Moving on from CELESTE and why cancelling EARTHBLADE felt right

Moving on from CELESTE and why cancelling EARTHBLADE felt right

Author: SIFTER October 1, 2025 Duration: 32:35

Seven years on, CELESTE's impact is still felt on the gaming world. A hard but fair 2D platformer with a heartfelt story about self-acceptance, it's a game that lives on in the hearts of many.

Viewed by LGBTQIA+ players as a relatable trans allegory, Celeste also represents a deeply personal journey for its creators. Maddy Thorson and Noel Berry of Extremely OK Games spoke to Sifter where that journey took them, exploring identity, the struggles of cancelling an eagerly awaited follow-up game, and the joy of hardcore platforming.

Hear from Maddy and Noel on Lightmap, SIFTER's interview podcast, before they appear at an exclusive event at ACMI on the 6th of October 2025. Tickets for the event are available online.

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Smith, Adam Christou, Chris Button and Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne is Social Producer, Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.


Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of your favourite video games? Lightmap-Conversations with video game creators pulls back the curtain, offering genuine, in-depth chats with the people who bring these worlds to life. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an award-winning Australian podcast that digs into the messy, fascinating, and deeply human creative process. Each episode feels like you're sitting in on a candid conversation between friends, one of whom just happens to be a brilliant developer, a visionary artist, or a composer whose music defines entire gaming eras. You'll hear stories about the breakthroughs and the breakdowns, the initial spark of an idea and the years of grind it takes to shape it into something you can play. Hosted by SIFTER, the podcast moves beyond just the finished product to explore the craft of interactive media itself. By focusing on the creators' personal journeys and professional challenges, Lightmap provides a unique perspective you won't find in standard reviews or previews. It’s for anyone who's ever finished a game and immediately wanted to know how it was made, or for anyone curious about the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that are as much about the people as they are about the pixels.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Lightmap - Conversations with video game creators
Podcast Episodes
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