The beginning phase of the making of this podcast episode was pretty bumpy, especially when compared to our first episode on Secret Hitler. This was mainly because we could not figure out which game we wanted to analyze. This was worsened by technical difficulties, like not being able to download certain games. After much consideration, we finally decided on Hidden Folks.
The thing with Hidden Folks is that it is a seemingly very simple game. ‘Here’s a drawing. Find stuff.’ So, our overarching challenge was to look at the game in a different light and try to identify the implicit messaging and objectives of the game. What exactly did this game do to our minds, and how it is relevant in our everyday lives. These were not particularly obvious answers, but after having a couple of conversations and discussing our experiences playing the game, we found an angle, and some direction. We then created a Google doc to formulate a basic script for what we wanted to say.
One of the aspects we touched upon in the episode is how the game rekindles childlike fascination and wonder. As we grow up, we lay too much emphasis on ‘getting stuff done’ and being productive. We tend to not (intentionally) waste our time, energy and attention on something unless we have to, or it may directly benefit us. We try to block that unnecessary information out. Hidden Folks needs you to do the exact opposite, which definitely seems out of character and uncomfortable initially. It lets you just be in this monochrome landscape of dancing monkey-villagers, it lets you look around freely and explore it. All this for no apparent reason. It helps you to just slow down and take a moment away from the chaos and craziness that has swamped this world, especially this year. Every time you find one of the objects and a tiny celebratory sound is made, you feel satisfied, almost as if you are a child once again– excited about little things in life.
We were also interested in why Hidden Folks is different from Where’s Waldo, despite a very similar premise. Where’s Waldo is a game that has been immensely popular for decades. So, there has got to be something about Hidden Folks that makes it stand out and attract so many players. We think that the interactive nature of Hidden Folks was one of the key differences.
Additionally, we spoke about how the absence of a ticking clock enhanced the experience of the game, the visual and audio design, and what skills we can hone by playing Hidden Folks. At the end, I have to admit that I was pretty surprised about how many facets of this game we were able to uncover and talk about.
The last part of the production was editing the audio. This was much simpler than the previous episode as I was now well-versed in the workings of Audacity. We were also mindful to make fewer mistakes while recording the podcast, and this made the editing process easier.
On the whole, I think the task of creating the podcast episode was definitely not without obstacles. But I did learn a lot from it, including working with my teammates, how the audio medium is very different from the written word, and technical skills like sound editing. Most importantly, though, the experience taught me how to articulate an experience (in this case, the game-playing experience) into words, and how to interpret this experience as well.
