Game Developers Find Their “Superpower” with Xbox Game Studios Game Camp

In 2020, Xbox Game Studios Game Camp was created on the belief of extraordinary talent. This program aims to empower people of marginalized backgrounds and other non-traditional backgrounds in order to realise their full potential and build thriving gaming communities in all parts of the globe.

In this Q&A series, we aim to highlight the stories of Game Camp Alumni with unique game creation journeys. Today, we will be chatting with the CEO & Creative Director of LemonJuice Game Studio Austin-Taylor Caldwell, about his experience at Game Camp and his current project, Beyond the NightlightThe 3D Horror Adventure Game “The Unknown” sheds light on addiction and mental health.

Tell us about yourself (if applicable: your team and the game you’re working on)?

Austin-Taylor Caldwell. My childhood included playing videogames. To me, the idea of a gaming career was absurd from an early age. Growing up in one of the poorest counties in my state meant that resources and connections to tech were not readily available. Now, it’s 2020 and I am ready to take the plunge. LemonJuice Game Studio was established to create horror games. LemonJuice has 20 members working together to create the current title. Beyond the Nightlight. This 3D horror-adventure game focuses on mental health and addiction. It aims to bring awareness and help people who are struggling every day with this issue.

What made you choose to be in the center? Beyond the NightlightHow can you help with addiction and mental illness?

Beyond the Nightlight centers around the study that when we die our brains have seven minutes of activity left, during this time is when our life ‘flashes before our eyes.’ Our protagonist Jolene is in her final seven minutes and does not know it yet. Jolene races in this bizarre world as a porcelain doll, being chased by Death to retrieve her memories of her past and show her how she can have a second chance at living.

In 2019, my mom died from drug addiction. That was one of the toughest moments in my life. A year later, I found out from my therapist that I have both depression and anxiety…which didn’t help the situation. Beyond the Nightlight is built from real trauma and experiences from real people to show the players that do struggle with similar if not exact issues, that they’re not alone.

“Xbox Game Studios Game Camp taught me things I would have otherwise taken 10 years to learn. Game Camp helped me identify my “superpower” in development and focus on that instead of spreading myself thin.”

Austin-Taylor Caldwell, CEO & Creative Director of LemonJuice Game Studio

Before you attend Xbox Game Studios, take us on a walk through the game-creation process. Are you interested in Game Camp

Game Camp was the first time I had learned game design by myself using Unreal Engine documentation and tons of YouTube. While it was hard to dedicate time to learning game development when I had a full-time job, it wasn’t impossible. After completing a few lessons, or adding a feature to the project, I’d get up early and go to work. I then used my lunch break to study various systems and solve any problems that I might have encountered. After work, I returned home to finish the project. I stayed up late to learn more and to create a product that was usable.

Which key lessons did you take away from the Xbox Game Studios Game Camp experience?

Xbox Game Studios Game Camp gave me skills that I could have learned in 10 years. Game Camp helped me identify my “superpower” in development and focus on that instead of spreading myself thin trying to be distinguished in Each department. It is a valuable experience. However, it was more than just that. I learned how to lead a team and communicate to build lasting relationships. How to set up and manage development plans. Game Camp changed my entire life.

How do you feel about game design?

It is an incredible feeling to see the prototype in action. This is what it’s like to work tirelessly on this world. It is amazing to see it grow. I find it extremely enjoyable to be able to lead this team. Watching others become inspired, and then seeing their faces light up when they present a new idea, is really what makes game design so wonderful.

Which unique obstacles have your developers faced? Did you find any services or tools that could help?

Switching from Unity to Unreal Engine was the most difficult task. It was difficult to rebuild code in another language. However, Unreal Engine Documentation made it easy for us to work together, and we’re now back on the ground sprinting!

We want to know what tools and reasons you use for developing games.

Unreal Engine 5 & Quixel Megascans are used. Beyond the Nightlight . Unreal Engine 5 is the right tool for the job. Megascans are great for creating immersive environments.

We would love to hear about how you worked with an Xbox Game Studios mentor, and the lessons you took away from them regarding game development.

Rosa Dachtler was our mentor and it was an amazing experience. Her assistance was invaluable and she was available for any questions. She was especially helpful when we had to make a drastic switch in production within 2 weeks. She taught us how to build a powerful narrative around action-packed gameplay and how departments can better communicate with each other throughout the design process.”

Now that you’ve attended Xbox Game Studios Game Camp, what’s next for LemonJuice?

Game Camp equipped LemonJuice to take on the world of industry. We’re currently finishing up the prototype. Beyond the Nightlight. So LemonJuice, as a group, can focus on the project full-time and have all the tools needed to make it look beautiful, we plan to publish it. You can find it here envisioned. Ich habeI have always had big dreams and my ultimate goal is to build a 2nd or 1st party studio for Xbox Game Studios.

For more information about Xbox Game Studios Game Camp, visit xbox.com/gamecamp.