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Episode Name:
When Real Experiences Become Games Players Remember
Episode Description:
Inspiration for a game can come from anywhere. A trend, another game, or something completely unexpected from your own life. But just because an experience meant something to you doesn’t mean it will resonate with players.
So today, we’ll discuss how to find the emotional core of an experience, use it to create in-game moments that feel relatable, and find creative ways to connect with players while keeping the project personal.
Q?Box Round Answers
What was your childhood favorite game?
Space Invaders and Pac Man arcade – so hard to ignore those as a big influence. I grew up with an Atari 2600 so, Pitfall, Road Runner (very underrated :))
What’s the most helpful or impactful advice you ever received?
If you make a mistake, make it loud.
What game are you playing now?
Slay the Spire 2 and Big Walk are getting most of my time right now.
TIPS and ADVICE
We covered quite a bit today. Could you list 3 suggestions or tips you would recommend to indie devs based on our discussion?
- Protect the feeling, not the first version. Know what emotionally excited you about the idea, then stay flexible about mechanics, story, art, and structure. Be rigid about intent and flexible about execution.
- Find the player’s verbs. A personal experience or great story idea doesn’t automatically make a game. Ask what the player actually gets to do. Conflict gives the experience meaning; action gives the player ownership.
- Leave room for the player. Don’t explain every emotion or turn every important idea into a mechanic. Build the conditions for discovery, attachment, and meaning, then let players bring themselves to the experience.
RESOURCES and LINKS
How to get in touch with Dustin Hansen
Website: https://www.dustinthansen.com/
Twitter: @DustHansen