Role: Game Designer, Programmer, Director
Engine: GameMaker Studio
Platforms: Steam, with Switch, PS5, Xbox ports in development
Downloads: 7,000+
February 2023 - November 2023
TYPECAST is a unique arcade typing game that challenges the player in unexpected ways. What seems like a straightforward and simple game on the surface slowly unfolds to reveal multiple layers of complexity. The mechanics reveal themselves to the players skilled enough to find them, changing the way one plays the game with each discovery.
Contributions
I fully designed TYPECAST, and wrote all of the code, and created the VFX. I needed to hire artists, and a sound designer/composer to bring the game to life. While they completed the assets that would be used in game, I directed the artists in all aspects. Trello and Google Sheets were used to track deliverables.
I also hired two marketers to help me create the promo art, trailer, and Steam page, as well as help with email outreach and community management. I provided direction here as well.
Design Goals
TYPECAST is meant to be a difficult and stress inducing experience that slowly opens up the more you play it. Every mechanic is multilayered, with advanced techniques becoming more and more necessary if players want to top the leaderboards.
I wanted the game to challenge players in ways that other top-down shooters usually don’t. The shooting mechanics in TYPECAST make players forget how their keyboard works, and often causes many “wait, what, hold on! I can’t type!?” reactions the first few times they play it.
More importantly I wanted to reward players for sticking with it, and breaking through the early execution barrier. The game is designed around getting into a flow state and staying there as long as possible to raise your score higher and higher. This is achieved with compounding rewards for good performance, and mechanics that allow for a wide range of player expression.
Accolades
