Housemarque's Gregory Louden on Saros, Narrative and Game Design

How Replaced Explores the Relationship Between Technology and the Human Condition

Jun 29, 20261h 24mSummary

In this episode of The Game Maker's Notebook, the co-founders of Sadcat Studios join the host to discuss their cinematic platformer, Replaced. The conversation explores the studio's origins as a passion project and the unique challenges they faced during development, including the necessity of relocating their operations due to regional instability. The discussion centers on the creative philosophy behind Replaced, which blends classic nineties cinematic platforming with modern design influences like the Batman: Arkham series and various films such as Upgrade. The creators explain their decision to utilize a seamless, "one-shot" camera style, which serves to keep the player immersed in the protagonist's perspective, even though this approach created significant technical and planning restrictions. They also address the "divisive" nature of the game’s pacing, with the developers and the host debating the merits of environment-focused storytelling. They conclude that while some players desire constant action, the intentional, slower moments of atmosphere allow the audience to engage their imagination and participate more actively in the narrative. The episode offers a candid look at the balance between artistic vision, technical constraint, and player expectations in modern game development.

Jake Birkett on Forbidden Solitaire, Casual Games, and Surviving Gamedev for 11 Years Without a Hit

Jun 22, 20261h 41mSummary

In this episode of The Game Maker's Notebook, host Trent Custers interviews veteran indie developer Jake Birkett of Grey Alien Games. The conversation traces Birkett's professional journey, beginning with his early days as a hobbyist coder in the UK, through his transition from the business software sector into the world of independent game development. A central focus of the discussion is Birkett’s acclaimed GDC talk regarding his strategy for surviving eleven years as an indie dev without a singular breakout hit. He reflects on the evolution of his approach, emphasizing the importance of domain knowledge, reusing game engines, and maintaining a strict, business-minded focus on project scope. Birkett shares how his background in managing business software projects provided a necessary foundation for the logistical and financial realities of running an independent studio. The hosts also dive deep into the development of his recent success, Forbidden Solitaire. They discuss the collaboration with Night Signal Entertainment, the deliberate use of a nineties aesthetic, and the challenge of distilling a complex design document into a polished, final product. The episode offers a candid look at the resilience required to thrive in the gaming industry over two decades.

Dosa Divas' Chandana Ekanayake Talks Food, Music, and Indie Development

Jun 15, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of The Game Maker's Notebook, host Alexa Ray Corriea sits down with veteran developer Chandana Ekanayake to discuss his journey from AAA studios to leading his independent studio, Outerloop Games. The conversation centers on his recent titles, Thirsty Suitors and Dosa Divas, exploring how he bridges the gap between mechanical systems and personal narrative themes like generational trauma and cultural identity. Ekanayake offers an insightful look into the realities of modern indie development, detailing how a lean team of fourteen manages multifaceted responsibilities. He explains his approach to game design—frequently starting with "loglines" or conceptual kernels like "two aunties in a mech"—and how he iterates on mechanics by prioritizing team input and early playtesting. The discussion also highlights his transition to using visual tools like digital whiteboards to manage complex, non-linear development processes. By examining the evolution of turn-based combat and the integration of food-themed mechanics in Dosa Divas, Ekanayake provides a thoughtful perspective on how small, intimate teams can create cohesive, emotionally resonant experiences while remaining nimble in an ever-changing industry landscape.

How People of Note Explores Heavy Subjects with Whimsy and Musical Theater

Jun 8, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of The Game Maker’s Notebook, host Alexa Ray Corriea sits down with Jason Wishnov, the creative director at Iridium Studios, to discuss the ambitious development of the JRPG musical People of Note. Wishnov shares his unique background as a computer engineer and voice actor, explaining how he managed to bridge the gap between technical logic and artistic performance to bring his vision to life. The conversation covers the challenging, multi-year journey of pitching an unconventional genre-bending project. Wishnov provides a candid look at the indie development experience, from facing rejection to the eventually successful partnership that allowed him to realize his dream. He also details the collaborative process of assembling a team for a musical, including how he leveraged his connections to recruit high-level talent to help craft the game’s score and animation. The episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of music, math, and game design, highlighting how a scrappy, persistent approach to independent development can result in a deeply personal and creative final product.

Mewgenics: From Flash Games to Cat Armies with Edmund McMillen & Tyler Glaiel

May 25, 20261h 34mSummary

In this episode of Game Maker’s Notebook, host Trent Custers sits down with veteran game developers Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel to discuss their creative partnership and the development of their latest indie hit, Mewgenics. The conversation offers a nostalgic look at their formative years, tracing their early start in the golden age of Flash games and Xbox Live. Both creators share personal anecdotes about their childhood experiences with video games, illustrating how those early memories and accidental discoveries of game-making tools eventually funneled them into professional careers. The discussion delves deep into the evolution of their collaborative process, highlighting projects like Eether and the lessons learned from self-publishing and navigating the industry. They reflect on the transition from experimental Flash projects to larger-scale productions, emphasizing the importance of creating from personal experience to forge a genuine connection with players. The trio also explores the development of Mewgenics, touching on the challenges of team assembly, the design of its unique soundtrack, and the unexpectedly smooth six-year development cycle. This episode serves as an intimate exploration of the creative and technical philosophies that drive two of the industry’s most influential independent voices.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire - Creating a Rubber Hose Noir Detective Story

May 18, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of The Game Maker’s Notebook, the hosts sit down with the developers of Mouse: P.I. For Hire, Mateusz Michalak and Mateusz Lachowski, to discuss the creation of their unique "rubber hose" noir detective shooter. The conversation highlights the transition from animation to game development and how the studio utilized their visual background to craft a game that stands out in a crowded market. The discussion centers on the challenges of blending high-octane "boomer shooter" mechanics with a deliberate, story-driven pacing. The creators explain how they intentionally avoided the industry trend of constant, high-stakes action, instead opting for a structure that incorporates investigation, platforming, and downtime to keep players engaged without overwhelming them. Beyond the mechanics, the episode explores the game’s thematic depth. While the visual style pays homage to 1930s animation, the narrative tackles complex noir tropes and serious sociopolitical commentary. By balancing slapstick humor with a dark, detective-led mystery, the team successfully created a unique experience that resonates with both genre purists and casual observers. This insightful episode provides a deep dive into the art of balancing nostalgia, innovation, and intentional world-building.