how does an indie game get made?

[@noodlefunny]

visit rog.gg/CES2025 to check out cool and awesome technology and such

[@deerblood17]

Aaaaaa where's the Halo infinite video na take your time it's your channel I just want to hear your opinion tbh love the video

[@B-Laro]

I don't believe you

[@Markm8]

I don’t get what happened at the end you said it got accepted then cut to people talking about it being cancelled i dont get it?

[@SpoookySoul]

@@Markm8 i dont get it either

[@snowballeffect7812]

grats on the sponsorship! everyone else should go buy an ASRock or even a Gigabyte mobo, though. Good luck, everyone!

[@enderfox8423]

"I JUST GOT LAID OFF LETS FUCKING GGOOOOOOOOO!!!!" my most favorite like out of this entire masterpiece.

[@geargraphic2620]

I need to know if collin like did this line for noodle or did it unprompted during an interview because its so genuine, lolol

[@mcinerc]

@@geargraphic2620 i think he wrote it in the script after i told the story of me getting laid off with another, much more amenable job lined up, and it basically summed up how i felt. i yelled the line loudly enough that it clipped the recording and annoyed my wife lol.

[@geargraphic2620]

@@mcinercYou did the lords work, lolol

[@Bonzi77]

@@mcinerc hey colin is it true that you're incredibly sexy and smell like roses and dreams

[@Bonzi77]

@@mcinerc asking for a friend

[@StrangeScaffold]

Thank you Noodle for making this, it has been such a beautiful thing for our team! And thank you ALL for enjoying this video and sharing it with friends, we are so happy with the response from all of you, it means so much to a small team like us!

[@my_name_kenn1490]

As a younger creative, it’s really nice to see the artistic process your studio went through. From what I’ve seen in this video alone, you guys have a really inspiring to me as I continue to create my journey with the creative process. Much love and good luck on your current and future projects!

[@StrayBats]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, both the good and the bad! The story of the game's development is truly exemplary and provides both inspiration as well as caution for new devs like myself. Here's to a better New Year for the industry.

[@AllegoricSiren]

It’s so fucking fantastic. Watching this video is making me emotional because it gives me so much hope for the future of game developement and the atmosphere you can create in a work setting. But also fucking love Bass Reeves.

[@App.ollo_]

As a painter it was fascinating for me to have a deep dive into the realities of creating something in a medium so different from mine. Really inspiring.

[@thenewmachine]

"can you make tonight last a little longer" "yes ma'am" that actually got a tear out of me, i cant fucking articulate how incredible that opening is holy fuck

[@dewdop]

Wow

[@dewdop]

Game good

[@uggZymoroon]

RIGHT??????????????????????????? AND THEN WHEN HE SLOWLY ROSE UP AND HEALED TO THE FUCKING MUSIC MY LAWD. It ruins my day I can not go and play this game.

[@matthewfunk6435]

same

[@dytamic]

i locked myself into a funny comment and i was in such fucking shock with how good that was. i am so excited for Bass Reeves Cannot Die

[@expunkstep7226]

Noodle: The dev studio is Strange Scaffold, which I will not be abbreviating. Also Noodle: So Shaun was going Hitler on the artwork…

[@AwesomeAutismHC]

24:32 Jesus FUCKING Christ, Strange Scaffold knows how to make a cinematic that takes your goddamn breath away.

[@johnsimon8457]

This could have been a visual novel

[@crackedemerald4930]

honestly, made me tear up a little

[@highbell5172]

The fact that something that gave me chills like that isn't going to get a chance to exist in its entirety...

[@ryanthoms]

Made me sob, the storytelling is otherworldly

[@Ryukachoo]

The wheel system is begging for some dramatic scene where it becomes the center of the screen, morphs into the barrel of a revolver and spins and you have to click to stop it

[@K13xK3k5]

you cooking, i'd love that

[@cryptickitsune1876]

100% needs to be retooled to look more like a revolver with the sfx and animation of one.

[@d3dgrrl]

@@cryptickitsune1876 i dont think that even needs to be retooled. Just reskinned

[@perrypumpkin]

or a sniper scope

[@FlutterSwag]

1. it ticks like a clock and fades out into being invisible so you have to click of the 12th tick for a duel 2. it splits in half and you click on each side of the screen as your going down white water rapids 3. it waxes and wanes like the lunar cycle (for some gameplay or story moment) 4.youre drowning and you have to click it as it appears in random spots to keep your breath there's so many creative ways you can use the one UI element

[@henrydoesnotcare5927]

The beginning of Bass Reeves cant die, that little snippet, goes WAY too hard. The narrative goes to show you that for Bass Reeves to become who he is (the wrath of god in his quest for justice), he first needed to be shown what love and tenderness was. Before he could fight, he needed to know what was worth fighting for. They are not just cooking, they are making a full four course meal

[@jassykat]

I cried. That was art.

[@Ryukachoo]

That bit needs to be its own video immediately

[@joeanderson156]

When that snippet was shown I went straight to Steam to buy the game and then found out the game isn't out

[@vengerofthelight]

The missus and I had tears in our eyes.

[@LegendaryTunes]

That shit was the most captivating game intro I've ever seen.

[@JuliaMinamata]

Thank you for taking the time to tell this story, Noodle! Game dev is a fickle beast. Similar stories happen all the time behind closed doors. I'm grateful that Xalavier was gutsy enough to blow those doors wide open.

[@radical_dog]

I don't know which of you was involved in creating that intro at 24:36 but that has to be one of the best intros to a game never made. Damn, this was a ride.

[@lioedevon4275]

Hi I’m hope I’m not bugging you but I’m just wondering if you had any advice on getting into the field of art for indie games? Im currently working on my associates and I wanna be able to work indie some day :) (Also y’all did a fantastic job, I’m a huge fan of westerns and this looks so cool!)

[@pawkeshup]

This story begs for a sequel where we get the good ending.

