The Secret Lives of Games All Systems Brough - Introduction
Nov 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, veteran game designer Frank Lantz, known for his advocacy of Michael Brough's work, joins Raigan Burns, co-founder of Metanet Software and an enthusiastic supporter of Brough's games. They dive into the unique characteristics of Brough's designs, showcasing their depth and complexity. The conversation also centers on their own first encounters with Brough's games and the transformative impact of titles like Crypt. Listeners will appreciate insights on the aesthetic choices in Brough's work and why his games deserve focused exploration.
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Buying Into Brough During 2012 Mobile Boom
- Andy bought Zaga 33 on iPad in April 2012 and later bought Glitch Tank five days after.
- Those purchases mark his immediate immersion in Brough's early output on mobile.
Prioritize Decisions Over Input Flair
- Focus on the decision interface, not flashy input tricks; choices matter more than how they're entered.
- Prioritize clear decision design over novelty in controls when making abstract strategy games.
Aesthetic Tied To Pace And Tools
- Brough's rough, handmade aesthetics reflected his rapid, tool-driven creation workflow in the 2010s.
- The look and pace are part of the creative process, not accidental flaws.
