The Indie Diarist

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Indie Diary #55: Crisalu Games - Goblin Cleanup, Developing in Argentina, From Simple Ideas

2024-10-1456:16

In this episode, I spent a beautiful hour with Manu from Crisalu Games - an Argentinian team working on Viscera Cleanup-inspired game Goblin Cleanup. Despite not even being in early access, the game already looks incredibly polished – to the point it feels like in the final stages of polish already! In this episode, I chatted with Manu about the game, being a game dev in Argentina, and a lot more. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ------ Support Manu: Twitter/x : https://twitter.com/GoblinCleanup Wishlist & Follow on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2748340/Goblin_Cleanup/ Back on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gentleland/goblin-cleanup ----- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #54: Meaning Machine - Human-centric AI, Creativity & LLMs, Dead Meat

2024-09-3051:34

What's your stance on using AI for game development? In this episode, I connected with the amazing team behind Dead Meat, a narrative investigation name I had the chance to try out at WASD, which uses a large language model as the basis for its narrative structure - but with a human twist. If you've been wondering whether AI is good or bad for the industry... this episode might change your mind! Enjoy! 🎒💛 ------ - Wishlist Dead Meat: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2628740/Dead_Meat/ - Say hi to Meaning Machine: info@meaningmachine.games ------ Support the show 🎒💛 - Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj - Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist - Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ - Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ - Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #53: Rob Pigott - Of Visual Novels, Marginalised Communities, and Cowboy Bebop!

2024-09-1655:59

In this episode, I spent some time with Rob Pigott, a queer, non-binary game developer, writer and screenwriter from New York who's working on Bitter Silver, a love letter to Cowboy Bebop. Rob is a huge fan of narrative adventures, and their passion for stories shines through every minute of this episode. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ------- Support Rob: - Back Bitter Silver on KS: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lookoutdrivegames/bitter-silver-a-cowboy-bebop-inspired-visual-novel - Wishlist Bitter Silver: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1906930/Bitter_Silver/ - Follow Rob and Lookout Drive Games: https://allmylinks.com/lookout-drive-games ----- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #52: InkForge Studios - Developing for Charity, Working with Friends

2024-09-0238:36

What happens when a bunch of friends come together to develop a game from shared experiences? Something like InkForge Studios, most likely! In this episode, I spent some time with Archie and Oli, two members of the team, who told me all about a delightful game I tried at WASD this year – I'll Be Brave Tomorrow. Trust me – this is going to pull at some emotional heartstrings. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ---------- Support InkForge: - Wishlist the game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2741070/Ill_be_Brave_Tomorrow__Indie_Narrative_Platformer/ - Check out the team: https://www.inkforgestudios.com/ ------------ Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #51: Only By Midnight - Inspiring Players, Building Worlds

2024-08-1957:11

You know I always love talking to a fellow writer! In this episode, I spent some time with Amber Scott, head storyteller and lead writer for Only By Midnight – a Canadian indie studio about to release its dystopian darling, Ctrl.Alt.Deal. The episode touches on a lot of great topics, from burnout in the industry to inspiring players with your stories, and it's definitely worth a listen. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ----------- Support Amber 🎒💛 - Check out Ctrl.Alt.Deal on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2146390/ctrlaltDEAL/ - Website: https://www.ctrlaltdeal.com - Facebook: Only By Midnight - Twitter/X: @OnlyByMidnight - Instagram: onlybymidnight - Bluesky: @onlybymidnight.bsky.social - TikTok: @onlybymidnight ------ Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #50: Alex Burton - Of Vampires, The Meaning of Horror, and Developing for a Niche

2024-08-0556:10

I don't get to say this often, but an exciting episode awaits! In this one, I spent some time with Alex, one of the very first members in The Indie Diarist's Discord server, who's working on both a vampire-themed visual novel and an RPG in his Harrowed World universe. We had the chance to discuss the meaning of horror, switching engines, vampires, and a lot more – for a packed episode with loads to discover. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ----- Support Alex: - Try the free visual novel: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2715020/Harrowed_World_Whats_Past_Is_Portents__Vampire_Visual_Novel/?curator_clanid=44405163 - Wishlist Portents In Red: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2529270/Harrowed_World_Portents_In_Red__Vampire_RPG/?curator_clanid=44405163 - Website: https://www.harrowedworld.com/ - Discord: https://discord.com/invite/ctwZzMcVne ------ Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #49: Kevin Messenhimer (Fiveamp) - Finding Game Ideas, The Power of Execution

