Hey, Good Game

Indie-game luminary Tatiana Delgado joins Nate to trace her 20-year journey from drawing paper games as a kid to co-founding Madrid’s Out of the Blue Games. She explains how titles like Call of the Sea create emotional tension without combat, why early VR prototyping was both thrilling and nausea-inducing, and how small studios can balance artistic vision with funding realities. Tatiana also teases two new projects—Lovecraft-flavored sequel Call of the Elder Gods and branching visual-novel series The Vigilante Diaries—while sharing hard-won advice on user testing, team culture, and pitching in today’s crowded market.Check out Tatiana's Resources:https://www.outbluegames.comhttps://x.com/OutBlueGameshttps://x.com/arileaGames Mentioned:Portal 2 - Tatiana's favorite game to playWonder Boy seriesMystRivenAladdin VRWarhammer--(00:00) - to Call of the Sea (00:32) - Tatiana Delgado (01:32) - Gaming Journey (02:15) - Career and Inspirations (10:29) - Out of the Blue Games (13:52) - Development Philosophy (19:16) - in VR Game Development (21:14) - on User Testing and Feedback (25:52) - and Ethical Considerations (26:50) - and Pricing Strategies (31:22) - Projects and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

What does it take to turn a minimalist text-based game into a global phenomenon?Indie developer and software craftsman Amir Rajan joins us to unpack his unconventional path from enterprise software to the top of the App Store with A Dark Room. In this episode, we explore how Amir built the DragonRuby Game Toolkit, why betting on hyper-niche communities pays off, and how rapid prototyping drives sustainable success in indie dev. From cracking console publishing to navigating the unpredictable App Store ecosystem, Amir shares hard-earned insights into the creative and financial realities of going solo in the game industry.Whether you’re a seasoned dev or just starting out, this episode offers an honest look at the intersection of craft, code, and commerce.Check out Amir's Resources:https://amirrajan.net/https://x.com/amirrajanhttps://github.com/amirrajanhttps://www.twitch.tv/amirrajanhttps://www.youtube.com/@amirrajanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amirrajan/https://www.reddit.com/user/amirrajan/Games Mentioned:Illusion of Gaia - Amir's favorite game to playSlay the SpireBalder's Gatemildly interesting RTSDark RoomDe Noble CircleInside VistaDragon Ruby Game Toolkit--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:27) - Amir Rajan's Background and Achievements (01:48) - Favorite Games and Gaming Nostalgia (03:17) - Corporate Life and Transition to Game Development (04:57) - The Inspiration Behind Dragon Ruby (07:57) - Challenges of Mobile App Development (11:01) - Creating Dragon Ruby Game Toolkit (16:01) - The Success of A Dark Room (20:35) - Sustainable Game Development Strategies (22:49) - Indie Game Development Strategies (23:38) - The Importance of Short Release Cycles (24:38) - Cross-Platform Distribution (26:56) - Navigating Console Releases (31:16) - Monetization Strategies (37:15) - Fail Fast and Iterate (39:02) - Community and Networking (43:40) - Maintaining and Updating Games (44:51) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

What does it take to create unforgettable game audio—from eerie soundscapes in Death Stranding to iconic branding in Mortal Kombat? Composer and sound designer Joel Corelitz joins us to talk about his path from writing music for pharmaceutical ads to shaping the sonic identity of major titles. We dive into the creative process, what good feedback really sounds like, the overlooked potential of sound in web games, and why sometimes doing the work is more important than waiting for inspiration.Check out Joel's Resources:https://joelcorelitz.com/http://twitter.com/joelcorelitzhttp://instagram.com/joelcorelitzhttps://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/https://www.youtube.com/@joelcorelitzmusicGames Mentioned:Dark Souls - Joel's favorite game to playHalo InfiniteDeath StrandingMortal Kombat OneThe Unfinished SwanNine SoulsThe Last ClockwinderHyperlight BreakerHyperlight DrifterLazy River--(00:00) - Introduction to Joel Kitz and Wave Plant (00:56) - Joel's Favorite Games and Balancing Work and Play (03:36) - The Journey from Advertising to Game Composing (08:52) - The Creative Process and Musical Language (15:51) - Feedback and Collaboration in Game Music (19:30) - Budgeting for Game Music and Audio Branding (25:30) - Exploring Sound Design in Games (26:14) - The Role of Musicality in Sound Design (30:02) - Challenges in Sound Design and Asset Management (31:04) - Collaborations and Working Solo (32:29) - Impact of AI on Creative Work (35:30) - Teaching Game Music Composition (38:23) - Starting a YouTube Channel (41:46) - Formal Education vs. Self-Learning in Music Composition (43:49) - Reflecting on Career Choices (44:59) - Current and Upcoming Projects (46:08) - Connecting with Joel Online --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

