AIAS Game Maker’s Notebook Podcast
I've been sharing a lot of podcasts in my newsletter lately and who doesn't love a good podcast? As a persistent multitasker they are a dream come true. I love catching up on the latest news and listen to in depth conversations while catching public transport, grocery shopping or folding laundry.
Today I'm delighted to introduce you to the Game Maker's Notebook!
About the Podcast
The Game Maker's Notebook is hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Science (AIAS) which I have since learned is a US-based non-profit organisation for video game industry professionals.
The podcast features a series of long format one on one conversations between people that make games. These interviews feel more like a chat between colleagues and features fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of the games we know and love.
The Game Maker’s Notebook is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
Why its a great podcast
They have a star-studded line up of guests and hosts from the games industry around the world. Despite the AIAS being a US organisation, the podcast often features developers from a variety of countries.
It also includes conversations between indie developers and those from triple A studios. Often guests and hosts have traversed both worlds!
On a personal level, the podcast manages to draw out what makes every developer’s journey unique and gives you the chance to learn about their backgrounds, careers, key decisions and growth in the industry. From a game perspective, it’s so interesting to learn about the inspiration for games, how they changed over the course of development as well as the challenges. I mean, we all know that it looks easier from the outside – but to hear directly from those involved about the ups and downs, the tears, frustration and mistakes to the moments of triumph (and actually shipping!) – makes truly fascinating listening.
Some recent episodes and highlights
# From Used Car Salesman to Indie Game Publisher: The New Blood Story
Episode host Trent Kusters (Co-Founder/Studio Director League of Geeks) chats to Dave Oshry from New Blood Interactive. They discuss about Oshry’s background from used cars to games journalism and then publishing. I love the focus that Oshry and the New Blood team have on making great games while creating an amazing supportive and creative team culture. Oshry also describes the importance and impact of developing strong relationships within the industry over time – something that he fostered out of genuine interest and a goal of having fun while making games that people love - synonymous with their famous tagline: “We love you, we hate money.”
# How Ray Chase went from Actor to Game Developer with Date Everything
Alexa Ray Corriea (Writer and Narrative Designer, currently at Gearbox Entertainment) chats with actor Ray Chase about his first project as a game developer, Date Everything - a dating sim where you can date everything in your house! This was great conversation partly due to the fact that Corriea and Chase are existing friends. The episode covers a lot of ground including Chase’s background as a voice actor and the inspiration for Date Everything. Plus as a Narrative Designer it was really inspirational to hear how Chase approached making this game and overcome challenges including learning Ink for the first time and creating over 80,000 lines for the game!