Hey, Good Game

Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter
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Hey, Good Game

Hey, Good Game explores the stories behind your favorite brainy games. Each week, we interview game creators and dig into what it takes to build a successful indie game, how to monetize, and how to get traction.

  1. From Minecraft to Memes: Sandro Wahl's Journey with Make It Meme

    -10 H

    From Minecraft to Memes: Sandro Wahl's Journey with Make It Meme

    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 from being a Minecraft-obsessed student to creating a viral game during the COVID-19 lockdown. 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/ Contact:office@prealpha.dev -- (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

    39 min
  2. 2048's Creator Returns: How He Built a Global Gaming Phenomenon at Age 19

    5 NOV.

    2048's Creator Returns: How He Built a Global Gaming Phenomenon at Age 19

    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

    55 min

  3. 29 OCT.

    From Hobby to Hit: The Ninja.io Journey with Rens Rongen

    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

    40 min

  4. 22 OCT.

    Building Multiplayer Card Games: Insights from CardsJD.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.com eCribbage - http://ecribbage.com/ PlayOK cribbage - https://www.playok.com/en/cribbage/ Cribbage Pro - http://www.cribbagepro.net/ Facebook - https://fb.gg/play/jimmy-cribbage Contact: 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

    51 min

  5. 15 OCT.

    From Side Project to 35,000 Monthly Users: The MathHeads Story

    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

    36 min

  6. 8 OCT.

    Quizwise: From Hobby Project to 140k Monthly Quiz Takers

    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

    51 min
  7. Contexto: From Side Project to Full-Time Game Creator

    1 OCT.

    Contexto: From Side Project to Full-Time Game Creator

    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

    46 min
  8. Scoring Like Hell: Garry Schyman

    24 SEPT.

    Scoring Like Hell: Garry Schyman

    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

    50 min
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À propos

Hey, Good Game explores the stories behind your favorite brainy games. Each week, we interview game creators and dig into what it takes to build a successful indie game, how to monetize, and how to get traction.

Informations

  • Création
    Nate Kadlac, Aaron Kardell, Joseph Rueter
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2024
  • Épisodes
    48
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Performant Design, LLC
  • Site web de l’émission
    Hey, Good Game

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