“It's either Minesweeper or smoking, I can't write if I have to give up both.”

Hey, Good Game

#Entrepreneur #Lifestyle #Business #Games and Gambling #Nate Kadlac #Aaron Kardell #Joseph Rueter #Wordle #Math Games #Logic Games #Sudoku #Web Games #Game Development #Casual A Gaming #Mobile Game #Game Design #Web Programming #Advertising #Monetize

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

about a year ago 55:07

MP3•Episode home

Episode 18: Today's episode join me and lets explore the fascinating journey of Minesweeper through an interview with Damien Moore, the visionary behind MinesweeperGame.com. Delve into the origins of Minesweeper, the celebrities who played this game, its evolution, strategic gameplay, online community, and the intricate mathematics that define this beloved game.

Check out Damien's games and links:
https://minesweepergame.com/
https://minesweepergame.com/forum/

--

(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:43) - Diving Deep into Minesweeper's History and Community
(02:46) - Damien Moore: The Finer Miner's Journey
(04:55) - The Evolution of Minesweeper and Its Competitive Scene
(13:00) - The Technical Side of Competitive Minesweeper
(21:43) - Minesweeper's Cultural Impact and Future Directions
(25:57) - The Evolution of Minesweeper: From Mainframes to Microsoft
(28:45) - A Personal Journey into the World of Minesweeper
(28:59) - Microsoft's Strategic Move with Minesweeper and the Windows Entertainment Pack
(29:45) - The Creative Process and Legal Challenges Behind Minesweeper
(38:24) - The Cultural Impact and Mathematical Intrigue of Minesweeper
(48:09) - The Future of Minesweeper: Archiving History and Embracing Community
(48:51) - The Dream Board Phenomenon and Its Impact on Minesweeper Rankings
(54:14) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More on Minesweeper

Check out our brainy games:

Sumplete - https://sumplete.com
Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com
Mathler - https://mathler.com
Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com
Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com
Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com
Wordga - https://wordga.com

70 episodes

Hey, Good Game

“It's either Minesweeper or smoking, I can't write if I have to give up both.”

Hey, Good Game

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Check out Damien's games and links:
https://minesweepergame.com/
https://minesweepergame.com/forum/

--

(00:00) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast
(01:43) - Diving Deep into Minesweeper's History and Community
(02:46) - Damien Moore: The Finer Miner's Journey
(04:55) - The Evolution of Minesweeper and Its Competitive Scene
(13:00) - The Technical Side of Competitive Minesweeper
(21:43) - Minesweeper's Cultural Impact and Future Directions
(25:57) - The Evolution of Minesweeper: From Mainframes to Microsoft
(28:45) - A Personal Journey into the World of Minesweeper
(28:59) - Microsoft's Strategic Move with Minesweeper and the Windows Entertainment Pack
(29:45) - The Creative Process and Legal Challenges Behind Minesweeper
(38:24) - The Cultural Impact and Mathematical Intrigue of Minesweeper
(48:09) - The Future of Minesweeper: Archiving History and Embracing Community
(48:51) - The Dream Board Phenomenon and Its Impact on Minesweeper Rankings
(54:14) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More on Minesweeper

Check out our brainy games:

70 episodes

All episodes

Hey, Good Game

1
Funding Dreams & Crafting Stories: Lessons From an Indie Game Visionary 38:35

11 days ago38:35

38:35

Indie-game luminary Tatiana Delgado joins Nate to trace her 20-year journey from drawing paper games as a kid to co-founding Madrid’s Out of the Blue Games . She explains how titles like Call of the Sea create emotional tension without combat, why early VR prototyping was both thrilling and nausea-inducing, and how small studios can balance artistic vision with funding realities. Tatiana also teases two new projects—Lovecraft-flavored sequel Call of the Elder Gods and branching visual-novel series The Vigilante Diaries —while sharing hard-won advice on user testing, team culture, and pitching in today’s crowded market. Check out Tatiana's Resources: https://www.outbluegames.com https://x.com/OutBlueGames https://x.com/arilea Games Mentioned: Portal 2 - Tatiana's favorite game to play Wonder Boy series Myst Riven Aladdin VR Warhammer -- (00:00) - to Call of the Sea (00:32) - Tatiana Delgado (01:32) - Gaming Journey (02:15) - Career and Inspirations (10:29) - Out of the Blue Games (13:52) - Development Philosophy (19:16) - in VR Game Development (21:14) - on User Testing and Feedback (25:52) - and Ethical Considerations (26:50) - and Pricing Strategies (31:22) - Projects and Final Thoughts -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Zero to Hooked in 20 Seconds: The Stopwatch Strategy for Sustainable Indies 46:06