[@meikgeik]

@@lioedevon4275 Find a job that lets you have side projects and pays you more than you need to live. Live frugally and help fund your side project. I hate how callous that sounds, but it's real. I have been in indie games for 9 years now, and I have heard almost the exact same story told in this video hundreds of times. Be wary of "idea" people. Everyone has a fuckin idea for the "next big thing" but most of them lack the skills, resources, and connections to make it happen. I am a firm believer that every unfunded indie studiohead should ALSO work full time in some role on the game like design, art, or coding (ideally coding as that's the most expensive cost). I am a studio head for 4 years now. I run a studio for someone who has the money to make their own games, but doesn't want to deal with the "business" stuff. Even in a role where I was hired to basically be HR, Marketing, accounting, etc, I am working in a part time design role on our current game because I am an expert on the subject matter. Since I know more about the subject than any one else on the team, they look to me when shit doesn't work right or feel right. Every indie dev needs to be a multi-skilled person. If you're an engineer, you better know every aspect of the gameplay pipeline. If you're a 2d artist, start learning 3d skills too (Both of our 2D artists have learned how to use Blender and have developed 3d skills). Learn something outside of your box. Our designer ran out of things to do, so she learned sound design and did all the music for our game with sound packs bought off Humble Bundle. People in the industry try and get hyper specialized because that's what AAA wants, but Indie requires the exact opposite. If you like being hyper specialized, then avoid the startup scene. Look for AA or AAA jobs. Indie is, sadly, for people who are willing to work two jobs and still live on the verge of eviction every month. Most studios never find an angel investor like my studio did that's just like "Yes, everyone should make a living wage and have health insurance, of course," while watching the company not make a single cent for years. idk, it's pretty hard to be in the indie industry for more than a few years and not get jaded. If you want to make it, you're up against trust fund babies who are looking for passion projects to work on and had a premium college career paid for them. You have to be hungry and willing to sacrifice a lot unless you have a support network. You have to be willing to self teach yourself new skills outside of your specialty. It's honestly torture... but holy fuck there is no better feeling than watching someone play a game that you have a huge part in, and watching their face light up with joy. You will never know that feeling in AA or AAA for sure, but you'll likely have a much cushier life in the larger industry.

[@kalebshirts665]

Please y'all make a kickstarter I want to give you my money I need this game

[@benchandler4298]

This was a fun project to work on, even though I mostly remember it as hastily drawn pieces done after hours when I could find the time. Thank you to Noodle for treating the game’s story with such sensitivity and care. When I see the pieces I drew for the intro with the voice acting and RJ’s always excellent audio in place it’s bittersweet to see that we really could have made something special here. But the fact that people are enjoying it in this form feels great. The Strange Scaffold team are all very cool people and fun to work with. Thank you all

[@rachelmaduro3390]

Can you make like a kickstarter or somethin? I'll donate! I dont have a lot but i will give you what i can!

[@Rivologia]

Either I missed it at the start or then this was such a cruel gut-punch of getting me absolutely salivating for the game and finally revealing it's on indefinite hiatus, and spoken in tone of being completely gone by now. Amazing, candid reveal into the production of a game. Stunning WIPs, and the intro was mind-blowingly awesome: twice got cold shivers down my spine, last time accompanied with holding down a good cry. Just, beautiful. The ruddy situation makes me feel kinda bad for still holding on to hope of one day seeing Bass Reeves Can't Die come out.

[@singhaxes7810]

It was very good scripting and pacing. Although we’ll never properly comprehend how the studio would’ve felt like without experiencing something like that ourselves, I think hyping up the game like this before dropping the bomb on us like this simulated the emotional rollercoaster of developing this game.

[@ironangel1944]

"I would not play this game." Meanwhile I'm sitting here speechless over witnessing the hardest intro I've seen in years.

[@jeffboy4231]

Yeah but you would only play that game because of everything BUT the gameplay. Seems more like you would've gladly watched a full playthrough of the game on youtube

[@Ironpecker]

It's one thing to have very cool art, concepts and setpieces but it's another thing to make that 2 minute trailer into an enjoyable amount of playtime, maybe 3-4 hours or even 8-10 or more. Personally I'd also be pulled in by that trailer, but I'd be kinda afraid of the gameplay loop, there are a lot of walking simulator or still very story centric games but to me it felt like they wanted something more, and I can see why there could be some skepticism. This isn't to say that what they were doing sucked, quite the contrary, it's just that it's not that simple making a full game.

[@onlysmiles4949]

@Ironpecker Exactly Like It's easy to say "we were robbed" when you're not the one making the thing

[@5_BIT_]

if you want the game for the cutscenes and the music, then thats kinda bad, if you are only playing the game to get to the next cutscene and that only, thats bad, you wanna play it for all of the aspects of the game

[@FlutterSwag]

@Ironpecker a condensed narrative game lasting 3-4 hours would do very well in this gaming environment, look at mouth washing its that exact concept

[@luke.s8419]

I've never been so heartbroken about the cancelation of a game I never knew existed

[@dopeynut]

Same ...

[@DrewDoesThings]

SAME! I had no context for Bass Reeves before starting this video, and I wasn't fully picturing the vision until Noodle showed the concept opening. During the long interview segment at the end I kept thinking there would be another turning point in the narrative - until I saw the credits and my heart broke a little bit

[@Ranenkim]

The original title of “The devs of a game let me wiretap them”

[@Ranenkim]

Also noodles dilapidated house just teleports to the desert

[@minerman60101]

@@Ranenkim teleports? Nah, his neighborhood became a desert...

[@deadcaptainjames6045]

yeah it was a bad title. probably why the views are so low for noodle

[@crackedemerald4930]

​@@minerman60101it's all the suburban land development, cheap houses that don't last and ruin the land.

[@andriypredmyrskyy7791]

Maybe it’s just because I was second-screening this, but not dramatically dropping that the game would never come out, just having the viewer organically realize in realtime (alongside the developers??) that this game wasn’t gonna happen was a great choice. I was stunned as the realization dawned on me.

[@donut343]

I really hope Rea is doing okay. Hearing her say that she felt responsible for what happened because she was the one to point out that the game wasn't fun to play early on was rough, I really, really feel for her. I hope she's doing great currently and has been able to work through that because that's a heavy weight to have around your neck, and one she shouldn't feel responsible for at all, even if I know I would have felt the same way in her shoes. Also, amazing video, Noodle. You made me cry.

