Building Horror

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Save File #12: Jack Chapman

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, we chat with Jack Chapman, a seasoned level designer, about his journey into indie horror game development. He shares his current project, Roost, which integrates personal experiences and inspirations from classic horror games while exploring themes of the UK’s North-South divide through retro aesthetics. Jack discusses the shift towards shorter, narrative-driven indie games, his collaborative approach using platforms like Fiverr, and the importance of atmosphere in horror. He also highlights the necessity of supporting independent projects, offering insights into his vision for Roost and the indie horror landscape.

Follow Jack and progress of ROOST on X https://x.com/ShakaInc and Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/shakainc.bsky.social

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JackChapmanDesign

TikTok: roost.game"

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fearzine/fearzine-issue-4

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Save File #11: GOG - Preserving Horror Classics

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Dan talks with Piotr Gnyp, Adam Ziółkowski, and Marcin Paczyński from GOG, a platform focused on preserving classic and indie games without digital rights management (DRM). The discussion covers GOG's origins, its commitment to making unplayable games accessible, and its preservation program that highlights the alarming statistic that 87% of games released before 2010 are lost. They share insights on collaboration with larger companies, the rigorous process of re-releasing titles, and GOG's community engagement through the Dream List feature, which allows players to vote on games for preservation. The conversation touches on the industry's increasing acknowledgment of video game culture, the potential of technology to assist in preservation, and the ongoing importance of nostalgia in gaming. The episode as a whole, emphasizes GOG's dedication to restoring classic titles while maintaining their original essence and connecting with the gaming community's interests.

Links to GOG:

https://www.gog.com/en/

Follow the Kickstarter for Issue #4 of FEARZINE

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

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Save File #10: Justin Wood

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, I have a compelling discussion with Justin Wood, a video game journalist from Dread Central and one of Fearzine's own. We delve into Justin's inspiring journey through horror games and journalism, reflecting on his early struggles and eventual success in a challenging industry. He shares humorous anecdotes from his start in writing, the friendships he built, and his career transition from factory work to marketing at DreadXP. We analyze the current landscape of horror games, the joy of playing for fun, and reminisce about the communal gaming culture of the past. Justin also touches on his upcoming projects with DreadXP, White Knuckle, which he invites listeners to check out mew take on the classic horror gaming experience.

Connect with Justin:

Justin on X

DreadXP

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

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Save File #9: Kirsten Ria

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, I engage in a deep conversation with Kirsten Ria, a voice actor and content creator known for their role in the horror game 'Hollow Body.' We explore their journey in the gaming and horror industries, from their early fascination with horror to their recent decision to pursue voice acting. Kirsten shares insights on the unique challenges of voice acting, the importance of emotional depth, and creativity in developing character voices. We also discuss their experiences streaming horror games on Twitch, the excitement of their upcoming projects, including the sequel to 'The Bunny Graveyard,' and the appeal of British horror games. Kirsten's passion for the horror genre and dedication to their craft make for an inspiring discussion relevant to enthusiasts and aspiring creatives alike.

Links to Kirsten:

www.kirstenria.com

X: @KirstenRiaa

Instagram

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

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Malformations Games Website

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Save File #8: James of Malformation Games.

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, I chat with James from Malformation Games about indie horror game development, focusing on his transition from AAA titles to founding Malformation. He shares insights about their upcoming game, Ground Zero, a post-apocalyptic survival horror influenced by classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. We discuss the team’s creative dynamics, funding challenges, and the importance of an engaging player experience while navigating the indie game landscape. Please support Ground Zero by wishlisting on steam and stay tuned to Fearzine for more info and our Cover Story in Issue #3 of the magazine.

Links to Malformation Games and Ground Zero:

Ground Zero on Steam

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

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https://linktr.ee/badtasty

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Save File #7: Nathan Buckley of BadTasty

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, I chat with Nate, a versatile game developer, about his diverse journey from working on AAA games like *Sea of Thieves* to creating his own indie titles, including *Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde* and the upcoming horror game, *The Bagman*. We explore his passion for reviving retro horror on consoles like the Sega Mega Drive, examining how classic influences shape his design choices. Nate shares insights on transitioning from corporate to indie development, the importance of community support, and the creative challenges he faces in marrying point-and-click mechanics with the urgency of horror gameplay. The conversation also touches on the therapeutic aspects of development and the value of feedback in fostering growth within the gaming community.

