Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

We're joined by Ben Wilson (Saltsea Chronicles), John Axon (Capybara Games), and Scott Anderson (Unity) to discuss Pingolf, the 31st game in the UFO 50 collection. “Each year the best golfers in the galaxy show up to compete at the UFO Invitational.” Next week: Mortol II Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Desert Golfing https://store.steampowered.com/app/757040/Desert_Golfing/  Golfing on Mars https://store.steampowered.com/app/1340570/Golf_On_Mars/ Cursed to Golf https://store.steampowered.com/app/1726120/Cursed_to_Golf/ Executive Golf DX (Playdate) https://play.date/games/executive-golf/ Yoku’s Island Express https://store.steampowered.com/app/334940/Yokus_Island_Express/ Scott’s Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/impossible.bsky.social John's Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/johnaxon.bsky.social Ben’s Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/zerofiftyone.bsky.social Ben's Crosswords https://zerofiftyone.net/ The End of Gameplay by droqen https://store.steampowered.com/app/3120040/The_End_of_Gameplay/ 31 Unmarked Games by droqen https://droqen.itch.io/31-unmarked-games  Episode 69 – Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson https://eggplant.show/69-building-a-better-bridge-with-ben-wilson Episode 129 – Reinforcing Worldbuilding through Gameplay with Spoils https://eggplant.show/129-reinforcing-worldbuilding-through-gameplay-with-spoils  A Year of UFO 50 - Golfaria https://eggplant.show/ep-a-year-of-ufo-50-golfaria   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).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 5 and share their Mole suspicions.  Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Every Game In This City, Season 1 - Escape Rooms in Kuala Lumpur https://www.idlethumbs.net/everygame/episodes/a-chocolate-milk-heist Ep 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 Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant  

In the 4th installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into Caves of Qud. This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015. Doug and Rob - joined by special guest host Star St. Germain - continue talking about the main quest with one of the game's creators, Jason Grinblat. This episode we talk through Pax Klanq, Yd Freehold, and the Tomb of Eaters. Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series. Show Notes: Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io: https://freeholdgames.itch.io/cavesofqud Caves of Qud soundtrack: https://freeholdgames.itch.io/caves-of-qud-soundtrack 2025 Independent Games Festival: https://igf.com/article/consume-me-wins-grand-prize-nuovo-award-2025-igf-awards Doug & Rob let's play video of Tomb of the Eaters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is3keH8R-8A Star on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/thisisstar.bsky.social Jason on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:zflcrtqmb7pcwouiixuf22pq

In this lively chat, Stephanie Boluk and Patrick LeMieux, both game educators at UC Davis, join Gab Koenig, the creative mind behind Tux and Fanny. They dive into the game Rock On! Island, discussing its whimsical premise of defending a cave from dinosaurs. The trio explores tower defense mechanics, reminiscing about nostalgic titles while analyzing the evolution of gameplay. With humor and insights, they share personal gaming anecdotes and the journey of mastering game design, highlighting the importance of community and creativity in the industry.

We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 4 and share their Mole suspicions.  Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Wie is de Mol (Netherlands) Season 14, Episode 3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTgfpKoX96M&list=PL0V4yzkm-Av38Wy9dJZCLGsjOhKzXDVRp&index=3 Ep 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 Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant

Join Adam Saltsman, co-founder of indie publisher Finji, Trent Kusters, an Australian game developer, and Teddy Dief, known for Hyper Light Drifter, as they dive into 'Vainger', a standout title in the UFO 50 collection. They discuss unique game mechanics and design inspirations, comparing it to classics while tackling the challenges of speedrunning. The trio also shares insights on creativity in indie games and highlights exciting upcoming projects. Plus, they can't help but rave about a new local eatery, Gabury Chicken!

We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 3 and share their Mole suspicions.  There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 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 Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant

Xalavier Nelson Jr., a prolific game developer known for his efficient project management, joins Bennett Foddy, famed for his quirky games like QWOP. Together, they dive into 'Rail Heist,' exploring its real-time action combined with strategic gameplay. The duo shares hilarious anecdotes from the development process and reflects on its multiplayer chaos. They discuss the balance of skill and randomness, nostalgic elements from classic games, and gameplay mechanics that encourage teamwork. Get ready for a blend of humor, nostalgia, and insightful game design!

We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 2 and share their Mole suspicions.  There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 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 Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant  

In this lively discussion, game developers Kayin, known for 'I Wanna Be The Guy', and Jay Ma, celebrated for 'Into the Breach', explore the immersive world of 'Divers' from the UFO 50 collection. They dive into unique game mechanics, emotional storytelling, and nostalgic influences that shape modern RPGs. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about navigating gameplay challenges, the importance of sound design, and how ambiguity enhances player engagement. With humor and camaraderie, they underscore the value of community in the gaming landscape.