The Design of Dredge - Noclip Documentary

[@Exigentable]

"who on the team is the fuckin' fish expert?" this is the hard hitting journalism I come here for

[@softnerdrocks]

I spilled my coffee that moment and had to laugh hard

[@malevellysian]

hahahah

[@torr5952]

Watch the language!

[@Pyrozoid]

"cosmic horror is more about just raising uncomfortable questions and then never answering them" such an amazing take.

[@keiryon]

All the NoClip documentaries are basically just one big documentary where we see Danny fall more and more into madness.

[@fotografick]

So interesting to hear about their design influences and how different teams problem solve in different genres. For example, the decision to not put a harpoon in because they don't want you to fight back or the tension between wanting you to get lost versus giving you a map. Also, I have to agree that DREDGE is such a great name. One of my favorite games, loved hearing about it's development. Great work!

[@silverm0nk3y]

The tidbit about the mini map is great. My hands got sweaty when they described not putting the ship on it at first. That minimap was the only thing that kept my exploration feeling a little safe even during night time

[@Damocles3]

I wish they had kept it as an option. I like map-reading and real navigational challenges; not many games offer that

[@buwa]

The nighttime encounter of an angler fish using a fishing boat instead of a light to bait the fishermen was pretty ingenious. The moment I encountered this was my ''wow!'' moment.

[@gabhoule]

🤫🤫🤫

[@ryantylerthomas3316]

wait, can you explain this a little better?

[@zuzanakomprdova9502]

@@ryantylerthomas3316 At night, you will see a sorta phantom boat on the water. And if you come closer, you will find out that it's actually a massive angler fish and that the "ship" is like the substitute for the light that angler fish typically use to lure prey.

[@ferociousfil5747]

The fog horn copycat was a nice touch

[@the77th]

Just showing my appreciation for this channel! I LOVE video gaming! I’m a programmer myself ! But what I love even more is the APPRECIATION of the creation of video games & Tech! This channel changed the trajectory of my life for the better! Thanks for using YOUR lives to positively impact mine! Love from Los Angeles CA! ❤❤❤ Again, THANK YOU!!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤❤❤

[@NoclipDocs]

You're too kind - thank you so much for supporting our team. We cover a lot of indie/smaller games because that's where so much of the interesting design is happening. So it means a lot to have an audience who cares about the work. Loads more docs coming! (also feel free to become a free member on our patreon to get updates on what's coming next!)

[@lucbloom]

Such a cool comment :-)

[@the77th]

@@lucbloom they deserve it man! They deserve much more! Such a great channel!

[@the77th]

@@NoclipDocs I sure will! Thanks a ton!

[@danielcalabrese5769]

Such a lovely comment, you sound extremely passionate and thankful and as a 44yr old gamer from the 80's it's great to know that there are new devs with passion for the craft and not just looking for a career but instead love what they do, it really does shine through

[@Eenkognito]

Here from the Tomato Crowd, He said it was really cool that he was mentioned and then talked about how he wants to play the game again off-stream to give it the attention it deserves.

[@jurtheorc8117]

Tomato did a stream on Clash: Artifacts of Chaos too, right? Hope that that game may get more known too.

[@vihakingwhimsicalflame]

Let's goooooo This game was an absolute beauty (and nightmare) to play, and 45 minutes of its development history? Sign me up!!!!

[@bross92]

It’s already a very interesting and excellent documentary, but WOW these unhinged stand-ups are absolutely Danny’s best yet. Absolutely loving every second of this, thanks for the amazing work!

[@patjohbra]

**Lifts fish** "Massive thanks to my wife!" For a moment I thought maybe the bit hadn't actually ended

[@Dr_Nick_]

I bought this game around Christmas and was hooked immediately. I spent the next couple of days full-clearing it. And now I can jump back in again in a couple of days to clear the DLC! 🎣🎣🎣

[@NoclipDocs]

Hey Dr Nick! (thanks Dr.Nick!)

[@Sm0k3turt]

Thanks for making awesome documentaries about so many amazing modern classics, and generally just showing how the work gets done. You’re legends. All of you.

[@NoclipDocs]

Thanks so much, you're too kind!

[@kirigherkins]

I'm very proud of this game as a New Zealander, it's not often an NZ studio make it big on the global stage

[@TheCloudhopper]

Dredge is one of the best games of 2023. It is an experience I fondly remember and I know many people that think similarly.

[@zackeryparkerson]

I LOVE how the areas were isolated in Dredge. It was like this lil’ cosmic horror episodic adventure.

[@DotPone]

I played Dredge for the first time this year during one of the lowest points of my life. I can safely say it helped more than my therapist 😅

[@theboredengineer2612]

The aberration sculpture Danny’s wife made isn’t getting enough attention in the comments. That thing is both horrifying and hilarious. Love it.

