Game Dev Field Guide

EP. 099 Friction In Video Games

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Bonus Episode 25. Min/Max Cory Interview

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses strategies for steam success and de risking game dev with professional min/maxer Cory Darby Cory on the Jonas Ty...

EP. 098 Enemy Design Across Genres

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 P...

EP. 097 Backend Systems For Games

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about backend systems for games and why you should consider the features it can support. SPONSOR: Please check out t...

Ep. 096 Tips To Avoid Your Game Feeling Cheap

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-m...

Ep. 095 3C's Game Design Framework

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 094 Genre Study: ARPG

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 disc...

Ep. 093 Useful Math Concepts For Game Devs

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Beco...

Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for designing stealth mechanics and takeaways that can be learned from that for overall design. Skip to B...

Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

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

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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-par...

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

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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=QxdiE...

Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Thro...

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

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mirro...

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

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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=PUy1U...

Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mirro...

Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps. Star Wars Galaxies Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz9Ohl1MqmQ...

Ep. 084 Design Trap Identification

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to recognize and avoid design traps. Game Makers Toolkit Balatro Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk...

Ep. 083 Little Things That Go A Long Way

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mirr...

Ep. 082 Current Events: State Of The Games Industry

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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:...

Ep. 081 Escaping Tutorial Hell

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

Ep. 080 Dialogue And Voice Tips

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Bonus Episode 24. Patron Q&A

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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/Mirr...

Ep. 079 Core Skill Tuning

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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.pat...

Ep. 078 Current Events: Unity Pricing Changes

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Ep. 076 Genre Study: Survival Games

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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.pa...

Ep. 075 The Money Side Of Indie Game Dev

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli gives you a look behind the scenes at how much indie games really make. Market Research Website: https://gamalytic.com/ste...

Ep. 074 Tips For Turning A Bad Game Around

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for turning a bad game around. Sonner or later, your gonna need these tips... Skip to Body of Episode: 8:...

Ep. 073 Finding The Heart And Soul Of A Game

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the nebulous topic of giving a game heart and soul, and identifies a few contributing factors. Skip to Body of...

Ep 072. AI Tools For Gamedevs

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about text and image genrating ai tools and how he is using them in his gamedev toolkit right now. Skip to Body of E...

Ep 071. Cheat Prevention For Indie Games

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about basic fundamental cheat prevention strategies and about weather or not they are even worth it. Skip to Body of...

Bonus Episode 23. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience being a black Gamedev. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:00 Lockes The...

Ep. 070 Tips For Making Gamedev Your Career

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about his journey getting a job in games and tips for getting your own job in games. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:24 ...

Ep. 069 Market Research (Game Ideas That Sell)

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about coming up with game ideas that can be financially successful by doing market research. Skip to Body of Episode...

Bonus Episode 22. Holiday GameDev Shopping List With Yanniboi

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks live with Yanniboi about building a gamedev holiday shopping list. Be come a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFG Join the ...

Ep. 068 5 Tips For Better VFX

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli gives 5 practical things that you can start doing to improve your visual effects. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:45 Become a ...

Bonus Episode 21. Special Guest: Longy

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about his experience in gamedev higher education Skip to Guest Segment: 19:11 Longy...

Ep. 067 Camera Tips For Video Games

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about camera perspectives and the importance of smooth camera motion in video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:24 ...

Bonus Episode 20. Special Guest: Carlos Cotão

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has 10 tips for game development and production. Skip to Guest Segment: 16:57 Universe 51...

Ep. 066 Genre Study: JRPG

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the "Golden Age" of JRPGs and what we can learn from their design. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:25 Earthbound A...

Ep. 065 Quick Tips VIII Game Definition, Mirroring, And Reusing Level Design

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the definition of a game, mirroring gameplay to narrative, and reusing level design. Skip to Body of Episode: ...

Bonus Episode 19. Special Guest: Ryan Hunt (developRHUNT)

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on coding. Skip to Guest Segment: 22:13 developRHUNT social media links: ht...

Ep. 064 Card Game Design

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about card game design and why deckbuilder rougelites are maybe the best genre of game to make for indie devs at the ...

Bonus Episode 18. Special Guest: Jaluna Rolik

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on creative writing tips for game dev. Skip to Guest Segment: 13:30 Jaluna ...

