In the week or two before a playtest we often adopt an attitude of 'we'll fix it later!' for complex problems that arise. We chose the monthly interval because we don't want to be always sprinting - we still need time to tackle things like large refactors or prototypes of new mechanics. Another benefit of these playtests is they function as deadlines - the week or two before one becomes a sprint to prepare the game so that we can maximize the usefulness of that session (and because it's just plain motivating to see your work played!) As expected, we're gaining valuable insights from observing how people from outside of the project experience it. We're currently scheduling one for the end of every month, tapping friends of ours who aren't yet familiar it. We recently started formally playtesting Earthblade! For this game we wanted to wait for quite a long time before beginning playtests, so finally getting here has been very exciting and energizing for us. Most recently, I’ve been contracting with Power Up Audio, providing additional audio support for Moonbreaker by Unknown Worlds Entertainment.Maddy here with another EXOK newsletter :)

I was also brought on as a sound designer for Stegosoft Games’ Rise of the Third Power, which launched in early 2022. In 2020 I began developing my own game, Homebound, which I released in early 2021, followed shortly after with an Original Soundtrack release. Since graduating, I’ve set my focus on game audio. As a multi-instrumentalist, I’ve played keys and drums in rock and jazz bands, as well as classical and contemporary piano. I received my B.Mus in Composition from Western Washington University in 2018 with a minor in math. My intro to the audio world began with music. These cross-disciplinary skills continually guide my work in enhancing storytelling and player communication through audio design. I got hooked on GameMaker at 9 years old and quickly fell in love with all aspects of game development-audio, programming, art, and beyond. I’m Ben Seavello, an audio designer and game developer based near Chicago, IL.

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