Best Game Dev Field Guide Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 096 Tips To Avoid Your Game Feeling Cheap 36:36

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9 days ago36:36

36:36

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to avoid your game looking and feeling cheap.GDFG X Minifantasy Bundlehttps://itch.io/s/154689/-gdfg-x-minifantasy-bundle?c=wwr9by8cufSkip to Body of Episode: 6:50Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zacka…

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Ep. 095 3C's Game Design Framework 34:00

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about a year ago34:00

34:00

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the 3C's Game Design FrameworkSkip to Body of Episode: 6:15Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Intro music by: AvarenOutro remix by: Mugamoo…

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Ep. 094 Genre Study: ARPG 47:35

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about a year ago47:35

47:35

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the best genre ever, ARPGsSkip to Body of Episode: 6:23Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Intro music by: AvarenOutro remix by: Mugamoomoo…

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Ep. 093 Useful Math Concepts For Game Devs 35:19

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about a year ago35:19

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: 6:40Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_I…

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Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview 36:56

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about a year ago36:56

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: 6:15Wishlist Baba Yaga:https://store.steampowered.com/app/3154620/Baba_Yaga/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Li…

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Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev 46:05

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about a year ago46:05

46:05

In this episode Zackavelli talks about managing motivation as a project resource, similar to money or time.Skip to Body of Episode: 7:23Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/…

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Ep. 090 Game Engine Overview Part 2 (2024 Update) 39:08

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about a year ago39:08

39:08

In this episode Zackavelli gives an update on what is the "Best" game engine in 2024.Skip to Body of Episode: 7:54Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavel…

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Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games 42:58

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about a year ago42:58

42:58

In this episode Zackavelli takes a look at the genre of idle gamesMath of idle games article:https://blog.kongregate.com/the-math-of-idle-games-part-i/Skip to Body of Episode: 8:33Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community…

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Game Dev Game Show || Ep.1 || Guest: Mike Geig 1:16:58

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about a year ago1:16:58

1:16:58

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=QxdiE19BPl0You can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Music by MugamoomooBy Zackavelli

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Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates 38:01

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about a year ago38:01

38:01

In this episode Zackavelli talks about negotiating your design ideas with others.Skip to Body of Episode: 5:01Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli o…

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Ep. 087 Quick Tips X: Reusing Environments, Buff Debuff Extended 46:38

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about a year ago46:38

46:38

In this episode Zackavelli talks about reusing game environments and plays buff debuff.Skip to Body of Episode: 5:29Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackav…

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Game Dev Game Show || Ep. 0 || Guest: YanniBoi 1:07:14

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about a year ago1:07:14

1:07:14

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=2135sYou can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Music by MugamoomooBy Zackavelli

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Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow 40:19

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about a year ago40:19

40:19

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to build and optimize your content workflow.Skip to Body of Episode: 8:20Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackav…

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Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO 1:09:22

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about a year ago1:09:22

1:09:22

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps.Star Wars Galaxies Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz9Ohl1MqmQSkip to Body of Episode: 11:02Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community ab…

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Ep. 084 Design Trap Identification 50:03

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about a year ago50:03

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=315sSkip to Body of Episode: 10:25Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with …

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Ep. 083 Little Things That Go A Long Way 37:46

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about a year ago37:46

37:46

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to identify little things that go a long way.Skip to Body of Episode: 6:12Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zacka…

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Ep. 082 Current Events: State Of The Games Industry 1:09:44

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about a year ago1:09:44

1:09:44

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: 13:13Extremism 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 fo…

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Ep. 081 Escaping Tutorial Hell 40:45

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about a year ago40:45

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: 6:28Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/…

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Ep. 080 Dialogue And Voice Tips 35:20

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about a year ago35:20

35:20

In this episode Zackavelli talks about practical tips for implementing dialogue and voice acting in your games.Skip to Body of Episode: 7:40Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video …

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Bonus Episode 24. Patron Q&A 2:03:16

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about a year ago2:03:16

2:03:16

In this episode we do a live Q&A Session with the PatronsCheck out my game "Mirror Throne" on Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch…

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Ep. 079 Core Skill Tuning 37:17

2 years ago37:17

37:17

In this episode Zackavelli talks about an experimental design method called Core Skill TuningSkip to Body of Episode: 8:47Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Intro music by: Avare…

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Ep. 078 Current Events: Unity Pricing Changes 53:21

2 years ago53:21

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: 22:00Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Yout…

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Ep. 077 Quick Tips IX: Horde Modes And Rarity Systems 39:25

2 years ago39:25

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: 5:40Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitc…

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Ep. 076 Genre Study: Survival Games 34:30

2 years ago34:30

34:30

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the survival game genreSkip to Body of Episode: 6:45Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Intro music by: Avar…

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Ep. 075 The Money Side Of Indie Game Dev 42:58

2 years ago42:58

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-analyticsSkip to Body of Episode: 7:05Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @…

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Ep. 074 Tips For Turning A Bad Game Around 35:59

2 years ago35:59

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: 8:59Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zack…

