Hey, Good Game

In this episode, we chat with Sandro Wahl, CEO and founder of PreAlpha, and the mind behind Make It Meme, a multiplayer game that turns meme creation into a social experience. Sandro shares his journey of creating the viral game, Make It Meme. He discusses the challenges of moderation, monetization, and the upcoming 2.0 version of the game. We also explore the social dynamics of memes and how Make It Meme has become a cultural touchstone for its players.Check out Sandro's Resources:https://prealpha.dev/https://makeitmeme.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/prealpha/https://github.com/CookedAppshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sandro-wahl/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Guest: Sandro Wahl (04:06) - The Birth of Make It Meme (05:30) - From Private Game to Public Success (08:08) - Gameplay Mechanics and Design Challenges (15:14) - User Stories and Cultural Impact (19:21) - Dynamic Meme Creation Process (19:52) - Future of Tailored Meme Packs (21:46) - Challenges in Moderation (25:47) - Monetization Strategies (28:41) - Community-Driven Moderation (31:20) - Innovative Ad Integration (34:56) - Exciting Upcoming Updates (37:03) - Join the Community --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriele Cirulli, who created the viral hit game 2048 when he was just 19 years old. What started as a five-day coding experiment became a worldwide phenomenon, leading Gabriele through an unexpected journey of viral success, burnout, and eventually finding peace with his creation. After stepping away from the game for years, he recently quit his job at 1Password to work on 2048 full-time, launching a completely reimagined version with new features and improved performance. Surprisingly, Gabriele shares his unconventional view on the thousands of copycats his game inspired, seeing them as a beautiful extension of creativity rather than theft. From dealing with the pressure of unexpected success to embracing an open-source mindset, Gabriele's story offers unique insights into what happens when a side project suddenly becomes a global sensation.Check out Gabriele's Resources:https://play2048.cohttps://classic.play2048.co/https://x.com/gabrielecirulli/https://gabrielecirulli.github.io/2048https://github.com/gabrielecirulli/2048https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielecirulli/https://www.facebook.com/2048.by.Gabriele.Cirulli/For questions or feedback:feedback@play2048.co--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (00:28) - Meet Gabriele Cirulli: Creator of 2048 (01:28) - Gabriele's Favorite Game: Fortnite (02:11) - The Evolution of Multiplayer Gaming (03:11) - Gabriele's Journey into Web Development (04:58) - The Changing Landscape of Web Development (07:50) - The Viral Success of 2048 (11:00) - The Inspiration Behind 2048 (17:46) - The Open Source Impact of 2048 (26:20) - Reflecting on 2048's Success and Burnout (26:59) - Moving to the Netherlands and Finding Normalcy (27:38) - Creating the Mobile App and Monetization Struggles (29:30) - Selling the Mobile App and Partnership with Solibon (30:32) - Changing Perspectives on Advertising (31:33) - Quitting the Job to Focus on 2048 (34:22) - Developing the New Version of 2048 (42:58) - Challenges and Feedback from the Community (48:32) - Exclusive Amazon Prime Version (53:39) - Future Plans and Closing Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Rens Rongen, the creator of the popular web game Ninja.io, to discuss the intricate process of game development, his inspirations, and how he balances his corporate work with his passion for creating engaging games. Rens shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of launching a multiplayer game, and the importance of community feedback in refining a project. He also touches on the role of publishers, the impact of advertising, and the joy of seeing users engage with his creations. As he prepares for the next chapter in both his personal and professional life, Rens reflects on the lessons learned and his plans for future projects.In this episode, you'll learn:Childhood Influence: Rens’ interest in game development was sparked in his childhood through drawing and playing games like Warcraft and Starcraft that allowed creating custom maps.Design Iteration: The episode highlights the importance of continuous iteration and how skills in design and graphics can evolve over time with practice.Technical Evolution: The transition from Flash to HTML5 significantly impacted Rens' development process, enabling more sophisticated multiplayer implementations.Feature Creep: The game development journey showed how feature creep can gradually turn a hobby project into a serious commitment.Importance of Feedback: Early user feedback is crucial. Releasing the game early, even in an imperfect state, allows for iterative improvements based on player responses.Choosing a Domain and Branding: The process of choosing a memorable and marketable domain name, such as ninja.io, is