How Zach Barth Changed Gaming: The Block Game That Started It All

Описание: I am joined by Zach Barth, an incredible game developer and the creator of the Block Genre!

Zach shares his journey from early programming to creating genre-defining games like Infinifrag and Infiniminer, titles that went on to influence the creation of Minecraft.

We talk about his time teaching, working at Microsoft and Valve, and how his desire to build his own games always pulls him back to indie development.

We then dive into his latest venture, Coincidence Games and releasing their newest title, Kaizen: A Factory Story. Finally we explore the creative process behind systems-driven design and how Zach continues to create experiences that feel truly original!

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:29 Introduction to Programming and Game Design
00:04:28 Why Learning to Code Today is Harder
00:05:37 Challenges with Learning Programming Languages
00:06:27 Zach's Childhood Gaming Influences
00:09:30 Developing The Unique Style of Zachtronics Games
00:14:49 Challenges in Managing Puzzle Design VS Player Skill
00:16:34 Reflections on Game Quality and Personal Standards
00:21:58 Zach on: Dreams VS Realities of Game Development
00:27:54 Transition from Unity to a Custom Engine
00:30:39 Experience of Working at Valve: A Unique Work Culture
00:38:08 Funny Valve Story 1: Meeting Gabe Newel (Although I was Curious about Ice Frog 😅)
00:39:57 Funny Valve Story 2, & Work-Life Balance at Valve
00:43:22 We talk Games: Deadlock, Dota, Kenshi, Hearthstone, and More
00:50:01 Reflecting on Infinitron, Infinifrag and Infiniminer
00:57:37 Zach Talks about Creating the Novel Block Placing Mechanic
01:00:43 The Saga: Impact of Infiniminer on Gaming (Full Story)
01:09:24 Overcoming the Infiniminer / Minecraft Saga
01:11:10 Reflecting on Meaning of Success and Legacy
01:13:44 The Future: New Studio - Coincidence Games
01:16:25 Zach Talks About His Latest Kaizen: A Factory Story
01:21:16 Closing Remarks

Follow Coincidence Games:
https://x.com/CoincidenceTeam
https://coincidence.games

Check out Kaizen: A Factory Story
https://store.steampowered.com/app/22...

Tools:
Recorded with Riverside - https://www.riverside.fm

#podcast #gaming #minecraft