[Ep467] Strategic Missteps

In this episode, we discuss Steam Nextfest, demo numbers, and the game dev gamut. Some parts of game dev are pure joy, while others, while essential, are a real headache.  The tradeoff of getting to watch a story come to life is sometimes spending the day wrestling with terrain tiles. It’s all part and parcel of being a game developer!Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:29 Intro00:48 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:59 Steam Next Fest46:52 Challosis: What was the most fun feature to implement for Crashlands 2? The least fun?To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we talk about Palworld, box art, and information transparency. Figuring out how much information to give to players is crucial. Too much information can overwhelm, while too little can frustrate. But strategic secrets create opportunities for players to explore, share, and engage with each other, fostering a community around the game.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:29 Intro00:51 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)02:06 Alewakka Cammya: Hey bros! Did any of you try Palworld? 26:22 Mimmabip Gourkee: What's your go to instant snack for getting protein?30:10 Mimmabip Gourkee: The crashlands 2 poster with the plateaus in the background is insanely good. Who drew it?37:19 JohnFlavin: Levelhead had a significant online component, what with the level creating and sharing and whatnot. Will there be any online components of Crashlands 2?To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we discuss time progressions, demo feedback, and friction mechanics. Players are always hollering for the removal of friction mechanics to make gameplay faster and smoother. But those very mechanics are the secret sauce that keeps the game spicy and intriguing! The trick is in finding friction that creates a good player experience. Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:21 Intro00:42 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:21 Nail or Whiff 17:52 Crashlands 2 DemoTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we talk about demo shenanigans, sound design, and player feedback. Seasoned players and newcomers have very different experiences of the same game. When getting feedback, devs need to be careful in their analysis to make sure the adjustments they made actually have the intended effect. Every player’s opinion is valid, but not all opinions are equal!Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:20 Intro01:01 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:08 Crashlands 2 Demo Numbers13:27 Demo Feedback26:22 Belkmaster5000: What are the requirements for Steam Next Fest?31:12 OopkooPadwinna: Do you think there is any merit to the claim they can strike it up to business critical information and keep it private for the benefit of patents?40:45 SnowyBeef: Are you planning on adding a feature in Crashlands 2 that allows players to create their own creature or object?47:41: Disgruntled Pineapple: Hey guys, what is the importance of sound design in games? Can sound make or break any game, does it depend on the game, or does sound just not matter all that much?To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

Surprise! You’re getting your Coffee with Butterscotch a day early this week because the Crashlands 2 demo is going LIVE! Let’s talk ALL ABOUT IT! We dive into the origins, the journey, and also what’s to come in Crashlands 2. Check out the demo, and let us know your thoughts!Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:28 Intro01:07 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)02:16 Crashlands 2 Retrospective06:53 Studio History!19: 57 Lessons from Levelhead28:35 Crashlands 2To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we talk about corporate shenanigans, studio closures, and shareholder value.  Having a successful game and a great track record doesn’t protect a studio from closing if a corporation’s financial expectations aren’t met, and those expectations are always about maximizing shareholder value. The emphasis on short-term profit over sustainable development? That’s capitalism, baby!Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:29 Intro01:07 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:19 Maximizing Shareholder Value02:05 Kerbal Space Program 211: 01 Sony Helldivers 2 saga25:35 Microsoft shuts down studiosThings Mentioned: Book: Even So: Stories from an overpopulated farmhouse by David Coster (https://bookshop.org/a/84447/9781948509510)To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we discuss life lessons, game bundles, and constraints. When you first start out in game dev, early projects have more constraints. Your team might have limitations in technical skills or artistic ability or just general knowledge. But constraints aren’t a bad thing! Leaning into and embracing constraints can inject a distinctive style and personality into a game.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:28 Intro00:47 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:30 Life Lessons18:38 Demo Announcement21:37 FlyhoppieAxerompa: Sam's art is so leveled up. Is he going to do the box art for CL2?33:14 PureKnix: What are the business considerations of bundling with another developer's product?38:45 Hydrochloric: Have you played 'grounded' (included on Xbox game pass) and if so what you thought?45:15 Foxgameing: When making a game how do you decide which element/elements of the game represent it for making call backs To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we talk about the Crashlands 2 demo, Fallout TV, and meaningful dialogue. Engaging in discussion with thoughtful people who hold different views can expand your perspective and deepen your understanding of the world. But make sure the diversity of opinion you’re embracing isn’t just blatantly false or terrible. We’re talking pineapple on pizza here, not basic human rights.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:22 Intro00:42 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)00:58 Crashlands Demo News12:26 Fallout Show22:52 Disgruntled Pineapple: Hey guys! Do you think it is generally better to surround yourself with people you agree with or disagree with?To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we discuss AI News, tech demos, and change management. It’s hard to unlearn old habits and adopt new practices. Resistance is natural when you disrupt the comfort of routine and commit to adaptation. It’s a truth universally acknowledged, that change requires challenge, and progress requires change.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:22 Intro00:49 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:28 AI News33:00 ParentingTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we talk about childhood games, the Game Changer, and DIY podcast setups. You don’t need top of the line audio equipment to get a good audio recording. After all, it’s not about the cost of the setup, it’s how you use it. Decent equipment, proper mic placement, and some sound dampening hacks are all you need to charm a listener's ears.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://youtu.be/yR_Opccn1n4Steam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/00:31 Intro01:11 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:25 Fall Out Show06:00 Retro Banana Man NL: Heyo! What equipment are you guys using to record the podcast? :)22:35 Lexzap:What were your favorite games and/or gaming consoles when you were kids? 41:00 Beekie Boppaboop: Is the game changer generic enough that you could make a card game with it? And, given the market, would you ever make a card game with it?To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to [email protected], and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★