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 7 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.

Show Links:

* ANIMAL WELL - website

* ANIMAL WELL - Discord

* ANIMAL WELL - Steam

* ANIMAL WELL - Nintendo Switch

* ANIMAL WELL - PlayStation Store

* Limited Run Games ANIMAL WELL Collector’s & Limited Editions - website

* videogamedunkey - YouTube

* videogamedunkey interview with Billy Basso - YouTube

* Publisher BIGMODE - website

* BIGMODE’s Journey from YouTubers to Publishers - GameIndustry.Biz website

* Billy Basso and Dan Adelman AMA - Reddit

* In Living Color | Fire Marshall Bill - YouTube

* DePaul | Software Engineering - website

* Handmade Hero - website

* Mr. Roper’s Smiles at the Camera - YouTube

* Hulk Hogan Racial Slur Scandal - ABC News

* Analogue Duo - website

* Wired’s Analogue Duo Review - website

* Crow Country - website

Connect With Links:

* Billy Basso - website

* Billy Basso - Twitter/X

Game Dev Advice Links:

* YouTube - check out this episode with 100% more video

* Patreon - 1:1 career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership

* website - show notes, links, stuff

* info@gamedevadvice.com - reach out!

* Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733

* Level Ex Jobs - Current openings for advancing the practice of medicine through play

* Subscribe and go to the website for full show notes with links

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Creating ANIMAL WELL, Building a Game Engine, Finding Opportunities, Indie Games, Dunkey, Going to DePaul, Having Patience, Publisher BIGMODE, Disdain for Midjourney Assets and Crow Country with Billy Basso of Animal Well 01:32:55 Share

Game Dev Advice: The Game Developer's Podcast

Shownotes Transcript

Creating ANIMAL WELL, Building a Game Engine, Finding Opportunities, Indie Games, Dunkey, Going to DePaul, Having Patience, Publisher BIGMODE, Disdain for Midjourney Assets and Crow Country with Billy Basso of Animal Well