#314 Designing to Ship with Xalavier Nelson Jr

Dirk and David interview prolific designer and leader Xalavier Nelson Jr. They discuss Xalavier’s illustrious and busy career, focusing on his philosophy of how to ship a game as well as knowing your own capabilities. Topics include his work and inspiration for El Paso, Everywhere, how he manages to produce so many games, treating staff fairly and with respect, and the benefits of working within your box.

Episode Outline

0:00 Beginning of Show

1:01 End of Intro

1:09 Xalavier, Strange Scaffold, and the Design Process

11:02 El Paso, Everywhere

15:51 How Do You Produce So Much?

16:49 Strange Scaffold Staffing

21:59 How Do You Compensate Fairly?

25:20 Working Within Your Box

34:00 Where Do You Go From Here?

36:10 Experiences with Steam

41:20 Xalavier’s Journey

45:08 Using Itch

48:32 What Doesn’t Fit In the Box?

51:59 Who Do You Collaborate With

54:16 Advice for Listeners

55:47 Outro

56:39: End of Show

In this Episode

Xalavier Nelson Jr. - @WritNelson | @StrangeScaffold
David V. Heron - @davidvheron
Dirk Knemeyer - @DKnemeyer