Shows
Game, Develop, Repeat100: Shortcuts Cheats and Struggles Game: The Golden Cheatcode Era and Bighead Mode DLC as Cheats Single vs Multiplayer Cheats Skill development and Cheating Cheating and fun Develop: The Piano Analogy, slow focused practice Taking advice and exploring advice Rushing past the joy The 100th episode is done Repeat: Is there any part of development you'd like to try savoring more? My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, sugg...
2024-11-2535 minGame, Develop, Repeat099: Feedback and Early Access (Soulframe) Game: Soulframe alpha and feedback accessibility Subnautica's beautiful feedback system "Why Subnautica Owes Its Success to This Button" Hades and roguelike early access Project Zomboid and long Early Access times Free vs Paid early access Develop: Closed, short test run within a community Putting feedback buttons within the game Paid early access Overwhelming feedback Player isn't always right, but there's always value in listening. Repeat: What is the role of feedback in your development process?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse b...
2024-11-1833 minGame, Develop, Repeat098: The Impression of Fun (Brighter Shores) Game: Brighter Shores and Runescape Number goes up I'm confused about why I don't enjoy these games Develop: The idle to engaging gameplay spectrum Infinite vs limited games Distractions and Ethics My evolving design philosophy Repeat: What types of games do you want to make?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, sup...
2024-11-1130 minGame, Develop, Repeat097: Default Hotkeys and You Game:Unplayable default hotkeysMechwarrior 2 and 3Warcraft III hotkey optimizationGothic hotkey engineeringDustforce, CelesteThe "First letter" hotkey scheme Develop:Default responses to challengesBashing my head against walls vs learning toolsKey rebinding and therapy Repeat:What is your default response to overwhelming challenges?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-11-0431 minGame, Develop, Repeat096: The Goal Dilemma Game:Games without goalsHow games present goalsChallenges, exploration, invitations Develop:Creating thingsMusic, Game Dev, and WritingCoding feels like improvisationNot having a goal Repeat:What size of goal is useful for you?Are there times when you benefit from not having a goal?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative com...
2024-10-2828 minGame, Develop, Repeat095: On Competitive Games Game: Warcraft III ranked Climbing the ladder Blizzard's affinity for competitive games Develop: Pro-competitive design Marketplace competition Skill development and rankings Rankings are not the full picture Repeat: Do you like competitive games? Favorite? Do you find competition useful?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-10-2125 minGame, Develop, Repeat094: Creative ExhaustionMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-10-1425 minGame, Develop, Repeat093: Drowning, Timers, and Quest Logs Game: Drowning in Sonic Time limits If Skyrim had no quest log Baldur's Gate and Morrowind Develop: Work expands to fill time Time pressure vs financial pressure To-Do list vs Quest Log Repeat: How does your life's quest log function?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-10-0723 minGame, Develop, Repeat092: Satisfactory is Basically Game Development Game: Efficiency Chasing Interconnected web of goals Destroying the planet Single-mindedness Incredible aesthetic and voice-over Overwhelming but manageable Develop: Development at its best Development at its worst Deeply Satisfying Tiny optimizations can waste time Repeat: How can your development be more like Satisfactory? What "efficiency traps" do you fall into?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build...
2024-09-3027 minGame, Develop, Repeat091: Addicted to Walkthroughs Game: JRPG Guides Step by step, line by line Official vs community guides Skipping parts of the guide Complex Mechanical Guides "Just trust me" Terminology overload Skill Based Guides Develop: Every weakness, every strength The need for tutorials Ignoring and extracting information The importance of context A note about useless teachers/guides Repeat: Best guide (or teacher) experiences? Worst guide (or teacher) experiences?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m S...
2024-09-2342 minGame, Develop, Repeat090: Noticing Good Game DesignGame:Bad DesignIncredible designHidden good designThe crazy, interconnected nature of game design Develop:Getting overwhelmed by big inspirationsLocking in on the small inspirationsGradually realizing how much you can actually create Repeat:What game has incredible design, and what small element of it stands out to you?What game has some major flaws, and what design element would you pull inspiration from or redesign?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg...
2024-09-1623 minGame, Develop, Repeat089: Ignorance in Gaming (The Joyful Newb)Game: Your first gaming experiences When a player carries you too hard Discovery and Learning Games that bring you the most joy The dream of a massive break from gaming Develop: Not being overwhelemed by the totality of work Knowing your target audience Not knowing how hard things will get Being absorbed in your own perspective Be an idiot (with some limitations) Repeat: What wouldn't you have done, had you known it'd be so hard?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is t...
2024-09-0937 minGame, Develop, Repeat088: From Idea to DesignGame: The Idea vs The Design of... An MMO Celeste Hollow Knight Develop: My first game (Sut) How to transition from idea to design Repeat: What is your smallest creative idea right now? What core design assumptions do you have about some genre?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative c
2024-09-0228 minGame, Develop, Repeat087: It's Time to Remake Final Fantasy 8 (FFVIII)Game: Final Fantasy 16 Demo The action RPG angle FF8 isn't as "sacred" as other FF titles Clear areas for improvement Other games entering Final Fantasy's old niche Develop: Iteration Final Fantasy always tries something new Improve where you know you can Trying to beat a masterpiece Repeat: What game would you like to see remade? Do you know any "diamond caked in manure" games? Tip: Keep exploring, keep experimentingMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our d...
2024-08-2630 minGame, Develop, Repeat086: Binge Gaming vs Patient GamingGame: Games that invite a binge Games that invite patience Playing games differently from their design Binge games that never end Develop: Binge-worthy design elements Patient design elements Story Recaps Repeat: What gaming pace do you, on average, enjoy more? How compelling do you want your next game to be? Tip: Whichever pace you normally take, test out the opposite.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me a...
