The Secret Lives of Games All Systems Brough - Vertex Dispenser
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Jan 30, 2026 Tara Macalister, mathematician and composer, offers formal-analysis perspective. Darius Kazemi, artist and engineer, brings development history and playtest stories. droqen, designer of Starseed Pilgrim, shares player-focused anecdotes. They dig into Vertex Dispenser’s frenetic graph-traversal gameplay, color-charging mechanics, map geometry and strategy, multiplayer feel, and the game’s intense development and community moments.
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Longtime Collaborators Reflect
- Darius and Rob recount early collaborations and shared projects in the industry prior to this episode.
- That history framed their enjoyment and understanding of Michael Brough's work during the discussion.
Graph Theory As Real-Time Strategy
- Vertex Dispenser turns graph-coloring theory into a frenetic real-time strategy where node colors power abilities.
- Players must manage spatial positioning, color adjacency rules, and constant flux to gain advantage.
A Judge's Fan Email Sparked Support
- Darius discovered Vertex Dispenser as an IGF judge and loved it, then emailed Michael to praise the game.
- That email thread grew into playtesting, feedback, and a long-term friendship.