2024-07-2235:51

In this episode, I spent some time with Fiveamp Co-Founder Kevin Messenhimer, who's working with his team on a delightful survival roguelite shooter called NIMRODS. From validating your game ideas to finding a unique hook for your game, this episode is packed with little soundbites! Enjoy! - F.Godmom (DOS game Kevin mentions on the episode): ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.Godmom⁠ ------ Support Kevin 🎒💛 - Wishlist NIMRODS: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2086430/NIMRODS_GunCraft_Survivor/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fiveamp - Discord: https://discord.com/invite/pXYBZ6DU ------ Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #48: Dave Sims - Developing Through Hardship, The Pain of Indie Game Marketing, and Googly Eyes!

2024-07-0845:22

In this episode, I spent some time with Dave Sims, a solo dev working on his chaotic multiplayer card game Bullcrap! and a longstanding member of The Indie Diarist's Discord! From making character eyes larger to discussing the passion of game development, this was a much cosy and warm episode to both record and re-listen to. Hope you enjoy! ------------ Support Dave 🎒💛 - Play Bullcrap! : https://store.steampowered.com/app/2123430/BULLCRAP/ - Website: https://loadeddeckgames.com/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoadedDeckGames - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loadeddeckgames/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bullcrap.guy ------------- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #46: Simon Trümpler - Making Bullet Hells, Indie Struggles, From QBasic to Game Dev

2024-06-1054:48

In this episode, I spent some time with Simon Trümpler, a German indie dev currently based in France and developing a top-down shooter called Cozy Space Survivors. Simon's journey into development started when he began exploring QBasic on his dad's computer, and he's never looked back since. Enjoy! ---------- Support Simon 🎒💛 Wishlist Cozy Space Survivors: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2657850/Cozy_Space_Survivors/ Website: https://simonschreibt.de/cozy-space-survivors/ Linktree: https://simont.de/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonschreibt Mastodon: https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@simonschreibt Threads: https://www.threads.net/@simonschreibt Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/simonschreibt.bsky.social ---------- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #45: Figerox - Getting Horror Right, Learning From Mistakes

2024-05-2732:20

In this third and last episode in the collaboration with Indieverse, I spent some time with indie dev and content creator Figerox, who's currently working on a couple of horror projects to help bring his vision to life. Figerox is a super energetic dev, and I hope his story will inspire you! Enjoy! ----------- Support Figerox 🎒💛 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Figerox Itch: https://figerox.itch.io/ ----------- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #44: Renee Gittins - Overcoming Challenges, Connecting People, Creative Problem-Solving

2024-05-1335:19

In this last episode of the Women-Led Games mini-series, I spent some time with Stumbling Cat creative director Renee Gittins, a passionate advocate and connector for devs in the indie games community! Renee is developing her own game about overcoming challenges with her studio, and her background was incredibly interesting to discover. Enjoy! -------- Support Renee: Wishlist Potions: https://store.steampowered.com/app/378690/Potions_A_Curious_Tale/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rikukat?lang=en Insta: https://www.instagram.com/rikukat/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneegittins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GinRyuChan -------- Support the show 🎒💛 Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj Become a Patron: ⁠https://patreon.com/theindiediarist⁠ Leave a donation: https://ko-fi.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/theindiediarist⁠ Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist

Indie Diary #43: Villainous Games - Finding a Publisher, Making Horror Games, Listening to That "Itch"

2024-05-0601:00:00

Finding a publisher is as much about you finding them as them finding you – and in this episode, I discussed this and more with Mark Drew and Valentina Chrysostomou from Villainous Games, a wonderful indie studio making "unusual" horror games. From Amnesia to Resident Evil, the namedropping of great horror examples was real for this one. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ------ Support Mark & Valentina: - Wishlist Harvest Hunt: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2009620/Harvest_Hunt/ - Mark: https://twitter.com/markdrew - Val: https://twitter.com/valentinaChrys - Villainous Games: https://twitter.com/wearevillainous

Indie Diary #42: Isa Hellström - Of Dreams, Chemistry & Soulmates

2024-04-2931:52

In this last episode of my collaboration with the Indieverse community, I spent some time with Isa Hellström, a game developer based in Sweden who's currently working on a cosy/magical farming sim called Magical Harvest. Together we explored the meaning of chasing your dreams, moving from a decade-old career into games, soulmates, and why game development is so powerful. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ----- Wishlist Magical Harvest: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1906970/Magical_Harvest/ Find Isa online: - Game Twitter: https://twitter.com/MagicalHarvest - Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/IsaVII_Games - Game Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8tXMkrMDyy

