Marcus has been working on a new detective video game with his creative partner Nathan, and today we’re going to dive into what that was like! Join us as we discuss what makes for a good murder mystery scenario, some behind-the-scenes development stories, and find out whether this game truly is the “soulslike” of detective video games.

If you’re interested in winning a free copy of the game, find out at the end of this episode. Then, visit the YouTube version of this interview: https://youtu.be/8mzwqaMtNz0

Purchase the Rise of the Golden Idol: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/

(Also available on consoles!)

Check out Marcus and Nathan's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAY

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

3:28 - What is “Rise of the Golden Idol?”

5:04 - How did you get to work on this?

6:00 - “Writer” or “Narrative Designer?

7:23 - Do you feel any pressure or expectations working on the sequel?

9:57 - How do you start writing a murder-mystery scenario?

13:13 - Did the narrative inform the scenarios, or vice versa?

14:43 - Did you design alone, or paired up with other writers?

16:21 - What are your writing strengths?

19:14 - Did you have any ideas considered too “silly” for this game?

20:15 - Did you have to cut any scenarios you were excited about?

23:01 - What are you looking forward to about the launch? Any fun development stories?

25:24 - Who do you think will enjoy this game the most?

26:48 - Free Game Giveaway!

27:55 - Outro