[@itsmaeday_2105]

as someone who is a part of the D-Cell discord and backed unbeatable, i would be shocked if she isn't. the community there is great :3

[@GuiriTV]

I feel so bad for her as well. It's not her fault, but the responsibility is with Xalazar and his inexperience directing games. He forced a biased opinion as the core gameplay mechanic without testing with playtesters if using the Oblivion persuasion wheel for 2 hours straight would be fun for everyone. Spoiler, it wasnt and never would be. If they had focused on making several low-fidelity prototypes, focused only on coding, and added artists / musicians once they found their corr gameplays, perhaps things could have been salvaged. No amount of coding, music, or art can salvage bad gameplay. None of this was the developer's fault, it's mostly on the director / designer for misusing their time, resources, and believing passion & vision alone designs a great game. Xalazar was a pretty cool dude, but his inexperience and awareness was a red flag even for me. Im not working for someone solely based on a dream or vision. Either have a low-fidelity prototype or MVP I can play with, or I'm not wasting my time. Additionally, Im not blaming the director; this was their first game directing and it shows they are inexperienced. It happens, it's just unfortunate that despite all the efforts, this failure was so bitter-sweet. If the climate was more accepting of experimentation and failure, perhaps none of this would have happened. Not one person is at fault, but the director takes the helm and responsibility of the project.

[@jaredtherock5692]

​@@GuiriTV Is that your only takeaway from this? There is so much more to this than blaming one person in particular. And judging from the response of this video, it seems like people would have loved to try this game. There was more than just one person to blame. Some if not most of the team had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. With how long this video is and how many threads and details there are, and how this game was being made when the purge of gaming studios was happening all of last year and this one, how did you conclude that it's one director's fault for putting so much faith into something so niche and mismanagement?

[@wobblysauce]

But some times that thing needs to be said... reworks happen, rather then trying to polish that piece you got to make it better.

[@GuiriTV]

@@jaredtherock5692 Read the entirety of my comment. It's not my only take away. As I said, the developers put so much work and effort only for it to be shelved. The industry was imploding, and despite all their efforts it got shelved. What I commented on wasn't a take-away, especially since it's obvious with the conclusion of the video that the take-away is how rough it is to be an indie dev in this industry, or an indie studio hired as a contractor. What Im pointing out is something even the devs hinted at but didnt want to say out-loud out of respect for the director. They knew that the direction wasnt good, and perhaps if these issues were caught early, maybe their efforts would have been rewarded with a chance. Im just talking about something people are choosing to ignore, dont want to admit, or fail to see.

[@idkdragons2371]

The video feels like a documentary on a person who has died. The title "Bass Reves Can't Die" seems ironic now. His name lies, you just showed me his corpse. I guess its technically on life support with no hope and no visitors. But I never would have stumbled into this empty hospital room if you didn't just spin me a tale of a immortal man and the passion he spawned in so many amazing people to draw me in. You lied. You told me he was impervious and he was greater than life itself, but he's as good as dead. But he was great. You didn't lie about that.

[@jennyscarlett5354]

fuckin hell man i hope you have writing as a hobby or job, that read beautifully!!

[@pedroscoponi4905]

Perfectly put. This pretends to be a devlog but is actually a funeral.

[@idkdragons2371]

When I watched this the first time I turned off the stable volume and while rewatching it I went to turn it off. I realized that that was stupid of me, but then to my shock, I found out it turned itself back on! Why would it do that???

[@BigManDov]

You're a poet, what the fuck man. I rarely get chills from poetry and a goddamn youtube comment did

[@deddrz2549]

its just a game, his story can live on and the point is that he couldn't be killed and died old.

[@iamhand]

Holy crap Noodle, getting the team to voice act their discord messages makes the storytelling so good

[@potatonope9774]

The tone of the ending scared me so much at first, I thought a _person died._ Figuring out that it was the game got put on hiatus was both a relief and a sorrow

[@jordannoell4222]

There is a silver lining at least. I am guessing this video was made before the release of I am you beast, which absolutely popped off on the steam next fest. It has over 2,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews and has been popping up on a lot of people's indies of the year. Hopefully it is enough success to keep other projects alive, and maybe even resurrect bass reeves.

[@lisatroiani6119]

⁠@@jordannoell4222 i have a feeling it’ll be back. after all… Bass Reeves Can’t Die

[@ferociousbiscuit]

I think that's a great encapsulation of the final remarks of being able to walk away and continue in the industry can be the lesser loss.

[@TheDoc2302]

I didn’t quiet understand why the development was put to a stop is the 3rd prototype build was approved.

[@PapaSage]

I was not expecting this to suddenly veer into Dreamfather Loves you! I remember being so blown away at Meow Wolf because someone made a game using the Oblivion wheel and I was like "this was made exclusively for me, literally nobody else would like this" haha

[@tadeuszekpl]

"oh cool the release part of the video is so long cant wait to see noodle talk about the game and how good it is"

[@PunkDuck]

8:27 Cardboard gets clipped by the wrong aspect ratio. DING.

[@hallowed_grounds]

DAMN YOU ASPECT RATIO!!!

[@ecotanimate4149]

Proof that KZbin IS cinema

[@cobble616]

Foreshadowing

[@theskelebro8013]

Quiet cinemasins

[@Platitudinous9000]

holy shit it's Ed from real life, also that car game video

[@ni581.hotdoglover]

noodle dont realise that he is actually the marketing plan

[@mikepalmieri4989]

OP doesn't realise that it was the plan all along 🥺

[@noodlefunny]

Guy who hasn't finished watching

[@ephremHRZN]

​@@noodlefunnythey gave you the ruler, saw and board, so cut it.

[@thevan605]

@@noodlefunny i dont think you realise how many people are gonna want this game to get made because of you now

[@SierraofTerra]

i know i searched steam for the game lol

[@AmeDayo]

17:10 Thankfully, as of April 2024, Noncompete clauses are banned and unenforceable.

[@DBirdX]

Well that may change come Jan 20th when the new/old administration takes over.

[@fool4343]

they can do that??

