Hello again! This is a continuation of a series of audio podcasts, featuring myself and other independent developers.
Each episode will feature a different developer, and the format will be more like a sprawling conversation than a formal interview. Topics covered will vary depending on the developer in question, but some of the same topics will pop up with many of the guests. I’ll also interject some of my own opinions and views into the discussion.
Why am I doing this? Personally, I’m very interested in how other developers work. What motivates them? How do they deal with criticism? What do they find meaningful about games? (if anything?) What are the stories behind the development of their projects? I hope to learn a lot, and also help spread more knowledge around.
Hello again! This is a continuation of a series of audio podcasts, featuring myself and other independent developers.
Each episode will feature a different developer, and the format will be more like a sprawling conversation than a formal interview. Topics covered will vary depending on the developer in question, but some of the same topics will pop up with many of the guests. I’ll also interject some of my own opinions and views into the discussion.
Why am I doing this? Personally, I’m very interested in how other developers work. What motivates them? How do they deal with criticism? What do they find meaningful about games? (if anything?) What are the stories behind the development of their projects? I hope to learn a lot, and also help spread more knowledge around.
Today’s episode is a discussion with game developer and best buddy, Kyle Pulver! Kyle is part of Retro Affect, and they recently released this kick-ass trailer:
Kyle has created many games on his own as well. If you haven’t already done so, you owe it to yourself to check out his freeware games; which include Depict1, Bonesaw and Verge among others.
I’ve also been lucky enough to write music for some of Kyle’s games.
Here is a promo for the upcoming WINNITRON Demo Camp at Aqua Books:
WINNITRON DemoCamp @ AquaBooks, 7:00PM November 17
What is the Winnitron 1000? Words alone cannot describe it. We could tell you that it’s a salvaged classic 80s arcade machine, retrofitted to play brand new indie games. We could mention that it’s capable of updating an ever increasing library of games by itself, over the internet – and that it was assembled by 5 young, talented and totally hot Winnipeg game developers. We could even point out that it’s a sexy blue and orange beast complete with 4/8-way switchable control sticks, a shiny new aluminum control panel, LED lighting, thumping bass and features gaming entertainment forged in the fires of a passionate game jam. But none of that would prepare you…
The only way to learn the true story of the Winnitron and experience the majesty in person, is to attend the NMM Demo Camp November 17, 7:00PM at Aqua Books. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It will become a part of you.
ALL HAIL THE WINNITRON.
WINNITRON Game Jam Wrap-Up
The game jam ended up being a great time. We had about 22 people show up, and a lot of ridiculous games were worked on.
Devin + Calvin Reimer’s game “Robots, Robots Everywhere” is a pretty tense game about collecting batteries while trying to avoid being cornered by hoards of evil-bots. It also features music by 15 year old Liam Berry.
Liam also started adapting his game “WAVE” for the Winnitron.
Vieko Franetovic and Mike Lohaus flew in from Calgary to adapt their game “Krunch” to the Winnitron. Krunch is a game about claustrophobia; in every level a wall is closing in on you as you try to rush to the exit. Vieko and Mike recently added a 2 player mode that plays great on the Winni.
Noel Berry and Jordan Duchnycz worked on a game called “Sexy Fire Fighters 4″. I’ll leave that one up to your imagination for now…
Robin and Sandy Debreuil created a prototype called “My Big Head is Weighing Me Down”. I’m really excited to see this one finished:
I made a jam game called “TrashPilot”. It’s kind of like a fast-paced, 2 player battle version of Captain Forever – you fly around, collect junk that gives you the ability to shoot, and try to blast the other player’s junk off. It’s a pretty fun button-masher.
A lot of other games were worked on, but I didn’t have a chance to find out what all of them were about. Hopefully they’ll see the light of day sometime in the near future.
To close out, we will leave you with this hilarious remix of some really horribly confused CTV coverage of the game jam that Kert Gartner put together:
Latest Update
We finally put the t-molding in… and it looks GREAT!
Yes, I’m still here and still working on Marian – every day! In fact, I don’t think I’ve had a day in the last year or so with no Marian involved.
But I digress!
I’ve made the 4 bonus tracks on the Aquaria OST available for streaming. They include a full track from Marian. Music is a big part of Marian, and while lots has been written, there is much, much more to write. Maybe I’ll tease some more pieces out slowly over the next DECADE. (geez, I hope not) Enjoy!
What Marian might use to listen to the Marian OST, Concept Art by the amazing Ashley
