This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Otterweave Games Studio Director and Founder Marco Ng to explore his journey into indie game development!

Marco shares what inspired him, how he keeps the journey sustainable, and takes us inside his current project, EMITIME.

From the impact of promotional events and a supportive community to the realities of building a game and bringing it to the public, the conversation gives us great insight into the early stages of game development and how to manage expectations when bringing a game to market.

Connect with Marco online:

• Website: https://otterweavegamesstudio.com
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/otterweavegamesstudio.com
• Discord: https://discord.gg/2sYhdEZDUS

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Cat Aquino and Dominique Duran from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators Episode 48.

Nigel digs into the origins of their new release, *Champion of the Rose*, discovering what it takes to build a compelling world for your story, and the real work behind research and worldbuilding. The pair also share what the journey looks like as you’re heading towards your first published manga (Viz Originals) and the support and challenges that come with a publisher.

From early influences and inspirations to the practical realities of getting a book ready for release, we also talk about creative partnership: what makes a creative collaboration work, how you stay aligned across the process, and how that relationship strengthens the final story.

You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with Cat online:

• Website: https://cataquino.net
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/cat.aquino
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cataquino_

Connect with Dominique online:

• Website: https://artominique.carbonmade.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artominique

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get on their bikes and dive deep into Akira (1988) - the cyberpunk anime classic that still resonates today - with our guest Daniel Morrison of Creative Genius Games.

It’s an anime classic and we unpack the film’s heavy themes and the characters that carry them with real quality, and debate why Akira went on to inspire so many stories after it. From its gripping narrative momentum to animation that set a new standard, we explore what makes the film feel so urgent decades later.

This week’s storytelling tip is about exposition through character relationships.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive), Once Upon a Time (Disney+), That Time I got reincarnated as a slime (Crunchyroll), Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (Novel), Gachiakuta (Crunchyroll), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Better Call Saul (Netflix).

Connect with Daniel online:

• Website: https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgames
• Twitter: https://x.com/CreativeGeniusG
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativegeniusgames

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Animator, Producer and Storyboard Artist Seraphina Bewick to hear the early-stage story of developing her independent anime, Magic Gyaldem - an idea she’s been carrying since the age of 15!

Seraphina shares the realities of bringing animation to life while juggling full-time work at a major studio, what she took away from the BBC Ignite programme, and the challenges of working with a mainstream developer to shape an idea for public consumption.

We also dig into her anime origin story, what’s next on the road to getting Magic Gyaldem made… and, somehow, end up going deep on gardening. One for the animation curious and green thumbs alike!

Connect with Seraphina & Magic Gyaldem online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicgyaldem
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicgyaldem
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicgyaldem

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We're back from our mid season break and recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Toy Story 5 (starting at 28:26), asking the big question a fifth film has to answer: after 30+ years, does this franchise still have something new to say…and does this sequel justify its existence?

We dig into the film’s shift in focus as Jessie takes centre stage, and Bonnie’s journey through a digital world with devices that are taking the place of traditional toys and imaginative play. From there, we unpack how the story deals with its “villains”, whether it’s the devices themselves, cyberbullying, and the way tech reshapes childhood.

This week’s storytelling tip is about executing on your story’s thematic question: committing to what your narrative is trying to argue, and following that idea through to an earned payoff.

Other stories we're enjoying include: The Disappearances of Lydia Fontaine (Audiobook), The Little Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Book), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Gachikuta (Crunchyroll), Angel's Egg (Cinema), The Alloy of Law (Book), The Odyssey (Cinema), Disco Elysium (Steam), Dragon Striker (Disney+).

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We've been on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the great conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year's Campaign 40 photoshoot). You'll hear advice on networking and building a career in the creative industries, alongside great insight from people who are actively living it.

This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with mayamada's own Alex Duval, a creative who has taken his career to a professional level. Alex shares his experiences navigating the industry, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it was like networking at EVO in the United States - one of the world's biggest fighting game events. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your professional presence, there's plenty to take away from this one.

Check out the previous segments on the podcast feed and get ready as we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then!

Connect with Alex online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextheman76
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alextheman76
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/alextheman76

"Do I Look Like A Gamer?"

Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026.

Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot). You’ll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and game designer Symoné, alongside eSports and Game Design Lecturer Ivan Phillips. Together, they dig into what game design really means beyond mechanics, how designers can welcome different kinds of players without losing their creative vision, and the mindsets that help make games culture more inclusive.

We’ll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we’ll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month!

Connect with Symoné online:

• Website: https://www.symoneperformingartist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productionsbysymone

“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”

Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026.

Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest, including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This first segment features Tazziii and Nigel in conversation with Community Manager Dan Finch, who gives a wealth of insight into building inclusive online communities and takes us through his love for Destiny and D&D.

We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month — see you then!

Connect with Dan online:

• Website: https://www.outmaking.games
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outmakinggames.bsky.social

“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”

• Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel sits down with Learning & Community Curator Leah Dungay to explore Behind the Screens, the National Videogame Museum’s new exhibition opening in summer 2026, which aims to transform how UK videogame heritage is collected and understood.

It’s a response to the challenges of preserving video games and takes a people-centred approach, with community-led partnerships that reflect the complexity of games: documenting developers and their creative processes, and recording the social histories of gameplay and the fandoms within it.

We talk about Leah’s role within the project, why preservation matters (especially as games, platforms, and marketplace access change), and what “community” really means within gaming culture. We also share what to expect from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” diversity campaign, which is set to be featured in the exhibition!

Leah also reflects on her own journey with games - from N64 favourites to the joys of Pokémon Snap.

NOTE: This is the last episode recorded before our mid-season break. Over the next month, we’ll be sharing audio from our “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign launch livestream, and will be recording new episodes of the Story x Story podcast in August!

Connect with Leah online:

• Behind the Screens website: https://thenvm.org/behind-the-screens
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenvmuk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nvmuk
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Community Manager of Out Making Games Dan Finch and GamesAid Vice Chair Dom Shaw for our summer video game roundtable (from 26:19).

We dig into the newly revealed Steam Machine pricing, whether the hardware is worth it, and what it says about gaming becoming too expensive. Then we get into a little game called GTA VI launching without a disc, how much Rockstar can charge for the world’s most anticipated game launch, what “ownership” looks like in a download-only future, and whether today’s world is ready for GTA’s infamous satire.

And there’s still time to debate the many missteps of the major platform holders, plus what we’re actually looking forward to in the games industry.

Games we're enjoying this week include: Destiny 2 (Windows), 007 First Light (PS5), My Hero Ultra Rumble (Windows), R.E.P.O (Windows), Cult of Lamb (PC), Halo: Infinite Multiplayer (Xbox), Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix), Fall Guys (Windows), Marvel Rivals (Windows), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS5)

Connect with Dom online:

• Website: https://www.gamesaid.org
• Website: https://www.gameworkers.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicshaw94
• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sussex-games

Connect with Dan online:

• Website: https://www.outmaking.games
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outmakinggames.bsky.social

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

• Website: https://mayamada.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatv
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatv
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatv
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT