Tales from the Backlog

214: Cairn (with Rachel Watts)

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Join Dave and special guest Rachel Watts (Thinky Games, Indieventure podcast) as they discuss Cairn (The Game Bakers, 2026). Cairn is a meticulous, thoughtful climbing game that takes you into the mind of an elite athlete as she attempts a climb that has never been done before. While it has some (unintentionally) frustrating moments, Cairn is an extremely strong and affecting game- listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while!

Guest info: Rachel Watts (she/her)

  • Check out Thinky Games https://thinkygames.com
  • Check out Indieventure https://indieventurepodcast.co.uk

    • TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:23 Introductions
    • 5:09 Our Histories with The Game Bakers & Cairn
    • 8:58 Top Level Thoughts
    • 17:32 Story Setup and Characterizing Aava
    • 31:40 Climbing Mechanics
    • 37:36 High Difficulty Meets a Few Shaky Systems
    • 54:53 Visual Design, Sound Design and Music
    • 1:03:12 Survival on Mt. Kami
    • 1:17:58 Who Should Play Cairn?
    • 1:24:32 Thinky Games and Indieventure Podcast
    • 1:28:54 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:30:30 Spoilers- Fun Moments & Tough Challenges
    • 1:54:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Aava
    • 2:22:42 Spoilers- Ending Discussion

      • Music used in the episode is credited to Martin Stig Andersen, Gilda and The Toxic Avenger. Tracks used: The Mountain is Calling, Rise, Fatigue Is In Your Head, Only the Mountain, In My Gut, Stars, Part of a Whole

      Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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