[@cryptickitsune1876]

@@fool4343 unfortunately :/

[@maxcorrice9499]

Only post employment right?

[@MicaiahBaron]

Wasn't the ban struck down by the 4th (Texas) district because a Texas tax lawyer got pissy?

[@Shadowpaw67]

Speaking as a game developer, this is honestly the side of the industry that I don’t think most people outside of it understand- *Most* games die on the vine. Even the good ones. I’ve only been in the industry for 3 years. I worked on 3 games. None of them have publishers. None of them have seen full release. Any game getting made is a miracle.

[@christianjack630]

It's kind of a good sequel video to your "Why games are too big" video. In how it communicates the underlying difficulty of making a game on the level of Bass Reeves. If its that hard for an indie game, imagine what its like at scale. Its bittersweet how much the team obviously enjoyed working with one another. A lot of them talked about the relief of working at Strange Scaffold because it felt so much better than other work they had gotten into. This kind of project-based experience is disappointing for sure but I'm certain they gave it their best.

[@igorc6591]

I was expecting a silly goofy story about "hehe game development do be a bit fucky whacky", not the full story of a project born from passion and killed by necessity. Glad to see you doing videos about the industry from time to time. Absolutely amazing quality

[@taykitten4370]

This video fucks so hard. Thank you for lifting the curtain and showing the process. The narrative of the video flows so smoothly and is told with such respect for everything that goes into ANYTHING relating to the project. Thank you to Strange Scaffolding for letting wanted criminal NoodleGaming into their cool discord server.

[@TAGMedia7]

Can I just say that I LOVE the detail at 10:57 that you intentionally made Shaun's feed low-bitrate blocky, even though he's just a stick figure?

[@superking208]

It's because Shaun's mic is worse than the others, right? I was about to comment about this.

[@fgrey-]

also when rea's mic went bad for a few sentences she also got jpegged

[@fietae]

That sounds like something else... ​@fgrey-

[@ShadowRubberDuck]

Shaun Mic

[@bansho7076]

Also how he censors their mouth, when censoring audio.

[@electriceidolon]

Dude, if they crowdfunded to get this game made, I know I for one would pitch in. That trailer really struck a chord and I'll be thinking about it for weeks now. Seriously, I am IMPLORING YALL to consider crowdfunding this project. Bass Reeves still ain't dead, you have options-- he CAN'T die, after all.

[@tinyzinc7344]

Hell if I can’t pitch more I would at least send a dollar.

[@aqualight1760]

This!!! I NEED TO SEE THIS GAME!

[@rileydport]

JUST GOT LAID OFF LETS F'IN GOOOOOOOOOOOO On a serious note that intro was INSANE

[@HammMann]

To be completely honest, the last chapter of the video is probably one of my favourite parts of any video on KZbin specifically because of how real it feels. It sounds odd to say, but the fact that the entire chapter is a non stop shot of a monitor displaying a discord call reflecting on a project that went wrong... it's so gripping to see for reasons i can't quite put my finger on.

[@mssuns3t486]

I 100% agree, i could feel the weight of the whole segment deep in my chest.

[@suspecm6316]

It also stopped me in my tracks. I was mostly playing this on my second monitor while playing something. Out of nowhere after a ton of positivity, people were talking in a very defeated tone about not being able to finish the project. I checked the chapter and it was on "Release" and I was a bit confused. Took me like 5 more minutes to figure out that before all that foreshadowing with the talk about the industry being in a bad place was leading up to this point. There is no release. Noodle you bastard you did it again!

[@meikgeik]

It's real, and VERY common. I go to the Game Developers Conference every year (I think 2025 will be 12 years minus covid), and I hear this story every year dozens of times. The names are changed, the details shift around, but it's the same story. More indie games have died before release than exist on steam. My wife worked on three indie games that never launched. Years of work without ever being paid... and it's almost always the studio head's fault. Blind ambition can only do so much and they bite off more than they can chew. I really want to get into publishing if our studio ever makes it big, because the current publisher environment is toxic as hell. I think it's long overdue for a shakeup. There's a few companies doing more ethical publishing now, but since they take smaller cuts, their growth is slower.

[@conormulligan7966]

@@meikgeikgood to hear experienced devs want to get into the publishing space, I’m only starting to learn game development now but I already know that if I ever finish my own game I want to self publish because the way the industry seems to work at the moment is very unappealing

[@LeonMassey]

Curious, consider you are bald Edit: oh, oh I am now filled with melancholy

[@Hostefar]

Guilty guy

[@fleepity]

they leon on my massey till i watch

[@Platitudinous9000]

@@Hostefar omg that's the dude at my local Arby's who makes the brisket

[@thejackofnotrades3844]

​@@Platitudinous9000say that again

[@rjlakemusic]

game seems neat. gonna go wishlist it brb

[@mamertens99]

I was like, you can wish list despite? let me look it up because I want.... and then the realization seeing your profile picture. Hope someday I will able to by this game.

[@Pepeutra]

who the FLIPPITY FLOP is this

[@Ryukachoo]

Having it open to wishlisting may actually work, because they can turn around and show it to investors

[@kireitonsi]

Don't do this to me, man

[@peaceanquiet4528]

Your username says you make music; you should talk to them about making music for them!

[@justv7536]

I think basing an entire game off the Oblivion wheel mechanic is definitely one of the ideas of all time.

[@VexKingYoutube]

I so want to play "Bass Reeves Can't Die" now, it appears as a "Before Your Eyes" type game but instead it tells the story of Bass Reeves with the wheel instead of not blinking.

[@zeroanonymity9736]

25:00 - Wait, WAIT... Xalavier is the voice actor for James in El Paso? He was voicing God in this opening!? Oh my God, the guy is genuinely talented as a voice actor! I was going to comment, "God, the voice actor from El Paso Elsewhere that's speaking here is so friggen good" or something like that, ended up looking up who it was, only to discover IT WAS THE DEV HIMSELF!? That's insane! As for you, Noodle! About halfway through the video now and it's already become one of my favorites in ages. Very well done on all fronts, dude!