Ep. 063 Lighting For Video Games

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about both the artistic and technical sides of lighting in video games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:45 Become a Patr...

Ep. 062 Quest Design

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about quest design and the spectrum of styles it comes in. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:17 Oblivion Whodunit Quest: h...

Ep. 061 Genre Study: Metroidvania

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli breaks down the Metroidvania genre. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:45 Mertroid Dread Video by Mark Brown: https://www.youtube...

Bonus Episode 17. Special Guest: Malheur Games

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on the struggles in gamedev Skip to Guest Segment: 9:10 Malheur Games Twitt...

Ep. 060 Current Events: Unity x Ironsource

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the recent events with Unity and Ironsource. Pocket Gamer Interview with John Riccitello: https://www.pocketga...

Ep. 059 Art Driven Game Development

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the advantages of focusing on art first during game development. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:34 Buy my game Bo...

Bonus Episode 16. Special Guest: XCompWiz

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on DevOps Skip to Guest Segment: 15:30 XCompWiz Twitter: https://twitter.co...

Ep. 058 Mobile Game Development

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about mobile game development, and analyzes why some game genres work better on phones then others. Skip to Body of ...

Bonus Episode 15. BounceShot Post Mortem

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and then does a post mortem for his recently released game BounceShot Skip to Post Mortem: 9:06 Buy Bou...

Ep. 057 Quick Tips VII Demos, Execution, and Perfection

21 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about making demos, executing your ideas, and avoiding perfection in gamedev. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:45 Buy my ...

Ep. 056 Coming Up With New Game Mechanics

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about strategies for coming up with new game mechanics. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:07 Buy my game BounceShot on Ste...

Bonus Episode 14. Special Guest: Luke Klejnberg

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has a keynote on planning and production. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:45 Lukes Twitter: htt...

Ep. 055 Crafting System Design

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the problem with modern, shallow crafting systems. Article on Last Of Us Crafting: https://medium.com/super-ju...

Ep. 054 MDA Game Design Framework

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli breaks down an academic paper about game design. Read the paper for yourself: https://users.cs.northwestern.edu/~hunicke/M...

Bonus Episode 13. Special Guest: Mugamoomoo

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest has an amazing segment on sound. Skip to Guest Segment: 15:00 Mugamoomoo's Links: YouTube...

Ep. 053 Designing Replayability

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about strategies for making your game more replayable Skip to Body of Episode: 5:20 Become a Patron: www.patreon.co...

Ep. 052 Polish Part II: High Value Polish

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about some good "bang for your buck" polish tips. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:05 TotalBiscut on FOV: https://www.you...

Bonus Episode 12. Special Guest: Kevin Donnelly

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about designing a game "backwards". Skip to Guest Segment: 13:25 Kevin's Links: Web...

Ep. 051 Genre Study: 4X

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli takes a look at the 4X genre and discusses what makes a good 4X game. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:05 Become a Patron: www....

Ep. 050 Sound Effects For Video Games

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for how to use sound effects, and also how to make them for your games. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:31 Be...

Bonus Episode 011. Special Guest: Rachel (Solo Dev of Witchhazel Woods)

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest talks about procedural generated art techniques used for her game Witchhazel Woods. Skip t...

Ep. 049 How To Finish Gamedev Projects

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about tips for not getting stuck in a perpetual loop of half finished games. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:19 Become a...

Ep. 048 Core Game Loops Deep Dive

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli goes deep on core game loops, their function and definitions, and give good examples from popular games. Skip to Body of E...

Bonus Episode 010. Special Guest: Starlight Skyes

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Starlight Skyes talks about the pros and cons of being a commercial/hobby gamedev. Skip to...

Ep. 047 Quick Tips VI Vehicles, Dialogue, And MVPs

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks gives tips for vehicles, dialogue, and getting to the minimum viable product (MVP) Skip to Body of Episode: 6:43 Be...

Ep. 046 Co-op Game Design

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about fundamental concepts of co op game design. Skip to Body of Episode: 5:58 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDF...

Bonus Episode 009. Special Guest: Yanniboi

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli has a conversation with community member Yanniboi about getting your games on Steam. Skip to Guest Segment: 0:10 Yanniboi...

