You are in for a treat today! While I’m working on the review for Terminus: Zombie Survivors, I had the chance to interview the game’s head developer In-geon in preparation for their 1.0 launch. The game should be released out of Early Access by the time this interview goes live. Think of it as Project Zomboid, but turn-based! It is a fantastic game, and I wish I discovered it sooner. Either way, check out the game down below and enjoy the interview!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1534980/Terminus_Zombie_Survivors
Introduction
Let’s start off with an introduction! Please tell me who you are, and what do you do?
My name is In-geon. I’m currently developing a turn-based zombie survival roguelike PC game called “Terminus: Zombie Survivors,” where I serve as the lead developer and programmer.
Gaming Questions
What game/studio are you currently involved with? And what position?
I am the head of Longplay Studios, a small studio based in Daejeon, South Korea, which I founded in 2021.
What advice would you give those who wish to enter the industry?
Making games is not easy, so I hope those who truly love games start with the mindset of not losing their passion and continuing to strive.
If you still have time to play video games, what are some of your favorite ones to play?
I love turn-based games and survival games, but I hardly have time to enjoy games right now as we are preparing for the 1.0 version of the game I’m developing. The last game I enjoyed was “Oxygen Not Included.” Even though it’s neither turn-based nor a survival game, I admire its complex and beautifully crafted systems.
How did you get into your chosen field in the industry?
I originally studied industrial design and even obtained a PhD in it. Before continuing with research, I wanted to try making a game that combines survival and turn-based mechanics, as I’m a huge fan of turn-based games. This led me to start indie game development. It didn’t begin with grand plans, but as I met user demands, the game grew, and it seems this will become my career.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is balancing creativity with practical constraints. As a game developer, I constantly have new ideas and concepts, but I have to balance those with the realities of time, budget, and technical limitations. Managing a small team where everyone wears multiple hats can also lead to burnout and stress.
What lessons have you learned during your time in the industry?
I’ve learned that user feedback is really important. It’s not about using the feedback exactly as given, but game developers can sometimes fall into the illusion that they are making the right choices. However, if you look closely at the feedback, there is always some truth in it.
What are your future project(s)?
For the time being, even after the official release of “Terminus: Zombie Survivors,” we will continue with additional updates. In the longer term, I am considering developing “Terminus 2,” which will improve upon the shortcomings of the current game.
If you couldn’t be a game developer, what ideal job would you like to do?
I am happiest when programming. Game development requires various skills, but among them, programming brings me the most joy. So, if I had to do another job, I would want to work as a programmer in another field.
What were your greatest challenges during the development of Terminus: Zombie Survivors?
“Terminus: Zombie Survivors” is being developed by a small studio of three people, but initially, I developed the game alone for a while. Developing the game itself was challenging, but covering all aspects of game development and sales by myself was a really difficult challenge. Fortunately, we are about to reach an important milestone.
What are your plans for Terminus: Zombie Survivors after it leaves Early Access in August?
We plan to continue with additional updates for a while. We have a rough outline of what to include in versions 1.1 and 1.2. We’re also considering the development of a DLC afterward.
What games were your greatest inspirations in designing Terminus: Zombie Survivors?
“Cataclysm: DDA” and “Project Zomboid.” These games have implemented many good aspects that zombie survival games should have. I think I have added further developable elements like endings and NPC interactions on top of those games.
What is your ideal video game if money and time was no object?
If I had unlimited money and time, I would like to develop a version of “Terminus: Zombie Survivors” with incredible graphic quality. While graphics aren’t the most important part of a game, I would love to explore the best possible visuals without the usual time and budget constraints.
More about You
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I used to play a lot of games in my free time, but nowadays, I can’t play games due to my busy schedule. I spend my leisure time following gaming news, watching new game reviews on YouTube, and taking walks with my wife. Once the official release is done, I would like to try the games that have been on my list.
Coffee or Tea? Or (exult deep breath) what other drink do you prefer, if you like neither?
I prefer coffee. I drink coffee every morning, and I can’t code without it.
You can travel anywhere in the universe. Where would you go, and why?
I like where I am now, so I don’t particularly feel the need to travel. But if I had to choose, I would like to see the view of Earth as depicted in my computer’s desktop background, the Blue Pale Dot—a distant image of Earth from space.
Pick any three fiction characters. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
I would choose Daryl Dixon, Hermione Granger, and Bulbasaur. We would find a comfortable, secluded, and safe place with a large lake and dense forest where we could escape the chaos and rest. We would enjoy nature and spend as much time as possible relaxing in the peaceful environment.
Finally, what superpower would you most like?
I would like to have the superpower to live life like a turn-based game.
Studio Links
Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1534980
X (Twitter): https://x.com/LongplayStudios
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TerminusZombieSurvivors
Trailer: https://youtu.be/kLGLM_YtdFo
