Eben Howard

Guests include Darren Grey, Tom Ford, Numeron, Eben Howard, Ido Yehieli, and Jeff Lait. They discuss creating a good 7DRL, defining and ranking roguelikes, the supportive game developer community, text in games and permadeath, death in video games, game experience and advice, using SquidLib for unique games, designing roguelikes, and the challenges of developing on mobile.

In this engaging discussion, game designer Eben Howard, known for his insights on roguelike mechanics, addresses the often-misguided 'Hero Trap' that players fall into. He and the hosts explore how narrative framing in games like FTL encourages heroism, often leading to risky decisions. They delve into strategies such as teaching players to retreat, recommending beginner-friendly builds that focus on stealth, and revising XP models to reward non-combat approaches. They also discuss creating meaningful narratives and tactical frameworks to enhance player experience in roguelikes.

Eben Howard, a contributor to the roguelike community, and indie developer Aaron Steed delve into the world of accessible roguelikes. They discuss how new players often hesitate with turn-based mechanics and the intimidating nature of tight gameplay balances. The pair also explore the importance of theme and clarity in interfaces, sharing how approachable games like FTL and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon can attract newcomers. With insights on designing for player comfort and suggestions for accessible titles, listeners gain valuable tips on welcoming new fans into the genre.

Guests on this episode include Darren Grey, Tom Ford, Numeron, Eben Howard, and Jeff Lait. They discuss topics such as implementing SmartCubold and balancing AI difficulty, differentiating creature behaviors in roguelike games, designing single hit point roguelike games, the importance of aesthetics in video games, creating urgency in a zombie apocalypse, challenges with drawing to the screen and framework preferences, and discussions on the roguelike game development community and procedural content.

Tom Ford, a developer with expertise in mobile roguelike design, joins Eben Howard, an avid roguelike enthusiast, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of mobile gaming. They explore the importance of rethinking touch interfaces, advocating for intuitive controls over on-screen buttons. The duo dives into specific design innovations like WazHack’s side-scrolling mechanics and Dungeon Ascendance’s context-aware gameplay. They also emphasize the need for short, engaging sessions and effective inventory management to enhance player experience on mobile devices.