Roguelike Radio

Join Aaron Steed, a roguelike developer, Daniel Slaney, a thoughtful retrospective commentator, and Paul Jeffries, an architectural expert, as they unpack insights from the 2012 International Roguelike Development Conference. They dive into the challenges of women in gaming, exploring gender dynamics and gaming fairness. The trio also discusses the fusion of architecture and game design through procedural generation, while critiquing traditional mechanics in roguelikes. Expect a blend of humor and deep insights on innovation and player engagement in the evolving gaming landscape.

Welcome to Roguelike Radio episode 38, where we discuss the tiny roguelikes Zaga-33 and MicRogue. Talking this episode are Ido Yehieli, Keith Burgun, Michael Bough (maker of Zaga-33) and Jason Pickering (maker of MicRogue). Read more »

Welcome to Roguelike Radio episode 37, recorded from the site of the International Roguelike Development Conference 2012 in London. Talking this ep are.... a dozen different people. It's probably all very confusing! Read more »

Welcome to Roguelike Radio episode 36, where we talk about Coffeebreak Roguelikes. Talking this episode are Darren Grey, Ido Yehieli, John Harris and Keith Burgun. Read more »

Game designer Keith Burgun joins the discussion, diving into the nostalgic impact of the Diablo series on gamers. They explore action RPG mechanics, contrasting Diablo with modern titles like Torchlight. The conversation highlights hardcore mode's allure and the tactical challenges of kiting mechanics. Potion farming receives a playful critique, revealing the tension between resource accumulation and strategic depth. They also examine the nature of memorable gaming experiences, reflecting on the addictive qualities that keep players engaged.

Welcome to Roguelike Radio episode 34, where we discuss the platformer roguelike Red Rogue. Talking this episode are Darren Grey, Andrew Doull, Ido Yehieli, John Harris, Keith Burgun, and Aaron Steed, the creator of Red Rogue.  Read more »

Thomas Biskup, the mastermind behind ADOM and ADOM II, shares insights from his decades-long journey in game development. He discusses the intricate balance of randomness and player choices that shapes roguelike experiences. Biskup highlights the immersive weapon skill system and the community's vibrant role in evolving ADOM, especially with its sequel. He reveals how enduring mysteries, like the Scroll of Omnipotence, enhance gameplay intrigue while reflecting on the challenges and excitement of juggling development alongside personal life.

This engaging discussion dives into the intricacies of combat mechanics in roguelikes. Highlights include the balance between realism and enjoyment, with insights on injury systems and damage types. The challenges of mapping movement to attacks are explored, alongside the strategic elements of charging attacks in Unang Band. A fascinating look at the balance between deterministic and RNG-based mechanics reveals their impact on player strategy. Finally, the excitement of critical misses and the need for clarity in combat dynamics are addressed, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

In this lively discussion, Glenn Wichman, co-creator of the original Rogue, shares fascinating insights into the game's birth at UC Santa Cruz. He discusses the early programming hurdles and how Dungeons & Dragons inspired key design elements. The chat highlights Rogue's evolution from Unix to IBM PCs and its lasting impact on the roguelike genre. Glenn also reflects on Japan's divergent roguelike scene and the importance of item identification. This conversation is a treasure trove for gaming enthusiasts!

Welcome to Roguelike Radio episode 30, where we discuss identification systems. Talking this episode are John Harris, Keith Burgun, Ido Yehieli and Andrew Doull. Read more »