discussed, including challenges with availability and cost.Monetization Strategies: Understanding monetization via ads and considering other forms like selling customizations.Leveraging Publishers: Partnering with publishers like Poki can significantly amplify reach but may require compromises such as implementing language filters to meet platform standards.Handling Traffic Surges: Preparing for and managing server loads during significant spikes in user traffic after a major launch.Building a Community: Using platforms like Discord to engage users, gather feedback, and create a sense of community which may include organizing tournaments and user-generated content.Maintaining Balance: Balancing direct user interaction with productivity, as it can be both beneficial and distracting.Adaptability and Learning: Applying lessons learned from Ninja.io to future projects, including avoiding technical debt and setting up more organized and sustainable development processes.Life Changes: Handling personal life changes (like expecting a child) while managing ongoing projects and planning future endeavors.Perfectionism: The challenge of overcoming perfectionism and understanding that initial releases won’t be perfect but can improve significantly through iteration.Balancing Innovation and Stability: The need to innovate while ensuring the stability and scalability of the game’s infrastructure.Overall, this episode offers an in-depth look at the holistic development process of an indie game, from inspiration to long-term planning, and integration of user feedback, providing valuable lessons for aspiring game developers and entrepreneurs.Check out Rens's Resources:https://ninja.io/https://x.com/NinjaIO_gamehttps://www.reddit.com/r/ninjaio/https://www.youtube.com/@NinjaIOhttps://discord.com/invite/yAYmSWZ--(00:00) - Introduction to Game Development Challenges (00:21) - Meet Rens Rongen: Creator of Ninja.io (01:19) - Rens' Gaming Preferences and Inspirations (03:13) - The Evolution of Ninja.io (07:11) - From Hobby to Serious Project (14:08) - Launching Ninja.io: The Journey (19:11) - Reflecting on Past Mistakes (20:49) - The Challenges of Solo Development (22:29) - Partnering with Publishers (27:53) - Community Engagement and Feedback (29:55) - Monetization Strategies (35:56) - Future Projects and Personal Life (38:31) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Jimmy Dickinson, the creator of CardsJD.com. Jimmy shares his journey from early console gaming to becoming a full-time indie developer, shedding light on the unique challenges of building multiplayer games. The discussion covers his transition from Intel to game development, offering insights into successful platform ports and the importance of versatile coding skills. James emphasizes marketing strategies, including App Store Optimization (ASO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), alongside his rebranding journey for better platform recognition.In this episode, you'll learn:Game Development Insights: They will hear about Jimmy Dickinson’s journey in game development, including his move from corporate jobs to full-time indie development.Challenges in Multiplayer Game Development: Jimmy discusses the intricacies and challenges, especially around maintaining chat and player interactions in multiplayer games.Entrepreneurship and Game Monetization: Insights into Jimmy's entrepreneurial mindset, strategies for monetizing games without disrupting player experience, and the balance between in-app purchases and ads.Community Building: Learn about Jimmy's emphasis on community building, from running chess tournaments to managing Facebook groups effectively.Technical Aspects and SEO Strategy: How Jimmy deals with technical challenges such as implementing leaderboards, optimizing for different platforms (iOS, Android), and his strategies for SEO to increase game visibility.Innovative Problem Solving: Hear about Jimmy’s unique approach to solving various problems with innovative tools, making offline functionalities more robust, and how he leverages his coding skills.Check out Jimmy's Resources:https://cardsjd.com/https://cribbagecalculator.com/https://twitter.com/jamesfdickinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfdickinson/Where to play Online:Cribbage JD - https://cardsjd.com/cribbage/BracketJD - https://BracketJD.comeCribbage - http://ecribbage.com/PlayOK cribbage - https://www.playok.com/en/cribbage/Cribbage Pro - http://www.cribbagepro.net/Facebook - https://fb.gg/play/jimmy-cribbageContact: cribbage@jdsoftwarellc.com--(00:00) - Introduction to Multiplayer Games (00:43) - Welcome to the Hey Good Game Podcast (01:33) - Jimmy Dickinson's Background and Career (02:24) - Early Programming and Game Development (05:02) - Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges (10:13) - Developing and Marketing Games (24:20) - Chess Tournament Software and Innovations (26:23) - Adapting to COVID: Transforming Tournament Software (26:52) - Building a Community Through Online