Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

Laura chats with Jeremy Johnston and Robin Ward about The Roottrees are Dead, their genealogy, murder-mystery, “static deduction” game. We discuss the development process of taking a jam prototype to full release, developing hints and systems that lead players to satisfying discoveries, and the taxonomy of games like The Roottrees are Dead and The Return of the Obra Dinn. Spoilers abound, so consider playing the game first before tuning in. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway   Discussed in this episode: The Roottrees are Dead (Steam) https://store.steampowered.com/app/2754380/The_Roottrees_are_Dead/   The Roottrees are Dead (itch.io – Global Game Jam entry) https://jjohnstongames.itch.io/the-roottrees-are-dead  Return of the Obra Dinn https://store.steampowered.com/app/653530/Return_of_the_Obra_Dinn/  Outer Wilds https://store.steampowered.com/app/753640/Outer_Wilds/  Her Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/368370/Her_Story/  Family https://owlskip-games.itch.io/family  Type Help https://william-rous.itch.io/type-help  The Rise of the Golden Idol https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/  Blue Prince https://store.steampowered.com/app/1569580/Blue_Prince/  Severance https://tv.apple.com/us/show/severance/umc.cmc.1srk2goyh2q2zdxcx605w8vtx  White Lotus https://www.max.com/shows/white-lotus/14f9834d-bc23-41a8-ab61-5c8abdbea505 Righteous Gemstones https://www.max.com/shows/righteous-gemstones/c3bd0a34-c4ce-4ca5-bd6c-820df7340671  Announcement: Eggplant Plays De Mol (2025 Season) https://eggplant.show/announcing-eggplant-plays-de-mol-2025-season  The Genius (Korean Game Show) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Genius_(TV_series)  Robin Ward’s blog (links to socials included) https://eviltrout.com/  The Roottrees are Dead Discord server https://discord.com/invite/Z6Y5sE9Dgt  https://eggplant.show/ https://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow

We're joined by (most of) the developers of UFO 50 - Derek Yu, Jon Perry, Eirik Suhrke, Tyriq Plummer, and Paul Hubans - to close out our series with a project-spanning discussion of their development process, how they're feeling a year out from launch, and so much more. Next week: Who knows?? Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: 868-HACK https://868-hack.neocities.org/  Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE! Recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTHuGIU3wRI  Eggplant Merch! https://cottonbureau.com/people/eggplant-the-secret-lives-of-games-podcast   A Year of Block Koala https://redcircle.com/shows/4e5322d3-2ea6-42dc-bfb3-18a427384a68 Roguelike Celebration 2025 (Including Fireside Chat with Jon Perry!) https://www.roguelike.club/event2025.html   Time Barons https://www.time-barons.com/about.html   Middleditch and Schwartz https://www.middleditchandschwartz.com/  SPONTANEANATION with Paul F. Tompkins https://www.earwolf.com/show_archive/spontaneanation-with-paul-f-tompkins-archive/  Scrubbin’ Trubble (Tyriq’s upcoming game) https://scrubbintrubble.com/ Madhouse (Paul’s upcoming game) https://store.steampowered.com/app/3727130/MADHOUSE/   UFO 50 Physical Edition https://www.fangamer.com/products/ufo-50-game-nintendo-switch-deluxe-edition  https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow  http://discord.gg/eggplant  https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow

Full audio from our epic live series finale, packed with previous series guests, tarot readings, mad libs, touching listener letters, and so much more. Come laugh and cry with us, say goodbye to UFO 50, and hear what's next for Eggplant! Next week: Final interview with the UFO 50 recovery team! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE! Twitch VOD https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2569097617   Eggplant Merch! https://cottonbureau.com/people/eggplant-the-secret-lives-of-games-podcast    Zatoichi’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Zatoichi1962-m6v    Eggplant Party House Thread (for Gainsworthy’s Party House of the Day challenge!) https://discord.com/channels/690388280767807518/1286353349817663519   The Beauty of Games by Frank Lantz https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262552950/the-beauty-of-games/    A Life Well Wasted https://alifewellwasted.com/    Beyond a Boundary by C. L. R. James https://www.dukeupress.edu/beyond-a-boundary    Jacques’ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacquesnessmonster/   Sean’s Portfolio http://seanfeeley.com/   Sean’s Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/thebigfeel    Sounds from The Abyss mixes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdRlER1F5rGvaoE-XbV6jz6OymxQw4jx   Tim Follin - Chronos A Tapestry of Time theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2WgfEj_zjc&list=RDP2WgfEj_zjc&start_radio=1    Tim Follin - Ghouls and Ghosts Level 3  https://youtu.be/BTUD0XuXT8k?si=JpzOvQwBqS98v3EH    Martin Galway - Parallax Theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8LEA23R-Nc&list=RDA8LEA23R-Nc&start_radio=1     Stephane Picq - Gorbi (kgb)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z48ncQu5bh4&list=RDZ48ncQu5bh4&start_radio=1    Wladcy Ciemonski (lords of the darkness) theme by Leszek Holda  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1MlvwuZc74&list=RDv1MlvwuZc74&start_radio=1    Starship Rendezvous - Mysticism (Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata)  https://youtu.be/YAILyCJ63iQ?si=XAaP2aah_91U29Zj&t=575    Kaimei-In (Stage 4) [Tiger Road (Arcade)] - Harumi Fujita, Tamayo Kawamoto https://youtu.be/gGEG3DOnJlA?si=Kbii_9lz72OnOR0P&t=638    The Cartoncast  https://fancybat.com/cartoncast    https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow

We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV) to discuss [REDACTED] hidden within the UFO 50 collection. Massive spoilers ahead! Next week: Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE!(Airing live on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST at https://www.twitch.tv/eggplantshow) Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant Merch! https://cottonbureau.com/people/eggplant-the-secret-lives-of-games-podcast  FuryForged – What dark secrets hide beneath the surface of UFO 50? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__FyJ-Obu9E UFO 50 WRITE-UP v2 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yuVnnJDmKKGrlTIGVn1Zykp9Tpn4rthGFei1gztRAN4/edit?tab=t.0  MAPPING MUSIC TO MIAS https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kvdqYzJCO16-UAZV5tkTIrltzEOcQjQV/mobilepresent?slide=id.g30af015f402_0_0  MRMACDUGGAN'S GAME LORE SHEET https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JqOjkGkXjoRvE_uE-nc4bTfFOzcudvKP3WDanGdaio0/edit?gid=2032987708#gid=2032987708 TERMINAL 101 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y2gHxlxKlm2jyTIY_7QoNOF6iUjhvfWnOO6mIy6P-H8/edit?gid=0#gid=0  Exeter Book Riddles https://oldenglishpoetry.camden.rutgers.edu/exeter-book-riddles/  Mushroomy Kingdom  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhNgQ16s-u8  Deadly Premonition OST – Life is Beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzvXBFwcyek Yume Nikki https://store.steampowered.com/app/650700/Yume_Nikki/  Undertale https://undertale.com/ Off https://offtherpg.com/ Space Funeral the First https://thecatamites.itch.io/space-funeral Ib https://vgperson.com/games/ib.htm Petscop https://www.youtube.com/petscop UFO 50 Bandcamp https://phlogiston.bandcamp.com/album/ufo-50 Miasma Tower Bandcamp https://phlogiston.bandcamp.com/album/miasma-tower B3313 Mario 64 Mod https://b3313.fandom.com/wiki/B3313  Has anyone else seen this in miasma tower? i dont know how exactly to trigger it https://www.reddit.com/r/ufo50/comments/1guzkfu/has_anyone_else_seen_this_in_miasma_tower_i_dont/  The Grasshopper (and "Words on Play")  https://broadviewpress.com/product/the-grasshopper-third-edition/#tab-description Glider (Conway’s Game of Life) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glider_(Conway%27s_Game_of_Life) Eric Zimmerman Manifesto: The 21st Century Will Be Defined By Games  https://kotaku.com/manifesto-the-21st-century-will-be-defined-by-games-1275355204 Games Climbers Play by Lito Tejada-Flores https://www.alpinejournal.org.uk/Contents/Contents_1968_files/AJ%201968%2046-52%20Tejada-Flores%20Games.pdf https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow  http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow

In this insightful discussion, independent game creator Izzy Kestrel, known for her experimental projects, shares her unique experiences with speedrunning and her emotional journey during a 50-day play experiment of Cyber Owls. Game developer Shawn Alexander Allen explores the creative context of the fictional studio and the mashup of retro inspirations. Rand Hall adds depth with listener commentary, enriching the exploration of gameplay mechanics and the interplay between parody and difficulty. Together, they celebrate the challenges and triumphs of the Cyber Owls universe.

Join Liz Ryerson, a multifaceted musician and writer, Adam Conover, the comedic mastermind behind Adam Ruins Everything, and Steve Gillham, a seasoned games critic, as they dive into the universe of Campanella 3. They dissect its rail-shooter mechanics, debate franchise identity, and analyze the nuances of difficulty and player strategies. The trio also explores the game's rhythmic design and hidden microgames, all while teasing intriguing narratives within the UFO 50 collection. Expect insights and laughs in this engaging conversation!

Join indie game developers Daniel Mullins, creator of Inscryption, and Tonda Ros, known for Blue Prince, as they dive into the arcade shooter Seaside Drive. They discuss its unique gameplay and nostalgic aesthetics, while reflecting on the challenges of boss fights and speedrunning. The duo also explores the emotional connections players have with curated collections like UFO 50. In a playful twist, they share insights on upcoming projects, community engagement, and the joys of retro gaming, blending humor and innovation in this vibrant discussion.

Join Scott Anderson, a veteran graphics engineer from Unity, Jackie Vecchitto, co-founder of Holy Wow Studios known for Trombone Champ, and Xalavier Nelson, head of Strange Scaffold. They dive into the quirky world of Quibble Race, mixing humor with darker themes. The team discusses the evolution of game mechanics, the intersection of gaming and gambling, and the emotional impact of quirky narratives. Personal anecdotes and reflections on nostalgia add depth to their lively conversation, making for a fun exploration of indie game development.

We're joined by Alfredo Barraza (Riot Games), Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), and Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis) to discuss Combatants, the 46th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The evil Red Ants have taken your land! Fight Back and defend your queen!” Next week: Quibble Race Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Starcraft: Remastered https://starcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/ Pikmin 1+2 Bundle https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/pikmin-1-plus-2-bundle-switch/ Little King’s Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/390310/Little_Kings_Story/ Tinykin https://www.tinykingame.com/ Patapon https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/patapon-1-plus-2-replay Tooth & Tail https://www.toothandtailgame.com/ The Grasshopper: Games, Life, and Utopia by Bernard Suits https://broadviewpress.com/product/the-grasshopper-third-edition/#tab-description Manifesto: The 21st Century Will Be Defined By Games by Eric Zimmerman https://kotaku.com/manifesto-the-21st-century-will-be-defined-by-games-1275355204  Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change The World by Jane McGonigal https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reality-is-broken-jane-mcgonigal/1100817884?ean=9780143120612 Game Studies Study Buddies 51 – Suits – The Grasshopper https://rangedtouch.com/2022/09/29/51-suits-the-grasshopper/ EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mini & Max https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-mini-max Gio on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/gwishin.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow

We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  In this very special bonus episode, Laura, Jey, Doug, and Melissa sit down with Wouter Verstichel (Director/Showrunner of De Mol) to discuss the experience of working on the show. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and more. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Links: Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series, including live finale interviews: https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow  122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol): https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol  https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow  http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow