Game Dev Field Guide

Ep. 103 Genre Study: Colony Sim May 30, 2026 00:34:46 In this episode Zackavelli talks about big picture tips for making a colony sim game. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:22 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

EP. 102 Art Direction And Style Guides Apr 2, 2026 00:29:22 In this episode Zackavelli talks about art direction and how to come up with rules for your style guide. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:07 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomo

Ep. 101 Core Fantasy Design Feb 21, 2026 00:41:51 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the concept of the core fantasy for video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 9:38 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

EP. 100 Guiding Lights For Game Devs Jan 10, 2026 00:49:49 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the the most impactful, "guiding light" for game devs. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:31 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

EP. 099 Friction In Video Games Dec 5, 2025 00:37:22 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the friction in video games and 3 "levels" of thinking about it as a designer. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:32 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix

Bonus Episode 25. Min/Max Cory Interview Oct 21, 2025 01:03:17 In this episode Zackavelli discusses strategies for steam success and de risking game dev with professional min/maxer Cory Darby Cory on the Jonas Tyroller Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWidan8ggGo Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: w

EP. 098 Enemy Design Across Genres Sep 12, 2025 00:35:15 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the Enemy Design basics and lessons from across a spectrum of genres Skip to Body of Episode: 8:04 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamo

EP. 097 Backend Systems For Games Jul 22, 2025 00:36:09 In this episode Zackavelli talks about backend systems for games and why you should consider the features it can support. SPONSOR: Please check out the link below to support AccelByte in paying for this free educational content. Unlimited Development Trial: https://accelbyte.io/promo Skip to Body of Episode: 6:13 Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: disco

Ep. 096 Tips To Avoid Your Game Feeling Cheap Jun 18, 2025 00:36:36 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to avoid your game looking and feeling cheap. GDFG X Minifantasy Bundle https://itch.io/s/154689/-gdfg-x-minifantasy-bundle?c=wwr9by8cuf Skip to Body of Episode: 6:50 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch:

Ep. 095 3C's Game Design Framework May 15, 2025 00:34:00 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the 3C's Game Design Framework Skip to Body of Episode: 6:15 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Ep. 094 Genre Study: ARPG Apr 16, 2025 00:47:35 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the best genre ever, ARPGs Skip to Body of Episode: 6:23 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Ep. 093 Useful Math Concepts For Game Devs Mar 4, 2025 00:35:19 In this episode Zackavelli talks about 4 simple math concepts that can help with game devs in various situations. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:40 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by:

Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview Feb 4, 2025 00:36:56 In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for designing stealth mechanics and takeaways that can be learned from that for overall design. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:15 Wishlist Baba Yaga: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3154620/Baba_Yaga/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli

Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev Jan 7, 2025 00:46:05 In this episode Zackavelli talks about managing motivation as a project resource, similar to money or time. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:23 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Z

Ep. 090 Game Engine Overview Part 2 (2024 Update) Dec 3, 2024 00:39:08 In this episode Zackavelli gives an update on what is the "Best" game engine in 2024. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:54 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: ww

Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games Nov 5, 2024 00:42:58 In this episode Zackavelli takes a look at the genre of idle games Math of idle games article: https://blog.kongregate.com/the-math-of-idle-games-part-i/ Skip to Body of Episode: 8:33 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: disco

Game Dev Game Show || Ep.1 || Guest: Mike Geig Oct 4, 2024 01:16:58 This is a audio only version of the first test episode of the Game Dev Game Show. See the video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxdiE19BPl0 You can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music by Mugamoomoo

Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates Oct 1, 2024 00:38:01 In this episode Zackavelli talks about negotiating your design ideas with others. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:01 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.tw

Ep. 087 Quick Tips X: Reusing Environments, Buff Debuff Extended Aug 30, 2024 00:46:38 In this episode Zackavelli talks about reusing game environments and plays buff debuff. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:29 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch:

Game Dev Game Show || Ep. 0 || Guest: YanniBoi Aug 21, 2024 01:07:14 This is a audio only version of the first test episode of the Game Dev Game Show. See the video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUy1Ub_DEhI&t=2135s You can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music by Mugamoomoo

Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow Jul 31, 2024 00:40:19 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to build and optimize your content workflow. Skip to Body of Episode: 8:20 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch:

Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO Jun 30, 2024 01:09:22 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps. Star Wars Galaxies Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz9Ohl1MqmQ Skip to Body of Episode: 11:02 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.

Ep. 084 Design Trap Identification May 29, 2024 00:50:03 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps. Game Makers Toolkit Balatro Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk3S3o1qOHo&t=315s Skip to Body of Episode: 10:25 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games

Ep. 083 Little Things That Go A Long Way Apr 27, 2024 00:37:46 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to identify little things that go a long way. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:12 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch:

Ep. 082 Current Events: State Of The Games Industry Mar 21, 2024 01:09:44 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the state of the games industry and why we may be going through a paradigm shift. Skip to Body of Episode: 13:13 Extremism in games article: https://thatparkplace.com/u-s-government-funded-organization-take-this-encourages-game-developers-to-denounce-gamers-who-are-being-harassed-by-sweet-baby-inc/ Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered

Ep. 081 Escaping Tutorial Hell Feb 21, 2024 00:40:45 In this episode Zackavelli talks about what tutorial hell is, how you likely got there, and how to get out. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:28 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Z

Ep. 080 Dialogue And Voice Tips Jan 15, 2024 00:35:20 In this episode Zackavelli talks about practical tips for implementing dialogue and voice acting in your games. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:40 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Z

Bonus Episode 24. Patron Q&A Dec 28, 2023 02:03:16 In this episode we do a live Q&A Session with the Patrons Check out my game "Mirror Throne" on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music: Its

Ep. 079 Core Skill Tuning Nov 15, 2023 00:37:17 In this episode Zackavelli talks about an experimental design method called Core Skill Tuning Skip to Body of Episode: 8:47 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Ep. 078 Current Events: Unity Pricing Changes Oct 16, 2023 00:53:21 In this episode Zackavelli plays Buff/Debuff and gives a wider view on the recent changes to Unity's pricing. Skip to Body of Episode: 22:00 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58co

Ep. 077 Quick Tips IX: Horde Modes And Rarity Systems Sep 5, 2023 00:39:25 In this episode Zackavelli talks about horde modes popular around ~2010 and why Diablo 2 has the best item progression and rarity of all time. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:40 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro musi

Ep. 076 Genre Study: Survival Games Aug 2, 2023 00:34:30 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the survival game genre Skip to Body of Episode: 6:45 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Ep. 075 The Money Side Of Indie Game Dev Jun 26, 2023 00:42:58 In this episode Zackavelli gives you a look behind the scenes at how much indie games really make. Market Research Website: https://gamalytic.com/steam-analytics Skip to Body of Episode: 7:05 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zac

Ep. 074 Tips For Turning A Bad Game Around May 22, 2023 00:35:59 In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for turning a bad game around. Sonner or later, your gonna need these tips... Skip to Body of Episode: 8:59 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro re

Ep. 073 Finding The Heart And Soul Of A Game Apr 10, 2023 00:21:27 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the nebulous topic of giving a game heart and soul, and identifies a few contributing factors. Skip to Body of Episode: 3:48 Portfollio: Zackavelli.com Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.

Ep 072. AI Tools For Gamedevs Mar 20, 2023 00:35:31 In this episode Zackavelli talks about text and image genrating ai tools and how he is using them in his gamedev toolkit right now. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:33 Portfollio: Zackavelli.com Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.tw

Ep 071. Cheat Prevention For Indie Games Feb 24, 2023 00:29:57 In this episode Zackavelli talks about basic fundamental cheat prevention strategies and about weather or not they are even worth it. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:10 Portfollio: Zackavelli.com Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.

Bonus Episode 23. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani Feb 9, 2023 00:30:06 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience being a black Gamedev. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:00 Lockes The Thief: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1756650/Lockes_The_Thief/ Padlockes Tech on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PadlockesTech Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: d

Ep. 070 Tips For Making Gamedev Your Career Jan 23, 2023 00:41:25 In this episode Zackavelli talks about his journey getting a job in games and tips for getting your own job in games. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:24 Portfollio: Zackavelli.com Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackav

Ep. 069 Market Research (Game Ideas That Sell) Dec 29, 2022 00:29:38 In this episode Zackavelli talks about coming up with game ideas that can be financially successful by doing market research. Skip to Body of Episode: 12:56 How to market a game blog: https://howtomarketagame.com/blog/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram

Bonus Episode 22. Holiday GameDev Shopping List With Yanniboi Dec 20, 2022 00:45:23 In this episode Zackavelli talks live with Yanniboi about building a gamedev holiday shopping list. Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ ♫Music By♫ ●Ikson - Christmas ●Song - https://youtu.be/MkDUYTjSEVg ●Follow Ikson -

Ep. 068 5 Tips For Better VFX Dec 12, 2022 00:29:32 In this episode Zackavelli gives 5 practical things that you can start doing to improve your visual effects. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:45 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro r

