Building Games and Heritage: The Story of Galactico Studios "Start now, don't wait for tomorrow."

The conversation with Michael Smith, a video game developer, covers his journey from early interest in game development to the establishment of Galactico Studios. Michael's passion for gaming and the value of academic experience are evident throughout the discussion. The chapters include an introduction to the Media Space Podcast, Michael Smith, and Galactico Games, as well as discussions on early interest in game development, education, career path, and the transition to Galactico Studios. The conversation also explores the value of university education, advice for young aspiring game developers, and the introduction to the Galactico game. The conversation covers a range of topics including overcoming perfectionism, indie game development, embracing imperfection in creative endeavors, diversification of projects, conventional software development, creating location-based games, game design and storytelling, feedback and iteration in game development, AI in game development, Unity game engine and LUTE tool, Neolithic Trials and Pikmin Bloom, and future plans and game development advice.TakeawaysPassion for Game DevelopmentImportance of Academic Experience Fail FastAccessibility of Game DevelopmentChapters00:00 Introduction to Media Space Podcast06:06 Passion for Gaming and Learning11:10 Widening Human Connection to Creative Endeavors19:07 Final Year Project and Academic Experience25:19 Transition to Galactico Studios34:36 Introduction to Galactico Game40:00 Indie Game Development and Innovation45:13 Conventional Software Development52:44 Feedback and Iteration in Game Development58:28 Unity Game Engine and LUTE Tool01:05:48 Future Plans and Game Development Advice