Episode 204: GIGASWORD

Episode 204: GIGASWORD

Author: Matt Storm and Gen Moonen January 16, 2026 Duration: 52:47

Often, when you're given a sword in video games, the only solutions it provides are violent. But what if was also how you opened doors, solved puzzles, and traversed a wide map? You'd need a pretty big sword to do all that. 

Matt & Geoff are joined by Jack Breen, solo dev behind Studio Hybrid's first title, The Zelda-influenced metroidvania GIGASWORD, to discuss bringing influences and old ideas into new projects, the pitfalls of genre pigeonholing, and the importance of how a game feels 

Check out GIGASWORD on Steam

You can find this episode's guest on Bluesky and Youtube

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Episode Art by Case Aiken

Episode Music by Geoff Moonen

 


The "Fun" and Games Podcast is a conversation between hosts Matt Storm and Gen Moonen, built on a shared enthusiasm for play in all its forms. This isn't just a recap of the latest releases; it's a deeper dive into why games captivate us. Listeners will hear discussions that trace the evolution of gaming as an artistic medium, exploring how interactive experiences tell stories, build worlds, and connect people. The hosts frequently bring on guests from inside the industry and beyond, offering a wide range of perspectives on what makes games special. The dynamic between Matt and Gen drives the podcast, making each episode feel like a thoughtful chat between friends who happen to be deeply knowledgeable. Additionally, Matt Storm produces a companion minisode series called Side Quests, where each short episode features a different host passionately explaining a single game they love and the personal reasons behind that affection. It’s a show for anyone who has ever gotten lost in a game and wanted to understand the magic behind that feeling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

"Fun" and Games Podcast
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