Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

Candid conversations with game creators that dive deep into the art, craft, and process of making games.

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Pingolf 04/25/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Pingolf We're joined by Ben Wilson (Saltsea Chronicles), John Axon (Capybara Games), and Scott Anderson (Unity) to discuss Pingolf, the 31st game in the UFO 50 collection. “Each year the best golfers in the galaxy show up to compete at the UFO Invitational.” Next week: Mortol II Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Desert Golfing Golfing on Mars Cursed to Golf Executive Golf DX (Playdate) Yoku’s Island Express Scott’s Bluesky John's Bluesky Ben’s Bluesky Ben's Crosswords The End of Gameplay by droqen 31 Unmarked Games by droqen Episode 69 – Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson Episode 129 – Reinforcing Worldbuilding through Gameplay with Spoils A Year of UFO 50 - Golfaria /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36314125

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 5 04/25/2025

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 5 We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 5 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Every Game In This City, Season 1 - Escape Rooms in Kuala Lumpur Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series Eggplant Discord /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36309315

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 4) 04/21/2025

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 4) In the 4th installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into Caves of Qud. This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015. Doug and Rob - joined by special guest host Star St. Germain - continue talking about the main quest with one of the game's creators, Jason Grinblat. This episode we talk through Pax Klanq, Yd Freehold, and the Tomb of Eaters. Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series. Show Notes: Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io: Caves of Qud soundtrack: 2025 Independent Games Festival: Doug & Rob let's play video of Tomb of the Eaters: Star on bsky: Jason on bsky: /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36250200

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rock On! Island 04/18/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rock On! Island We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Gab Koenig (Tux and Fanny) to discuss Rock On! Island, the 30th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Rally your cavemen and defend your cave from waves of attacking dinosaurs.” Next week: Pingolf Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Jon Perry – How Tabletop Design Helped Shape ‘UFO 50’ Bloons TD 6 PixelJunk Monsters 2 Orcs Must Die! Dungeon Defenders Go Home Dinosaurs! Tillmonk Spreadsheet with Rock On! Island Maps Brick101 Save Between Waves Mod Tooth and Tail Blood on the Clocktower A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 1 A Year of UFO 50 - Party House “Yes, And”-ing Your Design with Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig (Tux and Fanny) /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36216955

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 4 04/18/2025

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 4 We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 4 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Wie is de Mol (Netherlands) Season 14, Episode 3 Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series Eggplant Discord /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36220370

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Vainger 04/11/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Vainger We're joined by guest hosts Adam Saltsman (Finji), Trent Kusters (League of Geeks), and Teddy Dief (We Are OFK) to discuss Vainger, the 29th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The Vainger returns to Io and finds itself betrayed. The enemy must be found and eradicated.” Next week: Rock On! Island Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Prince of Prussia Deus Ex The Swapper Transistor Uncle Slam's record Vainger speed run Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Bloodborne Magic, Kevlar, and Conspiracies with Tactical Breach Wizards Dev Tom Francis Usual June Hyper Light Drifter We Are OFK (game) We Are OFK (artist page) Teddy Dief’s webpage Gaburi Chicken, LA A Year of UFO 50 – Warptank A Year of UFO 50 – Camouflage Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman A Year of UFO 50 – Porgy A Year of UFO 50 – Bushido Ball /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36093435

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 3 04/10/2025

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 3 We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 3 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow Eggplant Discord http://discord.gg/eggplant /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36083770

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rail Heist 04/04/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rail Heist We're joined by guest hosts Xalavier Nelson Jr. (I Am Your Beast) and Bennett Foddy (Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy) to discuss Rail Heist, the 28th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The most infamous train robbers in the west pull off a series of daring heists.” Next week: Vainger Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Colt Express Invisible, Inc. Gunpoint SteamWorld Heist Hotline Miami Killer Queen Leisure Suit Larry Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 Baby Steps /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36007415

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 2 04/03/2025

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 2 We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 2 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series Eggplant Discord /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35989770

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Divers 03/28/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Divers We're joined by guest hosts Kayin (I Wanna Be The Guy), Jay Ma (Into the Breach), and droqen (Starseed Pilgrim) to discuss Divers, the 27th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Control Dylan, Orlok, and Thyme as they explore the watery depths” Next week: Rail Heist Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Final Fantasy Legend 1 (via the Collection of SaGa: Final Fantasy Legend) Dungeon Encounters Girls Last Tour Subnautica Stardom World Wrestling Droqen’s website Jay Ma on bluesky Kayin on bluesky droqen on bluesky /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35906125

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 1 03/27/2025

Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 1 We're recapping the new 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 1 and share their Mole suspicions. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series Eggplant live from the De Mol 2024 finale Eggplant Discord Taskmaster - Get To 11 Points as Fast as Possible /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35885065

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Hot Foot 03/21/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Hot Foot Recorded in person at GDC 2025, we're joined by guest host Alfredo Barraza (Riot), and UFO 50 developers Jon Perry, Derek Yu, and Tyriq Plummer to discuss Hot Foot, the 26th game in the UFO 50 collection. "It's time to grab your beanbags and settle your differences on the Hot Foot court!" Next week: Divers /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35816440

