Episode 17 - What’s it Like to Launch a Game in Early Access?

Zoe Straw is back, and this week she’s here to talk about a game she worked on called Aloft (the new cosy survival game from Astrolabe Interactive). Come hear about what it’s like to launch a game in early access!

But wait, there’s more! Zoe also recently participated in a game jam, where she developed an arcade shooter with a unique gravity-based mechanic. She speaks in depth about what it was like to develop this game over the span of three(!) days.

As usual, we also discuss the news (very Microsoft-centered this week), what we’ve been playing, and Zoe also talks about a prototype for Naughty Gear, a Christmas-themed parody of Metal Gear Solid.

 

00:00:00 - Intro and What We’ve Been Playing

00:14:36 - News

00:28:20 - Aloft launches in early access

00:55:58 - Zoe’s Game Jam

01:16:28 - Naughty Gear (and more Game Jam)

 

This episode was recorded on January 18 2025.

 

Gravity Strike: https://zoeleet.itch.io/gravity-strike

 

Sources:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-and-several-la-based-playstation-studios-donate-to-wildfire-relief-efforts/

https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338778/microsoft-xbox-handheld-pc-gaming

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-makes-layoffs-across-several-divisions-including-gaming/