Interview with PAX RISING Peebi’s Program Lead and Art Director - Tim Beckwith

By Drawza

Drawza: Firstly, please introduce yourself and your game?

Tim: Hi, I'm Tim Beckwith, Program Lead and Art Director for Peebi; an alternative culture point n click adventure game.

What is your background?

I've dabbled in digital art for the last decade or so, purely as a hobby. I've always been a big gamer playing just about every genre out there.

What made you decide to journey down the path of game development?

In my late teens, a close friend and I worked on a player world for an MMORPG called Graal, I did a lot of artwork but he was the programming whiz. A few years ago I thought to myself "I really enjoyed the creative process of game design." So I started working on it in my office time from work.

What previous games have you created/worked on?

Peebi will be my first commercial game. I've mucked around on hobby projects using programs like clink'n'play and Gamesfactory , but when I began work on Peebi I found the perfect point 'n' click engine: Visionaire Studio. After Peebi though, there are a few other games we're going to sink our teeth into.

What are the core concepts?

Peebi's world has an alt-culture flair, I was always a token goth back in my youth and I wanted to bring some of that to Peebi. 

Our music Director Tim Anderson is a signed black metal musician and was able to craft a soundtrack pulling inspirations from classic rock, to nu metal and electronica which does an amazing job of creating the right atmosphere. 

Another concept of our game is pulling comedy stylings from cartoons and culture of the 90's (think Ren and stumpy) which are so iconic.

What were your inspirations?

Have you ever watched Seinfeld? The idea of a game removed from crazy fantasy/ grand adventure and instead embedded in frustration and inconveniences really connected to me, some of the issues in Peebi I think a lot of People will relate to.

I am a massive Monkey Island fan, and therefore love seeing the resurgence of point n click games, was Monkey Island a factor in wanting to pursue this genre?

Ah yes, Monkey Island. My favorite part was the Largo Embargo at the beginning of the 2nd game.

I played a lot of point n click games, from constantly dying in the desert in Kings Quest V to kicking the impossible-to-find crack in full throttle, testing the Wackme products in Toonstruck to flushing the toilet in Leisure suit Larry. Point n click games almost feel like watching a comedy show, and I resonate with that. So a point n click felt the best way to start my professional game development journey.

How long have you been working on this game?

From the initial sketches, about 4 years, but this also includes learning a whole bunch of new systems, learning about marketing and Steam, and creating our prologue demo.

What is it like to have the game showcased at events such as PAX Aus?

It is so crazy to think we will be exhibiting at PAX. If you asked me a few years ago I would have laughed it off. It's incredibly humbling and exciting to be part of it.

What advice have you got for upcoming game developers?

Fill your space with like-minded people. A good support network does wonders for you and your team. Also don't pressure yourself to make a polished AAA game right off the bat. Take the time to learn the industry.

What advice have you received that you have held on to throughout your journey?

"Not everyone is going to like your game, and that's ok". You can't cater to everyone, but make a game you can enjoy and be proud of.

Have you had any mentors in the gaming industry?

I wouldn't say mentors directly. But the amazing community around Visionaire Studio were a really big help in keeping me going. (Hats off to Arflme and Esmarelda for your problem solving skills). I'm also a fan of Thor from Pirate Software and the industry knowledge he imparts on his streams.

How many PAX Aus events have you attended (as both a developer and as a regular attendee)?

This is my first PAX as an exhibitor, but I went last year as an attendee and was absolutely blown away by it all. 

We have also included a whole bunch of Australian streamers in the streamer lounge in Peebi as NPC's. These people are great friends and amazing creators who will also be able to be seen in our PAX playable version, but also many will be there as creators too.

Check Out the Steam page for Peebi

Be sure to check out Peebi and other PAX RISING games

And make sure you check out all the indie games that will be on display during PAX Aus 2024 in October.