Game Dev Podcast | Coffee with Butterscotch

This week, we talk about space elevators, gaming economics, and AI marketing. AI can, in theory, translate a programmer’s dream into a marketing spiel. But are LLMs a genuine step forward in software development, or are they just glorified autocompletes built on shaky ethical grounds? Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_O...

In this episode, we discuss game testing, white lies, and samurais. Alpha testing is like hosting a masquerade ball for bugs— you never know who will show up in what disguise. Decoding feedback is a juggling act between psychology, sleuthing, and the occasional facepalm, but every glitch unraveled is one step closer to enlightenment. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/...

This week, we talk about zombie tsunami, combat, and DDOS attacks. The internet allows anyone to communicate with a server, much like walking up to a door and knocking on it. Despite best efforts to filter out unwanted messages, you still need to have a strategy for handling these requests. It's akin to being pursued by persistent salespeople—how do you decline their pitch? Support Crashlands 2! O...

In this episode, we discuss the cursed day, the KPI monster, and ghostly decisions. Merging ideas can strengthen a shared vision. Or it can weaken a strong perspective. What's in a decision? In the world of collaboration, more than you might expect. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishlist: https://stor...

This week, we talk about the spookies, gaming pet peeves, and QA testing. The scariest bugs aren’t those that go bump in the night, but the ones that jeopardize the player’s experience. Bug-free software is a mirage, so it’s better to pursue impact over perfection. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishli...

In this episode, we discuss splash screens, collision checking, and prioritization. Community events can be exciting and merch is fun, but what happens when you wanna scale? Too small and the cash register stays silent; too big and it’s a money and time sink. Finding the right balance is tricky, and every move counts. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands...

This week, we talk about subscription models, ergonomics, and the Microsoft merger. What's in a name? In the corporate world, more than you’d think. A brand merging and acquiring other brands might be a savvy business move, but it might result in diluting each one’s identity. Would you play "Call of Diablo Crush"? Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/...

In this episode, we discuss alien monsters, map merging, and dogfooding. When crafting a tool, which features are necessary (and which ones are not) may seem straightforward… until you use the tool yourself. There will always be something that you overlooked, a nuance or decision that makes the task more daunting than anticipated. If you need to hammer in a hundred nails, a comfortable grip will m...

This week, we talk about revenue share, licensing, and VR tech. AI and VR can serve as powerful amplifiers, echoing and intensifying the digital symphony around us. But are we conducting a masterpiece or merely amplifying noise? And at what cost? Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishlist: https://store.s...

In this episode, we discuss game engines, publishing platforms, and predicting success. While metrics and statistics have their place, a game’s potential can’t be distilled into numbers alone. There’s no accounting for chaos. Sometimes, the magic lies in simply crafting a game you love and trusting that the fun will follow. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/cras...

This week, we talk about Unity, greed, and the ruins. Corporate greed provides immediate gains for a select few at the expense of everyone else, even an industry’s foundational pillars. End-stage capitalism strikes again. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/14017...

In this episode, we discuss polar bears, horoscopes, and underwater basket weaving. Generalizing your skillset means shifting from mastering specific tasks to cultivating adeptness in critical thinking. When you identify patterns in the work and start to unravel how they’re woven together, you deepen your understanding of what it means to truly know something. Support Crashlands 2! Official Websit...

This week, we talk about reaction times, tolerance levels, and the bottom line. Even with vast resources at their disposal, big game studios can still stumble when it comes to the finer details. In a world where every pixel counts, the tiniest choices can completely redefine the player experience. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://...

In this episode, we discuss dumb humor, reading recommendations, and launch lessons. Launching a game on multiple platforms may seem like a win, but the backend challenges of patching, certification, and maintenance costs might just change your mind. Sometimes, success isn’t about casting the widest net, but choosing the right pond. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/g...

This week, we talk about code navigation, versioning strategy, and good development practices. It costs something to add things that aren't "necessary" to the core gameplay experience. But those little surprises breathe life into a game, giving it personality and creating moments that resonate with players. Without that extra juice, what makes your game stand out? Support Crashlands 2! Official We...

In this episode, we discuss Baldur’s Gate 3, bread baking, and player expectations. Success starts with delivering a quality game that players want. Once you’ve nailed the careful balance between innovation and player expectations, all while staying within a studio’s capabilities, whether a game hits the mark or falls short still comes down to luck.  Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https:/...

This week, we talk about game systems, proprietary code, and scalability. When talking about scalability, people tend to focus on the "growing bigger" part when the actual focus should be on capability. Sure, you can add more people, more players, and more complexity, but should you? Sometimes growth isn't the answer; it's just another problem to solve. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: http...

In this episode, we discuss UFOs, modding, and Steam wishlists. Wishlists are a sneak peek into how well a game might do at launch. While they can give valuable insight into player interest, figuring out how those numbers actually translate into sales can be a real mixed bag. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 S...

This week, we talk book recommendations, sharpening your skills, and code readability. When naming variables, you might need to use more words to increase clarity and enhance understanding, even though unusually long variable names will feel weird at first. When you’ve got a complex design pattern, straightforwardness will often guide you to the solution. Support Crashlands 2! Official Website: ht...

In this episode, we discuss game design, artificial intelligence, and performance metrics. Metrics attempt to provide quantifiable data describing effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. They can guide decision-making processes. However, you have to make sure your measurements actually measure the things you’re trying to measure. And ultimately, the most critical piece is how you interpret the dat...

This week, we talk about a big storm, the Steam Deck, and Twitter tales. Twitter’s new self-limiting rule seems counterproductive for an ad-driven business model that requires as many views as possible. What will the master of whims and ego cook up next? Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.co...

## Summary: In this episode, we discuss family traditions, keyboard fascination, and unsustainable business practices. Ad-based business models have to maintain a delicate balance. To capitalize on ad impressions, they have to maximize engagement, but the increase in ads can deter users. Either way, SOMETHING is being exploited — there’s no winning here! Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/g...

This week, we talk about robot assistants, Netflix Games, and tool mastery in Crashlands 2. Discover how telegraphs and strategic positioning enhance harvesting and combat in CL2. This approach offers flexibility and empowers players to express themselves through meaningful choices. It’s like equipping yourself with the right knowledge to ask the right questions to bring clarity to the experience....

In this episode, we discuss community building, speed-running, and tool swapping. You can't attract followers with nothing to offer. Once you've got a solid foundation, lay out some tasty morsels and invite people to take a look. Forge genuine connections, and maybe some of those people will want to stay for a meal. Then before you know it, you're hosting a dinner party... open house...? Look, we...

This week, we talk about Crashlands 2 shenanigans, LA madness, and subject matter experts. The concept of expertise is transforming from a focus on specific details to higher-level abstractions. When you have a deep understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of something, you can leverage technology to figure out precise answers. But first, you need to know what questions to ask and how to ask...