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Ep. 073 Finding The Heart And Soul Of A Game 21:27

2 years ago21:27

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: 3:48Portfollio: Zackavelli.comBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter a…

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Ep 072. AI Tools For Gamedevs 35:31

2 years ago35:31

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: 5:33Portfollio: Zackavelli.comBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter and…

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Ep 071. Cheat Prevention For Indie Games 29:57

2 years ago29:57

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: 4:10Portfollio: Zackavelli.comBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter a…

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Bonus Episode 23. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani 30:06

2 years ago30:06

30:06

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience being a black Gamedev.Skip to Guest Segment: 15:00Lockes The Thief:https://store.steampowered.com/app/1756650/Lockes_The_Thief/Padlockes Tech on Twitter:https://twitter.com/PadlockesTechBe come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the commu…

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Ep. 070 Tips For Making Gamedev Your Career 41:25

2 years ago41:25

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: 7:24Portfollio: Zackavelli.comBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Z…

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Ep. 069 Market Research (Game Ideas That Sell) 29:38

2 years ago29:38

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: 12:56How to market a game blog:https://howtomarketagame.com/blog/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFol…

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Bonus Episode 22. Holiday GameDev Shopping List With Yanniboi 45:23

3 years ago45:23

45:23

In this episode Zackavelli talks live with Yanniboi about building a gamedev holiday shopping list.Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_♫Music By♫●Ikson - Christmas ●Song - https:…

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Ep. 068 5 Tips For Better VFX 29:32

3 years ago29:32

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: 7:45Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter and Instagram @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zac…

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Bonus Episode 21. Special Guest: Longy 32:36

3 years ago32:36

32:36

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience in gamedev higher educationSkip to Guest Segment: 19:11Longy's Links:https://twitter.com/DevLongyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpVhu6jtjvL7NTz561zlHgBe come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Li…

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Ep. 067 Camera Tips For Video Games 28:37

3 years ago28:37

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: 6:24Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavel…

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Bonus Episode 20. Special Guest: Carlos Cotão 35:30

3 years ago35:30

35:30

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has 10 tips for game development and production.Skip to Guest Segment: 16:57Universe 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/GDFGJoin the discord and talk w…

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Ep. 066 Genre Study: JRPG 34:29

3 years ago34:29

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: 5:25Earthbound AVGN episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5nX0FTH6Q&t=1191sBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Z…

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Ep. 065 Quick Tips VIII Game Definition, Mirroring, And Reusing Level Design 22:25

3 years ago22:25

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: 5:47Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/za…

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Bonus Episode 19. Special Guest: Ryan Hunt (developRHUNT) 33:55

3 years ago33:55

33:55

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on coding.Skip to Guest Segment: 22:13developRHUNT social media links: https://allmylinks.com/developrhuntBe come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackave…

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Ep. 064 Card Game Design 25:38

3 years ago25:38

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: 5:00Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Z…

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Bonus Episode 18. Special Guest: Jaluna Rolik 25:07

3 years ago25:07

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: 13:30Jaluna Rolik Twitter:https://twitter.com/JuneberryChan(@JuneberryChan)Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Z…

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Ep. 063 Lighting For Video Games 35:19

3 years ago35:19

35:19

In this episode Zackavelli talks about both the artistic and technical sides of lighting in video games.Skip to Body of Episode: 6:45Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Youtube: w…

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Ep. 062 Quest Design 27:38

3 years ago27:38

27:38

In this episode Zackavelli talks about quest design and the spectrum of styles it comes in.Skip to Body of Episode: 5:17Oblivion Whodunit Quest:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccCzvJ0qFYBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_…

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Ep. 061 Genre Study: Metroidvania 25:08

3 years ago25:08

25:08

In this episode Zackavelli breaks down the Metroidvania genre.Skip to Body of Episode: 4:45Mertroid Dread Video by Mark Brown:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pop-cc9kmYBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch:…

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Bonus Episode 17. Special Guest: Malheur Games 33:02

3 years ago33:02

33:02

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on the struggles in gamedevSkip to Guest Segment: 9:10Malheur Games Twitter:https://twitter.com/MalheurGamesOnce More on Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/app/1211050/Once_More/Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making v…

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Ep. 060 Current Events: Unity x Ironsource 32:40

3 years ago32:40

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: 9:12Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/Become a Patron: …

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Ep. 059 Art Driven Game Development 24:43

3 years ago24:43

24:43

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the advantages of focusing on art first during game development.Skip to Body of Episode: 5:34Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow …

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Bonus Episode 16. Special Guest: XCompWiz 30:21

3 years ago30:21

30:21

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on DevOpsSkip to Guest Segment: 15:30XCompWiz Twitter:https://twitter.com/XCompWizMystCraft 2 Minecraft Mod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/56969328Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eT…

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Ep. 058 Mobile Game Development 25:43

3 years ago25:43

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: 5:16Buy my game BounceShot on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1736980/BounceShot/Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Li…