[@rodrigocouto984]

And I am your beast

[@joTheBonas]

he also did all the vocals on the soundtrack part 2 album for el paso elsewhere which absolutely fucks and is one of my favourite albums

[@quesoconbumblebee857]

Yes and hes also the defunctland guy !

[@audiosurfarchive]

​@@quesoconbumblebee857???

[@audiosurfarchive]

Xalavier and RJ are an absolutely brilliant duo; I can't believe Xalavier wasn't a VO prior to these games, although it's hard to see more info. RJ's audio engineering and vocal direction with the lead writer Xalavier: _KILLER_

[@charliecampbell2292]

Fuck that's bitter sweet. I hope to see the game someday, that opening gave me so many chills it looked awesome

[@sludgechan]

I know right? Holy

[@aqualight1760]

Yes. Absolutely

[@mattforce2]

Mmm, I have to go with Shooter. Edit: okay

[@hacim42]

What a rug pull. I'm in the middle of developing a student game rn and I felt the victories and losses of this video immensely. The evolution of this channel from the like, deleted metroidvania video essay to these deep dives with industry interviews has been amazing to watch. Giving me massive People Make Games vibes.

[@benderboyboy]

How does indie game get made? Me, indie dev: Pain. It's made with pain.

[@Doshik18]

A modern documentary. A documentary that doesn't feel dread every 5 minutes. Its wrapped in layers of jokes, stylization, while still showing the pride, drive, wonder and dread of the developers behind a project slowly dying. The start showing the idea being born, the meetings having genuine character , the developer interviews displaying their soul. . . Its all so just nice to watch. Even if the information will never be used by 80% of people, its still provided perspective for those who lacked it, and genuine fun for all. I really hope the devs feel at least a little better knowing, that while their game has died, it had provided an experience never provided for those like myself. And I really hope that you, noddle, feel proud for this video. Because GOD DAMN did I enjoy it. And I BET a shitton of other people did too! Thank you all of those who were involved, and good luck in the future. Edit: Just fixing the 5 :30 am mistakes lol, gn yall

[@civgg]

The beginning to "Bass Reeves Can't Die." is genuinely some of the best cinema I'll ever witness. I want to make this game.

[@SampersonMakes]

they shouldn't have let us do this

[@harry-e8z]

Hi mr samperson ! 8:16

[@mcinerc]

i’ll let you follow me around my house dude

[@whitetreerecords387]

bigbuckbunnybigbuckbunny

[@bounceysteve]

Why is are your profile picture squarepusher hypervisitor

[@raygenhamilton7978]

I genuinely hope this video helps create enough buzz they can crowd fund this game or something. The opening gave me chills, I WANT to play this game...

[@PeggyP]

As an indie dev myself, this video felt so, familiar. Like, the synergy, the blend of enthusiasm and anxiety, the iterative process, the discord jokes, everything is so greatly captured, I don't think I've ever seen any piece of documentary that managed to do that. Great job, truly, and thank you ! PS ; I watched the entire video in one sitting and yet I still don't understand how the wheel system works.

[@marcsles]

WHAT WAS THAT?!?! WHA... AHMM.. HOW SHOULD I FEEL NOW?! YOU SOLD ME ON A GAME, ON A DREAM AND THEN RIPPED MY HEART OUT! I WANTED A SIMPLE KZbin VIDEO AND I GOT AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

[@giannistaz]

YOU TOLD ME HE CANT FUCKING DIE NOODLE, THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT. WHY DID YOU INVITE ME IN TO MEET HIM AT HIS FUCKING FUNERAL.

[@neophyte_tpk]

You get used to it in these noodle videos, he's quirky like that

[@kovokkovariki]

To everyone involved in this game: The trailer with God is one of the best things I have seen and heard to present a game. Almost a villain monologue (except it's... well... God...), sets expectations perfectly, takes care of the plot and leaves the story open and ready for the player to fill the gaps. Beautiful writing, executed with clockwork-like precision and artfulness. Back to the video.

[@ITR]

I kind of disagree. I think it presents the vibe and story well, but is completely indecipherable in terms of game mechanics

[@TrainerGoldAlt]

​@@ITRyea the wheel feels like it was just there for the ride

[@yahirdoesbadvids]

​@@ITR I felt the same way. Like the story presentation kicks ass, genuinely made me tear up. But I was pretty confused as to what the gameplay even was.

[@ThatXavierCosta]

I love how the script is written in a way that, whenever God uses multiple adjectives in sequence, there is always a pause before they start saying the positive ones. It creates a sense of "I'm turning him into a weapon." followed by "...and also an incredible human being." It gives you JUST enough time to feel the righteous anger boiling under the surface of God's decision and to start thinking that that's all there is to it... before it then pulls you back above the water so you can also see the beauty of everything else that's in store for Reeves.

[@draconicdemon2]

i still don't understand how the oblivion wheel works

[@noodlefunny]

Me either

[@AuralFecundity]

Different characters like/dislike different kinds of talking, and when you select an option, it either amuses or offends them by an amount proportional to the size of the wedge. Fun Fact: how a character will react is based on their expression as you highlight an option, but notably with Elves and Orcs, their faces contort so wildly that it becomes hilariously hard to parse.

[@willfern1096]

​@@AuralFecundity so... It's basically persona 1 and 2 demon conversation mechanic but least bullshit?

[@AuralFecundity]

@willfern1096 Kinda, I think. I haven't played any Persona games except for 5 Tactica, but I am familiar with the negotiation mechanic from SMT IV, and if it's the same, then yeah. Negotiation is tied to a percentage chance with, with some other potential modifiers and requirements a la catching Pokémon, and at least Oblivion's conversation wheel is entirely legible. Theoretically.

[@willfern1096]

@@AuralFecundity there is the thing, back than in persona 1 and 2, there was a rhombus shaped figure that was supposed to portrait the demon's mood, divided in "angry, scared, eager and happy". This system was directly tied to the demons respective personalities that range for a bunch of different traits, adding the plus that every single character in your party had talking skills that were different, based on their own personalities, the sheer amount of questions the demons could ask you, and answers all characters could give and the randomness factor...... I think you got my point.

[@pumodi]

Dude...this video hits so hard for me. I've been in game dev since 2011 and I've 'technically' beaten the average for lifespan in the industry but BOY do I feel anxious all the freaking time. Like you never know when the floor will just fall out because publishers and funding partners have so much control. I really appreciate hearing all of this info, it's honestly cathartic to hear people talk about it even though it can be so sad. I am bummed that game is in limbo now. I'd love to play Bass Reeves. I will keep holding out hope.

[@clementineshetheyfae8312]

“Can you make this night last a little longer” “Yes ma’am” Fuck guess I’m crying

[@ydidudoithis]

This is so sad, but the thing that really sucks is me thinking about how many other games have died quietly in development like this.

[@JamesTDG]

Yeah, I got several games I've worked on, signed NDAs for, which NEVER got to see the light of day.

[@SetariM]

Bruh I cried a little at the opening of Bass Reeves Can't Die, what was included in this video. "Can you make tonight last a little longer?" "Yes ma'am." Damn. I think that game would have been a *POWERFUL* force in the indie game scene if it had gotten made, and I hope it does, eventually. I searched Steam for it because I thought this video was going to end with a completed game, but no :(

[@jeffboy4231]

As someone that plays games mainly for their gameplay I don't see how it would've made a big impact in the indie scene. At most it would've made people see that bass Reeves was an actual person, so maybe other indie games would've gone and made games out of that man's story, but just with actual gameplay that wasn't a side thing from oblivion everyone hated

[@SpoookySoul]

"as someone who plays games mainly for gameplay" ​@@jeffboy4231 ... dude this is clearly a story game not a AAA super hype bombastic shooter or whatever else "gameplay focused" games are out there , its a tight knit indie title. Like all the other amazing titles that have made people cry over the years.

[@SlurySparx]

You didn't watch the dang video did you? ​@@jeffboy4231

[@kileyslone2762]

​@jeffboy4231 okay but a lot of people don't play games solely for the gameplay. Like night in the woods or fire watch

[@maxsam]

​@@jeffboy4231weird thing to say in the same year MOUTHWASHING came out and made waves in the indie scene, despite basically being a walking sim

[@levicox6313]

"can you make tonight last just a little longer?" This entire sequence broke me down into tears and im noT EVEN PLAYING THE GAME Edit: goddamn it i wish i had this sequence just, like, on my phone. To look at whenever i want.

[@FlashGordon5272]

Same. Lost it at "Yes, ma'am."

[@fishcati5620]

I was close to tears when it was revealed the game was being put on indefinite hiatus, but hearing the heartbreak in rea's voice when she talked about blaming herself was what set me off absolutely bawling for the rest of the video. Fuck. Thank you for telling this story. I'm gonna go cry for a bit and then read as much as i can find about Bass Reeves and then cry some more now.

[@_modnar_]

10:51 Pixelating the videocall with Shaun is such a nice detail, that many people probably don't even recognise and even less creators implement

[@totallynotayush492]

that was beautiful. bass reeves isn't dead because I'll remember him from his cool stories and weird obnoxious oblivion wheel.

[@dannymac6368]

Stable volume not available, checkmate Noodle.

[@JondyGems]

tf you mean explain to me like im a 15 year old

[@dannymac6368]

@ The first few seconds of the video reference a KZbin viewing option to prevent LOUD NOISES. Said option is not available, likely due to post-upload processing that has yet to finish.

[@OgooluwaBolarin]

@@JondyGems bro's been cooked from using too much chatgpt 💀

[@believeinmatter]

@@dannymac6368 Have you not updated your KZbin in a while? Because it is available, it’s under “additional settings” under the gear symbol on the video.

[@thegiantpratty1327]

Just updated mobile app for android. Stable volume toggle no longer available. It wouldn't let me turn it off back when the button was there tho. Bug fixed by hiding it!

[@nosville22]

That wheel better be a ficking revolver drum next time I see it in the wild.

[@renatowhitaker2104]

I like the touch of making the interviewee's "transmission quality go down"when their audio/recording quality took a dip mid-convo.

[@hamer5171]

doesnt matter just how many times ive seen that scene at 24:32 gives me chills i would give just about any thing to get more raw and powerful story telling like that

[@stingyyyyy2250]

halfway through this video after i saw the intro to the game i was like "holy shit" and i searched up to see if i could wishlist it, and then it clicked. Watching the rest of the video was still a nightmare that i would 100% go through again. Insanely phenomenal video, probably THE documentary of the year honestly.

[@ichorstryker]

This video felt like a film. So many different people all just having fun being goofy. This has to be my fav video of yours so far!!!

[@simonlegosson7082]

Noodle just dropped video of the year little over a week before the year ends. This deserves to blow up, I was hooked from start to finish. Now I really hope the game can be released at some point.

[@fishcati5620]

1:41 "By the end, you'll feel exactly the same way the devs do about the thing" Oh. so that was a threat.

[@metalhellspawn]

This was such a fantastic look into the inner workings of a game and it's development process. I NEED this game to be a thing. I hope, hope, hope beyond hopes that the team gets to get the band back together some day and complete this awesome vision for a game I need to play YESTERDAY

[@ReloKai]

The vertical slice of Bass Reeves looked incredible. To be honest, I'm not sure it would be a game for me. I have never played Oblivion, so I don't intuitively know how the wheel works. But MAN the presentation is absolutely astounding! Everything weaves together near perfectly. The team should be proud that even that small slice of their game exists out in the world. Thanks for bringing this to life Noodle, and Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas to all!

[@yorthundir7343]

It's legitimately a cool mechanic, though I certainly wouldn't be brave enough to build a game solely around it. In it's base state from oblivion, the 4 options are a minorly and majorly positive and negative, which ones are which differs depending on the personality of the character and mousing over it changes their expression to tell you which is which. The size of the wedge indicates how hard you commit to the action and the order of the wedge sizes are randomized each time you start. Each action can only be picked once and you have to do them all to finish the minigame, and picking an option rotates the wheel one space. That means you may have to burn some actions to try and rotate the wheel to be able to pick the good options with high emphasis and the bad ones with low, but sometimes the layout doesn't allow it and you have to try and find a least worst order to make sure you don't lock yourself into going all in on the very negative option. Hopefully that makes sense, I do think it was a legitimately inspired minigame, even if it might not be the best fit for dialogue, and it is woefully poorly explained in game. It sounds really obtuse, but once you have some idea what the weird shapes mean it only takes like 1-3 goes to grasp.

[@jeffboy4231]

Would've been interesting if the game came out. We really could've had a game that shows that some people don't care about gameplay. It could've shown if story, presentation, etc. Could actually carry a game with bad gameplay

[@CAMSLAYER13]

Most people who played oblivion didn't know how it worked tbh lol

[@AirAKose]

Really feel for this team. The industry situation is so bad, and no one affected by it deserves it. Hope we can see the Bass Reeves game in the wild one day. As a programmer, dread overcame me once the word "refactor" came up. During the prototype phase with milestone deadlines looming. It's a little voice that we gotta go through a whole training arc to fend off, cause prototypes will be rough. Prototypes need to be stood up really quickly and messily to get something proved out before we dedicate to it for real. And like. There're some things we can do to minimize it; that said, that early code will be revolting. But I've been there. That little voice has hands. The refactor itch wants to be scratched - it's like a curse where if you scratch it, it will make you fall for a phone phishing scam and drain your bank account.

[@R4DI4LR4CER]

0:36 Their job? Their Steve Jobs?

[@Jessafur]

He's like Steve Jobs

[@jonathanrobles7377]

....Sun Tzu.

[@Xphaedos]

Wait so excited to hear Rhea is working on Unbeatable. If they have a love for rhythm games, it makes perfect sense. Excited to see her work.

[@maddiew366]

I worked at Meow Wolf for a little while this past year (hopefully they’ll take me back after college lmao) and I used to show people how to play the games! Whenever you described the character interaction wheel mechanic, Dreamfather was the first thing I thought of, and the fact that that game was also made by this company made me so happy, I hope they continue to grow and make cool stuff 💖💖

[@borzoiblahaj]

This is an incredible window into the gaming industry. People are so critical of games without being aware of what they can be: Scaffolding (haha) for other projects, dreams, hopes, livelihoods, chunks of peoples lives and shortcomings. Getting a peek into this teams work, with Noodles storytelling as a medium was an incredible experience and such an important one at that. I want to strap every little shit that ever complains about indie games to a chair and force feed them the feelings I had while watching this.

[@cucumver8159]

59:45 Xalavier's words there are the reason creating anything is always worth it. When it's fun and satisying and teaches you things and the people you make it with are inspiring to be with. The more people do this, and the more money goes into paying people to do this without sacrificing their lives, the better the wirld becomes tbh imo lmao.

[@Quadrilli0n]

Pasion really is beautifull

[@IronKeroro]

1:40 that face. you knew. why didn't you warn us.

[@kira_the_meek]

REA WORKS ON UNBEATABLE THAT'S AWESOME

[@sunkissedhistory]

there’s something that’s just so profoundly powerful about a slave mother being approached by God, being told that her son will become a legend for generations to come, and when she asks God if He can make the night just a little longer, He responds “Yes ma’am.” i just had to come back to this video and add that. God Himself took the time to reach out to a slave, the lowest rung of the totem pole in the Americas, and gave her the respect of calling her ma’am.

[@RosaNagashi]

Where do we help crowdfund this game, I need these people to make this thing reach the end

[@Emmaraldi]

The opening we got shown made me wanna buy it MAKE IT REAL RAAAH

[@madlemonred]

please i wanna play it so baaaaad

[@yuanwang9324]

It's pretty interesting seeing this sentiment when there are hundreds of other indie projects in similar situations. Goes to show that marketing and exposure is integral.

[@CyanRooper]

​@@yuanwang9324 remember when the budget behind Cyberpunk 2077 was revealed and like half of the budget was spent on the marketing and people were like "why didn't they spend that money on the game's development instead?" This is why. Marketing is that important to the gaming industry. I hope this game resumes development and we all get to play because Noodle did a good job of convincing me why I should play this game.

[@Rainbowgunsh]

24:46-27:53 DUDE I HAVEN'T HAD CHILLS AND GOOSEBUMPS IN SUCH A LONG TIME. THAT WAS CRAZY COOL. NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THAT MAN SOOOO COOOL!

[@samson7294]

24:45 Holy motherfudging fudge!! WHAT AN INTRO! This game NEEDS to be completed!

[@Mars08111]

In an industry that experiences project collapse so often, it’s impactful getting to see how it happens. That even the life’s goal of someone is not immune to indefinite hiatus. This might be one the best documentaries about video games.

[@IANDURBECK]

As a developer (in his very first steps post game course graduation) this hits so close to home... I'm happy that this video exists as it... Hopefully might help people understand the true hardships of game dev. As we do it with good intentions, with passion and heart, but so many times it fails because of how hard it is. Games, much like how they say in movies, if they get released... It's a miracle. I just do hope that many of those watching this do realise this and humble their expectations a bit on many developers (not saying bad games with bad practices can be forgiven. Don't try to read between the lines and think things that weren't said)

[@andreyleonel255]

Bass Reeves didn't live like we do. I'm pretty sure he was in his third playthrough of a game he really liked.

[@mr.stealyourwaifu]

The subtle buzz in the last section that keeps the silence at bay, just to make the whole conversation so much heavier and feel so real. Geninuely forgot I was watching a youtube video and actually started sharing their feelings Amazing work Noodle!

[@chasecooper2202]

The wheel transitioning into Oblivion was SOOOOOOOO smooth well frickin done

[@Morkoelorko]

shooter,shooter,shooter or shooter? no, it was the wheel itself!. Absolute Kino

[@DanKaschel]

What a beautiful requiem for this dream. Dev is hard. Harder than most people realize when they callously call game devs lazy in KZbin comments.

[@angelog244]

This is the kind of video I come to KZbin for. Loved every second of this. Edit: I spoke too soon. Now I'm a bit closer to the end, and "Loved" is the wrong word. This was an incredible story.