Bonus Episode 21. Special Guest: Longy Nov 22, 2022 00:32:36 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience in gamedev higher education Skip to Guest Segment: 19:11 Longy's Links: https://twitter.com/DevLongy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpVhu6jtjvL7NTz561zlHg Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackave

Ep. 067 Camera Tips For Video Games Nov 14, 2022 00:28:37 In this episode Zackavelli talks about camera perspectives and the importance of smooth camera motion in video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:24 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC

Bonus Episode 20. Special Guest: Carlos Cotão Oct 21, 2022 00:35:30 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has 10 tips for game development and production. Skip to Guest Segment: 16:57 Universe 51: Tannhäuser Wars on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Universe_51_ Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1761770/Universe_51_Tannhuser_Wars/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video gam

Ep. 066 Genre Study: JRPG Oct 15, 2022 00:34:29 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the "Golden Age" of JRPGs and what we can learn from their design. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:25 Earthbound AVGN episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5nX0FTH6Q&t=1191s Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twi

Ep. 065 Quick Tips VIII Game Definition, Mirroring, And Reusing Level Design Oct 6, 2022 00:22:25 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the definition of a game, mirroring gameplay to narrative, and reusing level design. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:47 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/chan

Bonus Episode 19. Special Guest: Ryan Hunt (developRHUNT) Sep 27, 2022 00:33:55 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on coding. Skip to Guest Segment: 22:13 developRHUNT social media links: https://allmylinks.com/developrhunt Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_

Ep. 064 Card Game Design Sep 18, 2022 00:25:38 In this episode Zackavelli talks about card game design and why deckbuilder rougelites are maybe the best genre of game to make for indie devs at the moment. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:00 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavel

Bonus Episode 18. Special Guest: Jaluna Rolik Sep 1, 2022 00:25:07 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on creative writing tips for game dev. Skip to Guest Segment: 13:30 Jaluna Rolik Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuneberryChan (@JuneberryChan) Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Tw

Ep. 063 Lighting For Video Games Aug 30, 2022 00:35:19 In this episode Zackavelli talks about both the artistic and technical sides of lighting in video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:45 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz8d1jI

Ep. 062 Quest Design Aug 18, 2022 00:27:38 In this episode Zackavelli talks about quest design and the spectrum of styles it comes in. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:17 Oblivion Whodunit Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccCzvJ0qFY Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zack

Ep. 061 Genre Study: Metroidvania Aug 4, 2022 00:25:08 In this episode Zackavelli breaks down the Metroidvania genre. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:45 Mertroid Dread Video by Mark Brown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pop-cc9kmY Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube:

Bonus Episode 17. Special Guest: Malheur Games Aug 2, 2022 00:33:02 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on the struggles in gamedev Skip to Guest Segment: 9:10 Malheur Games Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalheurGames Once More on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1211050/Once_More/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU

Ep. 060 Current Events: Unity x Ironsource Jul 19, 2022 00:32:40 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the recent events with Unity and Ironsource. Pocket Gamer Interview with John Riccitello: https://www.pocketgamer.biz/interview/79190/unity-ironsource-john-riccitiello-marc-whitten-merger/ Skip to Body of Episode: 9:12 Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord an

Ep. 059 Art Driven Game Development Jul 3, 2022 00:24:43 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the advantages of focusing on art first during game development. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:34 Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twi

Bonus Episode 16. Special Guest: XCompWiz Jun 30, 2022 00:30:21 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on DevOps Skip to Guest Segment: 15:30 XCompWiz Twitter: https://twitter.com/XCompWiz MystCraft 2 Minecraft Mod: https://www.patreon.com/posts/56969328 Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zac

Ep. 058 Mobile Game Development Jun 17, 2022 00:25:43 In this episode Zackavelli talks about mobile game development, and analyzes why some game genres work better on phones then others. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:16 Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli

Bonus Episode 15. BounceShot Post Mortem Jun 3, 2022 00:32:52 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and then does a post mortem for his recently released game BounceShot Skip to Post Mortem: 9:06 Buy BounceShot: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twit

Ep. 057 Quick Tips VII Demos, Execution, and Perfection May 21, 2022 00:24:21 In this episode Zackavelli talks about making demos, executing your ideas, and avoiding perfection in gamedev. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:45 Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Z

Ep. 056 Coming Up With New Game Mechanics May 17, 2022 00:27:01 In this episode Zackavelli talks about strategies for coming up with new game mechanics. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:07 Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: ww

Bonus Episode 14. Special Guest: Luke Klejnberg May 3, 2022 00:33:41 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on planning and production. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:45 Lukes Twitter: https://twitter.com/lklejnberg Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music

Ep. 055 Crafting System Design Apr 21, 2022 00:27:02 In this episode Zackavelli talks about the problem with modern, shallow crafting systems. Article on Last Of Us Crafting: https://medium.com/super-jump/the-brilliant-crafting-system-in-the-last-of-us-bb33f221f2c1 Skip to Body of Episode: 5:38 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli

Ep. 054 MDA Game Design Framework Apr 7, 2022 00:24:53 In this episode Zackavelli breaks down an academic paper about game design. Read the paper for yourself: https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/MDA.pdf Skip to Body of Episode: 5:30 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavell

Bonus Episode 13. Special Guest: Mugamoomoo Mar 31, 2022 00:46:36 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has an amazing segment on sound. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:00 Mugamoomoo's Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXS5WR3QMgpoWQPFjBa51Fw Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: h

Ep. 053 Designing Replayability Mar 24, 2022 00:25:44 In this episode Zackavelli talks about strategies for making your game more replayable Skip to Body of Episode: 5:20 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz8d1jIjuJ8H2eKw Intro m

Ep. 052 Polish Part II: High Value Polish Mar 10, 2022 00:30:01 In this episode Zackavelli talks about some good "bang for your buck" polish tips. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:05 TotalBiscut on FOV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPDq_qvsKUA Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtu

Bonus Episode 12. Special Guest: Kevin Donnelly Mar 4, 2022 00:34:31 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about designing a game "backwards". Skip to Guest Segment: 13:25 Kevin's Links: Website: https://www.bobbybobbybobby.com/pages/chaotic-era Studio Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobbydimensionhttps://twitter.com/bobbydimension Chaotic Era Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaotic_era Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discor

Ep. 051 Genre Study: 4X Feb 24, 2022 00:34:15 In this episode Zackavelli takes a look at the 4X genre and discusses what makes a good 4X game. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:05 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz8d1jIjuJ8H2eK

Ep. 050 Sound Effects For Video Games Feb 9, 2022 00:35:51 In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for how to use sound effects, and also how to make them for your games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:31 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoG

Bonus Episode 011. Special Guest: Rachel (Solo Dev of Witchhazel Woods) Feb 1, 2022 00:29:09 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about procedural generated art techniques used for her game Witchhazel Woods. Skip to Guest Segment: 11:26 Rachel's Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_datababe Wishlist Witchhazel Woods! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1833560/Witchhazel_Woods/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the com

Ep. 049 How To Finish Gamedev Projects Jan 26, 2022 00:25:59 In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for not getting stuck in a perpetual loop of half finished games. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:19 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz

Ep. 048 Core Game Loops Deep Dive Jan 16, 2022 00:37:35 In this episode Zackavelli goes deep on core game loops, their function and definitions, and give good examples from popular games. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:53 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube

Bonus Episode 010. Special Guest: Starlight Skyes Jan 12, 2022 00:28:05 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Starlight Skyes talks about the pros and cons of being a commercial/hobby gamedev. Skip to Guest Segment: 16:37 Starlight Skyes: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarlightSkyes Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMQVS2ttOB-zi2pBXius2Q Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making v

Ep. 047 Quick Tips VI Vehicles, Dialogue, And MVPs Dec 29, 2021 00:29:50 In this episode Zackavelli talks gives tips for vehicles, dialogue, and getting to the minimum viable product (MVP) Skip to Body of Episode: 6:43 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.co

Ep. 046 Co-op Game Design Dec 15, 2021 00:27:22 In this episode Zackavelli talks about fundamental concepts of co op game design. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:58 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz8d1jIjuJ8H2eKw

Bonus Episode 009. Special Guest: Yanniboi Dec 3, 2021 00:37:25 In this episode Zackavelli has a conversation with community member Yanniboi about getting your games on Steam. Skip to Guest Segment: 0:10 Yanniboi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockdownPatrol Yan's Game Tower Offender on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1769870/Tower_Offender/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video g

Ep. 045 Health System Overview Nov 17, 2021 00:34:10 In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to classify health systems, and identify a few mechanics that make them interesting. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:10 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: ht

Ep. 044 Transitions In Level Design Nov 3, 2021 00:28:50 In this episode Zackavelli talks about designing paths, bread crumbing, cover design, and other things relevent to tranistions in level design. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:37 Tommy Norberg (Level Design Infographics) https://twitter.com/the_Norberg Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackav

Bonus Episode 008. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani Oct 27, 2021 00:31:35 In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Prescott "Lockes" Lawani gives a key thought about going for it as a game dev. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:01 Prescott "Lockes" Lawani: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PadlockesTech Lockes The Thief on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1756650/Lockes_The_Thief/ Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with t

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