Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

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.

Join John Axon, programmer at Capybara Games, and Hayden "Docky" Scott-Baron, seasoned game designer with a rich history at multiple studios, as they dive into the quirky world of 'Kick Club.' Discover the nostalgic charm of sports-themed games, the emotional trials of gameplay, and personal anecdotes that reveal the challenges of design. They also explore the cultural interplay of nationalism in gaming narratives and discuss upcoming titles like 'Demon School.' Expect humor, camaraderie, and insights into the evolving landscape of games!

Tanya X. Short is the captain of Kitfox Games, known for creative titles like Boyfriend Dungeon. In this conversation, she unveils 'Devilition', a puzzle strategy game where players drive a demon horde out of town. The team discusses nostalgic gameplay challenges and the game's lack of a save feature. Tanya reflects on her past successes and the influence of classic games like Diabolica on modern gaming. With insights on resource management and player engagement, they explore the emotional rollercoaster that gaming can provide.

Join stand-up comic and YouTuber Adam Conover, known for "Adam Ruins Everything," alongside Alfredo Barraza from Riot Games, as they dive into the tactical gameplay of Attactics. They explore the art of real-time strategy, the thrill of imperfection in gaming, and nostalgic reflections on titles like Tetris Attack. The duo shares humorous anecdotes about multiplayer chaos and confronts the complexities of war-themed games. Their engaging banter blends gaming insights with laughter, making for an entertaining discussion that gamers will love!

Joining the hosts are Marc Flury, an independent game developer famed for his work on Thumper, and Alfredo Barraza, a talented game trailer maker and musician from Riot Games. They dive into the intriguing world of Planet Zoldath, discussing its unique game mechanics and the philosophical themes of exploitation and nostalgia. The conversation shines a light on procedural generation and its emotional impact on players. They also explore the quirks of game ports, revealing the charm of imperfect gaming experiences.

Derek Lieu, a sought-after game trailer creator, and Colin Northway, an indie game developer renowned for Fantastic Contraption, delve into the challenges of the gaming industry. They explore Velgress, a platformer featuring a space pirate, discussing its random level design and gameplay mechanics. The duo shares insights on player engagement, the significance of jump mechanics, and the emotional healing that gaming can provide. Their lighthearted anecdotes highlight the creative process behind game development, inviting listeners to embrace the unique challenges and joys of gaming.

Joining the discussion are Stephanie Boluk and Patrick LeMieux, both associate professors at UC Davis specializing in video games. They delve into the innovative mechanics and storytelling of the game 'Mortol,' highlighting its unique death mechanic and aesthetic evolution. The duo also reflects on the nostalgia tied to late 90s gaming, the strategic depth of gameplay, and the political themes within 'Mortol' that address nationalism and colonialism. Their insights and personal anecdotes create a lively conversation about the modern gaming landscape.

Daniel Mullins, renowned indie game developer behind 'Inscryption', joins the discussion to dive into 'Magic Garden', a quirky addition to the UFO 50 collection. They explore its challenging mechanics and aesthetics, drawing comparisons to classics like Pac-Man. The conversation highlights the importance of community collaboration and personal journeys within the gaming sphere. Mullins shares insights on nostalgic elements from the 80s and how they shape modern game design, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the emotional engagement of players.

In this engaging discussion, Jack Schlesinger, a game developer known for Puzmo and Knotwords, joins Brian Bucklew and Jason Grinblat, co-creators of the innovative roguelike Caves of Qud. They dive into the intricate world of post-apocalyptic game design, focusing on the unique blend of procedural generation and narrative depth. The guests share their insights on creating dynamic faction systems and the joys of emergent gameplay, alongside the creative challenges faced during nearly two decades of development. Get ready for a wild journey through an eccentric gaming universe!

Frank Lantz, a renowned game designer and author of "The Beauty of Games," dives into the vibrant world of 'Paint Chase,' an arcade racing game from the UFO 50 collection. He discusses the game's unique blend of competitive painting and maze navigation, sparking nostalgic reflections on classic gameplay. The conversation also touches on the educational impact of game design, emphasizing community engagement and the evolution of gaming aesthetics, as well as the challenges players face in mastering such chaotic yet charming mechanics.