The Secret Lives of Games

We're joined by LocalThunk, solo creator of the hypnotic deckbuilder Balatro. We discuss flauting the fashion of a genre and going into development blind, the benefits of balacing by feel, and why Balatro shouldn't exist. Show Notes: Balatro LocalThunk Big two Luck Be a Landlord Slice & Dice Slay the Spire Risk of Rain 2

Renowned game designer Eric Chahi joins the podcast to discuss his VR game Paper Beast and the challenges of world-building in virtual reality. They explore the impact of human activities on wildlife, the creative process in game design, the importance of collaboration, and the evolution of technology in game development.

Jon Ingold, co-founder of Inkle Studios and brain behind narrative gems like 80 Days and Heaven's Vault, joins to delve into his latest adventure, A Highland Song. He discusses how the game allows players to 'fail forward' in a unique narrative structure. The conversation reveals insights into the development of Ink, a scripting language transforming storytelling in games. Jon also shares his motivations behind creating immersive landscapes and the intricate mechanics that deepen player engagement, all while emphasizing the evolution of narrative-driven experiences.

In this anniversary episode, the hosts discuss various topics including the significance of David's navel, ideas for EggplantCon, Kentucky bands, regret and nostalgia at the 'no quarter' exhibition, an immersive gaming experience at Everest, Pipkins, the Poppy Grower, creating games for two-year-olds, pride in gaming achievements, opinions on Sports Friends games, excitement for the future of video games, and the resurgence of alternate reality games.

We welcome Rob Dubbin (he/they) as a permanent member of the host pool! We discuss his journey from Late Night into making games, applicable lessons learned in the writers' room, and the importance of making your own shot. Show Notes: Rob Dubbin NYU Game Center Babycastles Wonderville Game Studies Study Buddies I Am America (And So Can You!) Earl Grey ZZT by Anna Anthropy London Jerry: Freelance Mailman Stephen Colbert at the White House Correspondants' Dinner Samurai Gunn Sportsfriends Scripto Scripto + Global Game Jam 2024

We're joined by Kevin Poupard, co-creative director of the beautiful, meditative climbing game Jusant. We discuss the pains and gains of physics, trying something new as a studio, and anthropomorphizing mountains. Plus special guest co-host Mark Brown of Game Maker's Toolkit! Thanks Mark! Show Notes: Jusant GMTK - How Jusant Makes Rock-Climbing More Immersive Mind Over Magnet Grow Home Shadow of the Colossus

Rob Dubbin, newest co-host and writer/developer, joins the podcast to discuss their top 5 games of 2023 with other guests. They cover unique picks like Super Locomotive and Puzzmo Crosswords, explore story-driven experiences in games like Return of the Obra Dinn, and reminisce about classic remakes like Pikmin. The episode also features discussions on immersive gaming, tabletop adventures, and clowning philosophy in game design.

Guests Daria Radu, Ben Wilson, and Douglas Wilson discuss the trick-taking card game Spoils and its development process. Topics include drawing inspiration from worldbuilding, trick-taking as a mechanic, the programming of AI systems, and the unique aspects of Spoils like point values and hoarding.

Creators of Tux and Fanny, Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig, discuss their hilarious adventure game, collaboration as improv comedy, working with people outside of games, creating a Saturday morning cartoon from another world, and design inspirations from Animal Crossing.

Creative director Hannah Nicklin and writer Harry Josephine Giles join the podcast to discuss Die Gute Fabrik's Saltsea Chronicles. They explore world-building, the writer's room process, and designing a narrative for multiple middles and multiple heroes. They also touch on the importance of commas in narrative, building the natural world in the game, UI design and accessibility features, and creating a game that aims to reduce harm within the structure of capitalism.