Hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron are joined by Raven Zachary, a veteran tech executive and product leader known for his work in spatial computing, AI, and the internet industry. This episode explores the intersection of traditional game design and modern technology, focusing on Raven’s new project, Nevaros, a persistent browser-based game (PBBG). Raven shares how he utilized AI-assisted “vibe coding” to build a complex maritime exploration game without being a professional programmer, spending over 300 hours iterating with AI agents. Listeners will learn how to use AI as a “research assistant” to clarify mechanics and why iterative design is the key to mastering these new tools.

Episode Outline

0:00 Beginning of Show

0:50 End of Intro

1:05 Raven discusses his early start in 1980s role-playing and play-by-mail (PBM) games found in the back of Dragon Magazine

5:30 Defining Nevaros and the PBBG Model. An overview of Nevaros, a maritime “4X” game focused on exploration and exploitation 

15:45 The Workflow of “Vibe Coding.” Raven explains his process of using product briefs and clarifying questions to guide AI agents like Claude and Gemini

25:20 Security, Bugs, and Iterative Audits. A look at the challenges of solo development, including managing “spaghetti code”

35:10 AI Slop and the Future of the Creative Class. A philosophical discussion on how AI is impacting creative artisans

42:15 Advice for Listeners

58:00 Outro

58:30 End of Show