Ep. 045 Health System Overview

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to classify health systems, and identify a few mechanics that make them interesting. Skip to Body of Episo...

Ep. 044 Transitions In Level Design

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about designing paths, bread crumbing, cover design, and other things relevent to tranistions in level design. Skip ...

Bonus Episode 008. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Prescott "Lockes" Lawani gives a key thought about going for it as a game dev. Skip to Gue...

Ep. 043 Making Approachable Games

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to make sure your game is easy to pick up and play. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:11 Become a Patron: www.pa...

Ep 042. Emergent Game Design

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about what emergent gameplay is and how you might bring it about in your games. Lots of good game stories in this one...

Bonus Episode 007. Special Guest: Kevin Andersson

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Kevin Andersson talks about how he avoids stress during his game making process. Skip to G...

Ep. 041 Animation Methods

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about why and how to add animations to your game. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:05 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GD...

Ep. 040 Bartle's Player Types

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks the fundamental theory of Bartle's player types. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:11 Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDF...

Bonus Episode 006. Special Guest: Jonathan Jennings

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and our guest Jonathan Jennings gives a key thought about pre-production and prototyping. Skip to Guest ...

Ep. 039 Marketing Your Game

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about marketing strategies to make sure people care about your game. Skip to Body of Episode: 8:00 Show Sponsor: ww...

Ep. 038 Efficiency For Game Devs

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about some ways you might go about becoming more efficient as a game dev. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:55 Show Sponso...

Bonus Episode 005 Special Guest: Zackavelli

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and gives a key thought about taking moral stances with your games. Skip to Guest Segment: 20:46 Be com...

Ep. 037 Procedural Generated Content

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about procedural content generation and its pros and cons. Skip to Body of Episode: 8:06 Show Sponsor: www.rrdice.c...

Ep. 036 Visual Effects (Particle Systems/Shaders)

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli talks about two key methods in visual effects for video games, particle systems and shaders. Skip to Body of Episode: 7:08...

Bonus Episode 004. Special Guest: Arash Sammander

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays buff/debuff and we go on a deep dive about play testing with Arash Sammander. Skip to Guest Segment: 11:20 Arash Sa...

Ep. 035 Tile Based Pixel Art Primer

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli walks through the process of making tile based pixel art, and gives some general pixel art tips. Skip to Body of Episode: ...

Ep. 034 Game Balance Deep Dive

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli examines how to design a well balance game, and talks about some methods you might try and use to balance a game. Skip to ...

Bonus Episode 003. Special Guest: Remus Rain

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli introduces a new segment called "Juice Jam" and we hear Remus Rain talk about puzzle design for video games. Skip to Guest...

Ep. 033 Quick Tips V. Play Testing And Group Gamedev

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses the designing playtesting sessions, and working in groups for gamedev. Skip to Body of Episode: 8:36 Be come a ...

Ep. 032 Player Engagement And Flow State

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses the player engagement, and how players may access flow state. Skip to Body of Episode: 4:40 Be come a Patron: w...

Bonus Ep. 002 Special Guest: Sam Seltzer-Johnston

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays Buff/Debuff and we hear Sam Seltzer-Johnston talk about the "right way" to do things in game dev. Skip to Guest Segm...

Ep. 031 Companion Game Design And The Dreaded Escort Mission

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses the game design related to companions and allies, and the flaws of the dreaded escort mission. Skip to Body of E...

Ep. 030 Pre-Production And Planning Phase

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses the pre production and planning phase of the game development cycle. Skip to Body of Episode: 6:44 Be come a Pa...

Bonus Ep. 001 Special Guest: Zackavelli

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli plays Buff/Debuff and gives a key thought about the golden rule of game development. Skip to Guest Segment: 18:45 Be come...

Ep. 029 Character Design Stew

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses the character design stew, and talks about tips for familiar yet distinct characters. Skip to Body of Episode: 8...

Ep. 028 Juice and Game Feel

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses how to approach getting a good game feel for your games. Be come a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/GDFG Join th...

Ep. 027 Quick Tips IV: Boss Encounters and Buff/Debuff

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Zackavelli discusses what makes a good boss encounter, the best boss fight ever, and a brand new segment to the show. Skip to Body of...