[@rishyrish6508]

I feel like every big aaa developer can barely tie their own shoes with out adding a microtransaction let alone putting out a finished and polished project. i think we're about to see a whole new wave of awesome and amazing small indie games and im so excited for it.

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

Another fantastic documentary. I love what you're doing man!

[@antiklausprime]

DREDGE is my personal GotY of 2023 and I am so happy this gets exposure just before the new DLC drops! way to go!

[@ThatGuyGlen]

Finally started playing this a few days ago and having a blast! Another great doc, Noclip!

[@SFledz]

Thanks for another great doco!

[@Thebazilly19]

I loved Dredge! It was just the right mix of relaxing and a bit creepy. The starting area in particular really nailed the Lovecraftian Northeastern Coastal Town feel. Can't wait to see what the developers do next.

[@thestigsdutchcousin]

What I just noticed is how the Collector looks like he is a reflection in a mirror. And the outlines of the frame add to that. He is always completely in the frame. And at first you don't notice that. Really well done.

[@the_crius]

It's such a pleasure to see developers being so humble despite the huge, deserved success. Best wishes of a great next title!

[@glengreer9614]

Great stuff. “Dredge” was my favorite game last year, and that’s including heavy hitters like “Tears of the Kingdom”. Black Salt, if you’re reading this, I’m anxiously looking forward to whatever comes next. NoClip: love your work. Thank you!

[@lucyarisato6850]

A new Noclip? And on Dredge??? Sign me the fuck up!!

[@Nevir202]

Did you really write this before watching and your random F-bomb was just so on point by luck? LOL

[@lucyarisato6850]

@@Nevir202 I did, yeah!

[@Nevir202]

@@lucyarisato6850 LOL nice!

[@drodes]

I’m so glad this game was successful. I really enjoyed playing it the whole way through and struggled to put it down. Looking forward to what else this studio will do!

[@aliali-ce3yf]

Random - Danny, my favorite memory of you will always be playing GTA on Gamespot stream, Toto's Africa is playing in the game, and you sit back and watch as paramedics fight with locals. Simpler times.

[@NoclipDocs]

Danny here - I think about singing on that stream every time I walk up to a urinal with Toto written on it. just fyi

[@bluesteelbass]

@@NoclipDocs Am I not the only one that sings when peeing in a Toto, "hurry boy, it's waiting there for you.... I bless the rains down in Africa. I bless the rain!"?!?

[@MichaelPohoreski]

9:01 _rendering transparency, there's a bit of an issue that you can face where you don't know what will render in front of another thing,_ Graphics programmer here. The solution is *OIT* (Order Independent Transparency) where every transparent pixel keeps a linked list of fragments so you can do correct blending. But yeah, transparency is a bane of graphics programmers.

[@ZoeBateman]

I might just be lucky but the last week was apparently the perfect time to start Dredge, new DLC out in a few days and this video too!

[@robertkiehn7459]

It's telling how these guys are bringing up other studios' works, they clearly love the indie and small-time scene and it shows in the work they've put out.

[@heatherfield]

I clicked thinking this would be another review video and I was THRILLED to see the in depth behind-the-scenes footage and interviews!! I've been obsessed with this game. I actually saw gameplay on youtube and then borrowed it from my library on a whim only to absolutely fall in love with it and buy my own copy. Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to see what's next.

[@tylereikenberg9651]

I ❤Dredge and I ❤Noclip - can't wait for the next one!

[@eos_aurora]

Also he’s having SOO much fun in that outfit it’s infectious

[@xeronic]

This was a treat to watch. I've heard by word of mouth on the internet that Dredge was a solid, good indy game that is worth a look. I just so happened to see it on PS+ Extra, and i decided to give it a try. 2 weeks later, the game is platinum'd and it was one of my most enjoyable gaming experiences i had in years. Comfortable, yet unsettling gaming enviroment that made gaming sessions a bit on edge, mostly due to how i "Played" it, which like how it was mentioned in this video, a bit different from others. I played it kind of 50/50 of going out and risking the night for fish, and playing it safe. After i completed it, i bought a physical version of the game so i can own it physically. Physical media for life! Thanks NoClip for your continued work on documenting game development and being awesome.

[@sameerhussain444]

Risking in early hours of the game was too nerve wrecking... Almost wanted to get down in Greater Marrow and hide somewhere cozy lol

[@ChickiesTendies]

The passion behind Dredge genuinely gets me emotional just seeing how much love and thought is behind a project and this video gave me as a player even more appreciation to this property. Thanks for this documentary.

[@ChickiesTendies]

Side note: ever since playing I can’t stop thinking about how I want aberration tattoos.

[@GameDevYal]

"We could always use more eyebrows!" is the perfect note to end on. Words to live by.