Announcing: Eggplant Plays De Mol (2025 season) 03/20/2025

Announcing: Eggplant Plays De Mol (2025 season) For the 2nd year in a row, we're recapping the new 2025 season of Flemish De Mol. And this time, we're posting the episodes to the main feed here. There's never been a better time to get into De Mol. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and to play a Mol guessing game with us. Links: Ep 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol) Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series Eggplant live from the De Mol 2024 finale Discord /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35787370

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Party House 03/14/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Party House We're joined by guest hosts Billy Basso (Animal Well), Jack Schlesinger (Baby Steps), and Gab Koenig (Tux and Fanny) to discuss Party House, the 25th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Can you throw the best house party of the summer without getting busted?” Next week: Hot Foot Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: The Quacks of Quedlinburg Dominion (Temple Gate Games) Quarriors! Jon Perry’s board games Michael O’Blivion’s UFO 50 YouTube videos Luck be a Landlord Slice & Dice Into the Depths: Slice & Dice – Part 1 Baby Steps Animal Well Episode 139 – Sticking to Your Systems with Animal Well Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 1) Episode 92 – Untangling Language with Knotwords Episode 128 – "Yes, And"-ing Your Design with Albert Birney and Gabriel Koenig (Tux and Fanny) /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35688400

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Caramel Caramel 03/07/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Caramel Caramel We're joined by guest host Madison Karrh (Birth), Billy Basso (Animal Well), and Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV) to discuss Caramel Caramel, the 24th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Melon got a new camera and is going on a galactic adventure to try it out!” Next week: Party House Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Snapshot Game Spelunky by Derek Yu Brick101’s mod for Caramel Caramel Animal Well Episode 139 – Sticking to Your Systems with Animal Well Abnormal Mapping /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35576335

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Onion Delivery 02/28/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Onion Delivery We're joined by guest host Alfredo Barraza (Riot), plus Farbs (Wild Bastards), Dan Vecchitto (Trombone Champ), and Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) to discuss Onion Delivery, the 23rd game in the UFO 50 collection. "Can you survive the work-week in Zorrg City? Do your best to make deliveries amidst the chaos!" Next week: Caramel Caramel Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Retro Racing 2 Grand Theft Auto Trombone Champ ICE CREAM DELIVERY JOB "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein Adam Conover Tour Dates Adam Conover on Bluesky Farbs on Mastodon Holy Wow on Bluesky /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35476025

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 3) 02/24/2025

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 3) In the 3rd installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into Caves of Qud. This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015. Doug and Rob - joined by special guest host Star St. Germain - talk to one of the game's creators Jason Grinblat about the main quest - from Bethesda Susa, Omonporch, and the quest after that. Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series. Show Notes: Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io: Jason's reference image for Bethesda Susa: Star on bsky: Jason on bsky: /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35376145

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Porgy 02/21/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Porgy We're joined by Trent Kusters (League of Geeks) and Kayin (I Wanna Be The Guy) to discuss Porgy, the 22nd game in the UFO 50 collection. "Strange happenings near the coast! Dive deep and get to the bottom of what's fishy in the sea." Next week: Onion Delivery Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: Kayin’s Porgy Blog Post – ”On Backtracking” Games: Agency as Art – C. Thi Nguyen A Play of Bodies – Brendan Keogh Shadow The Past’s Porgy Speedruns (1st World Record run) Game Maker’s Notebook – 17 Year Development Journey with Caves of Qud Kayin’s website Kayin on bluesky Trent on bluesky /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35379340

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Waldorf’s Journey 02/14/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Waldorf’s Journey We're joined by Liz Ryerson (Sounds from the Abyss) and Ben Esposito (Neon White) to discuss Waldorf’s Journey, the 21st game in the UFO 50 collection. "Waldorf didn't go looking for adventure. He was just trying to enjoy a nice nap..." Next week: Porgy Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Show Notes: Terry’s Other Games – A collection of Terry Cavanagh’s smaller works Paralect Waldorf’s Journey Speedrun World Record by MACH Neon White Liz Ryerson’s Bandcamp Sounds from the Abyss mixes Great Art by Liz Ryerson GDC Experimental Game Workshop links: 2004–2022 GDC Vault Recordings 2023–2024 GDC Vault Recordings Experimental Game Workshop website GDC 2025 Experimental Games Showcase speaker list Episode 145 – Addressing Memory with Plunderludics Episode 94 – Learning to Unclench with Ben Esposito (Neon White) /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35284420

145: Addressing Memory with Plunderludics 02/11/2025

145: Addressing Memory with Plunderludics Doug and Rob chat with mut moochi, Jonny Hopkins, and Gurn Group about their experimental game and emulator hacking practice, which they call "plunderludics". We're also joined by special guest co-host Bennett Foddy. We describe some of their pieces, the comparison against plunderphonics and other related terms, the tools they've developed, and more. Show notes: plunderludics wiki Unityhawk boshi's place mut's Tapestry mut's Auto Mario Mario Mario's bro skater 2 tetris, but all at once, but all at once jonny's Mario x film composites Gurn Group's itch page Mario Tag documentation Multibowl "Plunderphonics, or Audio Piracy as a Compositional Prerogative" JohnLee Cooper's list Plundercore (Not By Me Mostly) Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION by hatimb00 /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35236465

