving at the expense of enjoying the game. The hosts discuss the balance required in maintaining the game's mystery while fostering a supportive community dedicated to exploring secrets. Striking this balance allows for a healthier, more enriching environment for both the players and the developers.
Will There Be More in the Future?
Billy and Dan touch on the potential of future projects and how successful reception of Animal Well influences their creative direction. The enthusiasm for continuing to explore new gaming ideas and integrate player feedback into future games is palpable. They express hope that the game's unique mechanics and engaging secrets will inspire them to broaden their creative horizons. The discussion leaves listeners excited at the prospect of more innovative and engaging titles from the team.
We're joined by Animal Well's sole developer Billy Basso and his business partner Dan Adelman to discuss their genre-defying/defining, steeped-in-secrets hit. Plus special guest co-host Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything), as we dig deep into the game's slow-burn development, the iteration of its manifold gameplay (and other) layers, and the delicate balance of stoking the fires of your fanbase.