David Workman, aka "Half-Baked Lunatic," is a Microsoft veteran turned puzzle setter who crafts incredibly challenging Sudoku puzzles. He shares his fascinating journey, from inventing TiVo's core technology, which got lost in corporate red tape, to creating a gambling simulation that showcases why casinos always win. David humorously explains the paradox of puzzle creation versus solving and recounts the highs and lows of licensing—like nearly spending millions over a cockroach photo. His expertise has captivated audiences, earning him a spot among elite puzzlers.

In this episode, we talk with Jason Todd—aka Timberlake—the faceless creator behind the YouTube channel Smart Hobbies. Jason shares how he turned Sudoku from a personal pastime into a thriving YouTube channel with over 900K views on a single video. We dive into the strategy behind his growth, why he stays off-camera, how he connects with an older audience, and the surprising power of Sudoku games in a fast-paced creator economy.Check out Timberlake's Resources:https://www.youtube.com/@SmartHobbieshttps://buymeacoffee.com/timberlakebhttps://www.instagram.com/timberlakesmarthobbiesGames Mentioned:Sudoku - Timberlake's favorite game to playWingspanScrabbleChess--(00:00) - Introduction and Top Videos Overview (00:20) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:12) - Meet Jason Todd, AKA Timberlake (01:51) - Jason's Favorite Games (02:22) - The Birth of Smart Hobbies (04:04) - The Faceless Channel Strategy (06:25) - Jason's Background and Career (08:33) - The Journey to YouTube Success (10:35) - Content Creation and Audience Engagement (23:44) - Revenue Streams and Future Plans (29:30) - Balancing Work and Personal Life (29:49) - Overcoming Regret and Embracing Routine (30:18) - Collaborating in the Sudoku Community (33:35) - Growing Your YouTube Channel (34:14) - Choosing the Right Platform for Courses (39:15) - Understanding Your Audience (41:51) - The Importance of Quality Content (45:36) - Exploring the Benefits of Sudoku (52:07) - Future of Sudoku and Community Building (54:55) - Connecting with Timberlake --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Kevin Glikmann is an accomplished actor and game creator, renowned for voicing Seth Breyers in Red Dead Redemption and developing the unique word game WordGlyph. He discusses his journey from childhood inventing to game development, blending coding with creativity. Kevin reveals the challenges of creating an unconventional game and shares how he used AI to streamline the coding process without sacrificing artistry. He also reflects on the challenges of marketing WordGlyph and the emotional vulnerabilities faced in both acting and game design. A delightful mix of inspiration and experience!

Samuel Johnston, co-founder of Bleppo and co-creator of Word Salad, joins us to share how a daily word game turned into a viral hit with over 50 million views. We talk about designing for TikTok, teaching new users game mechanics, building games that are fun (not addictive), and what it’s like growing a studio by betting on the right kind of sharing.Check out Samuel's Resources:https://bleppo.co.uk/https://wordsalad.onlinehttps://numbersalad.com/https://steks.net/Game MentionsMorrowindRimWorldDiablo IIDay of the TentacleRed AlertNYT StrandsNYT Connections--(00:29) - Meet Samuel Johnston: Founder of Bleppo (01:14) - Samuel's Favorite Games (02:07) - Nostalgic Gaming Moments (04:12) - Creating Non-Addictive Games (07:48) - The Birth of Bleppo (10:12) - Developing Word Salad (11:52) - The Art of Cryptic Crosswords (14:50) - Setting Puzzles: A Creative Process (23:34) - Reaching the First Thousand Players (24:21) - Challenges in Marketing and Monetization (24:48) - Pivoting to a New Strategy (25:07) - Leveraging Social Media for Growth (26:58) - Collaborating with Small Content Creators (27:31) - Unexpected Success Stories (36:12) - Refining the Onboarding Process (45:31) - Future Plans and Reflections --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

