EP. 099 Friction In Video Games

EP. 099 Friction In Video Games

Author: Zackavelli December 5, 2025 Duration: 37:22
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

Ever wondered how the games you love actually get made? Game Dev Field Guide is here to demystify that process, offering a practical path from a blank screen to a launched project. Hosted by Zackavelli, this educational podcast speaks directly to creators at the beginner and intermediate stages, meeting you right where you are in your development journey. Instead of abstract theory, each episode tackles a tangible piece of the puzzle. You'll hear detailed discussions on crafting responsive, crisp movement controls that feel satisfying to a player, or learn the artistic principles behind designing eye-catching sprites that give your game a unique visual identity. The guidance extends beyond pure creation, too, delving into the crucial strategies for marketing your game effectively as you approach its big release. Think of it as a companionable audio manual, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps. By focusing on these core, hands-on skills, the podcast builds your confidence and toolkit episode by episode. Whether you're working in your spare time or building a portfolio, the conversations here are designed to provide clear value for anyone looking to navigate the rewarding, but often intricate, world of independent game development. Tune in for a straightforward, no-fluff approach to making your own video games.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Game Dev Field Guide
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
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…
Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:05
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_…
Ep. 090 Game Engine Overview Part 2 (2024 Update) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:08
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 Patr…
Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
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 Thro…
Game Dev Game Show || Ep.1 || Guest: Mike Geig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:58
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/za…
Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:01
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:…
Ep. 087 Quick Tips X: Reusing Environments, Buff Debuff Extended [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:38
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 Pa…
Game Dev Game Show || Ep. 0 || Guest: YanniBoi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:14
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.twit…
Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:19
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 Pa…
Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:22
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:…