Tom Francis

Stand-up comic and gaming critic Mike Drucker teams up with Tom Francis, writer and director of Tactical Breach Wizards, to explore the humor hidden in video games. They dissect how video game comedy differs from other media and share hilarious anecdotes from their gaming journeys. Insights include balancing comedic elements with narrative depth, and the cultural connections between gaming and self-identity. Listeners will enjoy tricks for crafting funny game moments and reflections on the nostalgia that shapes our love for video games.

Tom Francis, a seasoned indie game developer known for titles like Gunpoint and Heat Signature, shares his insights on thriving in the game industry. He discusses the balance between structured planning and creative experimentation that drives unique gameplay. The role of AI in enhancing game design is debated, emphasizing human creativity's irreplaceable value. Tom also dives into the importance of setting for player engagement and the emotional challenges during beta testing, providing a glimpse into the artistry and technicalities of game development.

Steve interviews Tom Francis, journalist turned game developer, about his path into game development and his approach to designing a stealth game focused on throwing yourself through plate glass windows. They discuss his journey from disc editor to writer in the PC game industry, his preferences in video games and exploration of weapon types, his inspiration from Valve and notable game developers, the challenges of implementing branching content in Gunpoint, strategies for taking down enemies in the game, and the importance of writing in games.