Episodes
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In this audio log, I unpack the latest milestones and missteps in developing our 2D side-scrolling strategy game. From refining core mechanics after the last playtest to the excitement of onboarding a composer, there’s plenty of progress to celebrate.
But it’s not all good news. I talk candidly about hitting a creative wall, grappling with the game’s bigger-picture direction, and lack of publisher interest. It’s a raw look at what it’s like to keep going when your energy’s running low, and the finish line feels further away than ever.
https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
4 weeks ago we had the second round of playtests for Strange Desert and it went pretty well. In this episode, I share what feedback we got and what we will do with it.
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
Missing episodes?
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Though we make some steady progress on our indie game Strange Desert, self-doubt and reflections are inevitable.
I often hear gamers say a particular game is something "nobody asked for," and while I get the sentiment, I believe the best creations often come from venturing into the unknown—exploring a new idea deeply, even if it’s something no one expected.
Sometimes these risks pay off, and other times they don’t. That’s part of the creative journey. But, in the end, I think taking those risks is worth it.
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
We are happy to announce that we are getting ready for our next playtests as during the last 2 months we added a LOT to our game and it is pretty fun to play now. Time to get slapped in the face by some bloodthirsty playtesters. We need some feedback to understand if we are on the right track.
In this episode I cover all we worked on during the last 3-4 weeks.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this new episode I talk about why we missed our October 7th (internal) deadline, what new stuff we added to the game and why, and what emotional hiccups may arise due to all of this.
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this episode, I talk about letting some fundamental ideas and mechanics go to make the overall gameplay better. The stand-up will cover the following:
Last 2 weeks progress:
* Short pitch for the game
* Changing the core gameplay loop
* New character type and tools
* Background polishing
* USER INTERFACE OMG
Next steps:
* Building facelift
* New objectives
* Onboarding screen
* Key art
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
The best season of the year is here so tune in for an autumn morning gam dev stand-up session for Strange Desert.
Last week’s progress:
* Make our current build pretty (and it’s not easy)
* Redo animations (as we broke them… sigh…)
* Improve most of our assets (buildings, resource areas, character sprites)
* Distant background facelift
* Continue work on level generator and biome connections
* Set deadline for internal demo
Next steps:
* Trailer ground work
* Continue work on buildings and building states
* UI
* Continue level generator and biome connections
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
As we continue to develop our game Strange Desert, we’re excited to share our progress through weekly recorded stand-up meetings, which we'll be releasing as a podcast. This idea was inspired by the developers of Thimbleweed Park, who did something similar during their development process.
Please don't be a stranger: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this new episode I decided to give a long answer to a short question I often get nowadays: How and why you changed to game dev?
I will talk about childhood, school, work, art on the side, funding, making the jump, doubts, influences, and the importance of a supportive family and friends. Now I “just“ need to prove that this will not end up in flames haha.
In the episode, I mention a few podcasts and books that helped me and you may want to take a look at:
* Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals link
* Ego is the Enemy link
* The Unscheduled CEO podcast link
* Naval Ravikant link
* Thomas Brush link
Follow me & get in touch: https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
We recently ran our first playtest using our super-early build of our video game and it was quite an experience full of learnings triggering lots of changes to the game. I also talk a little bit about those typical “perfectionist fears“ that may appear when creatives show their highly incomplete creation to other people.
Stay in touch!
https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
Sharing my thoughts on the current state of the video games industry (layoffs, AI, funding difficulties, studio closures) from a newcomer’s perspective. Despite the concerning climate, I try to maintain a positive mindset and broadcast some encouragement. Don’t read the news and focus on making your game instead!
There are a couple of videos I reference in this episode:
* Channel of BiteMe Games & where the industry is going link
* Graphic designer’s job lost to AI link
* Miyazaki’s thoughts on AI link
* What happened to User Interfaces link
https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
I believe I have found a simple yet effective method to avoid dropping the first game dev projects. For quite some time, I was stuck in tutorial hell, burning energy on trying all kinds of tools and not producing much. While this phase is somewhat necessary, there has to be a way out of it. So here is my approach to it!
https://linktr.ee/monoblokstudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this episode I share a big update regarding our indie game studio (which now exists) and the progress we made so far. I also explain how we got there, and trying to demystify the whole thing.
Follow us and play our games here: https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
It’s a strange feeling to loose someone you don’t actually know while his work is all around you and made you pursue art. In this episode, I unpack this a little bit and remember Akira Toriyama whose art is a fundamental part of my life since I was a kid.
Follow me and play our game here: https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this episode I share why and how I changed my opinion on sharing my ideas with others. It is a slippery slope as sharing ideas too early and with the wrong people may lead to reactions that do not help your work.
Follow me and play our game here: https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
I have a family, a day job, a dog, and many other things so it is not easy to find time to make progress on my (our) indie video game. And sometimes when I find the time, I often feel I didn’t make actual progress as I’m not happy with the outcome. In this episode, I dive into this.
Follow me and play our game here: https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com -
In this episode I kick off my podcast where I document my journey to become a video game developer. Exactly as the title says, I feel unqualified and insecure, and I assume most of us start out like that. I also have to get comfortable with speaking in English and with the fact that I know so little about the craft of making video games.
Follow me and play our game here: https://linktr.ee/MonoblokStudio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roadtogamedev.substack.com
