The Game Developers' Library

In this episode we discuss Jason Schreier's journalistic account of the creation of a bunch of different games, ranging from huge AAA games like DragonAge: Inquisition, to smaller indie ones like Shovel Knight and Stardew Valley.Game Developers' Library is a regular podcast covering books which may be helpful to people who make games. Tom Hughes is a full-time game developer, and Joe Baxter-Webb is a game designer and game dev content creator.The reading list of GDL is here on Bookshop.org https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-game-developers-library-podcast-reading-list? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Johnson, an indie game developer and Assistant Professor at St. Edward's University, shares insights on game design wisdom from 'A Book of Lenses.' He discusses how the book bridges player psychology and design, highlighting its widespread impact on newcomers and critiques from more technically-minded developers. The conversation dives into the importance of storytelling in gameplay and the delicate balance between challenge and player engagement. Jeremy also emphasizes the role of empathetic design and community influences in shaping innovative game development.

Delve into the essentials of game design, focusing on the theory of fun and its historical roots. Discover the tension between academic rigor and playful presentation, and explore the ethics surrounding game mechanics. The conversation dissects storytelling's role in player experience and argues for recognizing video games as an art form. Ethical responsibilities of designers take center stage, examining how they shape not just games, but societal perceptions. The subjective nature of enjoyment is also spotlighted, hinting at future interactive formats.

In this engaging discussion, game developer Tom Hughes, known for his upcoming mobile game Castle Croak, delves into Derek Yu's influential work on Spelunky. They explore the creative journey of crafting the game, highlighting the challenges of genre blending and the importance of community feedback. The conversation touches on problem-based design, emphasizing originality amidst saturation and the iterative nature of development. Hughes also shares insights into fostering collaborative environments and the significance of engaging with indie game communities.