Derek Yu

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.

Derek Yu, renowned for Spelunky, joins fellow game developer Jon Perry and composer Eirik Suhrke in a lively discussion about their ambitious project, UFO 50. They share insights into the eight-year development journey and the creative challenges faced in game design. The trio explores the unique approach to player experience, balancing nostalgia with innovation, and how atmospheric silence in Barbuda enhances gameplay. They also reflect on personal growth and the valuable lessons learned through collaboration, bringing humor and passion to their game development tales.

Derek Yu, Spelunky developer, joins the podcast to discuss various topics including the evolution of indie game releases, the concept of 'roguelike likes,' the mechanics and atmosphere of the ice cave in Spelunky, interactions and surprises in the game, random level generation in different genres, room design, game development recommendations, procedural content generation, fairness in roguelike games, and the difficulty progression in Spelunky.

Join game designers Derek Yu, known for Spelunky, and Jon Perry, noted for compact, themed games, alongside musician Eirik Suhrke, indie dev Paul Hubans, and Tyriq Plummer as they reflect on their journey with UFO 50. They delve into the beauty of ambiguity in game narratives, the impact of emergent storytelling in Party House, and the evolution of audio across the collection. Personal anecdotes highlight the project's significance in their lives, while insights into their collaborative process offer a glimpse into indie development dynamics.

Join game developers Jon Perry and Derek Yu as they dive into the creative process behind their game Hot Foot, a unique entry in the UFO 50 collection. They share nostalgic anecdotes about childhood games and discuss the delicate balance of multiplayer vs. single-player dynamics. Hear about the challenges of making gameplay accessible while maintaining excitement and fairness. Their insights on collaboration and character development highlight the evolution of game design and the joy of community engagement at GDC 2025.