Footnote #6: Past, Present and Future of the Korean Gaming Market (ft. Minimap)

2024-04-1537:25

Trying to market your games for a Korean audience? Or are you simply curious about the Korean gaming market? In this episode, I spent some time with George Jeong from Korea-based game management platform Minimap, to discuss the Big Three Ns and a lot of other incredibly interesting topics on gaming in the region – including the rise of new and talented indie studios! 🎒💛 ------- Find George / Minimap online: - Minimap website: https://minimap.net/ - Minimap Discord: https://discord.com/invite/cbNQMya8sG

Indie Diary #41: Doot - Minami Lane, Cosy Gaming, Working With Your Partner

2024-04-0129:24

In this episode I spent some time with Dorian "Doot", one half of a couple of developers who created the beautiful cosy masterpiece Minami Lane, where you manage a single town's street. As expected, this chat was incredibly cosy through and through, and we covered anything from the beauty of developing for the cosy niche, to creating games with your partner. Enjoy! ---- Wishlist Minami Lane: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2678990/Minami_Lane/ Doot's Links: https://linktr.ee/dodoot

Indie Diary #40: Lilliana Kendra - Of Being a Multipotential, Time Management, and Challenges to Diversity

2024-03-2547:30

In this second episode of the mini-series in collaboration with Indieverse, I spent some time with writer, game dev, trailer editor (and more) Lilliana Kendra, an amazing and restless member of the indie game dev community with a passion for... having countless passions! As a tireless multipotential myself, I could really relate with her struggles. We discussed anything from the wonders of time management to being a queer developer in a still much old-fashioned industry. Enjoy! ------------ Find Lilliana online: - https://twitter.com/lillianakendra - https://www.twitch.tv/lillianakendra - https://www.youtube.com/@lillianakendratrailers (Trailers channel) - https://www.youtube.com/@lillikendra (Gaming channel) - https://lilliana-kendra.itch.io/

Indie Diary #39: Lorena Cáceres Arias - Designing Puzzles, Developing in Spain, Carving Your Own Path

2024-03-1828:15

In this episode, I spent some time with Mycelium Heaven developer Lorena Cáceres Arias, a game development and math student with a burning passion for developing engaging puzzle games that people will love to play. Lorena started playing all the way back in the Flash era, and her passion hasn't gone out since then. This is also a slightly shorter episode than usual, which will be a breath of fresh air to some! Enjoy! ------ Find Lorena online: - https://twitter.com/3DGoblinDev - https://3dgoblindev.itch.io/ Wishlist Mycelium Heaven: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2656520/Mycelium_Heaven/

Indie Diary #38: Falinere - Funding Your Passion, Developing For a Hyper-Niche

2024-03-1131:22

In this first episode of a mini-series in collaboration with Indieverse, I spent some time with Falinere, a game dev / content creator who's developing interactive RPGs in a very specific niche: live-streaming chat games. We discussed the beauty of finding your own path, among other things. Enjoy! ------------ Find Falinere online: - https://www.falinere.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/falinere - https://www.twitch.tv/falinere - https://twitter.com/Falinere - https://discord.com/invite/6y9UJJ3 - https://ko-fi.com/falinere

Indie Diary #37: Tanja Lind Tankred - Making Games That Matter, Creativity On Sale

2024-02-2633:12

In this episode, I spent some time with Tanja Lind Tankred, co-founder of Other Tales Interactive and currently working on a beautiful narrative-led game anthology called Miniatures! Tanja tuned in all the way from Denmark, and together we discussed anything from the value of creativity to the power of meaningful game experiences. Enjoy! ----------- Find Other Tales Interactive online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/OtherTales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/othertales/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/othertales

Indie Diary #36: Ashley 'Aemixx' - Connecting with People, Writing Interactive Stories

2024-02-1933:00

In this episode, I had a chat with Ashley 'Aemixx', developer of episodic CYOA game Gods of the Twilight, as part of a collaboration with Gentleland.net and Jacky Martin. Together we discussed all things narrative, as we dove into the details of her love for Sonic and beautifully written interactive stories. Hope you enjoy! ------- Wishlist Gods of the Twilight: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1528970/Gods_of_the_Twilight/ Follow Ashley: https://twitter.com/godsoftwilight Join Ashley's Discord: https://discord.gg/j9U5BCkn53

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