The Maw Episode

[Psykoboy2]

Your weekend dose of gaming conversation begins now (http://ingamechat.net/audio/IGC20090115.mp3).

It isn’t often that we interview many game developers without having played their game, much less without their game even being released yet. But that’s just what we do with a couple of guys from Twisted Pixel, developers of next week’s Xbox Live Arcade release, The Maw.

Due to their schedules (flying out to LA for a G4 taping) and our schedules (Jeremy having a previous engagement and James having to work), I was the only one available to talk to Mike Wilford, producer of The Maw, and Josh Bear, creative director of The Maw. And while we talk about the game itself, we also bring up the subjects of how The Maw came to be, the importance of the PAX 10, working with Microsoft, and what’s next for the Twisted Pixel team.

It’s not a particularly long episode, not that it needs to be, but we hope it tides you over for the weekend and as always…thanks for listening.

[Iron Past]

You know, I'm pretty close to Austin. If you ever wanted someone to do a one-on-one interview or a playtest or anything, I'd be happy to do it. Not kidding, either. :)

[Calgar99]

Generally not a fan of dev interviews but really enjoyed this. keep up the good work

[Psykoboy2]

Generally not a fan of dev interviews but really enjoyed this. keep up the good work

Neither am I, honestly. This was our first dev interview since being off the AM airwaves. It was nice not to have the constriction of being forced to a commercial or worrying about language. Personally, for me, it enabled me to loosen up a bit with the devs and be a little more direct. Then again, these guys were pretty easy to talk to.

[phoenyx]

I was surprised about the number of developers in Austin. I knew there were some, but I had never done the research. Now, they said they went to Austin because of the potential talent pool... but why did everyone else go there?

[Spigot]

I was already pretty much sold on The Maw before listening to the interview but now I yearn for it. YEARN!

It was great to hear that they went into it wanting to include free stuff for the players and also wanting to have it at a $10 price point. Good on them.

[Iron Past]

I was surprised about the number of developers in Austin. I knew there were some, but I had never done the research. Now, they said they went to Austin because of the potential talent pool... but why did everyone else go there?

I know Gov. Perry's been pushing stuff through to draw game devs here (tax cuts, etc.). Some of it might be because it's away from the hustle and bustle of New York or LA, but still close to both. Or maybe because Texas is awesome (you know someone was going to say it). ;)

[Psykoboy2]

Or maybe because Texas is awesome (you know someone was going to say it). ;)

Well yeah. I'm just surprised Bone or BackseatKiller didn't beat you to it.