2024-08-1936 minGame, Develop, Repeat085: On UncertaintyGame:Certainty and UncertaintySaving the gameReal world safetyDevelop:Noticing and embracing security in unfamiliar skillsRepeat:Are there skills you're avoiding learning due to uncertainty?Community Shoutout: SurvivalScape (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2862660/SurvivalScape/)My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-08-1225 minGame, Develop, Repeat084: Why Are MMOs Fun? (WoW)Game: The social element Addictive grinds Monthly subscriptions World of Warcraft Guild Wars 2 Anarchy Online Everquest Develop: Interconnected goals and skills The developer motivation issue Addictive vs Entertaining Repeat: What is the most entertaining game you've ever played? What is the most addictive game you've ever played? Notice the differences in different forms of "fun"My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or...
2024-08-0539 minGame, Develop, Repeat083: Simplicity (Fishy)Game: Bubble Wrap Fishy (https://www.addictinggames.com/action/fishy) Develop: Excessive mechanics Insecure design Trusting simplicity Repeat: What simple actions in life do you find satisfying? What is the simplist version of a complex game you enjoy?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-07-2919 minGame, Develop, Repeat082: In Defense of Being BadGame:Bad at gamesFundamental gaming skillsRazbutenGame Design and CommunicationDevelop:Learning New SkillsBad = newTreating yourself gently (child analogy)Protect your creative passionRepeat:Can you vividly remember a the development of skill you were once terrible at?What things are you currently "bad" at, and are they "new?"My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us...
2024-07-2229 minGame, Develop, Repeat081: Getting StuckGame: Unclear rules Puzzles Difficulty curves Untested skills Morrowind and Getting Lost Develop: finding joy while stuck/lost game dev update Repeat: What creative challenges do you enjoy? What can you safely explore when stuck?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-07-1530 minGame, Develop, Repeat080: Mindless Satisfying Games (PowerWash Simulator)Game: Mindless Games Accelerated productivity Constant rewards "Oddly Satisfying" Develop: Marketing: Serve specific communities Build rewards into gameplay Accelerate real life satisfaction New project update Repeat: What mechanics do you find deeply satisfying? What niche hobbies do you have that might inspire a game? Seek out fresh perspectivesMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a st...
2024-07-0828 minGame, Develop, Repeat079: How to Make a Good Game BadGame: Big Picture: Poor communication, taking control from player Unskippable filler content/cutscenes Bad default controls Horrible marketing Constant waiting Removing interaction indicatorsExamples: Skyrim, Celeste, Breath of the Wild Develop: Communicate clearly Have multiple people test it Don't make assumptions about player mindset Don't waste people's time Repeat: How could you ruin your favorite game? How could you fix a game with one fatal flaw? Some weeks, you don't need a tip.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.com...
2024-07-0133 minGame, Develop, Repeat078: The Joy of Consequences in GamesGame: Choices-matter genre Baldur's Gate 3 The Quarry Disco Elysium Diablo II and re-rolls Investment Develop: Immediate feedback Frustrating consequences Satisfying consequences Proving impact Repeat: What in-game choices do you find most satisfying? Do you prefer experiencing every option, or embracing one path? Roll with the consequences.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, suppo...
2024-06-2431 minGame, Develop, Repeat077: How Games Help Us GrowGame: Creating Space Emotions and Indie Games A quick note about practical skills Taking the training wheels off Game of thrones taught me about myself Develop: Just be open I'm not advocating for preaching Doesn't have to be a whole emotional journey Repeat: How do games help you? Start experimenting a little more.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I...
2024-06-1730 minGame, Develop, Repeat076: Why Make GamesGame: What does making games do for you? Love of the results Chasing some goal Fame and Fortune Develop: Love of the process Learning new skills Growing as a person Repeat: What is your favorite part of making games? Are you taking time to enjoy the process? Don't overthink it, just enjoy it.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I...
2024-06-1029 minGame, Develop, Repeat075: Pure Goofy Fun (Worms)Game: The Worms series Less story Goofball immersion Develop: Knowing your game's emotional impact Creating space for unintended fun Repeat: What is fun for you? Is your game idea fun? Should your game idea be fun? Goof around in games, game development, and life.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive...
2024-06-0323 minGame, Develop, Repeat074: On Touching GrassGame: How reality improves gaming Childhood love of gaming Childhood love of touching grass Develop: Incentives in Game Development Players need to digest Repeat: What games have you thought about during real life? How has real life made gaming more fun?Tip: "Touch grass" as often as possibleMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build...
2024-05-2724 minGame, Develop, Repeat073: No Bad Ideas (Parappa the Rapper)Game: No bad ideas Insane concept First rhythm game Deeply beloved despite absurdity Just make games Develop: Art style Pure, goofy gameplay Stop being serious Design standards and preconceptions Repeat: What dumb idea can you think of right now? How could you make it interesting? Tip: It's about skills, not success.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to b...
2024-05-2031 minGame, Develop, Repeat072: Why Play GamesGame: How a few games impacted me: Final Fantasy 7 Morrowind Starcraft Diablo II Warcraft 3 Stardew Valley Celeste Spiritfarer Develop: Don't be afraid to share You can't know what someone else will get from yo ur game Excessive Gaming Repeat: How has gaming impacted you at different points in your life? Notice the little positive thingsMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or...
