Same Same But Different - How to Sequel
There are two ways to make a sequel to a successful game: give players more of what they loved, or challenge them (and your team) to try something new.
10 minute Impulse Talks:
- Mark Cooke: "Keep the Magic"
Making the first sequel as a studio presented a new challenge for Shiny Shoe: change too much and risk alienating existing fans; play it too safe, and there is no reason for anyone to return. Before starting development of Monster Train 2, the studio thought carefully about how to navigate that tension. They ultimately decided on a conservative strategy with “Keep the Magic” as the guiding project pillar. In this impulse, Mark highlights their approach to creating an indie sequel.
- Isra Mallén: "From Roast to Redemption"
Bold changes to the Moonlighter formula led to Digital Sun's lowest demo reception yet, but forced the studio to confront what they got wrong. This is how they delayed, reworked, and turned a 56% into 85% rating on Steam while rebuilding trust with their community.
Followed by a 30 minute discussion moderated by Andreas Suika.
When?
26.6.2026
5:00 pm – 5:50 pm
Where?Talk DeckMS Princess