David Steinberg went from submitting crosswords to the New York Times at age 12 to becoming the editorial manager at Andrews McMeel. In this episode, he shares how puzzles captured his imagination, what makes a great daily game, and why accessibility, surprise, and player-first design are key to long-term success. We also dive into how AI, onboarding, and syndication are shaping the future of games for indie developers and solvers alike.Check out David's Resources:https://syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com/puzzles/category/puzzleshttps://www.gocomics.comFind David Online:http://www.customcrossword.comhttps://www.xwordinfo.com/Thumbs/?author=David+Steinberg60 Seconds With David SteinbergGame Mentionshttps://beekeeperlabs.com/crossfire/https://www.playbalatro.com/https://store.steampowered.com/app/2400510/Dungeons__Degenerate_Gamblers/https://playthebazaar.com/https://imsqueezy.com/https://crosswordfiend.com/--(00:59) - David's Favorite Game Right Now (02:13) - Discovering Crosswords and Early Inspirations (03:54) - First Attempts and Early Rejections (04:46) - Getting Published and Shifting Focus (06:27) - The Appeal and Evolution of Crosswords (09:14) - Creating Crosswords: Tools and Tips (12:56) - Solving Strategies and Tournament Insights (14:58) - Crossword Tournaments and Competitions (18:49) - The Future of Crosswords and Puzzle Games (21:49) - Easy Mode for Friday Crosswords (22:03) - Evolution of Puzzle Creation (23:20) - Criteria for Syndicating Puzzles (25:12) - Measuring Puzzle Success (27:23) - Surprising Aspects of Syndication (28:28) - Trends in the Puzzle and Gaming Industry (33:04) - Merging Comics and Puzzles (35:42) - AI in Puzzle Creation (37:29) - Onboarding Players in Puzzle Games --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Jeff Doka, the creative director and co-founder of World Seekers, brings a wealth of experience in tech and narrative writing. He dives into the fascinating interplay between AI and game design, sharing insights on its advantages and challenges. Doka emphasizes designing games that promote mental and physical well-being, discussing his innovative GPS-based game. The conversation highlights storytelling techniques, community feedback, and the importance of collaboration in game development, while also addressing the balance between AI assistance and human creativity.

Elyot Grant, CEO and Game Director at Lunar Studios. Elyot shares his prolific journey from academia to game development, highlighting his expertise in creating engaging puzzles and successful indie games like Prisma. He discusses his favorite classic games, including Tetris and StarCraft, and provides deep insights into the intricacies of game design and puzzle creation. Elyot also recounts compelling stories about their Kickstarter campaign for Prisma and using Reddit to build an early audience. Additionally, he sheds light on the making and scaling of 'Islands of Insight,' a puzzle game known for its vast number of handcrafted puzzles, emphasizing the blend of artistry and algorithmic generation in game design. This episode is filled with valuable tips for indie developers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.Check out Elyot's Resources:http://lunarchstudios.com/https://user-74792.artstation.com/Socials:http://twitter.com/lunarchstudioshttps://www.facebook.com/Prismata/https://www.youtube.com/lunarchstudios--(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:17) - Elyot Grant's Gaming Preferences (04:41) - Deep Dive into Tetris (16:09) - Challenges and Weaknesses in Gaming (19:43) - Kickstarter and Game Development Journey (30:58) - Building a Community at Expos (31:55) - Building a Community Around a Game (32:49) - Challenges of Collecting Emails at Conventions (35:28) - The Reddit Story: Turning a Failure into Success (42:09) - Kickstarter Campaign: Seizing the Momentum (45:49) - Islands of Insight: Crafting 10,000 Handcrafted Puzzles (53:56) - The Value of Handmade Puzzles vs. Generated Puzzles (01:00:04) - Conclusion and Future Projects --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com