[@pixyireproductions]

Gosh I absolutely adore the character art and art style in this game so much, its BEAUTIFUL

[@TheMightyPipe]

I'd love to see a Dredge 2 some day, but I'll definitely be picking up whatever comes from this studio next.

[@sameerhussain444]

I would love it too. I also can't help but imagine how would this whole concept feel with a big budget treatment.

[@Riggwelter00]

The fisherman fit is so good! This is a look you should consider long term.

[@Chig_Beggers]

This is singlehandedly one of my favourite games that's released in the past few years. It blew me away after playing it so much so that I've been developing a D&D 5e story based on the gameplay mechanics and story of Dredge. This documentary just showcases how excellent this game is.

[@vlct666]

Nadia‘s apartment looks amazing! Also, „Dredge“ is easily in my top 3 favorite indie games of all time. So looking forward to the new dlc. Keep up the great work!

[@harrybasil6069]

What are the other 2? I'm asking because I'm looking to play something new in the indie category. Thanks!

[@artsen]

Loved Dredge, love it even more now. Thanks man!

[@theSLiKbandit]

22:38 - casual Tamto mention

[@alarev8586]

Ofc its him being a psycho

[@freshlymemed5680]

Bless the red lord.

[@mus_cetiner]

Great Doc and so good to see so much artwork dev and prototype dev... This, is a treasure chest of info and insight. Also, a great interview with the team. Now, I know how Danny will look with a bushy beard and long chunky eyebrows, looking good matey, love it.

[@Jechiey]

An absolutely amazing doc. Some great insights and has made me want to replay Dredge again!

[@James-gj8rn]

NoClip just casually drop a documentary out of nowhere, don't mind if i do, keep up the great work Danny and crew :)

[@NoclipDocs]

We put out a trailer last week but they hardly ever hit people's sub boxes (probably cos their clearly shorter than our regular docs). thanks for watching!

[@James-gj8rn]

@@NoclipDocs no problem, i'll always catch one when it goes up :)

[@TheDigitalWatcher]

I love that you released this at the same time I was finally playing it.

[@codyhasselbring9818]

1:19 almost every expansion of Everdell on that Joel's shelf, A MAN OF CULTURE!

[@hurgcat]

I also spied a man of culture

[@invisibleni]

Picked up a Playstation Portal for use when....we'll when a Playstation Portal is useful. Started Dredge a few night ago and it's perfect for just laying down and taking things that little bit slower. Wonderful game, thanks for showcasing it on NoClip

[@kodaaxolotlnerd9352]

love seeing comments like this, because my first playthrough of dredge was largely me fuckin drifting around corners to avoid getting caught by whatever fresh hellspawn was on my ass now LOL. I was so deeply unafraid of night fishing, or the tunneling fish in Gale cliffs, I would sail past it and laugh like a madman lol

[@JongiB96]

Danny had way too much fun filming this, lol. The energy is wild, and I love it.

[@Aahzsome]

Had this on my to watch list forever, glad I got to it. I'm glad you asked about the name! The double meaning is good and also just Dredge *feels* like such a good horror game name! It's kind of kludgey and rough feeling. I really love the in-between bits! Also very cool to hear about the extra stuff they gave you about the development process! I love seeing that stuff! Your wife did a great job on the prop, thank you for posting!!!

[@shootingkevin]

You never disappoint Noclip. Y'all introduced me to Dredge, I enjoyed 100 hours of it and now I enjoyed your doc. The circle is complete!

[@ZahhibbDev]

Dredge was one of my top games in 2023, such a phenomenal game and really loved that you managed to do a documentary on it! Also the topic on the naming of 'Dredge' is just great. They're right about the SEO as us indies usually have to contend with that idea of not being able to choose the name you want as that may affect your games' discoverability. Glad they chose this punchy name which both sounds and feels appropriate of the setting and theme. I also love that when you Google 'Dredge' now the only thing you see on the first page is about the game!

[@techieg33k]

I always enjoy these. Thank you. Dredge is in my backlog. I got the switch physical and I'm excited to play it.

[@ivanmikitas8042]

The composer for the game was an alumni that some of my friends knew while he was at university. it's good to see people from such a close composing community succeeding

[@bluecarpettiles]

Amazing game, lovely to hear about this great first game

[@Rietto]

Gorgeous game, and the team seem like great folks. Well done!

[@yjchoi6357]

I am so glad that they vetoed the harpoon mechanic... Very fun documentary! The interview was awesome. Loved this game, loved hearing about the creative process of developing Dredge!

[@darkcrab]

Awesome documentary, as always. Thank you very much.

[@NotThatAlexis]

I am only more endeared to this team after this. Very excited to see what they do next

[@vitsavicky]

I love when Joel said "... once we realised we made an exploration game." It's just so funny to me that it's like they discovered the game more than they built it.

[@ndesignt6805]

Such a well-made and thought through video. Just awesome to have content like this. Respect to everyone!

