Draknek & Friends Official Podcast
Technology
About
Join Alan and Syrenne from Draknek & Friends as they talk to developers of some of their favorite puzzle games, shedding light onto how games get made and the people behind them!
Episodes
- Episode 53: Rachel Watts (Thinky Games, Indieventure podcast)
Rachel Watts, editor-in-chief of Thinky Games and co-host of the Indieventure Podcast, discusses the economics of covering games, the unique aspects of puzzle games, and her experience writing a book about Cocoon with Alan and Syrenne.
- Episode 52: Stephen Lavelle (Stephen's Sausage Roll, PuzzleScript, English Country Tune)
Alan speaks with game developer Stephen Lavelle about his career, including titles like Stephen's Sausage Roll, PuzzleScript, and Oeuf. They discuss the 10th anniversary of Stephen's Sausage Roll, game design regrets, and multiplayer puzzl…
- Episode 51: Tad Cordle (A Little Perspective, Sensorium)
Tad Cordle joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss his work on Sensorium and A Little Perspective. They explore game development within Dreams, the concept of perspective in puzzle games, and crafting puzzles that engage the five senses.
- Episode 50: Bobby Vanden aka Danga Games (He Who Watches) - our next published game!!
Bobby Vanden, creator of He Who Watches, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss his game. Topics include the game's inspirations, design choices for motion sickness, and the experience of publishing with Draknek.
- Episode 49: Ben Taylor aka sunnyjum/munted finger (Can of Wormholes)
Ben Taylor, creator of Can of Wormholes, discusses the game's design philosophy and its unique hint system with Alan and Syrenne. They also touch on the possibility of adding more content to A Monster's Expedition.
- Episode 48: Levi Pinkert (Loophole)
Levi Pinkert, creator of the puzzle game Loophole, joins the Draknek & Friends podcast to discuss the journey of game ideas from conception to development. They also explore the challenges of balancing ambition with realism and touch upon…
- Episode 47: Eli Rainsberry (A Monster's Expedition, Saltsea Chronicles, Wilmot Works It Out)
Eli Rainsberry, composer and sound designer for games like A Monster's Expedition, joins Alan and Syrenne. They discuss their career path, the creation of A Monster's Expedition, and the unique aspects of composing music for puzzle games.
- Episode 46: Adam Saltsman (Finji)
Draknek & Friends Official Podcast features Alan and Syrenne interviewing Adam Saltsman of Finji. They cover the creation of CORGISPACE, game design principles, reflections on the state of the industry, and the PICO-8 platform.
- Episode 45: Dan Pearson (Head of Marketing @ Draknek & Friends)
Alan interviews Dan Pearson, Draknek & Friends' new Head of Marketing. They discuss his career path from journalism to game development, the unique challenges of marketing puzzle games, and strategies for designing puzzles that engage play…
- Episode 44: Our Favourite Games of 2025 (with Joseph Mansfield)
Syrenne and Alan are joined by Mairi and Joseph for the Draknek & Friends Official Podcast's second year of GOTY discussions, covering favorite games from the past year. Numerous titles are explored, including Blue Prince, Is This Seat Tak…
- Episode 43: Pip Warr (A Monster's Expedition, Spooky Express, Little Kitty Big City)
Pip Warr, writer and narrative director for A Monster's Expedition, discusses the game's development, non-linear worldbuilding, and localization with hosts Alan and Syrenne. Sensitivity consultant Helen Gould's input is mentioned as invalu…
- Episode 42: Luis Díaz Peralta "Ludipe" (Sushi For Robots, Thinky Dailies)
Alan speaks with Luis Díaz Peralta about his games Sushi for Robots and Thinky Dailies, his career path, and the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant.
- Episode 41: Alan and Adam deGrandis have a rambly chat
Alan and Adam deGrandis discuss game development in this episode recorded while Syrenne was on vacation. The conversation lasts for an hour.
- Episode 40: Oolimry (Glowkeeper)
Oolimry, the developer of Glowkeeper, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss the creation of the game, the process of designing a Metroidvania, and methods for testing secrets within games.
- Episode 39: Spooky Express Retrospective
Hosts Alan and Syrenne, joined by the Spooky Express development team, discuss the game's creation process, sharing development anecdotes and insights. The episode runs over an hour and contains minor spoilers.
