show episodes
 
Coffee with Butterscotch is the hilarity-filled official podcast of award-winning video game studio Butterscotch Shenanigans, best known for its smash hit Crashlands. Grab a drink and tune in every week to learn how video games are made and sold, our take on building a small company from scratch, and how to be an unstoppable problem-solving machine. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at https://podcast.bscotch.net
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show series
 
This week, we talk about naive enthusiasm, maintenance challenges, and process intricacies. Every aspect of game dev boils down to a technical process. Each artistic decision requires integration, and to keep that seamless, you gotta attend to the nitty gritty and understand the processes involved. The magic is in the details, and every pixel count…
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In this episode, we discuss sneak attack, strategic miscalculation, and the integration problem. Making a tree sprite is easy, but making it meaningful in the game is tough. Does it drop resources? How do players interact with it? You can plan all you want, but you’ll only know if it works by playing the game. Ideas are just ideas until they’re ful…
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This week, we talk about the Game Changer, the Google debacle, and general artificial intelligence. Knowing the truth and saying something else is lying. But what if you don’t care what the truth is? What if you don’t even consider it? That’s what we call ”bullshit.” Which is a pretty good descriptor of the state of “AI” these days, come to think o…
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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 Crash…
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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. Su…
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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.…
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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 opinion…
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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/cr…
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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…
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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 s…
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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…
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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 W…
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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. Su…
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