18 days ago46:06

46:06

What does it take to turn a minimalist text-based game into a global phenomenon? Indie developer and software craftsman Amir Rajan joins us to unpack his unconventional path from enterprise software to the top of the App Store with A Dark Room . In this episode, we explore how Amir built the DragonRuby Game Toolkit, why betting on hyper-niche communities pays off, and how rapid prototyping drives sustainable success in indie dev. From cracking console publishing to navigating the unpredictable App Store ecosystem, Amir shares hard-earned insights into the creative and financial realities of going solo in the game industry. Whether you’re a seasoned dev or just starting out, this episode offers an honest look at the intersection of craft, code, and commerce. Check out Amir's Resources: https://amirrajan.net/ https://x.com/amirrajan https://github.com/amirrajan https://www.twitch.tv/amirrajan https://www.youtube.com/@amirrajan https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirrajan/ https://www.reddit.com/user/amirrajan/ Games Mentioned: Illusion of Gaia - Amir's favorite game to play Slay the Spire Balder's Gate mildly interesting RTS Dark Room De Noble Circle Inside Vista Dragon Ruby Game Toolkit -- (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:27) - Amir Rajan's Background and Achievements (01:48) - Favorite Games and Gaming Nostalgia (03:17) - Corporate Life and Transition to Game Development (04:57) - The Inspiration Behind Dragon Ruby (07:57) - Challenges of Mobile App Development (11:01) - Creating Dragon Ruby Game Toolkit (16:01) - The Success of A Dark Room (20:35) - Sustainable Game Development Strategies (22:49) - Indie Game Development Strategies (23:38) - The Importance of Short Release Cycles (24:38) - Cross-Platform Distribution (26:56) - Navigating Console Releases (31:16) - Monetization Strategies (37:15) - Fail Fast and Iterate (39:02) - Community and Networking (43:40) - Maintaining and Updating Games (44:51) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
Why Most Web Games Skip the Sound—and What They’re Missing 47:19

25 days ago47:19

47:19

What does it take to create unforgettable game audio—from eerie soundscapes in Death Stranding to iconic branding in Mortal Kombat? Composer and sound designer Joel Corelitz joins us to talk about his path from writing music for pharmaceutical ads to shaping the sonic identity of major titles. We dive into the creative process, what good feedback really sounds like, the overlooked potential of sound in web games, and why sometimes doing the work is more important than waiting for inspiration. Check out Joel's Resources: https://joelcorelitz.com/ http://twitter.com/joelcorelitz http://instagram.com/joelcorelitz https://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@joelcorelitzmusic Games Mentioned: Dark Souls - Joel's favorite game to play Halo Infinite Death Stranding Mortal Kombat One The Unfinished Swan Nine Souls The Last Clockwinder Hyperlight Breaker Hyperlight Drifter Lazy River -- (00:00) - Introduction to Joel Kitz and Wave Plant (00:56) - Joel's Favorite Games and Balancing Work and Play (03:36) - The Journey from Advertising to Game Composing (08:52) - The Creative Process and Musical Language (15:51) - Feedback and Collaboration in Game Music (19:30) - Budgeting for Game Music and Audio Branding (25:30) - Exploring Sound Design in Games (26:14) - The Role of Musicality in Sound Design (30:02) - Challenges in Sound Design and Asset Management (31:04) - Collaborations and Working Solo (32:29) - Impact of AI on Creative Work (35:30) - Teaching Game Music Composition (38:23) - Starting a YouTube Channel (41:46) - Formal Education vs. Self-Learning in Music Composition (43:49) - Reflecting on Career Choices (44:59) - Current and Upcoming Projects (46:08) - Connecting with Joel Online -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Craps Tables to Sudoku Grids: A Microsoft Vet's Journey into Puzzle Setting 40:11

4 weeks ago40:11

40:11

Meet David Workman, known in the puzzle world as "HalfBakedLunatic" - a Microsoft veteran who creates Sudoku puzzles so difficult he can't solve them himself. David shares the incredible story of how he invented TiVo's core technology in 1996, only to watch it slip away when his two-page concept paper got buried at Microsoft. He reveals his epic gambling simulation that proved why casinos always win (even with unlimited money, you'd eventually make bets exceeding the world's GDP), and explains the paradox of puzzle creation - building something is the opposite of solving it. With 64 puzzles published and 10 featured on the legendary Cracking the Cryptic YouTube channel, David has earned his place among elite puzzle setters. His masterpiece had viewers watching for 45 minutes before a single digit was placed. Plus: the hilarious tale of licensing Elvis for $1,200 while a cockroach photo nearly cost millions. Check out David Workman's Resources: http://www.halfbakedlunatic.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediabizdev/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkyCXQNZY5ZhoSy1dL8b1Q https://logic-masters.de/Raetselportal/Benutzer/eingestellt.php?start=0&name=HalfBakedLunatic Games Mentioned: Craps - David's favorite game to play Pinochle Sudoku Kropki puzzles -- (00:00) - Introduction to Puzzle Setting (00:28) - Meet David Workman: The Prolific Puzzle Setter (01:08) - David's Favorite Games and Betting Strategies (01:46) - The Martingale Betting Strategy Explained (07:22) - David's Journey in the Broadcast Electronics Industry (09:30) - The Birth of TiVo: A Missed Opportunity (10:55) - Licensing Elvis Presley and Other Fun Stories (12:40) - David's Love for Sudoku and Puzzle Setting (16:40) - Challenges and Joys of Creating Puzzles (19:42) - Tools and Techniques for Puzzle Setting (23:05) - Creative Puzzle Themes and Ideas (28:11) - Monetization and Publishing Platforms (29:27) - Corporate Events and Custom Puzzles (33:12) - David's Favorite Puzzles and Their Stories (39:06) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find David's Puzzles -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
The Faceless Creator Behind One of YouTube’s Brainiest Channels 56:06

6 weeks ago56:06

56:06

In this episode, we talk with Jason Todd—aka Timberlake—the faceless creator behind the YouTube channel Smart Hobbies. Jason shares how he turned Sudoku from a personal pastime into a thriving YouTube channel with over 900K views on a single video. We dive into the strategy behind his growth, why he stays off-camera, how he connects with an older audience, and the surprising power of Sudoku games in a fast-paced creator economy. Check out Timberlake's Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@SmartHobbies https://buymeacoffee.com/timberlakeb https://www.instagram.com/timberlakesmarthobbies Games Mentioned: Sudoku - Timberlake's favorite game to play Wingspan Scrabble Chess -- (00:00) - Introduction and Top Videos Overview (00:20) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:12) - Meet Jason Todd, AKA Timberlake (01:51) - Jason's Favorite Games (02:22) - The Birth of Smart Hobbies (04:04) - The Faceless Channel Strategy (06:25) - Jason's Background and Career (08:33) - The Journey to YouTube Success (10:35) - Content Creation and Audience Engagement (23:44) - Revenue Streams and Future Plans (29:30) - Balancing Work and Personal Life (29:49) - Overcoming Regret and Embracing Routine (30:18) - Collaborating in the Sudoku Community (33:35) - Growing Your YouTube Channel (34:14) - Choosing the Right Platform for Courses (39:15) - Understanding Your Audience (41:51) - The Importance of Quality Content (45:36) - Exploring the Benefits of Sudoku (52:07) - Future of Sudoku and Community Building (54:55) - Connecting with Timberlake -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Red Dead to WordGlyph: The Actor Who Built a Word Game With Toothpicks and Code 59:22

7 weeks ago59:22

59:22

Kevin Glikmann, actor and creator of WordGlyph, joins us to share his wild creative journey—from voicing unforgettable characters in Red Dead Redemption to hand-building one of the most unusual word games on the internet. We talk about the inventing spirit that started with childhood roller coaster blueprints, the challenge of onboarding players in a genre-breaking game, and how Kevin used AI to accelerate coding without losing control. He also shares scrappy marketing tactics, ASMR game videos, and why rejection just means you’re onto something original. Check out Kevin's Resources: https://wordglyph.xyz/ https://kevinglikmann.com Game Mentions Chess - Kevin's favorite game to play WordGlyph Red Dead Redemption Scrabble Upwords Chopper (Apple II) -- (01:20) - – Playing Bullet Chess and Getting Stuck (03:15) - – Inventing at Age 9: A Roller Coaster Pitch to Disneyland (05:00) - – Creative Parents and Early Exposure to Production (06:30) - – From Airplane Spoofs to Apple II Coding (08:00) - – Taking Apart the Rubik’s Cube to Make It Harder (09:30) - – Balancing Left-Brain Code with Right-Brain Performance (11:00) - – Vulnerability in Acting vs. Game Design (14:00) - – Why Seth Breyers Didn’t Return in Red Dead 2 (16:30) - – Favorite Roles and Joy of Physical Acting (18:40) - – Why Game Creation Is So Much Harder Than Voice Acting (20:00) - – Kevin’s Failed Game Inventions (Scrap Ball, Word Race) (22:30) - – From Toy Agents to Hasbro Rejections (24:00) - – Where Word Glyph Began: Breaking Letters Into Segments (25:30) - – Toothpicks, Flash Prototypes, and the Original Word Glyph (27:30) - – The Wordle Wake-Up Call (28:45) - – Building Word Glyph with JavaScript and AI (31:30) - – The Frustration of Not Knowing Your Own Code (34:00) - – Marketing Scrappiness: Reddit, Y Combinator, TikTok (37:17) - – Creating Linguistic and Math Angles with AI-Generated Articles (40:02) - – Discovering ASMR as a Game Marketing Tactic (42:17) - – Why Influencers Cost $15K+ (and What to Do Instead) (44:02) - – The Power of DIY Press, Product Hunt, and Discord (48:02) - – Onboarding Through Experience, Not Instructions (51:02) - – Game Design Tip: Help Players Win Early (52:17) - – How Kevin Uses Community Boards for Learning & Retention (53:32) - – Why Bad Moves in Ads Might Work (55:02) - – What Kevin Would (and Wouldn’t) Do Differently -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
One Game, 50 Million Views: How Word Salad Took Off 50:19

8 weeks ago50:19

50:19

Samuel Johnston, co-founder of Bleppo and co-creator of Word Salad , joins us to share how a daily word game turned into a viral hit with over 50 million views. We talk about designing for TikTok, teaching new users game mechanics, building games that are fun (not addictive), and what it’s like growing a studio by betting on the right kind of sharing. Check out Samuel's Resources: https://bleppo.co.uk/ https://wordsalad.online https://numbersalad.com/ https://steks.net/ Game Mentions Morrowind RimWorld Diablo II Day of the Tentacle Red Alert NYT Strands NYT Connections -- (00:29) - Meet Samuel Johnston: Founder of Bleppo (01:14) - Samuel's Favorite Games (02:07) - Nostalgic Gaming Moments (04:12) - Creating Non-Addictive Games (07:48) - The Birth of Bleppo (10:12) - Developing Word Salad (11:52) - The Art of Cryptic Crosswords (14:50) - Setting Puzzles: A Creative Process (23:34) - Reaching the First Thousand Players (24:21) - Challenges in Marketing and Monetization (24:48) - Pivoting to a New Strategy (25:07) - Leveraging Social Media for Growth (26:58) - Collaborating with Small Content Creators (27:31) - Unexpected Success Stories (36:12) - Refining the Onboarding Process (45:31) - Future Plans and Reflections -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
How to Build a Crossword Puzzle (That People Actually Want to Play) 41:43

