Creator Showcase Retrospective: An Interview with ScytheDragon Studios
“The goal of these creator showcases is to spotlight a local independent creator and give them a space to show off the cool stuff they create.”
“An average dude, following his dreams…” -John Klaine
In the beginning of October, we had our first More Than Friends creator showcase event at Newport on the Levee! The goal of these creator showcases is to spotlight a local independent creator and give them a space to show off the cool stuff they create. For our first creator showcase, we wanted to highlight a unique, up-and-coming creator located right here in the Northern Kentucky area, so we chose to bring along John Klaine from ScytheDragon Studios. We interviewed John Klaine after the event, and here’s what he had to say:
Q: What is ScytheDragon Studios?
A: ScytheDragon Studios is a dream, and a challenge. I started back in 2014 right out of college, making comics with a connection I made in Finland. After about 2 years with little success, the duo split, and I turned my attention back to my degree; Game Design and Narrative. After no success with that, I started studying programming, self teaching myself through YouTube, Reddit, and various free courses throughout the web. I took a more serious attitude towards it after Covid hit, since I wanted a career that could provide and I could still keep my kids safe. And now I’ve self-published 2 games, working on my third, which is also my first mobile game. My former partner is making his own games as well, so we’ve become sort of rivals in that sense.
Q: What made you want to do a creator showcase with More Than Friends?
A: I chose to work with More Than Friends mostly due to the type of work they strive to do. Helping others, sharing the noise (as it were) - It’s the type of company mindset and values that I hope to instill in my own employees one day.
Q: What did you bring to the creator showcase?
A: I brought entertainment and, I hope, a realization that all great things start small. The next big artist may be the caricaturist at your local mall, or the next big game company (could start with) some random dev showing his demos in an art studio. Don’t hesitate to stop a minute and hear their stories - You just might be surprised at what you hear.
“… the next big game company (could start with) some random dev showing his demos in an art studio. Don’t hesitate to stop a minute and hear their stories - You just might be surprised at what you hear.” - John Klaine
Q: How was the creator showcase?
A: The showcase was definitely a good choice, both in time investment and returns. I got a lot of feedback I probably would not have seen otherwise, and I have a better idea on what direction I want to take some of my unfinished games! It also served to spread my name among my home turf, so-to-speak. More local people know of me now, and I hope I made a good enough impression that they’ll be on the lookout for some of my games in the future!
Q: What was your favorite thing about participating in the More Than Friends creator showcase?
“…when I asked for their advice they got so happy! Their dream was to be a game tester!”
A: My favorite thing about the showcase itself had to be the reactions I got! When I got someone to play, even when they said they weren’t much of a gamer, the looks of excitement on their faces - of awe - when I told them “I made these!”
My favorite moments out of all of it were when kids would play! The look of excitement they would get - There was one, a youngster only 7 years old, who played, and when I asked them for their advice they got so happy! Their dream was to be a game tester! It felt really good to have that positive experience, even if it seemed small. This will be a lasting memory for them for years, and hopefully I can help propel them in their own dreams!
Q: What would you like to see at future creator showcase events?
A: Something neat would be a networking event. Like a get together for the creators to better plan further events and the like. Those with physical locations can help push those who don’t have one and help boost their overall reach. Maybe set up a… group and try spreading to other malls or even small entertainment venues for more networking opportunities.
Q: What’s next for ScytheDragon Studios?
A: I think SD’s next step will be to finish up 3 current projects:
Narwhal Dash - an endless runner game coming to mobile devices
Arena Tank - A top-down, multiplayer arcade game coming to mobile devices
Finish coding and updating our store website
I plan to have another showcase when I get a little closer to finishing up both games, and I hope to have plenty to show everyone by then as well!
Q: Where can people find ScytheDragon Studios?
A: ScytheDragon Studios can be found on almost all forms of social media. I have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Discord, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. I also have a (skeleton) website complete with a shop, coded by yours truly. It’s the main way I can afford to self-fund this project venture and go as fast as I can on projects. Check us out here at: ScytheDragonStudios.company.site
You can also use the button below to visit their website ;)
Q: Do you have any closing statement or final remarks?
A: Don’t forget to sign up for ScytheDragon email alerts through mail chimp as well as follow me on ScytheDragon social medias. While you’re at it, make sure you’re following More Than Friends on their platforms as well! They have a lot of cool projects and ideas in the works, and it would be a shame for you to miss any of it!
Thank you so much for participating in the More Than Friends creator showcase, and thanks for doing this interview!
A: You are very welcome! I really appreciate the opportunity you gave! Would love to do it again once I’m closer to finishing Narwhal Dash!
We’re looking forward to doing more creator showcases and spotlighting more independent creators of all kinds in the near future! As always, stay tuned here on our website or on our Facebook page for more information about upcoming events.
~ALSO~
If you are an independent creator who’d like to set up for a creator showcase, please don’t hesitate to send us an email explaining who you are, what you make, and when you’d like to set up! You can email us at bemorethanfriends@gmail.com
If you’d like to see more of this kind of thing, or if you’d like to help support More Than Friends as a whole, please consider donating by clicking the button below:
