Michael Maestrini

In light of recent comments about the nature of games like Mixtape, I think it's worth noting that I strongly believe the idea of "games" exists along a spectrum. And that I don't consider myself a "game designer" in general. Only in a very specific range of design, narrative, and experience. The games I enjoy and the games I create are often filled with long sections of quiet exploration. Something I've seen dubbed as "asset tourism" for the fact that you're strolling past 3D game assets that you may never see again. On the other hand, I consider games like Silk Song (based on what I've heard) to be beyond the difficulty range where I can derive enjoyment. There's nothing wrong with any of these experiences. Though they provide plentiful fuel for rage bait and general debate. I say, make the games you want to make. And play the games you want to play. And beyond that, live and let live. As an aside, this exact same debate springs forth with our @PlushieDreadful designs. People assume (incorrectly) that our designs are meant to be everything to everyone. The truth is, those designs express a very narrow area of the spectrum along which people experience trauma and mental/physical health issues. As the internet once proclaimed, it's OK to not like things. And you don't have to be a dick about it 😂

@lovelybug_2 One of the issues to me in bts was to have Rachel be part of a wealthy and powerful family. In our version her parents really abandoned the researches quickly enough and forced themselves to believe she fled to LA, because they were too poor to pay for researches.

@DONTNOD_Michel @lovelybug_2 This thread sums up the reasons why I perceive BtS as kind of “glorified fan fiction”; while good in some respects, it has various inconsistencies (both minor and major) and retcons quite a few things about the original game. It’s clear that it was handled by different authors.