The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook

Kristian Segerstrale, CEO of Super Evil Megacorp, discusses his career journey, remote-first game development practices, and the gaming industry's role in addressing climate change. They also touch on the evolution of online gaming platforms, the importance of team cohesion and positivity, and the significance of regular check-ins and retrospectives in game development. Exciting upcoming projects and a commitment to creating quality games are also highlighted.

Kevin Johnson, Director of Development for Double Fine Productions, discusses his journey in the games industry, managing multiple projects and teams, and the impact of filming a documentary while developing a game.

Sam Lake, Creative Director behind Remedy's recent release, Alan Wake II, discusses crafting the world of Alan Wake, learnings from past releases like Max Payne and Control, writing for video games, challenges of using live action film in games, and Scandinavian horror.

Arne Meyer, Head of Culture and Communications at Naughty Dog, talks about his early experience in game PR, starting grassroots ambassadorships in the gaming community, managing a development studio's internal culture, and handling bad press and negative feedback.

Ted Price talks with Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, about 20 years of EVE Online, the partnership between CCP Games and players, and the galactic ripple effects of small decisions. They also discuss the new addition, Eve Vanguard, and the game's economy, council system, fairness, and universe building.

Ken Levine, legendary creator of Bioshock and the upcoming Judas, discusses his journey into game writing, the pressure of following up Bioshock's success, tackling complex narratives, avoiding arrogance, the influence of Looking Glass and films on storytelling, balancing content for oneself and the audience, AI tools in writing, the value of innovation in game development, and the challenges and responsibilities of game development.

Todd Howard from Bethesda Game Studios discusses the development of Starfield, including early ideas and the first year of development. They delve into designing complex game systems, building lore for an original IP, and the unexpected player creativity. They also touch on managing expectations, emergent gameplay, designing deep and accessible systems, the Bethesda-Microsoft transition, blending genres in RPGs, building a playable prototype, and embracing feedback in game development.

Mark MacDonald, SVP of Production at Enhance, discusses the creation of their recently released game Humanity, including its surreal puzzle-action experience, the collaboration with experimental artist Yugo Nakamura, and the decision to incorporate a Shiba Inu dog as a character. They also explore the impact of non-gamers on game teams, the importance of user-generated content and puzzles, and the cohesive visual look of the game influenced by brutalist architecture.

Strange Scaffold's Xalavier Nelson Jr. chats with Adam Hines & Sean Krankel from Night School Studio. Together they discuss releasing their latest game, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals; how new tools are improving the development process; trying to stay unpredictable as a studio; identifying core principles during development; and writing authentic worlds and characters while working with the complex conversation system present in Oxenfree. Be sure to check out Xalavier and Strange Scaffold's newest game El Paso, Elsewhere on Steam. Follow us:  Twitter Instagram Watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

Jaeho Hwang and Nolan King from MINTROCKET Games discuss the unique influences behind their game Dave the Diver, developing a relatable main character, balancing gameplay systems, and plans for future expansion.