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Warptank 02/07/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Warptank We're joined by Adam Saltsman (Finji), Liz Ryerson (musician, writer, podcaster), and Bijan Stephen (Compulsion Games) to discuss Warptank, the 20th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Use your tank to regain control of the station and sever all ties to Capsule World!" Next week: Waldorf’s Journey Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. by Patrick Gill (Polygon) Great Art by Liz Ryerson GDC Experimental Game Workshop links: – Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35190340

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Big Bell Race 01/31/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Big Bell Race We're joined by Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Big Bell Race, the 19th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Do you have what it takes to become the Big Bell Race Champion?" Our show has been nominated for a 2024 Thinky Award in some great company! ... and if you should be moved to vote for us, that is between you and whatever higher power you recognize. Thanks to Thinky Games for the recognition. Next week: Warptank Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/35098515

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Golfaria 01/24/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Golfaria We're joined by John Axon (Capybara Games) and Ben Wilson (Die Gute Fabrik) to discuss Golfaria, the 18th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Deep beneath the fairway, a golf ball awakens. Where did it come from? What is its purpose?" Next week: The Big Bell Race Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. on Bluesky (Ben’s crosswords) – Building a Better Bridge with Ben Wilson – Reinforcing Worldbuilding through Gameplay with Spoils /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34989740

144: Keeping it Queer with Mo Cohen and Hagen Deloss (Queer Quest) 01/20/2025

144: Keeping it Queer with Mo Cohen and Hagen Deloss (Queer Quest) We chat with Mo Cohen (Queermo Games) and Hagen Deloss about Queer Quest, a point-and-click adventure that's best described as "gay Monkey Island meets feminist Leisure Suit Larry". Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Show notes: Queer Quest on and /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34918700

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella 01/17/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella We're joined by Carolyn Petit (Kotaku) and Russ Frushtick (Polygon) to discuss Campanella, the 17th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Fly the Campanella through five challenging worlds! And don't forget to stop for coffee!" Next week: Golfaria Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34890720

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Camouflage 01/10/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Camouflage We're joined by Adam Saltsman (Finji) and Izzy Kestrel (Funomena, No Goblin) to discuss Camouflage, the 16th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Blend in with your surroundings to evade predators and fulfill your destiny." Next week: Campanella Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed on this episode: (specific titles mentioned below) – Surviving Overland with Adam Saltsman on Bluesky on Bluesky /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34804725

143: Games of the Year 2024 01/07/2025

143: Games of the Year 2024 The whole crew assembles to share our personal five favorite games of 2024, alongside picks from previous show guests and our listeners. Happy 2025! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Our GOTY picks (SPOILERS): Doug: (Mario 64 mod) Sarah: Velgress (from ) Zach: Laura: (Roblox) Nick: Andy: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Velgress (of ) Rob: Barbuta (of ) Show Notes: Other picks from guests and listeners: Katamari Damacy Karen Kavett’s /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34734725

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Block Koala 01/03/2025

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Block Koala We're joined by Patrick Traynor (Patrick’s Parabox) and Frank Lantz (Universal Paperclips, NYU Game Center) to discuss Block Koala, the 15th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Flamingus has stolen all the water! Solve puzzles to defeat him and save the park!" Next week: Camouflage Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: by increpare by Michael Brough (the Block Koala part) by Qrostar by Kory Heath by Kory Heath – Thinking Inside the Box with Patrick Traynor (Patrick’s Parabox) – Fighting Words with Everybody House Games (Babble Royale) – Good Times with Bad Robots with Frank Lantz (Hey Robot) Join our Discord: Leave us a tip: /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34712895

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Bushido Ball 12/27/2024

EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Bushido Ball We're joined by Casey Yano (Mega Crit), Trent Kusters (League of Geeks), and Alfredo Barraza (Riot) to discuss Bushido Ball, the 14th game in the UFO 50 collection. "It’s the annual Bushido Ball tournament. Choose from 6 fighters and compete to win!" Next week: Block Koala /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34628955

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 2) 12/24/2024

Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Part 2) In the 2nd installment of our current Into the Depths series, we dive into . This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015, and in this episode we celebrate this month's momentous v1.0 release. Doug and Rob talk to one of the game's creators about Qud basics and the early game (up to Golgotha). Don't forget to and play along with the series. Show Notes Recommended settings for playing Qud on a Steamdeck (credit to Discord user patric!) "The important changes are all in UI portion of the options menu: UI Scale: 1.25 Play Area Scale: Pixel Perfect Pixel Perfect Tile Graphic Scale: 2 Ability Bar Mode: Compact Mini Map: Off Nearby Objects: Off Message Log Font: -5 Last but not least, use your finger to move the bar between the play area & the message log as far to the right as you can. It’s a little fiddly to do, but frees up a good amount of real estate." /episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/34594435

Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games

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