Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

This podcast features Carolyn Petit, a veteran games journalist and managing editor at Kotaku, alongside Scott Anderson, a software engineer at Unity with a rich background in both AAA and indie games. They dive into Valbrace, the latest addition to UFO 50, highlighting its innovative mechanics and nostalgic ties to classic dungeon crawlers. The conversation also touches on player challenges with gameplay dynamics, the evolution of RPG customization, and the excitement surrounding the Cherry Rush charity speedrun event, fostering a vibrant discussion of community and creativity in gaming.

Join Alex Jaffe, a lead champion designer at Riot Games, Scott Anderson, a graphics engineer at Unity, and Alfredo Barraza, a gameplay trailer expert at Riot. They dive into the mechanics of 'Hyper Contender,' exploring its dynamic gameplay and nostalgic elements of fighting games. The trio shares personal anecdotes, discusses studio dynamics and the community's role in game development, and reflects on innovation versus accessibility in game design. Their banter is filled with humor and insights about the gaming industry's evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Dubbin, a lawyer and the top-ranked player of Lost Cities on Board Game Arena, shares his insights on high-level play. He delves into the psychological aspects of strategy, emphasizing how understanding opponents can be pivotal. The conversation also explores the emotional stakes involved in achieving greatness and the intricacies of Elo rankings. Listeners will appreciate anecdotes about competitive adventures and the impact of community in both legal and gaming realms.

Join Liz Ryerson, a musician and writer known for her insights on GamerGate and labor rights in gaming, alongside Russ Frushtick, co-founder of Polygon.com. They delve into 'Campanella 2,' exploring its roguelike challenges and comparing it to classics like Spelunky. The conversation touches on emotional impacts of sequels, the nostalgia of retro gaming, and the intricacies of game design. Their amusing dialogue highlights overlooked mechanics and the creativity behind current gaming trends, while offering personal reflections and recommendations.

We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 9 (reunion) and try to rank and contextualize the season. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and more. 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, including live finale interviews: https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant

Izzy Kestrel, a game developer from Funomena and No Goblin, joins John Axon, a programmer and Discord moderator, to discuss Overbold, a thrilling arcade shooter. They dive into how risk-taking can lead to greater rewards in gameplay. The conversation touches on nostalgic gaming experiences, comparing Overbold's mechanics to classic titles. They also humorously explore character strategies and the community's inventive contributions to game design, highlighting the fun and challenges of navigating the vibrant world of retro gaming.

We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 8 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: Reality TV Warriors finale live interviews w/ Gilles, Michèle, Alexy https://rtvwarriors.wordpress.com/2025/05/13/diary-of-a-mole-finale-iv/ 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 engaging discussion, guests include Shawn Alexander Allen, a dedicated advocate for marginalized game developers; Robert Ashley, creator of the documentary series A Life Well Wasted; Trent Kusters, a game developer with a rock band past; and Greg Ford, a former gaming journalist. They delve into the challenges and mechanics of the game Fist Hell, exploring its dark themes and community reactions. The conversation highlights nostalgia in gaming, innovative design choices, and the evolving landscape of player experiences, making for an entertaining insight into the gaming industry.

We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13).  Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 7 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: 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

Stephanie Boluk, a game educator from UC Davis, joins fellow faculty member Patrick LeMieux, a speedrunning expert, and Aaron 'ix' Kearsley, a former speedrunner. They dive into Mortol II, discussing its unique gameplay mechanics, including the absence of traditional save systems. The trio explores the chaotic politics of Mortolia and shares hilarious anecdotes from their gaming experiences. They also reflect on the evolving landscape of game design, contrasting nostalgic elements with modern innovations, making for a lively, insightful conversation.