Game Dev Field Guide - podcast cover

Game Dev Field Guide

Zackavellisoundcloud.com
The Game Dev Field Guide is a podcast series focused on teaching you how to make and launch your own video games. This podcast is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level of game developer. Learn things like how to make crisp movement controls, making eye catching sprites, and marketing your game for it's big release. Stay awhile and listen!
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep. 101 Core Fantasy Design

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the concept of the core fantasy for video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 9:38 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Feb 21, 202642 min

EP. 100 Guiding Lights For Game Devs

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the the most impactful, "guiding light" for game devs. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:31 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Jan 10, 202650 min

EP. 099 Friction In Video Games

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the friction in video games and 3 "levels" of thinking about it as a designer. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:32 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Dec 05, 202537 min

Bonus Episode 25. Min/Max Cory Interview

In this episode Zackavelli discusses strategies for steam success and de risking game dev with professional min/maxer Cory Darby Cory on the Jonas Tyroller Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWidan8ggGo Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music By Mugamoomoo

Oct 21, 20251 hr 3 min

EP. 098 Enemy Design Across Genres

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the Enemy Design basics and lessons from across a spectrum of genres Skip to Body of Episode: 8:04 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Sep 12, 202535 min

EP. 097 Backend Systems For Games

In this episode Zackavelli talks about backend systems for games and why you should consider the features it can support. SPONSOR: Please check out the link below to support AccelByte in paying for this free educational content. Unlimited Development Trial: https://accelbyte.io/promo Skip to Body of Episode: 6:13 Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music ...

Jul 22, 202536 min

Ep. 096 Tips To Avoid Your Game Feeling Cheap

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to avoid your game looking and feeling cheap. GDFG X Minifantasy Bundle https://itch.io/s/154689/-gdfg-x-minifantasy-bundle?c=wwr9by8cuf Skip to Body of Episode: 6:50 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Jun 18, 202537 min

Ep. 095 3C's Game Design Framework

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the 3C's Game Design Framework Skip to Body of Episode: 6:15 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

May 15, 202534 min

Ep. 094 Genre Study: ARPG

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the best genre ever, ARPGs Skip to Body of Episode: 6:23 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Apr 16, 202548 min

Ep. 093 Useful Math Concepts For Game Devs

In this episode Zackavelli talks about 4 simple math concepts that can help with game devs in various situations. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:40 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Mar 04, 202535 min

Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview

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: 6:15 Wishlist Baba Yaga: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3154620/Baba_Yaga/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamo...

Feb 04, 202537 min

Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev

In this episode Zackavelli talks about managing motivation as a project resource, similar to money or time. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:23 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Jan 07, 202546 min

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

In this episode Zackavelli gives an update on what is the "Best" game engine in 2024. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:54 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Dec 03, 202439 min

Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games

In this episode Zackavelli takes a look at the genre of idle games Math of idle games article: https://blog.kongregate.com/the-math-of-idle-games-part-i/ Skip to Body of Episode: 8:33 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by...

Nov 05, 202443 min

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

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=QxdiE19BPl0 You can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music by Mugamoomoo

Oct 04, 20241 hr 17 min

Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates

In this episode Zackavelli talks about negotiating your design ideas with others. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:01 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Oct 01, 202438 min

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

In this episode Zackavelli talks about reusing game environments and plays buff debuff. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:29 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Aug 30, 202447 min

Game Dev Game Show || Ep. 0 || Guest: YanniBoi

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=2135s You can watch GDGS Live on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music by Mugamoomoo

Aug 21, 20241 hr 7 min

Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to build and optimize your content workflow. Skip to Body of Episode: 8:20 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Jul 31, 202440 min

Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps. Star Wars Galaxies Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz9Ohl1MqmQ Skip to Body of Episode: 11:02 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: A...

Jun 30, 20241 hr 9 min

Ep. 084 Design Trap Identification

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=315s Skip to Body of Episode: 10:25 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavell...

May 29, 202450 min

Ep. 083 Little Things That Go A Long Way

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to identify little things that go a long way. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:12 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Apr 27, 202438 min

Ep. 082 Current Events: State Of The Games Industry

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: 13:13 Extremism 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 for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with t...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 10 min

Ep. 081 Escaping Tutorial Hell

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: 6:28 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/M…Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Feb 21, 202441 min

Ep. 080 Dialogue And Voice Tips

In this episode Zackavelli talks about practical tips for implementing dialogue and voice acting in your games. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:40 Try the demo for my game Mirror Throne: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix b...

Jan 15, 202435 min

Bonus Episode 24. Patron Q&A

In this episode we do a live Q&A Session with the Patrons Check out my game "Mirror Throne" on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2520490/Mirror_Throne_Auto_Battler/ Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Music: Its Snowtime by Zenzara

Dec 28, 20232 hr 3 min

Ep. 079 Core Skill Tuning

In this episode Zackavelli talks about an experimental design method called Core Skill Tuning Skip to Body of Episode: 8:47 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Nov 15, 202337 min

Ep. 078 Current Events: Unity Pricing Changes

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: 22:00 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGo58coz8d1jIjuJ8H2eKw Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Oct 16, 202353 min

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

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: 5:40 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Sep 05, 202339 min

Ep. 076 Genre Study: Survival Games

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the survival game genre Skip to Body of Episode: 6:45 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsU Follow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_ Intro music by: Avaren Outro remix by: Mugamoomoo

Aug 02, 202335 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android