[@bradyhem]

I don't think I have ever seen a piece of media that has made me feel like this since "The Beginner's Guide". This is probably just me, but this gave me deja vu and I immediately recognized what it reminded me of, especially the last 10 or so minutes. Genuinely a great video as always.

[@jansila6005]

Making videos like this is the reason developers give you full access to their work. You are an amazing artist and person, thank you for sharing this story in such a wonderful way; keep up the good work

[@missinchoate]

Watched this whole video through. This, kinda hurt me. Your storytelling of this dev was so enthralling, and then at the end, i legit started tearing up. I feel so much for Xalavier and the team developing this game; having something intertwined with your personal development to just end due to finances and the circumstances of your industry. And especially as a black person, this really got to me. If the game never comes out, I (as someone who never heard of Bass Reeves) will be looking into him and passing on his story to anyone I meet. If it does, I hope development of it happens for them in a better environment. Also as always, i love the eye catches and commercial breaks in the videos 😂

[@MasterHand4444]

The voice of God in that intro being a gentle yet powerful whisper has got me misty eyed.

[@BusinessWolf1]

Man, that many people were needed part time to create that game in like 18 months? Damn. I really thought something like that was doable by 1 person in like 6 months. This has been veeeeery insightful.

[@RaveZion]

That game intro 24:45 That is one of the rawest things I've ever watched

[@jakedixonmusic]

This was such a great video. Playing the credits at the end of the video was such a powerful statement, too. For a game that never got released - to recognize everyone that worked on the project was so cool

[@UpsideDownSmore]

holy fuck what an important video, looking into an indie game dev process so closely, god

[@xyiosstudios5680]

All this aside…HOW MANY STICKS OF DRAWINGS OF HIMSELF DOES HE HAVE

[@GamerSisters]

This was a great video, i feel so bad for everyone, but it also had a nagging feeling throughout the entire video. The voice acting was amazing, the art was gorgeous, the story was extremely compelling, everyone was so sweet and dedicated! But... i was seeing the gameplay. I couldnt see myself actually play the game, at the end of the day and it rips my heart that its probably why it didnt get approved for a full release. I hope they get to retake this game, start the gameplay from scratch that keeps the spirit of the original idea. Either way, i hope everyone succeeds in whatever they get into, they seem like such genuinely nice people.

[@jaxsonnaylor249]

I kept thinking that Xalavier looked REALLY FAMILIAR and then realized I had seen him from that whole Baldur's Gate comment fiasco. I have to be honest, when I first saw that Tweet, I too was guilty of thinking "haha, what a tool" without looking into what he was actually saying at all. Now? Understanding that his comments on what's possible in the space of game development came on the tail of having to stab his biggest dream in the heart with an El Paso shaped stake just to get by? It makes me feel ashamed I ever thought negatively of him in the first place. If you guys ever do make this game, I want to be able to have the honor of playing it. Good luck to you all

[@jackbishop8610]

Nah, that's still a massive lie and insult to his viewers, the community, and especially other devs. Regardless of the emotional motivation, the political push is disgusting. "Da good games are seqwetly cheating". No, they're good, everyone else CAN be good. Just because this failed doesn't change that. Games do that sometimes, for various reasons, that doesn't mean that good games are impossible. People asking for games better than Dustborn, Concord, and Veilguard are not "expecting too much."

[@jaxsonnaylor249]

@@jackbishop8610 I totally get what you're saying, but if I understand his original Tweet, I think you're taking it really far out of context. Yeah, we should expect AAA studios with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to be better with that much money (though I believe that's actually to their detriment, but that's another argument). However, just because you have oodles of money doesn't mean you have the experience, the knowledge, the talent, the organization, the vision, or the tools to build an absolutely massive multi-year project that blows everything else out of the water. The reason we don't see stuff like this more often is because it IS really hard, and not every idea is executed perfectly or pans out as a good investment. That same difficulty exists for those who make indie games, but with the added issues (as shown in this video) of non-compete agreements for their developers, lack of funds, personal issues, and more. It's like expecting every movie to be like The Dark Knight Rises. All the money in the world isn't going to turn every director into a genius and every concept into a masterpiece. Having little to no resources only compounds the issue.

[@catowoo]

​​@@jackbishop8610I find it funny you say this when the topic of discussion of the comment you're replying to is the video where noodle spent most of the 23 minute runtime explaining how Xalavier did not mean nor say this at all and this interpretation is a strawman

[@somedude4832]

His (reasonable and agreeable) stance was more of “games don’t all need to be this big” and not “guys i cant make good games can everyone else also make bad games pwetty pwease?”

[@willfern1096]

@@jackbishop8610 this is not faithful to his argument at all. What he was saying, is that is impossible to expect that every game can be as massive in terms of scale and detail as Baldur's Gate 3, games don't need to be that big in order to actually have quality, and that the biggest reason why many projects nowadays are being pushed to go to that scale and completely fumbles the bag hard and becomes "Concords" is exactly that. Every game now needs to be gigantic with insane graphics and physics to be even noticed by a lot of the major audience, and while this projects are cool and all, there are simply too daunting to the developer teams in itself, since now, a single game can be enough to completely shut down or dissolve a studio if fails.

[@catlord2395]

So nice of noodle to inform us of his noodlodery before hand, really appreciated Edit: Coward changed the title of the video, we’re so NOT noodleback… it’s noodleover…

[@Shnoodle_doodle]

It’s unfortunate to see a game like this not be released, but it is just what happens to some games, not every game get released to the public, and not every game gets talked about, but I’m glad that I’ve watched this video to learn that despite this games unfortunate hiatus the people working on it enjoyed their time on it.

[@Shnoodle_doodle]

Would like to see more of brass reeves tho, that dude sounds like a bad ass

[@HHH_247]

Its taken a few days to watch most of this video but I think it needs to be said that the editing work that you do is amazing. Some people might not notice the small things you do to like when doing interviews manually doing a fake video compression on the "TV" when there mic quality is bad 10:57, or shaking the camera slightly when Xalavider puts his hand down when talking about time bubbles 46:27. Its all fantastic. Also the fact that movies get a ton of behind the scenes info to help us love the movie on a another level but games don't is a shame, you doing this is helping to fill that hole.