Hey, Good Game

Slavi Grozev, the mastermind behind Random Trivia Generator, transitioned from acoustic engineering to creating a beloved trivia platform inspired by quiz bowls and long drives. He shares how he manages to evolve the site while juggling family life and a full-time job. The discussion covers user engagement strategies, the impact of the pandemic on growth, and future enhancements like gamified quizzes. Slavi also reveals the challenges of monetizing passion projects while maintaining accessibility for trivia lovers.

David Ngo, creator of ChessHub.com and software engineer at Amazon, shares his journey of merging game development with his love for chess. He discusses the evolution of ChessHub, emphasizing user-friendly features and personalized game analysis tools. Insights into monetization strategies reveal how he enhances user engagement through community feedback. David also highlights future plans for tailored lessons and multiplayer options, aiming to revolutionize the chess learning experience. Aspiring game creators will find his advice invaluable!

Linmiao Xu, creator of Blitztactics.com and a passionate chess enthusiast, discusses his journey in developing a unique online chess puzzle platform. He shares his love for blitz chess and how it fuels his creative process. Lin also connects his charcoal art inspired by challenging games like Dark Souls to his travels across Asia. He dives into his role in enhancing AI, particularly with Stockfish, and explores future projects in game development. The conversation highlights the blend of gaming, creativity, and community engagement.

Richard Rognlie, creator of Gamerz.net, dives into the nostalgic world of play-by-email games. With a programming background that spans from self-taught BASIC to web development, he shares insights on over 270 games hosted on his platform. Richard discusses the mechanics of asynchronous gameplay, challenges in game design, and the community dynamics of email gaming. He reflects on personal gaming experiences from his childhood, the future of email-based games, and innovative twists to classic games like Risk. A fascinating discussion that blends tech and play!

Sandro Wahl, CEO and founder of PreAlpha, shares insights from his journey in creating Make It Meme, a viral multiplayer game centered around meme creation. He discusses the challenges of moderation and monetization while highlighting the game's unique gameplay mechanics. Sandro reveals the dynamics of meme culture within the game and its community impact. Exciting updates for the future are also in the spotlight, showcasing how player engagement shapes the evolution of this innovative game.

Gabriele Cirulli, the genius behind 2048, reflects on his journey from creating the viral hit at just 19 to establishing a full-time commitment to its reimagined version. He shares insights on navigating sudden success and the creative legacy of his work, viewing countless clones as a form of artistic inspiration rather than theft. Gabriele discusses game development complexities, the transition to online multiplayer, and the importance of community feedback in evolving the game, offering a fresh perspective on originality in gaming.

In this conversation, Rens Rongen, the creator of Ninja.io, shares his inspiring journey from childhood gaming to developing a hit multiplayer shooter. He discusses the evolution from hobby to serious project, emphasizing the importance of user feedback and community engagement. Rens reflects on the technical transition from Flash to HTML5 and how it transformed his game development process. He also explores the intricacies of balancing corporate work with his passion for gaming, revealing his plans for future projects that promote creativity.

Jimmy Dickinson, a former Intel and UPS techie turned full-time indie game developer, dives into his journey with CardsJD.com. He discusses the challenges of creating multiplayer card games, emphasizing the importance of player interaction and effective communication. Jimmy reveals his entrepreneurial mindset, balancing monetization through ads and in-app purchases without hindering gameplay. He also shares insights on community building, platform optimization, and innovative achievement systems that enhance player engagement. Tune in for a masterclass in indie game development!

Aman Rawal and Ben Hollier, co-founders of MathHeads, share insights into their popular math game designed to make mental math fun. They dive into backend challenges and the innovative multiplayer features that enhance user engagement. The duo highlights their strategic use of Discord for community interaction and iterative development based on player feedback. They also candidly discuss the complexities of monetization and navigating infrastructure costs while emphasizing growth before profits, along with unexpected collaboration opportunities.

Andrew Bartle, the mastermind behind QuizWise and co-founder of PeerWeb Limited, shares his inspiring journey from childhood game developer to successful entrepreneur. He discusses the transformative power of passion in gaming and the profound influence of his late collaborator, Barry Lakeman. The conversation dives into the balance between ad revenue and user experience, the use of AI for quality control, and the importance of user feedback in crafting captivating quizzes. Bartle also reflects on future aspirations and the communal aspect of quiz-taking.