- Episode 38: Priscilla Snow (Spooky Express, A Good Snowman, Patrick's Parabox)
Alan and Syrenne host Priscilla Snow, a composer for games like Spooky Express and Patrick's Parabox. They discuss her journey into game composing, details about her work on Spooky Express, and unusual custom instruments.
- Episode 37: Melanie Zawodniak (Gamer, Podcast Editor)
Melanie Zawodniak, the podcast editor, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss puzzle games, livestreaming, and Kingdom Hearts in a casual conversation.
- Episode 36: Adam deGrandis (Spooky Express, A Monster's Expedition)
Alan and Syrenne host Adam deGrandis, art director for Spooky Express and A Monster's Expedition. They cover game development, his teaching career, gaming history, and a lengthy discussion on music.
- Episode 35: Zach Barth (Kaizen: A Factory Story, Opus Magnum, etc.)
Alan and Syrenne host Zach Barth, developer of Kaizen: A Factory Story and Zachtronics games. They discuss Kaizen's development, creating accessible "Zach-like" games, and systems design.
- Episode 34: Ben Wilson (Draknek & Friends)
Ben Wilson, producer at Draknek & Friends, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss his career in the games industry, his interest in crossword puzzles, and card games.
- Episode 33: Robin and Jeremy (The Roottrees are Dead)
Alan and Syrenne host Robin and Jeremy, developers of The Roottrees are Dead, to discuss the game's origins, its Steam remake, and how it fits into different genres.
- Episode 32: Chao Cui (Kiko's Apple Adventure)
Chao Cui, the developer of Kiko's Apple Adventure, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss game development, including designing a sokoban with movable stages and the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant.
- Episode 31: Corey Martin (Bonfire Peaks, Tire Boy)
Corey Martin, developer of Bonfire Peaks and its DLC Lost Memories, as well as games like Tire Boy, discusses his work with hosts Alan and Syrenne. The conversation covers game development and the integration of puzzles into non-puzzle gam…
- Episode 30: Dana Trebella (Spoke & Wheel Strategy)
Alan and Syrenne host Dana Trebella, founder of Spoke & Wheel Strategy, to discuss effective game messaging, marketing mistakes, and experiences with the Draknek team.
- Episode 29: Lucie Viatgé (Spooky Express)
Alan and Syrenne interview concept artist Lucie Viatgé about the creation of Spooky Express, her experiences at KO-OP, and her connection to puzzle games.
- Episode 28: Cerebral Puzzle Showcase and Thinky Direct
Alan and Syrenne discuss the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase 2025 and the Thinky Direct with guest Joseph Mansfield. They recommend games such as Bonfire Peaks, Gentoo Rescue, and others.
- Episode 27: Zachary Johnson (Stage Fright)
Zachary Johnson, developer of Joggernauts and Stage Fright, discusses his career and Train Jam stories with hosts Alan and Syrenne. He also shares his thoughts on Draknek's upcoming game, Spooky Express, for which he is the inspiration.
- Episode 26: Luke Spierewka (Pup Champs)
Luke Spierewka, developer of Pup Champs and Railbound, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss the development of Afterburn's games, working with shorter turnarounds, and lessons learned from making successive puzzle games.
- Episode 25: Lucas Le Slo (Spooky Express)
Hosts Alan and Syrenne interview puzzle designer Lucas Le Slo about the development and goals of his new project, Spooky Express, and his previous work on puzzle games like Lab Rat.
- Episode 24: The Electrifying Incident Retrospective
This podcast episode reviews the development of The Electrifying Incident. Hosts Syrenne and Alan, with guests Ben and Phoenix, discuss the game's scope creep and changes, with full spoilers for the game's achievements.
- Episode 23: Annika Maar (Duck Detective)
Annika Maar, the developer of Duck Detective, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss the game's development, including short timelines and the creation of approachable, funny games with deep mechanics.
- Episode 22: Gwen Frey (Lab Rat)
Gwen Frey, the developer behind the game Lab Rat, discusses the game's development and large scope, her extensive career in the games industry, and the current state of funding.
- Episode 21: Izzy Kestrel (Electrifying Incident)
Alan and Syrenne host Izzy Kestrel from the Electrifying Incident development team to discuss the game's creation, Thinky Games, Gex, and A Little Game Called Mario.