2024-05-1333 minGame, Develop, Repeat071: Propaganda and Helldivers 2UPDATED CONTEXT: About half an hour after I finished editing this episode, Sony announced via twitter that they will not be moving forward with the update that initiated this controversy.Game: Incredible satirical propaganda Community controls the marketing Great lore, full commitment Accidentally creating a union Develop: "Everything is game design" - Jonathan Rogers Interview (PoE2) Communication is key, poor communication can become an unintentional scam Be very aware of who has control over what Repeat: How would you find space to think in the midst of a massive controversy? How do you find sp...
2024-05-0638 minGame, Develop, Repeat070: Upward Spirals and Game DevelopmentGame: Celeste - Confidence WoW - Investment JRPGs - Power Dark Souls - grit Develop: The spiral curriculum Small projects, footholds Acknowledging victories Velocity and Acceleration HealthyGamerGG Repeat: What footholds have you recently found? How might you build your current victories?Tip for myself: Be patient, work consistentlyMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a st...
2024-04-2935 minGame, Develop, Repeat069: The Gameplay Loop of Game DevelopmentGame: My current project is bad Gameplay loops A sense of risk Develop: Overcoming Struggles Exploring new areas Leveling up Building a party/community Repeat: What type of gameplay is most motivating for you? What part of working on a project is most motivating for you? Tip for myself: Sort out priorities, filter for what's most important.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback...
2024-04-2229 minGame, Develop, Repeat068: Conquering Creative ParalysisGame: No guarantees, just like creating Things that paralyze you Is there ever only one path ahead? Risk less, work patiently Develop: What power do we actually have? Notice, notice, notice The invisible work Considering trying might be harder than trying Repeat: What is the worst thing you can do for your creative energy? How can you get to know yourself better? Tip for myself: What version of the work, no matter how small, are you willing to do?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbud...
2024-04-1537 minGame, Develop, Repeat067: My Favorite Pokemon Game (Jade Cocoon)Game: Creature collector without the cuteness Creature Combinations A darker, otherworldly aesthetic Story is pretty good, but probably nostalgia Develop: A little bit of choice adds a lot of potential Allow players to explore systems Check-In: Still learning how much I have to learn. Looking into more formal education paths. Repeat: What game do you almost love, but something is off? What would you change in those games? Is it feasible?Tip: Explore new tools. Learn some theory/explore traditional learning methods.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/263888...
2024-04-0826 minGame, Develop, Repeat066: I Earned a World Record (Dustforce)Game: I got a world record 246 way tie Awesome community Flowy, skill based speedrunner Satisfying skill development, significant space for mastery Incredible soundtrack Beautiful animations and art Develop: Navigating levels in game, alternative selections Blocking levels based on ability to reach them Leader-boards add a lot to the gameplay Check-In: Great programming progress, learning a lot from twitch finding out my blind spots Repeat: If you had blind spots, where would they be? What do you want to try this week? Tip: Slow the pace a little. Make steady, sustainable progressMy first game, "Sut...
2024-04-0135 minGame, Develop, Repeat065: When to Ditch a ProjectEastshade Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCzhyUsDHPEGame: Backstory of my current project Full description of the project Getting stuck after the prototypes Develop: Eastshade Studios video: "Marketing is not why most indie games fail" Why I'm considering scrapping this project Scope realizations Too much stuff to polish Check-In: Godot Terrain system Ko-Fi and Twitch Repeat: If you remain on your current trajectory, where will you be in one month? If you alter your trajectory in some minor way, where will you be in one month? Tip for myself: Set goal...
2024-03-2535 minGame, Develop, Repeat064: Why Grinding Doesn't Feel Like WorkGame: Different types of grinding Loot Grind Player Skill Grind Character Power Grind Video Game Grind vs Day Job Grind Develop: The obvious stuff Flashing lights, audio rewards Story with clear conclusion Near-guaranteed success No need to plan Check-In: Building up momentum Twitch has been a fun way to start working on art more and bonding with community Repeat: What is your most memorable video game accomplishment? What made it memorable? Tip: Keep building momentum, try not going so hard that you burn out though.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/ap...
2024-03-1833 minGame, Develop, Repeat063: Being Willing to Fail (Chess)Games: Chess as a psychological horror game Chess as a fast paced shooter How bad I am at chess Crushing failure Forcing you to recognize the inaccuracy of your own confidence. Develop: Chess - learning a theory, applying it, appearing worse at the skill Learning about lighting, making uglier art. "The next big step forward" will often make you worse before it makes you better. Don't just study. Do. Don't just do. Learn. Do not binge failure. Check-In: Specifics of what I did on stream Taking risks (twitch, youtube, etc.) A rant about advertising and sharing your...
2024-03-1128 minGame, Develop, Repeat062: The Most Relaxing GamesGames: Truly relaxing games: Eastshade A Short Hike Mountain Dragon Quest 11 Walking simulators Most games I play are stressful: Cook Serve Delicious Almost any Real Time Strategy game Almost any MOBA Chess Shooters and such Many games that we think of as relaxing can be quite stressful: Stardew Valley Roller Coaster Tycoon Develop: What makes a game truly relaxing? What amps up the stress levels in a game? Do stressful games contribute to burnout? Making progress on writing for my game Got back to the gym after being sick, which helps me massively Chess as a metaphor for setting m...
2024-03-0431 minGame, Develop, Repeat061: The Difference Between Bad and Incredible (Front Mission 3)Game: Front Mission 3 vs Front Mission 1st remake, initial impressions. Design Fundamentals The UI and maps in Front Mission 3 The difficulty tuning in Front Mission 3 RNG Damage sponges in Front Mission 1st Develop: Design Fundamentals Examples of bad vs good execution Things that age poorly Fine tuning the player experience Putting time into the bits that seem frivolous Long term, sustainable effort. Check-In: I have some Youtube video ideas and Twitch ideas I have not been working on development. I've gotten obsessed with chess rankings I want to harness my competitive nature for game development (game...
