"From Ideas to Execution": Q&A with Indie Game Developer Hidden Object Guru

13/02/2024

"Today on Fix Gaming Channel, we're thrilled to welcome Hidden Object Guru, the creative powerhouse behind hit titles such as Dracula Defense, and others, and with his new game Crash Math, in Collaboration with Developer Archor Wright "New on Steam 21 February". At Fix Gaming, we're passionate about diving deep into the gaming universe, exploring not just the games themselves but also the brilliant minds who bring these digital worlds to life. Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with Hidden Object Guru, uncovering the stories, inspirations, and personal journeys behind the games that have captured our hearts and imaginations. Here's our exclusive interview with Hidden Object Guru 

Q: What game genres do you enjoy playing yourself, and do these preferences influence your development style?

A: I'll play basically anything that isn't a sports management sim, but I certainly have a weakness for Metroidvanias and Musou games. My game development is mainly focused on story-heavy experiences, so when I'm relaxing I tend to go very far in the opposite direction.

Q: What sparked your passion for making games? Was there a particular game or moment that inspired you?

A: Seeing the return of the interactive movie as a genre with Telltale's Jurassic Park game convinced me that there might be a place for me in game development. It had always been a passion of mine, but without the technical skills necessary to bring ideas to life, I was forced to stick to writing design documents with no real hope of ever seeing them come to life. Now that there's more of a role for narrative design in games, I'm finally able to pursue my dream job.

Q: Can you share the story behind your favorite game that you've developed? What games influenced its design?

A: Clown in the Woods. It's a visual novel, inspired by a specific kinetic novel that I won't name here, because I'm about to be very mean. Long story short, I played a 'game' that was so egregiously awful that I realized I had no excuse for not at least attempting to make a game of my own in response. So now it's available for anyone to play for free!

Q: What have been the most epic wins and tough boss-level challenges in your indie game development career?

A: They're really two sides of the same coin - the hardest part is finding creative partners who share your vision for what a game should be, and the most satisfying experience is finding people who want to work with you to build something excellent.

Q: In your games, how do you blend your own experiences or ideas into the gameplay and story?

A: Nearly every game I've developed starts with me picturing a single thing I want the player to be able to experience, and I work out from there. I've played thousands of video games, which has turned my mind into a strange jumble of moments from all of those different titles, which twist and rearrange themselves into things I'd like to see in a game.

Q: In the rapidly changing world of gaming technology, how do you keep your games innovative and relevant?


A: My games are neither innovative nor relevant. I am passionate about delivering odd experiences that leave players wondering exactly what just happened.


Q: Have you had any 'glitch in the matrix' moments during development that turned into valuable lessons?

A: For the record, no, I have never seen a cat walk by a door twice while developing a game. I did, however, lose an entire finished version of Clown in the Woods and then have to start building it all over again, which forced me to look hard at every bit of the game's design, leading to a bunch of streamlining.

Q: How has your game-making strategy leveled up over the years? What quests or achievements influenced this?


A: The most important part was learning that I shouldn't try to do things all on my own. Solo development can be satisfying, but working with partners has led to much better results, as they invariably have ways of looking at problems that I never would have thought of.

Q: Is there a message or experience you're aiming to give players through your games?

A: It's far too ambitious, I'll admit, but my goal invariably is to surprise players with an experience they haven't had before. Sometimes that's just including way more story than a game really requires, but sometimes, as with Crash Math, it's combining genres in a way that has little precedent.

Q: What parts of your life outside gaming have had the biggest impact on your game development?

A: My screenwriting career has taught me how to absolutely commit to a project and see it through to the end - which has been a vitally important work ethic to bring to game design.


Q: If you could go back in time, what pro tips would you give yourself when you started developing games?

A: Start by determining what you'll be able to accomplish, and then figure out the story you want to tell within those boundaries - restrictions can lead to some of the best creative inspiration.


Q: What's the next big adventure for you? Any upcoming games we should be on the lookout for? How can we follow your journey?

A: Next up is Crash Math, which I made with Archor Wright, after that, I'm working on the script for my next visual novel, which should be a blast! You can follow me at the Hidden Object Guru YouTube Channel, any announcements about projects will be made there! 


Explore more from Hidden Object Guru by visiting his YouTube channel. For the latest games, and Steam page. Don't miss our in-depth review of his game Draculas Defense.


 It's evident that the developer's eclectic taste in games, favoring everything except sports management sims, reflects a deep-seated love for gaming. This love, coupled with a particular inclination towards narrative-driven creations, underscores their journey in the gaming industry. Initially inspired by the narrative depth of Telltale's Jurassic Park, the developer recognized a niche for themselves within the realm of game development, particularly in narrative design, despite earlier constraints posed by a lack of technical skills.

Their narrative-driven project, Clown in the Woods, serves as a testament to their resolve to create engaging stories within games, inspired by the challenge to improve upon the standards set by less compelling titles. This ambition to craft unique gaming experiences mirrors the developer's broader approach to game design: seeking to surprise and captivate players with innovative narrative techniques and gameplay mechanics.

Throughout their career, the dual challenges of finding like-minded creative partners and the joy of successful collaborations highlight the developer's journey. Their commitment to creating distinct and memorable gaming experiences is rooted in a blend of personal gaming history and a vast imagination, aiming to transform a myriad of gaming moments into new, explorative experiences for players.

Despite the self-described lack of innovation or relevance in their games, the developer's focus on delivering unique, sometimes perplexing experiences underscores a distinctive approach to game development. They view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for improvement and streamlining, an attitude that has refined their development strategy over the years.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, with development tools becoming more accessible, the developer looks forward to contributing to a future rich with diverse, personal gaming experiences. With projects like Crash Math on the horizon and a commitment to sharing their development journey on the Hidden Object Guru YouTube channel, the developer remains a vibrant voice in the indie gaming community.

Their narrative underscores the importance of creativity, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to bringing new and engaging stories to the gaming world, paving the way for future endeavors in an ever-expanding gaming landscape.

Stay tuned for more exciting features and insights into the gaming world here on Fix Gaming Channel!

Have a blast!

Fix

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