Tournaments (29:57) - Challenges in Multiplayer Game Development (31:07) - Enhancing User Experience with Leaderboards and Achievements (36:45) - Monetization Strategies for Indie Developers (48:54) - Managing and Growing Game Communities (51:18) - Conclusion and Contact Informatio --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Aman Rawal and Ben Hollier, the minds behind MathHeads, a game designed to make mental math enjoyable. The conversation spans the development journey and multiplayer features of MathHeads, elaborating on backend challenges, user experience, and the game’s reception. It further explores strategies in managing a mix of game modes and user engagement through platforms like Discord. The discussion highlights marketing strategies leveraging Reddit and Google Ads, tackles the intricacies of monetization and infrastructure, and showcases unexpected collaboration opportunities, such as with the World Mental Calculation League.In this episode, you'll learn:Community Engagement: The importance of engaging with users through platforms like Discord. MathHeads utilized user feedback extensively to improve their site and gather data on user behavior.Iterative Development: The value of releasing basic versions of the game to get early feedback and iterating based on user responses.Monetization Challenges: The journey to monetizing the platform, including failed attempts with Google AdSense and deciding to build a larger user base before focusing heavily on monetization.Backend Challenges: The complexities of developing real-time, head-to-head multiplayer functionalities and managing cross-platform issues (iOS vs. Android).Partnerships and Accountability: Highlighting the importance of having a team or partners to stay accountable and motivated, which can be crucial for maintaining momentum in developmental projects.User Personalization: Offering different game modes and difficulty levels to appeal to a wide range of users.Networking and Exposure: Through community and organic growth, they came across various partnerships and opportunities, albeit some didn’t align perfectly with their current capabilities or goals.Regular Updates and Communication: Ensuring to keep the user base informed about updates through regular communication on platforms like Discord.Check out Ben and Aman's Resources:https://mathheads.net/--(00:00) - Focusing on User Experience and Growth (00:47) - Introduction to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:01) - Meet the Creators of Math Heads (02:16) - Favorite Games of the Creators (03:55) - The Origin Story of Math Heads (06:13) - Challenges and Features of Math Heads (16:39) - User Engagement and Community Building (18:25) - Discord's Role in QA and Community Management (19:52) - Marketing Strategies and Initial Launch (22:42) - Challenges with Monetization and Ads (24:56) - Unexpected Opportunities and Collaborations (28:33) - Future Plans and Team Dynamics (30:17) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators (31:45) - Balancing User Feedback and Data (34:36) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Andrew Bartle, the creator of the quiz game, QuizWise. With over 25 years of experience as a software developer, Andrew shares his journey from developing games as a child to founding a successful quiz platform. He discusses the importance of passion in game development, the influence of his late collaborator Barry Lakeman, and how A/B testing played a pivotal role in the site's evolution. Andrew talks about his experience with various ad providers, the impact of AI, and the dedication to maintaining the educational value of QuizWise.In this episode, you'll learn:QuizWise Origins: QuizWise was conceptualized as a SEO experiment and as a site with broad content appeal.Content Creation Process: The questions are created thoughtfully, focusing on enduring relevance rather than transient details.User Engagement and Feedback: Feedback from users, both positive and corrective, is highly encouraged and valued to maintain the site's quality.AI Utilization: While the questions at QuizWise are not generated by AI, ChatGPT's API is used for quality control to check for accuracy, correctness, and typographical issues.Ad Revenue and Challenges: The platform supports itself through ad revenue, attempting to balance the user experience without intrusive advertisements.Changing ad providers can be challenging due to initial disruption but can also lead to significant revenue shifts.Future Plans and Aspirations: There's interest in potentially developing new games and leveraging current user engagement.Community and Legacy: Andrew’s bond with his quiz-making colleagues and the legacy of Barry Lakeman play an integral part in the story of QuizWise.Check out Andrew's Resources:https://www.quizwise.com/https://www.facebook.com/QuizWise/--(00:00) - Introduction and Life Lessons from Game Development (00:38) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (00:52) - Meet Andrew Bartle, Creator of