Clair Obscur: Finding the Strength to Say Farewell
A game that understands fatality: exploring Sandfall's profound meditation on grief, what it says about game production, and lessons for those who come after.
Design Abstract
I talk about my creative process making games focusing on Procedural Generation, Distilling Design Pattern, LLMs, ...
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Back on Substack
From RPG to PCG
[Craft] Mastermind Or Muscle
Coming back with a new RPG "A straight forward Heist with all the twists and turns, well suited for one-shots"
[Study] Mothership
Login to your retro-futuristic terminal, lots of data could be extracted from that specimen: Bottom-up approach to world building, how to leverage "Anchored tables" or what makes a good twist.
[Delve] Shopping, Romance & Dark Fantasy
Discover how to remove a system to add narrative opportunities. Then, what makes a good NPC appears to also be what makes a good lover. Plenty of good-looking art in-between.
[Craft] Resolution system
Getting back to my RPG "Bonaventure", with the core mechanic. Playtests went well, know it's time for a broader range of feedback.
[Study] Defining Elegant Design
What is this conceptual tool, and where does it come from? While I answer those questions, I take the opportunity for a meta reflection on the way I interiorize concepts.
[Delve] 12 word RPG Jam Reviews
I give you 12 small reviews about 12 small games, and as many potential directions to make your next RPG.
[Craft] 12 word RPGs
First batch of 4.5 entries for the 12 word RPG Jam, right off the oven! Stick around while I'm sharing the recipe, and don't forget to let me know how it tastes.
[Delve] From Nano-RPGs to infinite worlds
Featuring a Jam, my favorite drafting tool and poisonous frogs
[Study] RPG Design Patterns
Starting a newsletter rotation with its "Study" segment first. Today, we extract the main design patterns of TTRPGs based on Lasers & Feelings.
On Attributes // Dark Idols
This time, we take a stab at what might be the heart of RPGs (Critical Hit?). I also keep refining the format of that newsletter and pitch my first "Being"... One that lurks in the dark.
And so it begins
First entry with reading notes about a "first adventure" module (we are getting meta already). I'm also getting into the dungeon23 challenge with my own twist on the formula.