I think that’s a great approach to game design—allowing the audience to interpret the story themselves. The idea of structuring your game’s design in a way where you know the full story but intentionally remove certain parts so the audience can fill in the gaps is brilliant. I saw something similar in a TED Talk, The Clues to a Great Story by Andrew Stanton, where he talks about the concept of "2 + 2 =" The idea is to have the audience figure out "2 + 2" on their own, which makes the experience much more engaging.
It encourages people to think, and when you give the audience the opportunity to do so, they become more invested in the story rather than simply being handed the conclusion.

Makes you think, makes you drink.

As for friendships, it’s natural for people to grow apart over time as their interests and priorities change, and that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes, life’s structure simply doesn’t allow someone to be as active online anymore. Striking a balance between life and being online is not fucking easy. Spending too much time in front of a computer can negatively impact people. Internet addiction is real and has harmed many. I’ve never seen anyone benefit from being addicted to something like CSGO.

You’re not going to reach Global Elite if you’re tired and slogging through matches. It’s not about how much time you spend playing, how well you play.

I think a major issue that negatively impacts people's lives and their prospects for growth is that they often don't take the time to sit down and reflect. They don't ask themselves, "How should this actually be done?" or "What am I doing, and how does it align with my goals?"

"What is my goal? And why do I have that specific goal?"

Also, everyone on my Steam friends list is someone I met through Newgrounds.

Newgrounds is the only place where I’ve truly felt like I had friends. I interact with people, and I try to just be an okay dude. And I can get really fucking vocal when I get to a disagreement with somebody but that doesn't help lie to me or the person I disagree with, there's definitely some shit I'm wrong about. It is hard and confusing because there are so many different people, it gets easier when you focus on the things you enjoy and connect with others who share games.

When it comes to making friends, it makes sense to choose people you have things in common with. That’s the right approach. We’re all part of the same community, and it’s good to work together to make it a positive place for most people who can be bothered to at least try to give a fuck.

Thank you for having this conversation; it really got me thinking about what this whole Internet experience is all about.

This was great side chatter while I was finishing up some Friday projects in the office.

I definitely didn't think about the game so in depth. Granted when I played it I didn't really get too into it. I probably played for about 5 minutes or so, but I'll definitely head back to it and check it out again now that I realize it's more artistic then I first realized. I'm going to definitely have to check it out again... I'm unsure if I played it normally or sideways.

The online friends nostalgia section of the podcast had me... kind of depressed? I don't know, I kept thinking of all of the people that I use to talk to on here. I've tried to reconnect with some of them, but so much time has passed that a day or two of talking again and that's all we really had to say to each other.

This had me laughing:
Ninja: You know what I'm saying? Henry: No I don't...

Also, god bless me. I listened to every second.

That was really interesting to follow you guys! Was funny to hear Henry saying he screenshotted phrases from the game that stuck with him, i did the same while i was playing it!
I guess with all that was happening during the making of the game that might have been internal, external, personal life, world's life ... in the end, im very thankful!
It was an experience that stuck with me, so its very appreciated!

P.s Thank you for the clean mention at 35:00 too B^) im glad i surprised ya guys <3

Just remembering the 'spice' made me cringe and shiver, but this was a great discussion and touched on alot of real shit

In terms of something being pretentious, I think something artistic is only being pretentious when it stands on some kinda high horse to preach a message that in a way tries to make X look better than Y, if that makes sense? If it's not done right it feels pretentious, idk man I can't EXPRESS MYSELF GET IT? I feel like the best kind of art comes from expressing feelings and experiences that you personally felt and can resonate with, it gives that vibe of someone you love sharing a story with you.

and man, the internet is weird. I miss you optiprimus, from minecraft, we'd be on mineplex.net everyday roleplaying on creative lots, and then one day I logged on and you just weren't there, I logged on everyday after asking around if you were ever on but you were just gone... I wonder if he still remembers me like I remember him

More of this please. This is really interesting.