Game Dev Podcast | Coffee with Butterscotch

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...

The wait is over, Shenanites! We are thrilled to (officially) announce Crashlands 2, coming your way in 2024! In this episode, we talk about returning to Woanope, keeping secrets, and wheels and deals. Check out the announcement trailer and head over to Steam to wishlist Crashlands 2 ! Official Website : https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands2 Trailer : https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4 Steam Wishlis...

In this episode, we discuss an abundance of ideas, a plethora of self-criticism, and a bounty of learning. Accessing the learner in you means getting curious, and getting curious means letting yourself free fall into rabbit holes. Hang out with the nerdiest nerds on a given subject. Seek feedback and figure out how to extract value from criticism. And always focus on the process instead of just th...

This week, we talk about brain chemistry, pushing boundaries, and perpetual busyness. A  culture obsessed with the productivity mindset creates a sense that any moment of idleness is a waste of time. The first step to overthrowing the tyranny of busyness is the recognition and prioritization of rest and self-care. Your secret weapon is giving yourself a break. 00:26 Intro 00:46 Thanks to our suppo...

In this episode, we discuss time-management, interconnectedness, and learning strategies. Instead of settling for the old cliché of blood, sweat, and tears as the sole keys to success, why not embrace the philosophy of working smarter, not just harder? Rewrite the script, and turn the road to success into a delightful stroll in the park! 00:21 Intro 00:44 Thanks to our supporters! ( https://moneyg...

This week, we talk about the programming problem, web jargon, and logistics. Game development may seem like a dream job, but the reality is that it’s a lot of hard work, decision making, and logistics management. Who knew making fun could be so complicated? 00:27 Intro 00:50 Thanks to our supporters! ( https://moneygrab.bscotch.net ) 03:36 Co-pilot Questions answered (abbreviated): 31:08 Teele: Wh...

In this episode, we discuss devlogs, content moderation, and neurodivergence. When players leave reviews and feedback for gamedevs, a lot of times they’ll come in guns blazing with inflammatory language because they’re frustrated and accustomed to being ignored. People sometimes forget that there are real humans on the other side of the screen. Plan ahead by setting guidelines for feedback and cre...

This week, we talk about existential questions, ADHD, and finding your art style. Who knew that an art style wasn't just a magical thing living inside of you?! Turns out, it's the end result of your particular process for visual problem solving. So if you wanna develop your own style, you gotta refine and expand your process. While you’re working on that, before you know it, you’ll see your style...

In this episode, we discuss scalability, complaints, and skill acquisition. Learning a new skill is daunting enough even before you get to self-doubt. Focus on progress instead of the current state of things to avoid falling into the comparison trap. Then enjoy the satisfying rush of seeing how far you’ve come from the early days of mediocrity - you’re leveling up! 00:29 Intro 01:24 Thanks to our...

This week, we spill the tea on designing for multiple platforms and devices! How do you create a flexible design that can accommodate a variety of different devices and inputs, especially when the parameters are always changing? It’s a complicated question, so grab a drink and get ready to slay those design challenges! 00:24 Intro 01:41 Thanks to our supporters! ( https://moneygrab.bscotch.net ) Q...

In this episode, we discuss time mysteries, content consumption, and burnout. It’s easy to end up in a position where all you can see are the things that other people expect of you. If you stay in that space long enough, you can lose sight of yourself and burn out. How do you balance meeting your obligations and taking care of yourself? 00:22 Intro 00:51 Time & Calendars 09:29 Diablo 4 Questio...

This week, we talk about artificial general intelligence, new programmers, and the pace of development. The rapid evolution of AI reflects our insatiable desire for progress and innovation but also highlights our limited capacity to fully comprehend the consequences of our own creations. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. 00:30 Intro 00:58 Thanks to our supporters! (...

In this episode, we discuss the tiny human, AI updates, and work-life balance. In our current capitalist structure, there is a literal cost to living. As technology evolves to the point where it can make those costs obsolete, it's time to reevaluate the structure. Changing the rules changes the trajectory of the future. 00:16 Intro 00:32 Thanks to our supporters! ( https://moneygrab.bscotch.net )...

This week, we talk about baby deets, bank run, and sequel names. When choosing the right title for a game, you need to consider the fuzziness of discovery algorithms. If incorporating humor into a game's name can make it more memorable, but if it's also harder to search for, is it worth the laughs? 00:36 Intro 01:20 Thanks to our supporters! ( https://moneygrab.bscotch.net ) 01:40 Happy Update 25....