When the highly anticipated indie game collection UFO 50 launched in 2024, it captivated players and critics alike with its unique blend of 80s-inspired nostalgia and modern design sensibilities. But behind the scenes, the development of this ambitious project was a testament to the passion, creativity, and collaborative spirit of the indie game community.

Unlocking the Secrets of UFO 50: A Retro Gaming Odyssey

Navigating the Challenges of a Massive Indie Project

Developing a single game can be a daunting task, but the team behind UFO 50 took on the challenge of creating 50 distinct titles, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Derek Yu, the acclaimed indie developer behind Spelunky and Spelunky 2, led a team of five other talented creators, including childhood friend Jon Perry, composer Eirik Suhrke, pixel artist Paul Hubans, mobile game designer Ojiro Fumoto, and animator Tyriq Plummer.Tackling the sheer scope of UFO 50 required a meticulous approach. "When you're working on a game, it's important to zoom out regularly to make sure you're not getting too lost in one small part of the project," Yu explains. "That's even more crucial when it's a collection of 50 games!" The team set regular deadlines to ensure each game reached a certain level of completeness, allowing them to maintain a cohesive vision for the overall collection.

Connecting the Dots: Crafting a Cohesive Retro Gaming Experience

While the primary focus was on ensuring each individual game was fun and engaging, the team also sought to create meaningful connections between the titles. "The most important thing for us was that the games were fun and interesting to work on, so that's where we started when it came to design," Yu says. "But we were always looking for opportunities to connect the games together and reuse connections we'd already made."This collaborative approach extended to the development process itself. While Yu and Perry directed the majority of the games, the team leveraged each member's unique strengths and areas of expertise. "Everyone on the UFO 50 team has a broad set of skills, but we each have our individual strengths and areas of special interest, too," Yu explains. "We leveraged those unique skills in a very organic way – there was a lot of encouragement to just take the initiative if you had a good idea."

Embracing the Spirit of 80s Gaming

The decision to ground UFO 50 in the aesthetic and design sensibilities of the 1980s was a deliberate one, rooted in the team's shared appreciation for the era's creative freedom and DIY spirit. "I think everyone on the team enjoyed the excitement and freedom of 80s gaming – when game design was less established and less dissected," Yu reflects. "There was a raw energy that was very adventurous, and the technical limitations didn't get in the way – if anything, it bred a lot of creativity."This retro-inspired approach allowed the team to capture the essence of classic gaming while applying the lessons they had learned over the years. "We wanted to capture some of that feeling while also applying the good lessons we've learned since then," Yu says. The result is a collection that seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern design, creating a unique and captivating experience for players.

Overcoming Delays and Setbacks

Despite the team's best efforts, the development of UFO 50 was not without its challenges. Yu had originally envisioned the project launching in 2018, but a number of factors, including the release of Spelunky 2 in 2020, led to the game taking much longer to complete than expected."Partly we just underestimated the work, which is common enough when you're working on one game, let alone 50 at once!" Yu admits. "Also, for me, that initial release window was based on a slightly different idea of the collection, where the individual games were allowed to be a little more raw. After we passed that date, though, it became clear that this was one of those projects that needed to cook as long as it needed to cook."Despite the delays, Yu and his team remained committed to delivering a polished and cohesive experience. "Sometimes you need to miss a deadline to put things in the right perspective," Yu says. The extra time allowed the team to refine the games, incorporate feedback from playtesters, and ensure that the overall collection felt like a truly immersive and coherent retro gaming experience.

Lessons for Aspiring Indie Developers

While the success of UFO 50 is a testament to the team's dedication and creative vision, Yu cautions new indie developers against attempting a project of such vast scope. "I don't think UFO 50 is a great example for new developers to follow, because ultimately it's still a single large game that took [over] eight years to make!" he says. "That requires a lot of experience and runway."Instead, Yu recommends that aspiring indie developers treat game development as an iterative learning process, focusing on releasing multiple smaller projects over time. "Treating game development like a craft or discipline that needs to be learned over time, across multiple released projects, is a solid way to minimize your risk," he advises.For Yu and his team, the true value of UFO 50 lies in the joy of creating and the connections forged along the way. "Games are made by people more than skill sets, so find people you trust and enjoy working with first and foremost," he says. By prioritizing collaboration, creativity, and a genuine passion for the craft, the UFO 50 team has crafted a retro gaming masterpiece that will continue to captivate and inspire players for years to come.