QuizWise (01:43) - Favorite Games and Family Fun (03:33) - Early Days of Gaming and Programming (11:29) - The Journey of QuizWise (25:05) - Reflecting on QuizWise and Weirdle (26:16) - Quiz Difficulty and Structure (28:12) - Engaging Teachers and Students (29:02) - User Engagement and Marketing (30:19) - Ad Providers and Revenue (40:30) - AI in Quiz Creation (43:45) - The Art of Crafting Quiz Questions (45:57) - Feedback and User Interaction (50:05) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Nildo Jr., known for the word-guessing game Contexto. Nildo discusses his inspiration from tech and mathematics, his migration to Norway, and the development of Contexto during the pandemic. He also shares insights into the challenges of maintaining the game, the importance of user feedback, and the educational potential of games.In this episode, you'll learn:Follow Your Passion and Curiosity: His fascination with algorithms and AI, leading him to create Contexto, highlights how following your interests can lead to significant accomplishments.Importance of Simplifying User Experience: Nildo discussed the challenges of simplifying Semantle to make it more accessible, eventually leading to the creation of Contexto. Creating Engaging and Shareable Content: One critical feature Nildo emphasized was the shareability of game results. This aspect was crucial for the game's success as it encouraged users to spread the word, leading to organic growth through social media and word-of-mouth.Handling Feedback: Learning to handle both positive and negative feedback is essential. Positive feedback might be less frequent but recognizing that negative feedback can provide areas for improvement is vital.Iterative Development and Continuous Improvement: The importance of continual iteration and improvement of games was highlighted, especially how feedback from users directly influenced the design and features of Contexto and other games.Educational Value of Games: Nildo strongly believes in the educational impact of games. His desire to see his games used in educational environments showcases how digital entertainment can have a significant educational aspect.Risk Management and Full-Time Commitment: Transitioning from a secure job to making game development his full-time occupation required careful consideration and personal growth, illustrating the need to balance risk management with pursuing one's passion.Community and Social Play: The social aspect of games was a recurrent theme, where Nildo shared stories of people playing Contexto with family, friends, and coworkers. This social engagement adds an additional layer of enjoyment and connection among players.Check out Nildo's Resources:https://contexto.me/https://github.com/nildohttps://x.com/nildojuniorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nildojr/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:25) - Nildo Jr.'s Gaming Preferences (01:59) - The Social Aspect of Gaming (06:34) - Living in Norway (08:36) - Creating Contexto and Daydash (20:10) - The Popularity and Impact of Contexto (23:44) - Discovering a Passion for Computers (24:17) - Educational Journey and Career Beginnings (24:46) - The Importance of Education (26:40) - The Role of Curiosity and Luck (27:52) - Challenges and Rewards of Game Development (30:54) - The Power of Sharing and Social Media (33:18) - Popularity and User Behavior (36:17) - Transition to Full-Time Game Development (38:15) - Design Philosophy and New Games (42:24) - Handling Feedback and User Interaction (44:30) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Garry Schyman, a renowned composer for film, television, and video games. Garry shares insights from his prolific career, discusses the intricacies of game scoring, and offers valuable advice on creativity and composing. He also delves into his experiences teaching at USC, the impact of AI on the music industry, and the joy of working on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno. This episode is a deep dive into the world of game music composition and the evolving landscape of the industry.In this episode, you'll learn:Always Do Your Best Work: Garry highlights the importance of always putting your best effort into every project, as you never know who will hear it and what opportunities might come from it.Understanding the Project's Needs: Learn how Garry navigates the process of defining the musical needs for a game or film, balancing client expectations with creative experimentation.AI as a Tool or Threat: Understand Garry’s perspective on the role of AI in music composition, seeing it as a possible tool for creativity but also a threat to traditional compositional work.Teaching and Mentoring: Appreciate the value of mentorship and education through Garry’s experiences teaching aspiring composers at USC.Scoring Hell: Enjoy intriguing stories from Garry's career, like the unique experience of scoring for Dante’s Inferno and recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios.Check out Garry's Resources:https://garryschyman.com/https://www.facebook.com/garry.schymanhttp://www.youtube.com/@garryschyman99--(00:00) - Introduction to Creative Principles (00:53) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast (01:59) - Meet Gary Scheiman: Composer Extraordinaire (03:14) - Gary's Favorite Games (04:19) - Teaching at USC and Game Scoring Insights (07:55) - The Evolution of Game Music (17:04) - The Bioshock Sound: A Unique Challenge (26:28) - Misconceptions About Composers (26:56) - The Composing Process and Tools (28:42) - AI's Impact on Music Composition (36:00) - Conducting at Abbey Road (38:28) - Advice for Aspiring Composers (45:34) - Future Projects and Career Reflections (47:22) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Nate Kadlac and Aaron Kardell reflect on the past 18 months of building the business and podcast. They share insights into their journey, including their bootstrapping philosophy, ad partner experiments, and the expansion of their content. The duo discusses their favorite games, the importance of maintaining control by avoiding venture capital, and their continuous efforts to respond to user feedback and improve their games. They also highlight the diversity of recent podcast guests and invite listeners to suggest future guests and provide reviews to help the podcast grow.Check out Hey GG's games and links:https://www.hey.gg/--(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:56) - Current Games We're Playing (05:11) - Behind the Scenes at Hey Good Game (06:31) - User Feedback and Improvements (10:11) - Growth and Team Dynamics (19:28) - Advertising Strategies and Insights (24:54) - Podcast Journey and Future Plans (27:44) - Conclusion and Call to Action --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Keythe talks about the resurgence of pinball games, his favorite video games over the years, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the industry. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of AI, voice cloning, and the importance of fair compensation for voice actors.In this episode, you'll learn:Keythe shares his history with video games, from his early days playing pinball and arcade games like Pac-Man to more recent titles like Tomb Raider and Red Dead Redemption. Keythe shares personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a holistic view of the life of a voice actor. His experiences illustrate the passion and dedication required to succeed in this field.Reflecting on his experiences in motion capture and performance capture, Keythe highlights how these technologies enhance storytelling but also bring additional challenges for actors to accurately convey physical and emotional nuances.Keythe shares insights on:Voice acting for video games involves understanding and performing for multiple storylines and outcomes simultaneously. Every project can have a different recording schedule.Successful voice acting requires both technical skills (like clear enunciation) and emotional availability, as actors rely solely on their voice to convey the full depth of their character.The industry is constantly evolving, and voice actors need to stay updated with new technologies and methodologies while ensuring fair compensation and ethical considerations.Check out Keythe's Resources:https://www.keythefarley.com/https://x.com/faronearhttps://www.facebook.com/keythehttps://www.instagram.com/keythefarleyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1tMpjVHdCIiHTfdQkWFeja--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (01:36) - Meet Keythe Farley (02:32) - Keythe's Gaming Journey (06:43) - The Evolution of Voice Acting in Games (11:12) - Challenges of Voice Acting in Video Games (16:17) - Recording Techniques and Actor's Flexibility (23:08) - Multiple Roles and Atmospheric Voices (24:21) - Exploring Diverse Voice Acting Roles (25:38) - The Creative Process in Game Development (27:46) - AI's Impact on the Entertainment Industry (29:16) - Ethical Considerations and AI in Voice Acting (35:33) - The Future of AI in Sports and Entertainment (42:38) - Personal Insights and Tools for Voice Acting (45:22) - Conclusion and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Josh Plotner is a renowned musician, producer, and arranger known for his work in films, TV, and video games. Based in New York, Josh has been a freelance musician for over a decade, specializing as a saxophonist and woodwind multi-instrumentalist.At age three, Josh's journey began with a passion for saxophone, eventually expanding to other woodwind instruments. His versatility led him to Broadway, where he currently subs for The Lion King, playing 13 different flutes. This experience sparked his interest in world flutes, leading to a vast collection of instruments from various cultures.In this episode, you'll learn:How Josh transitioned from Broadway to video game musicThe unique challenges and opportunities in video game music compositionJosh's approach to remote recording and building an online presenceThe importance of flexibility and communication when working with clientsHow Josh creates educational content to fill gaps in online resources for niche instrumentsJosh shares insights on:The similarities between flutes from different culturesThe impact of 3D printing on instrument manufacturingStrategies for succeeding in the music industry, including networking and specializationCheck out Josh's Resources:https://www.joshplotnermusic.com/--(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (01:19) - Meet Josh Plotner: Multi-Instrumentalist Extraordinaire (02:00) - Josh's Favorite Games and Musical Inspirations (03:17) - The Magic of Woodwind Instruments in Gaming (06:20) - Challenges and Joys of Playing the Shakuhachi (09:48) - Josh's Musical Journey: From Saxophone to Broadway (18:16) - Breaking into Video Game Music (23:30) - Navigating Client Communication Challenges (24:12) - The E-commerce Approach to Music Services (24:47) - Adapting to Remote Work During the Pandemic (25:31) - Building an Informative and Engaging Website (27:44) - Educating Clients Without Talking Down (28:46) - The Intersection of Social Media and Client Generation (29:17) - Filling Gaps in Online Music Education (31:49) - The Power of Deadlines for Creativity (32:55) - Passion-Driven Content Creation (40:58) - The Challenges of Being a Generalist Musician (42:06) - Embracing Negative Feedback as a Sign of Success (43:46) - How to Connect with Josh Plotner --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Daniel Tait is a prolific indie game developer who has created several popular puzzle games, including Mathler, CrossWordle, and Somplete. Despite not considering himself a professional programmer, Daniel has a knack for quickly building and launching games that capture players' attention.In this episode, we explore Daniel's journey from tinkering with games as a kid to becoming a successful indie developer. He shares insights on:How he created Mathler, his breakout hit inspired by Wordle, using an open-source clone and basic math equationsHis approach to rapidly prototyping and launching games, often spending just a weekend to get an MVP outLeveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome technical challenges and generate unique puzzlesThe pros and cons of selling some of his most popular gamesHis latest project, WordNerd.co, which aims to be a hub for word game enthusiastsYou'll learn:Why Daniel prefers to launch games quickly and imperfectly rather than polishing them extensivelyHow he uses domain name availability to influence game ideas (23 Words came from 23words.com being available!)His simple but effective launch strategy using Hacker News and RedditThe importance of building games you enjoy playing yourselfCheck out Daniel's Resources:https://wordnerd.co/23words.comhttps://killercrossword.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-tait/Contact:heynerd@wordnerd.co--(00:00) - Introduction to Game Development (00:41) - Welcome to the Hey Good Game Podcast (02:21) - Interview with Daniel Tait (03:24) - Daniel's Gaming Background (06:57) - The Creation of Mathler (08:52) - Launching and Promoting Mathler (10:16) - Daniel's Game Development Philosophy (19:46) - Monetization Strategies (21:48) - Acquisition by Hey Good Game (23:15) - Exploring AI-Assisted Game Development (23:25) - Creating a Puzzle Game with ChatGPT (24:07) - Developing and Testing the Game (25:44) - Using AI for Game Development (26:35) - The Joy of Building Games (30:57) - Balancing Game Development and Personal Life (37:19) - Launching and Promoting New Games (41:00) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Developers --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Gabe Cornish is a game creator with over 40 published games on itch.io and a decade of experience in the game industry. He's worked on hit mobile titles like Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery at Jam City and more recently at Paradox Interactive. Gabe is passionate about making game development more accessible and sustainable for creators.In this episode, we explore Gabe's journey in game development and his unique perspective on creating games for fun rather than profit. He shares insights on:• Make games regularly, even if they're small and imperfect, to maintain enthusiasm and improve skills• Don't judge your creations too harshly - you never know what will resonate with players• Consider freeware development as a sustainable way to weather industry uncertainty• Look for alternative monetization methods like Patreon to support ongoing creative workCheck out Gabe's Resources:https://gabrielcornish.com/https://gabrielcornish.itch.