The below November 2024 article chronicles the creation of video game smash hit Animal Well, and it speaks to a zillion-dollar question in modern entertainment: how the heck does a small company eke out mindshare in 2024?

This team’s answers include:

1) Let technology set the tone. Build custom tools, instead of grabbing generic off-the-shelf options, and unique creativity will follow.
2) Find unique analog-to-digital concepts to convey. Little-known real-life attractions. Trippy discoveries from documentaries. Beloved childhood toys.
3) Redefine “publishing.” Combining forces with a popular YouTube/Twitch streamer isn’t a slam dunk–but by understanding their strengths, there can be success.
4) Redefine “access.” The team describes a twist on the usual games-industry Discord rollout that they believe raised review scores.

Why Animal Well’s home-brewed engine was key to its success (gamedeveloper.com)