2024-02-2641 minGame, Develop, Repeat060: How to Git Gud (League of Legends)Game: Deep and wide gameplay Practice does not make perfect Difficult learning environment What matters is hidden until you look for it Lot of misinformation Unwelcoming culture Develop: Discovering what matters by observing others "High Ranked" game developers Avoiding misinformation/misleading paths Finding a welcoming culture (avoid the doom and gloom) Actual practice involves experimentation and observation Repeat: Do you feel stuck with any of your skills? Where can you observe someone else's method? Is there a different angle of approach you can try?Tip: Track your progress. Are you putting effort in the right places?...
2024-02-1928 minGame, Develop, Repeat059: How to Panic (Incredible Crisis)Game: What makes Incredible Crisis special? Ska soundtrack Completely absurd story Brutal button mashing (creates physical response) High pressure, simple minigames Develop: The utility of panic The utility of frustration How your players physically interact with your game Impact of emotional moments on gameplay My own development Keystone Habits Working through struggle My on/off switch Community Development, Twitch "you are what you do" Thoughts about passion and "The Bear" Repeat: What environments and habits help you? What environments and habits hurt you? What one change would have the greatest positive impact on your life? (Habitu...
2024-02-1240 minGame, Develop, Repeat058: Planning Your Game (Stardew Valley)Game: Cleaning up Planting Seeds Maintaining Connecting and exploring Harvesting If you over-plant... Develop: What stardew teaches us about development How much can you really plan Patience and Consistency Energy Management Community Process My own development Struggling with rest vs burnoutNegativity spiralsBelieve in yourself, not in your accomplishments or potential.Belief in self and arroganceNegativity spirals are easy to execute but hard to endure.Positive spirals are hard to execute but easy to endure. Repeat: How can you make your development more sustainable? What cool stuff do you want to share with the world? Tip:
2024-02-0543 minGame, Develop, Repeat057: Patiently Pushing Limits (Subnautica)Game: Subnautica's air mechanic Exploring and discovering more and more cool stuff How easy it is to drown Develop: Drowning in development and/or features Subnautica oxygen as a metaphor for effort over time Weightlifting and rest days Why this segment is called repeat Sacrificing the short term for the long term Ego lifting and ego game dev Repeat: What are the signs that you're exhausted? What are the excuses you use when you're totally fine, but just don't wanna work?Review of own developmentTip: Respect the importance of a true rest day. Notice your exhausti...
2024-01-2936 minGame, Develop, Repeat056: Scams and GamesGame: Scams in loot based games Justifying scams in video games Items with real world prices Ethical lessons learned through gaming Develop: Scams that target developers Post-launch scams Game Dev Courses that toe the line Cheating, shortcuts, and player behavior My development progress over the past three weeks Repeat: What mechanics in your game will your player want to shortcut? How can you surprise your player? Notice when a shortcut is preventing you from learning a skill.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence i...
2024-01-2239 minGame, Develop, Repeat055: Picking the Right Game IdeaSuddenly Bird by Fev Games: https://fevgames.itch.io/suddenly-birdGame: Super Chicken Jumper, Super Meat Boy, Binding of Isaac, Incredible Crisis, Parappa the Rapper There is no one right idea Making absolutely insane ideas Letting people look at you funny Confidence in yourself Chasing the Market Develop: Limitations on chasing what interests you Are limitations just bumper rails? Games that you want to make Games that you can make Repeat: Shoutout to Fev Games: Suddenly Bird What ideas, wild or mundane, keep sticking in your head? Do you have a "nah, I can't make that...
2024-01-1534 minGame, Develop, Repeat054: Blending Story and Gameplay (Yakuza: Like a Dragon)Game: Brief comparison to The Legend of Dragoon Blending Narrative and Gameplay Job System Character Personalities Summons Adding flavor to classic mechanics Like a Dragon combat vs standard Yakuza combat Develop: The purpose and weight of a story The purpose and weight of gameplay Is this immersion?My development: A major test drive of indie game dev Godot is amazing TileMap, Terrain, Animator Still have a lot to learn Repeat: Does your gameplay have any connection to your narrative, or your characters? What is the most compelling part of your game? What would you like to be the most...
2024-01-0840 minGame, Develop, Repeat053: Indie DreamsGame: Creative dreams Lifestyle DreamsDevelop:Purpose of a dream Expectations Difficulty Required SufferingRepeat: Oops, my bad ProjectionChallenge for myself: Open Godot every day for a week.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2024-01-0126 minGame, Develop, Repeat052: Number Goes Up (Gnorp Apologue)Game: Showing progress Spreadsheet style progressDevelop: Consistent effort Gradual progress Project cycles Momentum Godot progressRepeat: What brings you joy?Tip: Consistent, gradual improvement.Challenge for myself: Open Godot every day for a week.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-12-2537 minGame, Develop, Repeat051: Choosing a Game EngineGame: Testing vs researching The allure of analysis paralysisDevelop: Unity Unreal Gamemaker GodotRepeat: What type of games do you enjoy? What type of game do you enjoy making?Tip: If you're stuck, try something else outChallenge for myself: Finish the Godot 2D "first game" walk-throughMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for...
2023-12-1830 minGame, Develop, Repeat050: Designing Turn-Based CombatGame: Yakuza Like a Dragon FF8 FF10 The turn based combat spectrum Sprinkling skill on topDevelop: My ideal turn based combat Why I dislike equipment Undertale Linear JRPG with no experience systemRepeat: What do you love about your favorite games? What do you ignore about your favorite games? What are your game design pet peeves?Tip: Escape the internet's opinionMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/G...
