Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

Narrative Director Xalavier Nelson Jr. joins us fresh from his announcement of Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator, the latest in his lengthy list of collaborations. We discuss the methodology behind his prolific oeuvre, the benefits of planning ahead, and how he approaches the unique narrative of a game like Hypnospace Outlaw.
Show notes:
Xalavier Nelson Jr.
Xalavier's Itch.io page
Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator
Hypnospace Outlaw
An Airport For Aliens Currently Run By Dogs
Guts of Glory
Up in the Air
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Oreskaband
Skatune Network

The final installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music. In this episode, they discuss the rest of the game's Story Mode music, and play some early sketches.
Show notes:
Die Gute Fabrik
Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack)
Alessandro's Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione
Nils' Spotify playlist of music that influenced Mutazione

Immersive puzzle designer Laura E. Hall returns for another huge year-end show, as we each count down our Top 5 games of 2020, alongside picks from previous guests and our listeners. Happy New Year!
Show notes:
Laura E. Hall
Planning Your Escape: Strategy Secrets to Make You an Escape Room Superstar
Every Game in This City
Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS):
Laura:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Box One Presented by Neil Patrick Harris
Holovista
The Room VR: A Dark Matter
The Truth About Edith / Cain's Jawbone
Zach:
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Persona 5
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Hearthstone Battlegrounds
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Andy:
Spelunky 2
Death Stranding
Through the Ages
Disco Elysium
Outer Wilds
Doug:
De Mol 2020 season
Spelunky 2
Kentucky Route Zero
The Crew: The Quest For Planet Nine
PlayingCards
Nick:
Ghost of Tsushima
Spelunky 2
Astro's Playroom
A Short Hike / Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Guest picks:
Astro's Playroom
Sludge Life
Penko Park
Deep Rock Galactic
Apex Legends
Duck Game
Hades
Cinco Paus
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Web Liero
Death Stranding
Umurangi Generation
STALKER: Shadow Over Chernobyl
Listener picks:
Hades
Universal Paperclips
Mancala
Roundguard
Mutazione
Blaseball
Signs of the Sojourner
Tenderfoot Tactics
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Ring Fit Adventure
Paradise Killer
Treachery in Beatdown City

The third installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music.
In this episode, they discuss the creation and iteration of the game's main 'town' music.
Show notes:
Die Gute Fabrik
Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack)
Knytt Stories
Sea & Cake

Ikenfell creator Chevy Ray Johnston joins us to explore the inner workings of his tactical magic school RPG, from building a meaningful story with interpersonal stakes, to nailing the timing on a streamlined yet dynamic combat system.
Show notes:
Chevy Ray Johnston
Ikenfell
Ring Fit Adventure
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Carmilla YouTube series
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Ikenfell Original Game Soundtrack
A Shell in the Pit
Sammus
Rowan Atkinson bee comedy

The second installment of a special miniseries produced by developer Die Gute Fabrik, an examination of their wonderful 'mutant soap opera' told through the lens of its music.
In this episode, they discuss the creation of the game's generative musical gardens.
Show notes:
Die Gute Fabrik
Mutazione (Original Game Soundtrack)
Gardens teaser video
Brian Eno - Music for Airports