Links to Nate:

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

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Save File #6: Sondering Emily

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, host Dan Morris speaks with Emily, a Los Angeles-based game developer and content creator, known for her YouTube channel and Instagram following. Emily is currently developing her first psychological horror game, "Lily's World XD," which sets a nostalgic early 2000s backdrop. In the game, players investigate a young girl's computer life, engaging in activities typical of that era while uncovering a darker narrative beneath its colorful and cozy surface.

Links to Emily and her game; Lily's World XD:

Lily's World XD on Steam

Emily on Instagram

Emily on YouTube

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

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Flesh Made Fear Kickstarter

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Save File #5: Michael Cosio of Tainted Pact Games

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, I talk with Michael Casio, the solo developer behind Tainted Pact Games. We delve into his journey through game development, starting from his computer science background and his passion for narrative-driven design sparked by classics like StarCraft. Michael shares insights from his experiences with games such as Suffer the Night and Terror at Oakheart, discussing the balance between ambition and practicality in horror game creation. We also reflect on nostalgia for the PlayStation 1 and 2 horror era and highlight his current project, Flesh Made Fear, designed to recapture that atmospheric dread. Our discussion touches on the evolving video game distribution landscape and the rising value of physical copies, while I encourage listeners to explore Michael's work available on Steam and Itch.io.

Links to Michael:

Flesh Made Fear Steam Page

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

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https://x.com/Jeffrey_Tomec

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Save File #4: Jeffery Tomec of Wrong Organ

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, I engage with Jeffrey Tomec, a gameplay designer at Wrong Organ, the studio behind the indie horror game Mouthwashing.

We discuss his path as a developer, the studio's unique design philosophy, and the compelling narrative woven into Mouthwashing, which blends personal storytelling with magical realism. Jeffrey recounts the studio's beginnings, highlighting how their first project, How Fish is Made, influenced their creative journey. We explore the game’s mechanics, including its dual timelines and character perspectives, and how these elements enhance player engagement. Jeffrey emphasizes the balance between gameplay and emotional storytelling, reflecting on the evolving horror genre and sharing insights into Wrong Organ's future projects. This conversation offers a deep dive into the artistic and emotional dimensions of indie horror game development.

Links to Jeffrey:

https://x.com/Wrong_Organ

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

If you would like to support Building Horror, Fearzine and independent games media, please purchase the magazine or donate via tips or our Ko-Fi Page.

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Save File #3: Party For Introverts

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Building Horror, I speak with Arseni and Laura from Party For Introverts about their indie game Cabernet, a 2D narrative RPG featuring Liza, a young vampire in a 19th-century setting. We discuss their creative process, the emotional depth and horror themes of the game, and the impact of player choices on character relationships. The title "Cabernet" underscores themes of vampirism and addiction. We highlight the importance of community support for indie games and you can play the game on all major platforms on February 20th, 2025

Links to Party For Introverts:

Cabernet On Steam

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

If you would like to support Building Horror, Fearzine and independent games media, please purchase the magazine or donate via tips or our Ko-Fi Page.

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https://www.thenightshiftgame.com/

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Save File #2: Martyn Evans of Red Spiral Studio

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, I chat with Marty Evans, founder of Red Spiral Studio and creator of "The Night Shift." We discuss the challenges of indie game development, balancing passion with the realities of solo work, and the importance of player feedback. Marty shares insights on the evolution of "The Night Shift" from a student project to a polished game using Unreal Engine and reflects on navigating a competitive gaming landscape. We explore the diversity within the horror genre and the significance of community support, urging listeners to engage with "The Night Shift" on Steam.

Links to Marty / The Night Shift:

The Night Shift on Steam

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

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Save File #1: Kip of D&A Studios

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0600

On the inaugural episode of Building Horror, I have the pleasure of talking to Kip of D&A Studios.

Where to find and support Kip and his games.

Conrad Stevenson's Paranormal PI STEAM PAGE

Among the Whispers PATREON

D&A Studios DISCORD

Created & Hosted by Dan Morris

Building Horror Theme by @doom_dood

If you would like to support Building Horror, Fearzine and independent games media, please purchase the magazine or donate via tips or our Ko-Fi Page.

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