Games That Push Back with Bennett Foddy - Software Engineering Daily Recap
Podcast: Software Engineering Daily
Published: 2026-03-24
Duration: 3993
Guests: Bennett Foddy
What Happened
Bennett Foddy is renowned for creating games that challenge traditional gameplay mechanics, such as QWOP and Getting Over It. His approach to game design emphasizes the importance of player interaction with physical systems, often resulting in games that are perceived as difficult. Foddy argues that difficulty itself is a nuanced concept, using his games to explore the emotional range of frustration and satisfaction.
Foddy's games often feature human-like physics rigs, which he believes help players understand and relate to the gameplay. In his latest game, Baby Steps, players navigate a world using manual walking mechanics, a concept that evolved from a prototype inspired by QWOP. The game took several years to develop, with a focus on refining these mechanics to create a unique player experience.
The discussion touches on the cultural significance of using off-the-shelf assets in games, as seen in Getting Over It and Baby Steps. Foddy notes that this approach not only helps manage the scope of a project but also contributes to a surreal aesthetic. He collaborates with others, including students and fellow game designers, to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of game design.
Foddy's academic background, including his tenure at the NYU Game Center, has influenced his game development process. He describes his work as part of a creative community where ideas are exchanged freely, although he acknowledges the challenges of balancing teaching with game development. Despite these challenges, Foddy has successfully developed several games, including the experimental MultiBowl and Zipper for PlayDate.
The episode also examines the trend of games that reset player progress, such as Hardcore World of Warcraft and Dark Souls. Foddy sees this as a reaction against games that prioritize progress over experience, emphasizing the excitement and stakes that come with the possibility of failure. Streaming and speedrunning cultures have further influenced game design, with Foddy considering how games will be experienced by spectators.
Foddy's design philosophy often involves creating systems that allow players to discover gameplay on their own, rather than relying on traditional tutorials. This approach is evident in his games, where players are encouraged to explore and learn the rules through interaction. He believes that this method of game design leads to a more engaging and immersive experience for players.
Key Insights
- Bennett Foddy's game designs often emphasize human-like physics to enhance player relatability. This approach is evident in games like QWOP and Baby Steps, where players navigate challenges using human-like movements and mechanics.
- The use of off-the-shelf assets in Foddy's games helps manage project scope while contributing to a unique aesthetic. This method is seen in Getting Over It, where mixed-quality assets create a collage effect, adding to the game's surrealism.
- Streaming and speedrunning have significantly impacted game design, with developers considering how games will be experienced by spectators. Foddy designs his games, like Getting Over It, with the idea of players experiencing an ordeal, often highlighted during streams.
- Games like Dark Souls and Hardcore Minecraft, which reset player progress upon failure, reflect a trend against progress-oriented systems. Foddy views these games as creating excitement and stakes, contrasting with games that rely heavily on quicksaving and checkpointing.