- Episode 20: Tana Tanoi (Shape Sender Deluxe)
Tana Tanoi, the developer of Shape Sender Deluxe, joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss the game's development, the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant, and the complexities of creating physics-based puzzle games.
- Episode 19: Balloon Studios (Botany Manor)
Alan and Syrenne interview Laure and Kitt from Balloon Studios, the creators of Botany Manor. They discuss the game's development, the inspiration behind its puzzle-filled manor setting, and strategies for engaging players with puzzle mech…
- Episode 18: Joseph Mansfield (ThinkyGames.com)
Hosts Alan and Syrenne are joined by Joseph Mansfield of ThinkyGames.com to discuss thinky games, current projects, and the games Bonfire Peaks and The Legend of Zelda.
- Episode 17: RBOR Games (Bean and Nothingness)
This episode features developers Nic Ford, Jordan Watkins, and Michael Von Korff discussing the game Bean and Nothingness. They cover its development, designing complex game interactions, and creating puzzle games for hardcore fans.
- Episode 16: Phoenix Stroh (The Electrifying Incident)
Alan and Syrenne host Phoenix Stroh, who discusses the development of The Electrifying Incident, the use of Godot, and the experience of collaborating with a former professor.
- Episode 15: Lukas Hort (Map Map: A Game About Maps)
Hosts Alan and Syrenne interview developer Lukas Hort about the creation of the puzzle game Map Map: A Game About Maps. They discuss the intersection of cartography, level design, and the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant.
- Episode 14: Benjamin Davis (A Monster's Expedition, Cosmic Express, A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build, The Electrifying Incident)
Benjamin Davis, lead programmer on Draknek games including A Monster's Expedition and Cosmic Express, discusses his work with Alan and Syrenne. The episode covers how Alan and Ben met, their collaboration, and details about the newly annou…
- Bonus Episode: YagmanX interviews Draknek
This bonus episode features an interview conducted by YagmanX with Draknek. The interview was recorded in early 2024.
- Episode 13: Andrejs Klavins (Golden Idol)
Alan and Syrenne host Andrejs Klavins, developer of The Case of the Golden Idol, to discuss game development, puzzle balancing, and creating a new standard for detective games.
- Episode 12: Furniture & Mattress (Arranger)
Alan and Syrenne interviewed the Furniture & Mattress team about their game Arranger. They discussed game development, puzzle and narrative design, and the process of naming their game.
- Episode 11: Alex Diener aka ThemsAllTook (Leaf's Odyssey, YouTuber)
Alan and Syrenne host Alex Diener, known as ThemsAllTook, who developed Leaf's Odyssey and runs a YouTube channel. They discuss Leaf's Odyssey's development, the YouTube channel, and the relationship between playing and creating games.
- Episode 10: Our Favourite Games of 2024 (with Joseph Mansfield)
Hosts Alan and Syrenne, joined by Mairi Nolan and Joseph Mansfield, share their favorite thinky games of 2024 in a spoiler-free discussion. Games discussed include No Case Shall Remain Unsolved, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and Botany Manor.
- Episode 09: Mairi Nolan (Draknek & Friends studio manager and escape room aficionado)
Mairi Nolan, Draknek & Friends studio manager and escape room enthusiast, discusses her journey into puzzle games and her role at the company with hosts Alan and Syrenne.
- Episode 08: Harry Shang Lun Lee (Sokobond)
Developer Harry Shang Lun Lee joins hosts Alan and Syrenne to discuss the development of the game Sokobond. The conversation covers his history with Alan, his recent work, and perspectives on personal growth and failure.
- Episode 07: Samarth Hattangady (Konkan Coast Pirate Solutions)
Samarth Hattangady discusses his start in game development, puzzle design strategies, and his experience with the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant on the Draknek & Friends Official Podcast.
- Episode 06: Blaž Urban Gracar and Ferran Ruiz Sala (LOK Digital)
The Draknek & Friends Official Podcast features hosts Alan and Syrenne interviewing LOK Digital developers. They discuss the original design of the LOK book, its transition to a digital version, signing with Draknek & Friends, and the laun…
- Episode 05: Ánimo Games (Star Stuff)
Draknek & Friends Podcast features an interview with the Ánimo Games team, developers of Star Stuff. They discuss educational applications of games, designing accessible programming puzzles, and managing game difficulty.