I really like this video, and feel it's theories can be carried over to indie game creation. I think if more game makers listened to this guy. That the internet won't have so many game clones that sucked.
Really great video! Thanks for posting it. I got a lot from it - especially when he was talking about juxtaposition in character design. I just released a game that has a lot of original characters and I enjoyed playing around in the grey area between cute and creepy while designing them. This guy did a great job of explaining why that's so appealing for both the designer and the end user.
On combining elements and creating something original: One of the things I love about indie games is that they're being made by people who generally grew up in the same era of "retro" games. Most of us played Mario, Sim City, Metroid, and so on. However, what elements of the gameplay that "stood out" to each player will likely be different for each individual. For example, almost everyone played Metroid but not everyone would make the same "Metroidvania" game if challenged to. Some would have an emphasis on boss fights, others on atmosphere, others may prefer to have more story and dialog, and so on.
I love games that play around with the balance between cute and creepy too. It's almost the whole reason i will pay for an indie game over the mainstream ones. Cause the big guys don't see it as art, and only put in black and white clear cut ideas. Afraid that if they take a risk. By making something on the edge. They won't hit all the demographics they can.
We are a special type though. When i show like paul robertson pixel art to my friends. Most of them don't get it. It's sad in a way. Sometimes i wish my work place had more people that valued art, and actually viewed things more deeply.
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