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielcornish----Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Eric Allebest, co-founder and CEO of Chess.com, joins the podcast to discuss how he's revolutionized the world of online chess. With 5-10 million daily players and nearly $100 million in annual revenue, Chess.com has become the go-to platform for chess enthusiasts worldwide.Eric shares his journey from e-commerce to building a chess empire, starting with Schoolhouse Chess and Wholesale Chess before launching Chess.com. He reveals how the company has weathered surges and plateaus in popularity, including the massive boost from Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit."In this episode, you'll learn:• How Chess.com changed the definition of who can be a chess player, vastly expanding the market• The importance of balancing community, content, and product in building a successful gaming platform• Why streaming and content creation have been crucial to Chess.com's growth strategy• How the company navigates the challenges of running a complex gaming ecosystemCheck out Erik's Resources:https://www.chess.com/https://x.com/chesscomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@chesshttps://www.chesscomshop.com/https://www.instagram.com/wwwchesscom/https://www.youtube.com/user/wwwChesscom--(00:00) - The Transferability of Chess.com to Other Games (00:29) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (02:12) - Eric Allebest's Journey with Chess.com (03:28) - The Popularity and Growth of Chess.com (04:20) - Eric's Favorite Games and Gaming Preferences (07:05) - The Psychology of Chess and Player Behavior (09:16) - Eric's Early Life and Introduction to Games (10:31) - The Birth of Chess.com and E-commerce Challenges (13:24) - The Evolution of Gaming and Content Integration (16:33) - The Role of Design and Branding in Chess.com (22:57) - The Impact of Streaming on Chess Popularity (25:17) - Engaging with Non-Top Players (26:05) - Streamers and the Element of Competition (27:36) - Celebrity Collaborations and Vulnerability (30:14) - The Changing Media Landscape (31:20) - Chess and Other Traditional Games (34:11) - Impact of The Queen's Gambit (37:06) - Media and Entertainment in Chess (47:17) - Onboarding New Users to Chess.com (49:42) - Reflections on Chess and Life (51:19) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Cassidy Williams is a prolific content creator, developer advocate, and builder. Aaron Kardell and Joseph Rueter discuss Jumblie—a word game inspired by a coding challenge—and Cassidy's previous games. Cassidy shares her journey, the influence of her time in Spain, SEO, her love for board games like Agricola and Civ 6, and her stint as a mascot at Iowa State University. Check out Cassidy's Resources:https://jumblie.comhttps://cassidoo.cohttps://x.com/cassidoohttps://github.com/cassidoohttps://www.patreon.com/cassidoohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidoo/--(00:00) - Introduction and SEO Nerd Talk (00:29) - Interview with Cassidy Williams (00:51) - Cassidy's Journey with Jumblie (03:17) - Cassidy's Favorite Games (04:41) - General Mills Internship Experience (06:07) - College Mascot Adventures (09:33) - Living in Spain (13:47) - SEO and Scooby Doo (15:46) - Founding Cosigned (21:23) - The Birth of Contenda (21:57) - AI Tools Before the Hype (22:34) - Challenges and Pivots (23:11) - The Brain Story Tool (24:06) - The End of Contenda (24:57) - Switching to Gaming (25:21) - Creating 13 Potions (29:40) - The Jumblie Journey (40:45) - Challenges of Puzzle Editing (43:35) - Future of Jumblie and Final Thoughts --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Peter Mohrbacher, creator of Angelarium, emphasizes the importance of creating art for yourself rather than trying to please others or meet market expectations. He argues that the best art comes from a place of "creative selfishness" - following your own obsessions and interests without worrying about external validation. This approach has allowed him to maintain a unique artistic voice while building a successful business around his personal project. However, he acknowledges that this path isn't for everyone, as many artists struggle with the business side of self-publishing and marketing their work.Check out Peter's Resources:https://www.angelarium.nethttps://angelarium.shophttps://www.patreon.com/angelariumhttps://x.com/bugmeyerhttps://bugmeyer.tumblr.com/https://www.facebook.com/angelariumhttps://www.pinterest.com/petemohrbacher/--(00:00) - Introduction to AI Prompting (00:26) - Welcome to Hey Good Game Podcast (00:42) - Interview with Peter Mohrbacher (02:08) - Peter's Favorite Game: Elden Ring (05:54) - The Art of Angelarium (19:15) - Challenges of Sharing Art Online (27:04) - Embracing Creative Obsessions (28:10) - Balancing Art and Business (29:00) - Challenges in the Art Business (32:38) - Gamifying Social Media and Marketing (35:00) - Corporate Exploitation in the Art World (37:33) - Venturing into Tabletop RPGs (41:39) - Navigating Patreon and Crowdfunding (48:58) - Scams and Online Security (54:42) - Conclusion and Future Projects --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/Kakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Greg Karber is the creator of the hit murder mystery puzzle game Murdle. Greg shares the fascinating journey of Murdle's creation, from a simple puzzle made for a friend to a bestselling book series and popular daily online game.We dive into Greg's influences, how he monetizes Murdle, and the balance between game mechanics and storytelling.Check out Greg's Resources:https://murdle.com/https://murdle.com/book/https://x.com/gregkarberhttps://discord.gg/kmyFvXJ44shttps://www.reddit.com/r/murdle/https://www.tiktok.com/@gtkarberhttps://www.instagram.com/gregkarber/https://bsky.app/profile/gtkarber.bsky.socialhttp://killerpartymusical.com/----Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.comSqueezy - https://imsqueezy.com/

