audio logs

AppWizard
December 12, 2025
Jonathan Blow is developing a new game titled Order of the Sinking Star, which has evolved from a modest engine test for his programming language, Jai, into a full-fledged Sokoban-style puzzle game. The game combines elements from four lesser-known freeware puzzle games and features multiple worlds, each with distinct realms and mechanics. Players will navigate challenges involving various characters, each with unique abilities that enhance gameplay. The narrative follows a deposed queen in a fantastical setting, with gameplay focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. Blow's design philosophy emphasizes the interaction of game mechanics and player agency, diverging from traditional storytelling methods. He is collaborating with a publisher for the first time to address the challenges of a saturated market.
AppWizard
August 9, 2025
Marc LeBlanc, a programmer from Looking Glass Studios, discussed the innovative design of audio logs in the game System Shock during a Nightdive podcast episode. The team aimed to move away from traditional RPG mechanics, avoiding the limitations of D&D-style stats and skills that could frustrate players. They rejected the idea of conversation trees with NPCs, seeking a more immersive narrative delivery. Designer Austin Grossman suggested using audio logs by having all characters dead, allowing players to access their diaries. This approach streamlined storytelling and enhanced player engagement. LeBlanc acknowledged that while audio logs can be overused today, they remain effective for narrative delivery, offering players choices in how they engage with the story.
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