Inside Pico-8: Krystian Majewski - aka Krystman - on Game Development, Creativity and Getting Started

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil kicks off Season 3 with a return to the world of Pico-8. It's a fantasy console with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting spaces in modern retro development. Joining the show is indie developer and educator Krystian Majewski, also known as Krystman. He is the creator of the popular Lazy Devs Academy YouTube channel and has helped thousands of aspiring developers take their first steps into game creation using Pico-8. Together, they explore what makes Pico-8 so compelling, from its creative constraints to its supportive community. Krystian also shares practical advice for anyone looking to get started with game development. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ What Pico-8 actually is and why it matters A "fantasy console" focused on creativity, accessibility and design discipline. 2️⃣ Why limitations make better games How strict constraints on resolution, colour and size help developers focus on what matters. 3️⃣ Teaching game development through Pico-8 Inside Lazy Devs Academy, and how structured learning and community support help beginners succeed. 4️⃣ Getting started as a developer Practical advice for newcomers, from first ideas through to a finished game. Krystian also shares insights into his own games, the evolution of the Pico-8 scene, and why there has never been a better time to start making games yourself. 🔗 Guest links – Krystian Majewski YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LazyDevs Itch.io: https://krystman.itch.io/ Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@krystman 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing 🌐 www.thalamusdigital.co.uk Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk 🌐 www.marcsilk.com Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under license from shockwave-sound.com