9 weeks ago41:43

41:43

David Steinberg went from submitting crosswords to the New York Times at age 12 to becoming the editorial manager at Andrews McMeel. In this episode, he shares how puzzles captured his imagination, what makes a great daily game, and why accessibility, surprise, and player-first design are key to long-term success. We also dive into how AI, onboarding, and syndication are shaping the future of games for indie developers and solvers alike. Check out David's Resources: https://syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com/puzzles/category/puzzles https://www.gocomics.com Find David Online: http://www.customcrossword.com https://www.xwordinfo.com/Thumbs/?author=David+Steinberg 60 Seconds With David Steinberg Game Mentions https://beekeeperlabs.com/crossfire/ https://www.playbalatro.com/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2400510/Dungeons__Degenerate_Gamblers/ https://playthebazaar.com/ https://imsqueezy.com/ https://crosswordfiend.com/ -- (00:59) - David's Favorite Game Right Now (02:13) - Discovering Crosswords and Early Inspirations (03:54) - First Attempts and Early Rejections (04:46) - Getting Published and Shifting Focus (06:27) - The Appeal and Evolution of Crosswords (09:14) - Creating Crosswords: Tools and Tips (12:56) - Solving Strategies and Tournament Insights (14:58) - Crossword Tournaments and Competitions (18:49) - The Future of Crosswords and Puzzle Games (21:49) - Easy Mode for Friday Crosswords (22:03) - Evolution of Puzzle Creation (23:20) - Criteria for Syndicating Puzzles (25:12) - Measuring Puzzle Success (27:23) - Surprising Aspects of Syndication (28:28) - Trends in the Puzzle and Gaming Industry (33:04) - Merging Comics and Puzzles (35:42) - AI in Puzzle Creation (37:29) - Onboarding Players in Puzzle Games -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
Why Most Daily Games Are Broken (And How to Fix Them) 58:17

11 weeks ago58:17

58:17

In this episode of Hey, Good Game , we sit down with Jeff Doka — creative director, writer, and co-founder of World Seekers , a GPS-based deckbuilding game that fuses exercise and entertainment. Jeff shares lessons from building Chess Puzzle Blitz, why most daily games fail to create lasting habits, and how deep mechanics and storytelling can transform casual gaming experiences. We dive into the realities of bootstrapped game development, the art of crafting daily puzzle loops, and why designing for real-world benefit (not just dopamine hits) might be the future of gaming. Plus: why AI isn’t replacing good storytelling anytime soon, and how rolling a D20 perfectly describes indie life. If you care about games that actually make your life better — you’ll love this one. Check out Jeff's Resources: https://www.4leaflabs.com/ https://www.finalbossediting.com/ https://www.worldseekersgame.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Distributor-Jeff-Doka-ebook/dp/B0DMPYTBGH https://www.amazon.com/Running-Wlid-Novella-Anthology-Book/dp/1955062676 Socials: https://www.facebook.com/worldseekersgame https://www.instagram.com/worldseekers_game/ https://bsky.app/profile/finalbossediting.bsky.social -- -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
He Made a Game So Big It Needed 27 Puzzle Designers 1:01:20

