Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I chat with the co-creator of Into The Unwell, a rubber-host action packed roguelite.
#EpicPartner
► Check out State of Unreal: https://epic.gm/unreal-fest-chicago-state-of-unreal-creators
► Wishlist Into The Unwell: store.steampowered.com/app/2024600/Into_The_Unwell
► Learn how to make a game studio from your bedroom, free: fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-how-to-make-six-figures
► Wishlist Twisted Tower: store.steampowered.com/app/1575990/Twisted_Tower
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro: From AAA Cog to Indie Studio Owner
00:01:19 Sponsored: State of Unreal Livestream & Unreal Fest Chicago
00:02:06 Conversation Starts with Martin Stockhouse
00:03:00 Can You Design a Game on Paper Before Prototyping?
00:05:40 Working With Publishers: Milestones vs Creative Freedom
00:08:00 Game Development as an Archaeological Dig
00:09:25 Discovering the Game as You Build It
00:11:00 How the Combat System Evolved (Stagger + Kick)
00:12:10 Would You Ever Go Back to AAA?
00:12:50 Imposter Syndrome as an Indie Developer
00:14:00 Playtesting, Feedback & Knowing When to Listen
00:16:00 Beta Testing Struggles – Moving the Needle
00:18:00 Why Game Developers Lose Sight of Whether Their Game Is Good
00:20:00 Game Pillars: Visual, Mechanical & Story Hooks
00:21:20 Ranking Your Pillars (The Division Example)
00:23:00 Pillars vs Unique Selling Points
00:24:00 How Into the Unwell Was Born (Roguelike + Cuphead 3D)
00:26:20 The “Box” Metaphor – Creative Constraints That Help
00:30:50 The Power of Contrast in Game Design
00:33:00 Contrast in Combat & Different Playstyles
00:34:30 Thinking of Weapons & Enemies Like Chess Pieces
00:35:10 Pain Points vs Relief Points in Design
00:37:20 Balancing Free-Flow Fun vs Strategic Depth
00:38:30 Why Your Core Loop Must Still Be Fun
00:39:30 How They Went Full-Time Indie (The Real Story)
00:41:00 Working on Midnight Ghost Hunt to Fund Their Own Game
00:43:00 Networking & Getting Meetings With Publishers
00:47:20 Pitching the Demo – What Actually Worked
00:49:40 Do You Need a Polished Demo to Get a Publisher?
00:51:20 Final Thoughts & Where to Wishlist Into the Unwell
I chat with the co-creator of Into The Unwell, a rubber-host action packed roguelite.
#EpicPartner
► Check out State of Unreal: https://epic.gm/unreal-fest-chicago-state-of-unreal-creators
► Wishlist Into The Unwell: store.steampowered.com/app/2024600/Into_The_Unwell
► Learn how to make a game studio from your bedroom, free: fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-how-to-make-six-figures
► Wishlist Twisted Tower: store.steampowered.com/app/1575990/Twisted_Tower
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro: From AAA Cog to Indie Studio Owner
00:01:19 Sponsored: State of Unreal Livestream & Unreal Fest Chicago
00:02:06 Conversation Starts with Martin Stockhouse
00:03:00 Can You Design a Game on Paper Before Prototyping?
00:05:40 Working With Publishers: Milestones vs Creative Freedom
00:08:00 Game Development as an Archaeological Dig
00:09:25 Discovering the Game as You Build It
00:11:00 How the Combat System Evolved (Stagger + Kick)
00:12:10 Would You Ever Go Back to AAA?
00:12:50 Imposter Syndrome as an Indie Developer
00:14:00 Playtesting, Feedback & Knowing When to Listen
00:16:00 Beta Testing Struggles – Moving the Needle
00:18:00 Why Game Developers Lose Sight of Whether Their Game Is Good
00:20:00 Game Pillars: Visual, Mechanical & Story Hooks
00:21:20 Ranking Your Pillars (The Division Example)
00:23:00 Pillars vs Unique Selling Points
00:24:00 How Into the Unwell Was Born (Roguelike + Cuphead 3D)
00:26:20 The “Box” Metaphor – Creative Constraints That Help
00:30:50 The Power of Contrast in Game Design
00:33:00 Contrast in Combat & Different Playstyles
00:34:30 Thinking of Weapons & Enemies Like Chess Pieces
00:35:10 Pain Points vs Relief Points in Design
00:37:20 Balancing Free-Flow Fun vs Strategic Depth
00:38:30 Why Your Core Loop Must Still Be Fun
00:39:30 How They Went Full-Time Indie (The Real Story)
00:41:00 Working on Midnight Ghost Hunt to Fund Their Own Game
00:43:00 Networking & Getting Meetings With Publishers
00:47:20 Pitching the Demo – What Actually Worked
00:49:40 Do You Need a Polished Demo to Get a Publisher?
00:51:20 Final Thoughts & Where to Wishlist Into the Unwell