[@thatrandomderp]

Danny + Dredge is a match made in eldritch heaven! Been looking forward to this doc!

[@TheArborTree]

Wonderful work on this one. Love the costume Danny. The whole theme in this video is great.

[@DrBossKey]

Thank you for this! I love the behind the scenes stories and your love for preserving/creating video game content! ♥♥♥

[@lailahrimhildr]

now this is something i wanted to see. dredge is one of my fav games to come out in 2023 and its great to see the behind the scenes.

[@vitsavicky]

I usually do not like inventory management in games... but somewhat paradoxically in Dredge I loved it. Because it was more interesting than just figuring out how to get everything in there. You have spaces for your gear, for engines and you don't need to have everything in there at all times. It's way more interesting than in almost any other game that uses inventory management. It has a purpose other than annoying you.

[@sameerhussain444]

Same here. In fact I have some cognitive impairments that stress me out when i play an inventory heavy game. So I thought I'd keep down the game in an hour max. But I got super addicted instead.

[@JulesA5266]

This is definitely one of the best indie games I've ever played. I didn't realize that it was a cosmic horror game though so the first time I got a jump scare, I almost jumped out of my skin. I don't play horror games ever so that was quite a surprise! Thank you for this documentary. It was very insightful and fun!

[@i_nithishkumar]

Thanks!

[@PkorniBoi]

Dredge has me *hooked* right now! 6 hours so far and i have so much more to explore

[@epiqu1n]

Super interesting documentary, and as always with Noclip documentaries lots of great learnings as well!

[@kaitibeeps5887]

this was rad!! i love dredge, and getting to learn about the team and the process behind it was a treat! thanks 🎣💕

[@TheMeldanor]

"Man that minigame in Stardew Valley". Dude, I really felt it. I hate fishing mini games in many many games and mostly skip them. But Dredge did a good job in keeping fishing interesting and simple enough. Also great documentary - as always

[@redwood404]

Insane, I loved this documentary. Dredge holds a special place in my heart and has even given me the want to create my own game

[@Patatoskr]

One of my favorite games I've ever played in recent years. I would like to be thanked for the free advertising on this game, I got quite a few friends to buy Dredge and I hope to get a Dredge 2, or more DLCs ... I really can't get enough. With saying that I'm sure I'll enjoy any game made by this company. It's really well done! Thank you for this game :)

[@Tclans]

Dredge is definitely my indie goty of 2023! ❤️

[@jamescard1653]

Beat this game plus the DLC in 2 days and it might be one of my favorite games this year so amazing. Great work on the Doc love everything NoClip and the Crew produce.

[@nicholasfoong3866]

Love the game and love noclip. Can't believe it was made by 3 people?? Curious as to their work on DLC and collab with Dave the Diver, hopefully we'll get a follow up vid(?) Thanks for this wonderful documentary!

[@alvin_row]

I don't think I can even explain how much I love this channel. Great content as always, and a new game that I'm now really interested in playing.

[@rainmanloading]

These doumentaries are so hecking good, thank you so much for doing this!

[@Leviajohnson]

Timely upload. I just finished the game and loved it. This was insightful

[@NarlyLyfe]

I bought Dredge today after watching this a few weeks ago, thanks for helping me discover this gem.

[@thecozyintrovert]

This is one of my favorite games of all time. So cool to gear the behind the scenes stories.

[@tydendurler9574]

Dave, the Diver & Dredge 👌 Best Combo for Hot Summer Days😎

[@jkagkajsdftubes]

This was their first game?? It was so good i had no idea. The atmosphere art and game design was great

[@Caladir]

Thank you for making this! Dredge is amazing, and it's so cool to see behind the scenes

[@muffintube379]

My fav game of all time Thanks for the great documentary!

[@zacharron]

This was great seeing how Dredge came to be. Loved it.

[@crocsmart5115]

The first game that I’ve been invested in enough to play until a platinum trophy. Absolutely amazing game.

[@joshuatealeaves]

Oh yeah, that platinum was really fun 👍🏻

[@spongecake222]

And what a game it is! Just finished 100% and enjoyed every minute. Look forward to see what comes from you guys in the future!

[@mlmattin]

Really good stuff! Thanks for sharing. Keep up the excellent work.

[@simonadams7234]

23:09 honestly my new favourite sound byte, lol!

[@TheAndrewJasper]

Just finished this last night!! Perfect Danny timing once again!

[@razorboy251]

Great documentary about such a great team of people and their great game! Great all around! Also, mad respect to all the team members - you folks have awesome taste in boardgames and books. :)

[@yoogrldude]

This was a great doc! I wish you talked a little more about the accessibility settings, I loved being able to play at a variety of difficulties and being able to change at any time

[@niccololorenzetti2547]

Just absolutely exceptional content here, as always!

[@CastleClique]

great video! really useful for aspiring indies!