Creating ANIMAL WELL, Game Engines, Dunkey, BIGMODE, Finding Challenges, and Patience - Billy Basso

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* [email protected] - reach out!
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Show Links:
* ANIMAL WELL - http://www.animalwell.net
* ANIMAL WELL -   / discord  
* ANIMAL WELL - https://store.steampowered.com/app/81...
* ANIMAL WELL - https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
* ANIMAL WELL - https://store.playstation.com/en-us/c...
* Limited Run Games ANIMAL WELL Collector’s & Limited Editions - https://limitedrungames.com/collectio...
* videogamedunkey -    / @videogamedunkey  
* videogamedunkey interview with Billy Basso -    • ANIMAL WELL is Out  
* Publisher BIGMODE - https://bigmode.com
* BIGMODE’s Journey from YouTubers to Publishers - https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bigmode...
* Billy Basso and Dan Adelman AMA -   / we_are_billy_basso_and_dan_adelman_creator_of  
* In Living Color | Fire Marshall Bill -    • In Living Color | Fire Marshall Bill ...  
* DePaul | Software Engineering - https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/...
* Handmade Hero - https://handmadehero.org
* Mr. Roper’s Smiles at the Camera -    • Roper's Epic Smile  
* Hulk Hogan Racial Slur Scandal - https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/...
* Analogue Duo - https://www.analogue.co/duo
* Wired’s Analogue Duo Review - https://www.wired.com/review/analogue...
* Crow Country - https://crowcountrygame.com

GDA065 - In this episode, I spoke with Billy Basso, the sole developer behind the hit indie game ANIMAL WELL. Discover how he began working on the game as an after-work hobby seven years ago, and his vision for creating a lush, 2D Metroidvania experience where players explore underground caves, solve puzzles, and encounter creatures with minimal guidance.
Billy shares his game development journey, highlighting the initial challenges in both developing and marketing the game. Learn how he initially relied on Twitter/X for promotion until partnering with industry veteran Dan Edelman, which significantly boosted the game's visibility and led to a successful launch. Billy also dives into his development process, including the decision to create his own game engine, and building his technical skills at DePaul, as well as game studios like Phosphor, NetherRealm, and Level Ex.
Reflecting on the industry, Billy expresses a preference for smaller, diverse games over massive live service ones. He also shares his thoughts on VR and his dislike for AI-generated assets. Emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful, well-crafted experiences and building things yourself, Billy offers valuable insights.
We wrap up with his excitement around the community response to the game and his advice to aspiring developers. He encourages patience, embracing challenges, and seeking learning opportunities.

Bio
Billy Basso is the sole developer of Animal Well. Prior to this he spent the past 10 years programming games at larger studios, including NetherRealm Studios, Phosphor Games, and Level Ex. He also has had graphics work featured in SIGGRAPH.

Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:38 Billy's Current Role
1:04 How ANIMAL WELL Started
3:24 Working w/ @videogamedunkey @BIGMODE Dan Edelman
17:39 Going From Film 2 Programming
21:15 First Internship
23:42 Game Engine Inspiration
24:52 Starting as an Indie Dev
28:00 Things He Wishes He Knew
36:47 Working at Game Studios
40:24 Creating the Game & Engine
45:56 Build a Game Engine?
55:26 Communication Skills
59:54 Favorite Game 2 Work On
1:06:11 State of the Game Industry
1:08:11 @NintendoAmerica Switch & Consoles
1:11:03 VR & If He’d Make a VR Game
1:14:03 AI & AI Art Thoughts
1:20:06 Story: Injustice 2 Mobile
1:24:29 Game He’s Playing
1:25:49 Finding Billy Online
1:26:28 Game Industry Advice
1:29:24 Outro