12 weeks ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Elyot Grant, CEO and Game Director at Lunar Studios. Elyot shares his prolific journey from academia to game development, highlighting his expertise in creating engaging puzzles and successful indie games like Prisma. He discusses his favorite classic games, including Tetris and StarCraft, and provides deep insights into the intricacies of game design and puzzle creation. Elyot also recounts compelling stories about their Kickstarter campaign for Prisma and using Reddit to build an early audience. Additionally, he sheds light on the making and scaling of 'Islands of Insight,' a puzzle game known for its vast number of handcrafted puzzles, emphasizing the blend of artistry and algorithmic generation in game design. This episode is filled with valuable tips for indie developers and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Check out Elyot's Resources: http://lunarchstudios.com/ https://user-74792.artstation.com/ Socials: http://twitter.com/lunarchstudios https://www.facebook.com/Prismata/ https://www.youtube.com/lunarchstudios -- (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:17) - Elyot Grant's Gaming Preferences (04:41) - Deep Dive into Tetris (16:09) - Challenges and Weaknesses in Gaming (19:43) - Kickstarter and Game Development Journey (30:58) - Building a Community at Expos (31:55) - Building a Community Around a Game (32:49) - Challenges of Collecting Emails at Conventions (35:28) - The Reddit Story: Turning a Failure into Success (42:09) - Kickstarter Campaign: Seizing the Momentum (45:49) - Islands of Insight: Crafting 10,000 Handcrafted Puzzles (53:56) - The Value of Handmade Puzzles vs. Generated Puzzles (01:00:04) - Conclusion and Future Projects -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
Fired, Broke, and 2 Weeks from a Hit: How Gabriel Stürmer Started Clap Clap Games 54:18

12 weeks ago54:18

54:18

Gabriel Stürmer, CEO of Clap Clap Games. Gabriel shares his remarkable journey from working in e-commerce at Dell to venturing into gaming with Cupcake Entertainment and eventually founding his own game studio. Despite facing the setback of being fired from Cupcake, Gabriel taught himself game development through Unity tutorials and successfully published two hit games, 'Submarine Jump' and 'Snow Patrol,' with renowned publishers. He discusses the intricate process of game testing, the evolution of hyper-casual games, and the challenges of staying ahead in the mobile gaming industry with limited resources. Gabriel also offers insights into building a successful partnership and maintaining efficiency in a small team. Listeners get a glimpse into the dynamic world of mobile game development and the resilience required to succeed. Check out Gabriel's Resources: https://clapclap.games/ https://linktr.ee/clapclap.games Socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@clapclap.games https://www.facebook.com/ClapClapGames https://www.instagram.com/clapclap.games https://www.linkedin.com/company/clapclap-games/ -- (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:36) - Gabriel Sturmer's Background and Career Journey (04:43) - The Birth of Clap Games (07:18) - First Game Prototypes and Initial Success (12:21) - Scaling and Testing Games (16:31) - Current Development Process and Challenges (24:44) - Testing and Analytics Tools (27:45) - Iterating and Adding Complexity to Games (28:16) - Publishing Platforms: iOS, Android, and Web (29:02) - Challenges in Mobile Game Development (30:07) - The Importance of Ad Creatives (33:31) - Hiring and Team Dynamics (39:29) - Business Model and Working with Publishers (46:56) - The Story of Snow Patrol (53:12) - Conclusion and Contact Information -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
When to Hire a Composer: Game Music Insights with John Robert Matz 53:27

14 weeks ago53:27

53:27

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of video game music composition with John Robert Matz, the talented composer behind scores for games like For the King, Tchia, and Gunpoint. John Robert shares his journey from classically trained musician to award-winning game composer, offering insights into his creative process and how he approaches each unique project. John Robert discusses how he creates authentic musical experiences by incorporating period-appropriate instruments and techniques, from medieval fantasy scores to French Revolution-era compositions. He explains the importance of bringing composers into game development early, revealing how music can shape and enhance the player experience beyond just background ambiance. With his studio filled with dozens of instruments he plays himself—from French horns and trumpets to ukuleles and medieval wind instruments—John Robert demonstrates his commitment to incorporating live performances in his work. Whether discussing his research into New Caledonian music for Tchia or explaining how UI sounds interact with background scores, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and craft of creating memorable gaming soundscapes. Check out John's Resources: http://johnrobertmatz.bandcamp.com/ https://johnrobertmatz.com/index.html https://soundcloud.com/John-Robert-Matz Socials: https://x.com/JohnRobertMatz https://www.youtube.com/viper50bmg https://www.instagram.com/johnrobertmatz/ https://www.facebook.com/JohnRobertMatz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-robert-matz-a40b8a60/ -- (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:07) - John's Favorite Games (03:05) - The Composer's Perspective on Game Music (05:50) - John's Studio Setup and Instrument Collection (09:24) - John's Musical Journey and Career Path (15:05) - Approach to Game Music Composition (18:39) - Budget Considerations in Game Music (23:05) - The Role of Music in Indie Games (25:49) - Enhancing Player Immersion with Music and Sound Design (26:11) - UI Sound Design and Its Challenges (30:12) - Inspiration from Fellow Composers (33:32) - Exploring Historical Music for Modern Compositions (42:23) - Creating Authentic Soundscapes for Video Games (47:11) - Common Misconceptions About Hiring Composers (51:16) - Current and Upcoming Projects (52:29) - Where to Find More About John Robert Matz -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
From Nokia Engineer to Indie Game Creator | Building DeCodex 22:10

