The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook

In this engaging conversation, Alexey Pajitnov, the brilliant mind behind Tetris, delves into his early computing experiences and the game's innovative design. He shares insights on real-time gameplay, the pressure of his iconic creation, and the evolution of puzzle mechanics. Pajitnov also discusses Tetris's profound cultural legacy, including its memorable music and future possibilities like drone shows. You'll love how he reflects on the simplicity and connectivity that Tetris continues to inspire in gaming and beyond.

Brian Bucklew and Jason Grinbalt, co-founders of Freehold Games, dive into their monumental 17-year development journey of the science fantasy roguelike, Caves of Qud. They discuss the intricacies of balancing bespoke and procedural design, emphasizing the importance of community input and technological evolution. Listeners will find insights into the unique water ritual mechanics reflecting real social dynamics and the unexpected player creativity that leads to bizarre game moments. Their passion and challenges make for an engaging tale of indie game development.

Aldo Sampaio, an audio director with a rich background in AAA game development, shares his insights on creating sound and music for Eternal Strands. He reflects on his journey through major studios, including work on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The discussion covers the evolution of sound design, job insecurity in gaming, and transitioning from AAA to indie environments. Aldo also delves into crafting dynamic soundscapes that enhance emotional engagement in gameplay, showcasing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the audio production process.

Will Todd and James Carbutt from Coal Supper dive into the art of crafting comedy in games, drawing on their Yorkshire roots for inspiration. They discuss how their childhood gaming experiences shaped their passion for game creation. The duo reveals the intriguing balance between humor and pacing in adventure games, and share behind-the-scenes stories about working with voice actors. Their unique approach involves blending nostalgia with local dialects, creating authentic characters while simplifying mechanics for comedic effect.

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Anne, Douglas, and Nate Austin from Worldwalker Games, developers of Wildermyth. Together they discuss how they started creating games together; the inspirations behind the story and gameplay of Wildermyth; how to create iconic and memorable characters in procedural experiences; the differences between writing for procedural generation compared to a traditional campaign; and how to handle early access as a narrative focused game. This episode is supported by Xsolla Episode Host: Alexa Ray Corriea Producers: Claudio Tapia and Josh Chu, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a rating and review. Follow us: linktr.ee/AIAS Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

Remy Siu, creative director of Sunset Visitor, and Pinki Li, narrative designer, share their unique journey from live performance to game development. They discuss how real-life inspirations shape their work and the significance of constraints in fostering creativity. The duo illustrates the integration of dance into interactive storytelling and reflects on the emotional depth of capturing Hong Kong's essence. They also delve into the art of crafting compelling endings that balance player choice with narrative resolution, revealing the deep connection between storytelling and gameplay.

Ashley Poprik, a seasoned video game writer for titles including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Chris Holzworth, a veteran in writing and localization, share their insights. They discuss the pressures of contributing to such an iconic franchise and how they craft compelling narratives. Topics include the differences in writing for single-player versus multiplayer modes, the challenge of weaving in contemporary themes like trauma and revenge, and the importance of character-driven stories that resonate with players.

David Garcia, Audio Director at Ninja Theory, shares his journey from Spain to crafting soundscapes that enhance emotional experiences in gaming. He dives into the creation of the haunting audio for Hellblade, discussing the innovative use of binaural sound to authentically portray psychosis. Garcia emphasizes the importance of ethical representation of mental health and shares insights into the collaboration and creativity involved in game audio design. His passion for merging music with storytelling provides a fresh perspective on the art of sound in games.

Rebecca Ford, Creative Director at Digital Extremes, shares her inspiring journey from intern to leading Warframe. She discusses the vital role of community feedback in game development, emphasizing transparency and trust. Ford addresses the challenges of female representation in creative leadership, advocating for diversity in the industry. She reflects on the game's evolution, personal anecdotes about its early days, and the emotional complexities faced by developers. Tune in for insights on resilience and innovative thinking in shaping beloved gaming experiences.

Brian Kwek, founder of Ysbryd Games, dives into the heart of indie publishing, sharing insights from his experience with impactful titles like VA-11 HALL-A and World of Horror. He discusses the importance of cultural authenticity in Southeast Asian game development and the unique challenges faced by developers in the region. Networking and mental health in the gaming community are emphasized, alongside the evolving landscape of gaming conventions post-pandemic. Kwek also teases the upcoming psychological horror game, Love Eternal, and highlights the joy of creative collaboration.