The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook

This episode is supported by Xsolla Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Final Fantasy VII actor Briana White. Together they discuss the casting process and how she originally auditioned for both Tifa and Aerith; respecting the original Japanese performance by Maaya Sakamoto; how localization transforms the creative process; how she dealt with insecurity and imposter syndrome ahead of her performance; and what her next dream role would be. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

Dom Matthews, Studio Head at Ninja Theory, discusses his journey from communications manager to leading the development of immersive games. He shares insights into crafting life-changing art with cutting-edge tech, emphasizing the significance of resonant narratives in gaming. Matthews also highlights the importance of a supportive studio culture that encourages feedback and trust. He reflects on the studio's unique identity and their creative autonomy post-acquisition by Microsoft, reinforcing the value of collaboration in game development.

Derek Yu, co-creator of the acclaimed game Spelunky, joins fellow indie developers Jon Perry and Eirik Suhrke to unravel their creative odyssey behind UFO 50, a unique collection of 50 retro-inspired games. They dive into the storytelling and teamwork that sparked this massive project, emphasizing the role of constraints in innovation. The trio shares insights from their collaborative brainstorming sessions, the challenges of maintaining diverse gameplay aesthetics, and the joy of revisiting old designs with fresh eyes. Tune in for a fascinating glimpse into indie game development!

This episode is supported by Xsolla Adam Orth chats with Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive. Together they discuss Tim's long tenure at id Software and his work on the Quake series; why after 23 years he decided to leave and join Saber; the development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2; the importance of "finding the fun" early; the creation of the swarm technology behind the Tyranids; and how the success of Space Marine 2 has been transformative for the entire company. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

This episode is supported by Xsolla Trent Kusters chats with Eric Monacelli, an executive producer at Marvel Games. Together they discuss his career working on the marketing and community side of some of gaming's biggest franchises including Bioshock, The Last of Us, and Call of Duty; the process of how development studios come to work with Marvel and what a successful collaboration looks like; the steps they take to maintain authenticity; and what it's like working with fan communities of established IP with high expectations.  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

Jon Everist, a composer known for his captivating scores in games like Shadowrun and Battletech, discusses his shift from economics to music. He explores how creative constraints can spark innovation, sharing insights from his latest work on Star Wars Outlaws. Jon reflects on the emotional power of sound in gaming, drawing parallels between indie and AAA titles. He also opens up about navigating doubts in creativity and the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the music industry.

Mikolaj Stroinski, an award-winning Polish composer famous for his work on the Witcher franchise, shares fascinating insights about his creative journey. He discusses how his diverse influences, from Africa to Los Angeles, shaped his unique sound. Listeners will enjoy stories of composing for both video games and television, the significance of collaboration, and the immersive experience brought by live orchestral music. He also touches on the art of mixing and offers a glimpse into his future projects, including a film titled Diplaticus.

This episode is supported by Xsolla Xbox's Jun Shen Chia chats with Kris Antoni, Founder of Toge Productions. Together they discuss the history of Toge including the release and reception of their hit indie game, Coffee Talk; what's next for the studio; the burgeoning development scene in Southeast Asia; and how Toge is working with studios in the region to help them reach audiences worldwide. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

This episode is supported by Xsolla Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Alison Lührs, Narrative Director on Bungie's Destiny 2. Together they discuss her approach to writing for fantasy in the Dungeons & Dragons universe and now sci-fi for Destiny 2; the unique aspects of writing for live service games; how to start projects effectively; and how theater and improv have informed the way she writes. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

Dan Adelman, an indie gaming business guru with experience at Xbox and Nintendo, shares insights on the evolving landscape of indie games. He discusses his transition from corporate giant to independent advisor, and the importance of creativity paired with business acumen. Adelman highlights the impact of subscription models like Game Pass, and the challenges indie developers face in pricing and visibility. Drawing from his journey, he emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships and community engagement to ensure success in the competitive gaming industry.