16 weeks ago22:10

22:10

In this episode of the Hey, good Game podcast, host Joseph Rueter interviews Áron Csatlós, a software engineer from Hungary and the creator of the cryptography puzzle game Decodex, which is available at playdecodecks.com. Áron shares his journey from working at Nokia for over a decade to creating various games and AI-powered tools, including Ground Kids, a personalized training plan generator. The discussion covers Áron's inspirations, development practices like building in public, and his strategies for engaging players. Áron also talks about his favorite games, including chess and League of Legends, and provides insights into his future game development plans. Check out Áron's Resources: https://www.playdecodex.com/ https://ko-fi.com/csaron92 https://www.reddit.com/r/Decodex/ https://bsky.app/profile/playdecodex.bsky.social Socials: https://twitter.com/csaron92 https://hu.linkedin.com/in/aroncsatlos https://www.instagram.com/csaron92/ -- (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (00:25) - Meet Áron Csatlós: The Mind Behind Decodex (01:47) - Áron's Gaming Preferences (04:13) - Exploring Ground Kids (05:16) - Travel Tales and Building in Public (08:47) - The Birth of Decodex (13:37) - Marketing Strategies and Community Building (18:47) - Future Projects and Final Thoughts -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
Think Like a Game Designer: Justin Gary on AI, Community, and Creative Iteration 49:11

17 weeks ago49:11

49:11

Justin Gary, CEO of Stoneblade Entertainment and author of 'Think Like a Game Designer.' They discuss Gary’s core design loop framework, focusing on how AI can enhance each step: inspiring, framing, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and iterating. Gary talks about the importance of games in learning and building connections, his favorite games, and the role of AI in accelerating game design. The conversation extends to community building, the similarities between game design and other creative processes, and effective marketing strategies. Gary also touches on the value of adding consistent value to communities, giving a peek into upcoming projects and his remote, diverse team at Stoneblade. Check out Justin's Resources: https://stoneblade.com/ https://justingarydesign.substack.com/ https://www.thinklikeagamedesigner.com/ https://www.reddit.com/user/Justin_Gary/ Socials: https://x.com/JustinGary https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingary/ -- (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:44) - The Essence of Games and Their Impact (03:50) - Favorite Games and Community Building (09:03) - The Role of AI in Game Design (11:40) - Prototyping and Iteration in Game Design (22:20) - Emotional Connection in Game Design (28:35) - Building Community in Games (29:21) - Creating Engaging Game Formats (30:08) - The Role of Story in Games (31:44) - The Importance of Super Fans (32:05) - Marketing Strategies for Games (35:05) - Parallels Between Game Design and Business (39:33) - Embracing Uncertainty and Risk (46:48) - Current and Future Projects (50:30) - Connecting with the Community -- Check out our brainy games: Sumplete - https://sumplete.com Squeezy - https://imsqueezy.com/ Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.com Mathler - https://mathler.com Crosswordle - https://crosswordle.com Sudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.com Hitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.com Wordga - https://wordga.com…

Hey, Good Game

1
Tetris, Chess, and Go: Martin Grider’s Indie Game Design Playbook 43:48

21 weeks ago43:48