Cole Medeiros' career in game design is driven by passion and authenticity. He started creating games as a child (GUBS in fourth grade) and has successfully transitioned this early interest into a professional career. His approach emphasizes the importance of genuine enthusiasm for the project, close collaboration with partners (as seen in his work with ConcernedApe), and the ability to balance the creative and business aspects of game development. Cole's journey showcases how personal passion can lead to successful game creation, from indie board games to working on major titles like Stardew Valley.Check out Cole's Resources:https://www.stardewvalley.net/https://colemedeiros.com/https://x.com/TheGubsGuyhttps://gamemaker.io/enhttps://www.tabletopsimulator.com/Contact contact@stardewvalley.net--(00:00) - Introduction and Career Reflection (00:13) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (01:00) - Meet Cole Medeiros: Game Designer Extraordinaire (01:42) - Discussing Favorite Games and Board Game Design (04:21) - Designing Games for Different Audiences (07:23) - Choosing and Developing Game Ideas (11:30) - User Testing and Publishing Experiences (13:57) - The Journey of GUBS and Web of Spies (22:31) - Collaborating on Stardew Valley: The Board Game (27:32) - Insights on Game Design and Personal Motivation (37:09) - Current Projects and Future Plans (39:23) - Conclusion and Contact Information --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Zach Gage might be one of the most innovative game designers you've never heard of.He's the creator of Good Sudoku, Really Bad Chess, and 30+ other games that reimagine classic puzzles for the digital age.Now he's taking on the New York Times with Puzzmo.comWe spent an hour exploring his creative process and the future of puzzle games. Check out Zach's Resources:http://www.stfj.nethttps://www.puzzmo.comhttps://www.playgoodsudoku.com/http://www.reallybadchess.com/--(00:00) - The First Game Creations (00:48) - Welcome to the Hey, Good Game Podcast (00:59) - Insights from Zach Gage's Interview (02:26) - Introducing Zach Gage (04:18) - Zach's Gaming Preferences and Bag Obsession (10:25) - Zach's Artistic Family Background (12:16) - Early Exhibits and Creative Opportunities (15:40) - Designing Good Sudoku (23:50) - Creating Really Bad Chess (26:22) - Struggling with Chess: A New Perspective (27:54) - The Game Design Process (29:06) - Challenges in Game Tutorialization (30:38) - Innovative Game Examples (34:00) - Building Puzmo: From Concept to Reality (46:56) - The Role of Community and Distribution (50:19) - Balancing Business and Creativity (53:53) - Connecting with the Audience --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com

Episode 29: Jim Horne is the creator of Microsoft FreeCell and xwordinfo.com. Jim shares his journey from early programming to joining Microsoft in 1988, where he secretly added FreeCell to Windows. His passion for crosswords led to writing for the New York Times and developing xwordinfo.com. Jim discusses his time at Microsoft, including sharing an office wall with Steve Ballmer, and the serendipitous nature of his career. He touches on the "unsolvable" FreeCell game and his recent collaboration on "I'm Squeezy." Throughout, Jim highlights the intersection of music and programming, offering insights into early computing, casual games, and the crossword community, demonstrating how pursuing interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.Check out Jim's resources:https://www.xwordinfo.comhttps://freecell.org/Wordplayhttps://imsqueezy.com--(00:00) - Jim Horne and His Musical Background (01:44) - Jim Horne's Journey to Microsoft and FreeCell (03:35) - The Creation and Popularity of FreeCell (05:11) - Jim's Musical Adventures and Microsoft Theater (06:41) - Jim's Early Love for Games and Programming (10:30) - The FreeCell Phenomenon and Shareware Success (19:22) - Blogging and Crossword Puzzles with The New York Times (22:29) - Creating XWord Info and the Crossword Community (28:44) - The Legacy of FreeCell and New Ventures (34:02) - Advice for Aspiring Game Creators --Check out our brainy games:Sumplete - https://sumplete.comKakuro Conquest - https://kakuroconquest.comMathler - https://mathler.comCrosswordle - https://crosswordle.comSudoku Conquest - https://sudokuconquest.comHitori Conquest - https://hitoriconquest.comWordga - https://wordga.com