One More Run - The Making of 'Spelunky 2'

Explore the development journey of 'Spelunky 2' in this 58-minute Independent Games Summit talk from GDC 2021. Delve into Derek Yu's insights on creating a sequel to the successful roguelike game Spelunky, released during the genre's peak popularity. Gain valuable knowledge about the Spelunky timeline, the appeal of roguelikes, and the evolution of the series. Discover the challenges faced in art style, quest design, liquid mechanics, and online multiplayer implementation. Learn about the team's approach to level generation, including the innovative back layer and machine systems. Examine the pros and cons of developing a sequel, and understand the goals set for Spelunky 2. Uncover the concepts of spiky and soft design, and how they influenced the game's development. Gain insights into the creation of UFO 50 and its impact on the Spelunky series.

Intro
Spelunky Timeline
Why Roguelikes Resonate
Comparing the Spelunkies
Evolution of the Series
High Interactivity
The Right Team
Why Make a Spelunky 2?
Development
Tools!
Biggest Challenges - Art Style
Biggest Challenges - Quests
Biggest Challenges - Liquids
Biggest Challenges - Online Multiplayer
UFO 50
Spiky Design
Soft Design
Goals for Spelunky 2
Spelunky 1 Level Gen
Spelunky 2 Level Gen - Back Layer
Spelunky 2 Level Gen - Machines
Release Hiccups
Pros and cons of Making a Sequel