2023-12-1131 minGame, Develop, Repeat049: The Urge to Give UpGame: Incredible definitive edition Large number of high-impact variables Compared to WC3 Picking a skill to focus on learning MOBA comparisonDevelop: Giving up on your dreams vs quitting a projectRepeat: What managable challenges would you enjoy taking on right now? What level of zoom are you looking through right now?Get some sleep.Links: Real-time strategy is incredible and you should play it Give up on your dreams of becoming a bakerMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence i...
2023-12-0427 minGame, Develop, Repeat048: Dungeon Siege + The Power of NostalgiaGame: Why do I love this game? Less upfront decisions Less complexity, more targeted growthDevelop: Greatest game ever nostalgia Nostalgia for specific game mechanics Letting nostalgia be A rant about learning and development cyclesRepeat: Is there any one skill you're particularly excited about right now? Are there any old games that might help you reconnect with your passion? Write things down and revisit them.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: h...
2023-11-2729 minGame, Develop, Repeat047: How Games Teach UsGame: Learning starts with noticing Vampire Survivors - Simple gradual education Soulslike games - Harsh attention based education League of Legends - Hidden difficulty, social constraintsDevelop: "Comprehensible Input" in language learning How to learn development skills effectively How not to teach players When teaching players becomes too complex Soft observation and pixel art progress.Repeat: Are there hidden mechanics in your game? If so, what is the purpose in hiding them? When do you want a game mechanic be totally invisible?Tip: Notice how you learn.My first game, "Sut" is out: htt...
2023-11-2032 minGame, Develop, Repeat046: Super Hexagon + Player DefeatGame: Fast paced Simple, compelling gameplay Desirable frustration Style PolishDevelop: Ways to handle player failure Repeat: Do you expect frequent player restarts? How much polish can you reasonably add?Get in touch with what drives you.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-11-1324 minGame, Develop, Repeat045: How it Feels to Release a GameGame:ExpectationsUnexpected emotionsFinishing vs releasingUnrelatable feelingsDevelop:Lessons learnedHow the process feltEnergy managementScope managementA million other tiny thingsConfidence in ability to figure it outUnwinding/starting the next thingWhat the heck is next?Repeat:What are your expectations for your project?How do those expectations serve you?Will they motivate or demotivate you if you fail to reach them?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send...
2023-11-0634 minGame, Develop, Repeat044: Splatterhouse 3 is Terrifying Game: Timers and Terror Genuine consequences Scary gameplay vs scary aesthetic Gore in games Story through gameplay The power of a soundtrack Develop: Setting up consequences Story scale Doing more with less Devlog: Game is out and I'll talk about it next week. Designing next game, but scope is too big still Might just need a breather. Repeat: What moment to moment feedback does your game provide? If your game has a story, does the scale have the impact you want it to? Tip: Pause to check in with yourself. Don't just...
2023-10-3032 minGame, Develop, Repeat043: MediEvil + Spooky SkeletonsGame:Medievil is an extremely "playstation era" game.Pseudo-platformer adventure genreCamera control issuesThe whole picture is better than the partsSpooky themes mixed with comedyDevelop:Blending genresMaking the most of unconventional ideasSmall issues can make all the differenceSut: Game comes out on Friday (if all things go according to plan) Already brainstorming new game, career move or make another indie game?Repeat:If your game has rough edges that you haven't noticed, where would they be hiding?What creative skill calls to you?What (feasible) game do you wish existed?Tip: Kee...
2023-10-2341 minGame, Develop, Repeat042: Dredge + DiscoverySut Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Game:new fishnew lore a hint of danger in every step learning in gamesDevelop:Discovery and suspenseGames with no discoveriesSut:Steam page & release dateMiscellaneous fixesFinal decisions, letting go of perfect.Repeat:What am I discovering through this project?What do players discover while playing my game?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m
2023-10-1623 minGame, Develop, Repeat041: Why Making Games is ScaryGame:Sheer number of skillsHow can one person do all of thisWho do I think I amPerfect vision. Massive commitment, massive expectationsCreative vs specific instructionsDevelop:Huge ambition, must fix everything vs teeny tiny stepsfaith in self vs forced confidencePatience, with occasional spells of absolutely losing my mind.Repeat questions:Pay attention to how you respond to your own thoughts.I use a pocket notebook as of this week.Therapy is a relevant option, especially if feeling stuckMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me...
2023-10-0946 minGame, Develop, Repeat040: Age of Mythology + The Impact of SettingIn this episode, we discuss...The impact of your game's settingYour game's emotional intentThe problem with cloning gamesGame:Setting, definedAge of Mythology vs Age of EmpiresEffects on gameplayEffects on emotional impactDevelop:Could you make a different setting with identical gameplay?Sci-fi shoother vs fantasy shooterStardew vs Graveyard KeeperThe issue with cloning gamesRepeat:What games inspired your game?What is different about your game, and is it affecting gameplay?Should it be affecting gameplay?Is your games setting/lore being acted out sufficiently?Take a week off of gaming...
2023-10-0230 minGame, Develop, Repeat039: Why You Should Make a PlatformerIn this episode, we discuss...Rapid iterationStructuring a project to optimize learningLearning to focus on small detailsFeedback loopsGame:Why a platformerQuick level design iterationTons of example projects to compare to"Is it fun" becomes obviousForces creativity or polishLevel/Data management & other challengesSmall changes, huge impactsDevelop:Accept commercial failureLearn first, sell later.Make a game you're happy withWhat makes a good learning project?Small with minimal scope creep potential.relevant to your interestsstrong feedback loop, easy to iterate/playtest.Sut:Sent out two pre-release copiesHad fun adding a little prank in...
