Tony Howard-Arias

In this engaging discussion, Abby Howard and Tony Howard-Arias, creators from Black Tabby Games, delve into their transition from graphic novels to game development. They share insights on crafting narratives with player choices in 'Slay the Princess,' tackling technical challenges, and exploring intimacy in storytelling. The duo highlights the emotional depth of character interactions and the significance of player death as a narrative tool, transforming potential failures into profound storytelling moments. Their passion for balancing artistry and gameplay shines throughout.

Join Abby Howard, an artist known for her work on Slay the Princess, and Tony Howard-Arias, a game designer at Black Tabby Games, as they share insights into their creative process. They discuss the evolving design of characters, the emotional depth of gameplay, and their nostalgic ties to classic gaming. Their experiences in indie game development highlight the balance of deadlines and creativity, while the spooky themes of their recent release make it perfect for Halloween enthusiasts.

Abby Howard, artist and co-founder of Black Tabby Games known for hand-drawn character design; Tony Howard-Arias, game designer and co-founder focusing on branching narrative and systems. They discuss hand-drawn animation, designing reactive branching choices, balancing romance and solo play, letting players avoid the plot, and Southern Gothic roots shaping characters and tone.