Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

Mo Cohen, creator and designer of the point-and-click adventure game Queer Quest, and Hagen Deloss, its artist, dive into the colorful world of LGBTQ+ gaming. They share their personal journeys in indie development while blending humor with sincere narratives. The duo discusses the significance of representation, emotional depth, and the challenges of nudity in games. They also explore the fusion of artistic influences from Portland and the collaborative process behind the game. Their insights into grief, access, and community add depth to this vibrant conversation.

Join veteran games writer Carolyn Petit from Kotaku and Russ Frushtick from Polygon as they dive into the quirky game Campanella from the UFO 50 collection. They explore its unique gameplay mechanics and the playful rivalry between gaming platforms. The duo also reflects on the nostalgia of classic games, emphasizing the balance between challenge and enjoyment. Don't miss their humorous insights on gaming culture's evolution and the intriguing ties to iconic titles like Alan Wake!

Join game designer Adam Saltsman of Finji and developer Izzy Kestrel as they dive into the unique mechanics of 'Camouflage,' a stealth-based puzzle game. Adam shares insights from his journey in game design, while Izzy passionately discusses her love for the quirky Gex franchise. They explore gameplay strategies that allow players to blend into their surroundings, the nostalgic charm of the TurboGrafx-16 era, and the innovative design choices that enhance player experience, including collectibles like baby lizards and the humorous interactions within the game.

Adam Conover, a comedian renowned for his show 'Adam Ruins Everything,' joins the lively crew to celebrate their favorite games of 2024. They dive into the unique artistry of titles like 'Caves of Qud' and 'Astro Bot,' while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the emotional connection gaming fosters. The conversation touches on the camaraderie within the gaming community, the nostalgic joys of cooperative gameplay, and the creativity in modding, making for an engaging and humorous exploration of this year’s gaming highlights.

In this conversation, game designers Patrick Traynor, known for Patrick's Parabox, and Frank Lantz, creator of Universal Paperclips, delve into the block-pushing puzzle game Block Koala from the UFO 50 collection. They discuss the game's mechanics, community feedback, and the evolution of Sokoban-style puzzles. With humor and insight, they unpack the challenges faced by players and the nuances of puzzle design. Their reflections on player engagement and the impact of artistic choices make for a lively and engaging dialogue.

Join industry pioneers Alfredo Barraza, a game designer from Riot Games; Casey Yano, co-founder of Mega Crit Games; and Trent Kusters, co-founder of League of Geeks, as they explore the vibrant world of Bushido Ball. They dive into nostalgic game design elements while sharing humorous anecdotes from their collaborations. The trio discusses co-op gameplay, the mechanics of competitive sports titles, and the impact of retro gaming on modern titles. Their passion for community engagement shines through as they reminisce about the joys of local multiplayer experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Jason Grinblat, one of the creators of Caves of Qud, shares insights on the game’s v1.0 release after 17 years of development. They discuss the innovative pets system and how it evolved from community support to a key feature, fostering emotional connections for players. Topics include the intricate mechanics of mutations, survival strategies in roguelike RPGs, and the blend of hand-authored and procedural content in gameplay. The vibrant world-building and political themes of Caves of Qud encourage players to deeply explore its rich narrative.

Joining the conversation is Bennett Foddy, the mastermind behind quirky titles like 'Getting Over It' and 'QWOP,' now developing 'Baby Steps.' The podcast dives into the platforming adventure of 'Mooncat' and its quest for an egg through vivid landscapes. Insights into game's unconventional two-button control scheme spark debate among players. Thoughtful discussions link nostalgia to gameplay mechanics, revealing how design can evoke both joy and frustration. They also explore the community’s feedback, celebrating the creativity and exploration that 'Mooncat' inspires.

Derek Yu, renowned for Spelunky, joins fellow game developer Jon Perry and composer Eirik Suhrke in a lively discussion about their ambitious project, UFO 50. They share insights into the eight-year development journey and the creative challenges faced in game design. The trio explores the unique approach to player experience, balancing nostalgia with innovation, and how atmospheric silence in Barbuda enhances gameplay. They also reflect on personal growth and the valuable lessons learned through collaboration, bringing humor and passion to their game development tales.

Join Tanya X. Short, Lead of Kitfox Games, Star St. Germain, Co-founder of Aconite, and Zach Aikman, Tech director at Chuhai Labs, as they dive into the captivating world of 'Avianos,' a game where birds rule in a strategic war. They explore how autoplay modes affect gameplay and tackle the blend of personal storytelling with whimsical challenges. Discover the unique mechanics, resource management aspects, and nostalgic connections that make 'Avianos' a standout title. Plus, enjoy light-hearted moments with their humorous takes on AI and game design.