2023-09-2535 minGame, Develop, Repeat038: Stardew Valley + Calm PassionIn this episode, we discuss...Growth as a developerExploration and discoveryCalm but fast paced gameplayCalm, passionate game development.Game:Too much that I lovePeaceful or stressful, you decideConnect with othersExplore and discover new thingsDevelop:Stardew as an analogy for game developmentDeveloping a game without freaking outConsistent growth, gradual progress.Enjoy the process.Explore, grow, discover.My development:Save/load system doneCute level select screen additionsOh god I have to set up a steam page and steam achievements.Also, trailers?Unity news (super brief)My first game, "Sut" is out: https...
2023-09-1836 minGame, Develop, Repeat037: Starfield + IllusionsIn this episode, we discuss...Player ImmersionUI Maintaining the illusionQuality of LifeDevelop:UI is absolutely essentialPosition the player correctly to maintain illusionsSut:Hit a brick wall with save/load systemFiguring out JSONNeed to study for a bit after completing this project.Repeat questions:Is UI an essential part of your game?What QoL improvements could you make?What skills are you lacking that would make game development easier?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse b...
2023-09-1131 minGame, Develop, Repeat036: Change + The Gamification of SufferingIn this episode, we discuss...Suffering in gamesEmotional spectrums in gamingGames with intentional messagesGame:Homeless survival simulatorTies to realityGames with intentional messagesDevelop:Be genuineMaking suffering into gameplayDevlog:Suddenly feels finished (put in all SFX & multiple songs)Individual level bugsTime management + learning Artdrawabox.comRepeat questions:Does your game implicitly convey some message?What emotions does your game explore?What have you learned from this project so far?Tip: Small projects, but don't be afraid to take risks.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered...
2023-09-0427 minGame, Develop, Repeat035: Baldur's Gate 3 + Designing DecisionsIn this episode, we discuss...Designing DecisionsCharacter motivationScope of consequencesGame:Characters with powerful motivationsInterpersonal stakesExploration & multiple solutionsBlack and white vs greyDevelop:Establish character backstory/motivationLimit scopeLimit consequencesRepeat questions:What part of your game is likely to blow up in scope? How can you lock the scope down without breaking the appeal?Are your characters being driven by their backstories?How strong are your core mechanics?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail...
2023-08-2829 minGame, Develop, Repeat034: DnD + How to Succeed at Game DevelopmentIf you cannot tell, I am currently obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons. I blame Baldur's Gate 3The Journey:Journey, not destinationEverything changes. Improvise like a Dungeon MasterEven if you fail your main quest, your character has grown massively, and you've had fun.Imagine being at the table and ONLY wanting to get to the final fight. Risk and Reward:Take worthwhile risks, don't debate decisions foreverAccept the rewards that are given.Create your luck - cool role playing leads to cool rewards and better odds.The Next Campaign:It's never over u...
2023-08-2133 minGame, Develop, Repeat033: One Finger Death Punch + Simple Game MechanicsIn this episode, we discuss...Core game mechanicsExploiting one ideaThe purpose behind visualsand I rant intensely about the importance of execution over just having "good idea"Game:Single mechanic gameplayFully exploiting one ideaBasic humorMinimum visualsDevelop:How much fun can one mechanic provide?What actually makes visuals matter?Repeat:What are the core mechanics of your game?Where is the fun in your core mechanics? (can be vague but honest)My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse...
2023-08-1427 minGame, Develop, Repeat032: A Short HIke + ComfortGame:ComfortAnxiety and NatureForced DisconnectionEmpathyExplorationDevelop:How can we instill the urge to explore?Is tension a requirement of good game design?How do we make short experiences satisfying?Repeat:Does your game instill a specific mood?Are there any clever ways you can reuse your game space?Do you want the player to explore?Step away from the phone/DisconnectMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9...
2023-08-0722 minGame, Develop, Repeat031: Cookie Clicker + Hedonistic AdaptationIn this episode, we discuss...Hedonistic AdaptationDark humorEfficiency as gameplayPolishWeird game ideasGame:Cookie scares me/Hedonistic adaptationSense of humorFully committing to a goofy ideaEfficiency as gameplayPolish/JuiceCreative game designDevelop:Any idea can be funExplore a human experienceBe shameless, your idea is cool.Questions for your own projects:Does this game reflect my own personality in any way?What parts of the development process excite me the most?Is there something I want this game to be, that I'm avoiding out of fear of judgement?My first game, "Sut" is...
2023-07-3128 minGame, Develop, Repeat030: Planescape Torment + ChoicesIn this episode, we discuss...CompletionismChoicesRaising the stakesWorld buildingAnalysis ParalysisDynamic DifficultyGame:Choose your own adventure novelGenuinely impactful choicesNo right choicesPlayer choice and difficultyImmersive world buildingThe illusion of infinite possibilitiesDevelop:How can you make the world feel worth exploring?How can you add stakes to smaller decisions?How can you make difficulty responsive to player choice?Do you want to do any of these things?Questions for your own projects:Who is this game for?Will the people who only play for 1 hour enjoy this game?My first game, "Sut"...
2023-07-2448 minGame, Develop, Repeat029: Dave the Diver + CommitmentIn this episode, we discuss...Commitment and VarietyControl schemesMini gamesCharming charactersCommunicationGame:In a word - charmingFishing, management, and an tiny bit of farmingCommitment and varietyContinues introducing mechanics and mini games throughout the gameIncredible, short animated videos that add depth to charactersDevelop:When trying to map controls efficiently, what would be going too far?How could you add charm to a project, without having to do a fully animated video?Is it fine to have a grab bag of ideas in your game?What sacrifices have to be made to avoid excessive scope...
2023-07-1741 minGame, Develop, Repeat028: Final Fantasy 9 + Fatal FlawsIn this episode, we discuss...Fatal flawsPlanningCharacter personalitiesFF9's item skill systemGame:The futility of planningMusic makes the gameA few fatal flawsItem skill systemCharacter design/art styleExaggerated character personalities"Steinering"Develop:Are exaggerated character personalities applicable to a smaller scale game?Is it necessary to set an overarching theme to my game's story?What would make learning skills from items more enjoyable?Questions for your own projects:What tiny, frequently repeated elements of my game might need modified?What unexpected systems does my game have, and how can I test their...
2023-07-1034 minGame, Develop, Repeat027: Magicka + Elemental RealismIn this episode, we discuss...Simple but deep mechanicsPlayful game designTypes of playCombinatorial explosionsSatisfying realismGetting stuckGame:"realistic" elemental skillsExtremely simple yet innovative magic systemShows how much you can do by focusing on combinationsHumor and lighthearted dialogueFeels genuinely playful, rather than emotional, serious, or high-stakesDevelop:What makes the elemental skills feel so much more satisfying than in other games?How does the game invite you to have fun?Does the tone of the game shift my mechanical expectations significantly?Sut:Started digging in on music againcutting myself a ton of slack...
2023-07-0328 minGame, Develop, Repeat026: Forager + Addictive GameplayIn this episode, we discuss...PacingAddictive gameplayColor palletsRewarding playersLevel DesignGame:Addictive gameplaySlot Machine feelingEvery moment an MMO level-upFast pacedHighly saturated color palletTotal and complete absorption in the gameplay loop, but oddly high stressDevelop:How does this game hook me so hard?Would this game have the same impact with a less saturated color pallet?Is it possible to feel relaxed while playing this game?How much stimulation is too much, in my own projects?Questions for your own projects:How stressful do you want your game to be?Where...
2023-06-2644 minGame, Develop, Repeat025: Diablo II + LootAIn this episode, we discuss...Level scalingEfficiency as a game-play mechanicDiscovery based craftingEthics in game designthe feedback I got on my first ever game demoGame:Loot & GrindingSpeed as a core game-play mechanicBeating the systemDiscovery based craftingRare itemsUnique builds & SynergyPermanent build decisionsDevelop:How to balance player powerFeeling of gaining powerAllowing broken buildsPermanence vs Flexibility (newer games)Sut Feedback: Feedback themes and variety of feedbackArt StyleMajor workflow changesArt level-upHow great it feels to share the gameMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: a...
2023-06-1943 minGame, Develop, Repeat024: Dragon Quest 11 + OptimismIn this episode, we discuss...Unrelenting OptimismMaking players care about the game worldWell refined turn based combatRespecting the player's timeGame:Well refined classic turn based combatAvoiding the grindAbilities that feel unique to each character Unrelenting Optimism and Cozy VibesA beautiful art styleGoofy but great voice actingSimple but rewarding crafting minigameHas both 3d and 2d modeDevelop:How can I get players to care about the game world?What can I learn about respecting the player's time from this game?When are cliches good/bad?What old ideas can be tapped into f...
2023-06-1231 minGame, Develop, Repeat023: Sacrifice + Guiding PlaystylesIn this episode, we discuss...Blending GenresEasy to hate charactersEncouraging specific playstylesSmall twists on classic tropesGame: Sacrifice's unique take on the real time strategy genre Unique, interesting, bizarre lore The power of emotionally engaging characters God I want to play this game again Using combat to collect resourcesDevelop:How does Sacrifice succeed at it's strange blend of genres?How can I encourage specific playstyles without railroading players?Are easy to hate characters valuable?What small twists have a huge impact on my enjoyment of this game?What small twists can I use i...
2023-06-0533 minGame, Develop, Repeat022: Cook Serve Delicious 3 + Customizing DifficultyI have uploaded a free demo of my game!!https://mistergrr.itch.io/sutIn this episode, we discuss...Enjoyable StressCheerful Post-apocalyptic world buildingCustomizable DifficultyPerfectionismGame:Addictive gameplay loopHighly customizable difficultyEncouraging perfectionismBizarre world buildingSkill development and MemorizationA brief note about Cook Serve Forever Develop:Why does the core mechanic work so well?What skills does a player have to learn to play my game?What are some atypical ways to add depth to the world?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/S...
2023-05-2940 minGame, Develop, Repeat021: Celeste + Empathy through gameplayGame: - Bringing the player into a specific state of mind - Deeply empathetic gameplay - Difficulty as an emotional journey - Resting points for the character help the player rest - Relatable CharactersDevelop: - How can we connect gameplay elements to the player's emotions (other than frustration)? - Could you make a game have an emotional story arc through nothing but mechanics and visuals? How? - What game mechanics could you use to convey anger, joy, calm, relief, etc? My first game, "Sut" is out: https://s...
2023-05-2234 minGame, Develop, Repeat020: Morrowind + ExplorationIn this episode, we discuss open world game design, the idea of "tourist attraction exploration" vs "wilderness exploration," and also player customization.Game:Character CustomizationInviting exploration"Old school" open world designAllowing players to "break" the gameDevelop: What different ways are there to invite exploration? What elements of Morrowind's design apply to absolutely tiny indie games?(Tangent) Game design bugsMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m...
