We are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Amonga99, an influential indie game developer known for his masterful ability to blend the nostalgic elements of classic military shooters with modern gaming innovations. His acclaimed title, "Army Troop", has earned the prestigious title of Fix Gaming Channel's Best Game of 2023. Army Troop captures the intensity and strategic depth reminiscent of early Call of Duty and Medal of Honor games, making it a standout experience for fans of the genre.
In our in-depth interview, Amonga99 shares his journey from a passionate gamer to a renowned indie developer. He reveals the influences that shaped his development philosophy, including a deep admiration for classic military shooters and a commitment to integrating modern gameplay advancements. We discuss his meticulous approach to game audio, the dynamics of working solo versus collaborating with a team, and how invaluable player feedback has been in refining his games.
Join us as we delve into the creative mind behind some of today's most engaging indie games. Discover how Amonga99 masterfully bridges the gap between the cherished classics and the cutting-edge innovations of modern gaming.
Army Troop Gameplay:
Check out Fire On Fight Gameplay:
Personal Journey into Game Development
Q: Your transition from gaming enthusiast to acclaimed developer is inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment or key influence that propelled you from player to creator?
A: A friend told me for the first time that software for making video games existed when I was a child. It was called GameMaker from gamemaker.nl at that time, created by Marc Overmars. This masterpiece of software was the starting point of my developer life.
Philosophy Behind Game Audio Choices
Q: In Army Troop and Fire on Fight, the emphasis on realistic sound effects over music creates an immersive battlefield ambiance. What drives your audio choices, and how do you see them enhancing the player's immersion?
A: My audio choices are inspired by modern war game sound effects. Playing these games makes me really love them, so I try to bring that same feeling to my players.
Crafting Games Solo vs. Team Collaboration
Q: Behind every great game is a great creator or team. Do you prefer the solo journey in bringing your visions to life, or is collaboration part of your creative arsenal? How has this approach shaped your games?
A: I prefer working solo so I can create every part of the game as I see fit. Collaboration requires trustworthy people with great skills, and sharing revenue can be challenging, so I work solo.
Engaging with Player Feedback
Q: Player feedback can be a goldmine for developers. Could you share how feedback has directly influenced a game's development? Is there a particular piece of advice from the community that stands out?
A: Listening to the community is key to making a game perfect. For example, players helped me discover FPS drop issues in the initial release of Fire on Fight. A player named Rommel on Steam identified that the issue was CPU-related, not GPU-related. Thanks to the community, the engine is now more robust with fewer bugs.
Essential Skills in Game Development
Q: Beyond the obvious need for creativity and technical skills, what do you consider the unsung heroes of game development skills? How do these play into your work?
A: If you enjoy playing games, that's all you need to start. Just download Unity, and your life becomes easier.
From Gaming to Game Development
Q: Many of our readers dream of making their own games. Having successfully made that leap, what advice would you offer to those looking to transition from gaming or content creation into game development?
A: Download Unity software and start learning today. In a few months, you can do it. Unity makes things easier every day, so why wait?
Future Projects and Excitements
Q: Looking ahead, could you tease any upcoming projects or new genres you're exploring? What excites you most about your next gaming adventure? Additionally, considering your utilization of AI "Players" in your games, how do you envision AI impacting your work and the gaming industry in the near future?
For AI, I use my programming to simulate players as bots. I don't use modern AI, so I'm not sure how it will impact the industry.
Indie Versus Major Studio Path
Q: In the game development world, creators often face a choice between pursuing an indie path or joining a major studio. From your perspective, what are the most significant benefits and challenges of working as an indie developer? Have you ever considered or been approached to bring your talents to a larger studio, and what factors influence your decision in this regard?
A: I prefer working as an indie developer to create exactly what I love. I've had bad experiences working for large studios, where you are pressured to follow directives. Despite the marketing challenges, I prefer the freedom of the indie path.
Cross-Genre Exploration
Q: When venturing into a new genre, what's your process for capturing the essence of that style, and how do you ensure it resonates with the game's intended audience? For instance, your game Super Spyroxo Adventures: Island of Dnfoo stands in stark contrast to Army Troop.
A: I experiment with different genres to see what sells best on Steam and because I'm a big fan of old games. I occasionally release classic arcade games while keeping an eye on modern games, like Army Troop Remastered, to stay relevant.
Inspiration Beyond Gaming
Q: Could you share some unconventional inspirations behind your games? How have aspects of film, literature, art, or even personal experiences influenced your game design and development?
A: I am inspired by old arcade games and modern games like Call of Duty. I try to blend modern graphics with the classic feel.
Platform Expansion and Accessibility
Q: Your games have captured the hearts of many within the PC gaming community. Are there plans to bring your unique gaming experiences to consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, or the Nintendo Switch?
A: I am still investigating this. Maybe I will bring them to consoles in the future.
Army Troop Gameplay:
High-Performance Rigs for Development
Q: What does a game developer require from a high-performance rig, such as one equipped with 16 CPU cores, 128GB RAM, and a powerful GPU like the 4090? Can you get by with less powerful hardware, and if so, what are the essential hardware specifications for game development?
A: Wow, such hardware is a beast! I develop everything with a MacBook Pro i7, 4GB GPU, and 16GB RAM. Developing on weaker hardware ensures the game works well on stronger PCs. If you test on a powerful PC, the game might perform poorly on weaker PCs.
Networking and Inspirations
Q: Before we part ways, I'd love to hear if there are any fellow developers, teams, actors, sound engineers, or publishers you admire or find particularly intriguing. Big or small, if they're crafting interesting experiences, we'd be thrilled to invite them to join our ever-growing family of game enthusiasts and creators. Any shout-outs or recommendations for our next potential guest?
A: Please try to find Marc Overmars, the creator of GameMaker. He inspired me to become a developer.
Looking ahead, the excitement surrounding his upcoming projects, including Army Troop Remastered and Polygon Bit Battle Royale, suggests that Amonga99 is poised to continue making significant contributions to the indie gaming landscape. His reflections on using AI for player simulation and his anticipation of expanding to consoles reveal a forward-thinking mindset, eager to embrace new technologies and platforms.
Thank you, Amonga99, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights with us. Your dedication to creating immersive and enjoyable gaming experiences is truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to shape the future of indie games. We wish you continued success and creativity in all your future endeavors!
To delve deeper into Amonga99's gaming world and join the community:
By Ronny Fiksdahl
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