2023-05-1538 minGame, Develop, Repeat019: Age of Wonders 4 + Optimizing Gameplay LoopsGame:General summary of seriesRemoving tiny annoyancesUIScoutingHero Level-upsCity Management/sectorsBuilding RoadsDevelop:How can I notice the tiny annoyances in my game's design?What makes for a smooth user experience?Repeat:Don't sweat the small stuffMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-05-0826 minGame, Develop, Repeat018: Breath of the Wild + Holistic Game DesignQuestions: How can we make it easier to design incredibly detailed worlds? How important is it that the player experience everything in a game? What lessons can I actually apply to my own projects, as a fledgling indie game developer?Links:Stanley Parable GDC talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLbmZT70rtABuilding Blocks: https://www.audiblegenius.com/buildingblocksMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m...
2023-05-0139 minGame, Develop, Repeat017: Final Fantasy 8 + Tiny DetailsQuestions I ask this episode:What is the core flaw of FF8?How do you invite players to enjoy your game?Are design risks worth taking? How can I take design risks effectively?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-04-2441 minGame, Develop, Repeat016: Dance Dance Revolution + Control SchemesQuestions I ask in this episode: What controller schemes haven't been explored? What parts of full body gaming interest me? Assuming I always develop for gamepad/keyboard, what can DDR teach me?Feel free to stop by our discord and share anything you're working on!My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creati...
2023-04-1739 minGame, Develop, Repeat015: Tales of Maj'Eyal + IterationWhat we discuss in today's episode:Why you should play Tales of Maj EyalThe power of building hidden parts of the worldMaking death/failure into a learning experienceSatisfying skill trees and Character investmentRoguelikes and Power of Iteration/repeatedly failingLink to official Tales of Maj'Eyal website: https://te4.org/My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to...
2023-04-1033 minGame, Develop, Repeat014: Black and White + Room for InterpretationQuestions:What's up with the AI in black and white?How is this game so good, despite being so janky?My Development:Quit by Annie Duke (Audiobook on Libby, check your library)Menus and Fundamental game featuresGame Releases I'm following:Age of Wonders 4Last EpochDiablo IVMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback...
2023-04-0335 minGame, Develop, Repeat013: Final Fantasy 7 + Believable WorldbuildingQuestions:What are the most actionable lessons from FF7, for a solo developer or small team?What can we learn from the materia system?Development Progress:Audio MenuLocking in scopeMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-03-2732 minGame, Develop, Repeat011: Eastshade + The Fun in PeaceQuestions I ask this episode: How does Eastshade establish such a calming aesthetic? Style vs Realism? Is peace fun?Comments about my development Learning animation Deleting massive swaths of code Choosing what to ignoreMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-03-2032 minGame, Develop, Repeat012: The Vale + Designing With LimitationsQuestions I ask this episode: How is combat compelling in a game without visuals? What limitations could I set to create interesting ideas?Devlog: More player controller changes (remove autojump)TilemapsStarted my first song.Drafting levels in AespriteMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-03-2035 minGame, Develop, Repeat010: Warcraft III + Skill Development This episode, I discuss my childhood love of Warcraft III and ask: How can a game's design inspire the players to "get good?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-03-1338 minGame, Develop, Repeat009: Getting Over It with Bennet Foddy + Enjoying FailureQuestions I ask myself this episode:What happens when you go extreme with difficulty?How essential are the quotations & taunting?How am I impacting the player's emotions?What did I develop this week?Game development books?What fields have good crossover with game design?What to do when I get stuck?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to...
2023-03-0641 minGame, Develop, Repeat008: Nox + Distinctive PlaystylesQuestions I ask myself this episode: Was there anything in Nox that I wish was in more games? What do I want to make, as a result of playing Nox? Are there any tiny tweaks I want to make to my current project, having thought about Nox? What did I develop this week?How is this podcast affecting my game development?What keeps me making things?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRt...
2023-02-2741 minGame, Develop, Repeat007: Katamari Damacy + Trusting YourselfQuestions I ask myself in this episode:- What makes Katamari Damacy so charming?- Could a game like this be made by someone who is chasing after success?- What is it that makes me love this game?- How does this game communicate so much, so indirectly?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for...
2023-02-2034 minGame, Develop, Repeat006: Yakuza + Satisfying RewardsWhy is the Yakuza series so compelling, satisfying, and genuinely moving?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-02-1338 minGame, Develop, Repeat005: Cult of the Lamb + Blending GenresHow does Cult of the Lamb remain so accessible while blending multiple genres?My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-02-0633 minGame, Develop, Repeat004: In Other Waters + LimitationsMy first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-01-3028 minGame, Develop, Repeat003: Fishing Addiction + Ignoring the "Real" Game- In this episode, I express my love of/addiction to fishing minigames, and my desperate search for the perfect one.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-01-2332 minGame, Develop, Repeat002: Spiritfarer + Compelling CharactersIn this episode I mainly rant about: The incredible heavily character driven story of Spiritfarer, what it teaches us about character design.How I'm experimenting with character designThe deep connections between visual art and storytelling.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd love for us to build a strong, supportive, creative community.
2023-01-1632 minGame, Develop, Repeat001: Legend of The Dragoon + Avoiding MonotonyOn the first ever episode, I rant about:An old JRPG called Legend of the Dragoon, how it overcomes the greatest weaknesses of its genre, and the game development lessons I've learned from playing it. Unity's Tilemap system and Rule Tiles.The pains of learning to make pixel art Tilemaps.A bunch of other stuff.My first game, "Sut" is out: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638880/Sut/Email me: anxiousbuddhagames(this sentence is to confuse bots@)gmail.comJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/GvYRtTQM9m Send me any feedback, suggestions, or questions! I'd l...
2023-01-0938 min