Podcast Summary: Software Engineering Daily – WayForward Games with Tom Hewlett and Voldi Way
Release Date: June 26, 2025
In this engaging episode of Software Engineering Daily, host Joe Nash welcomes Voldi Way, CEO and founder of WayForward Games, and Tom Hewlett, a long-standing director at the studio. The conversation delves deep into WayForward's illustrious history, their approach to game development, and their latest project, Contra Operation Galuga. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
1. Introduction to WayForward Games
WayForward Games, established in 1990, has a rich legacy of developing games for major publishers like Capcom, Konami, and Nintendo across various platforms. Notably, they are the creators of the beloved Shantae series. Recently, they took on the mantle of reinventing a classic with Contra Operation Galuga, reimagining the iconic 1987 Contra game.
Key Participants:
- Voldi Way – Founder and CEO
- Tom Hewlett – Director at WayForward, with 12 years at the studio and previous experience at Konami
2. The Contra Legacy and WayForward’s Involvement
The conversation begins with an overview of the Contra series. Tom provides historical context, highlighting Contra's significance in establishing the run-and-gun genre, particularly its celebrated NES port known for enhanced gameplay and difficulty.
Tom Hewlett [04:10]: "Contra was kind of the seminal run and gun, established the genre in the arcade... it just felt better because they had more time."
WayForward's collaboration with Tom dates back to Contra 4, where they contributed significantly before embarking on Operation Galuga.
3. Introducing Contra Operation Galuga
Contra Operation Galuga is not merely a remake but a reimagining of the original game, blending classic elements with modern enhancements. Tom elaborates on how Konami approached WayForward to develop this title, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining Contra's core essence while introducing fresh mechanics and narratives.
Tom Hewlett [07:14]: "Operation Galuga is bringing the classic gameplay of Contra that people would want, why it's beloved, bringing that into 2024."
4. Design Philosophy: Balancing Nostalgia with Innovation
The team aimed to honor the original Contra's spirit while making it relevant for today's gamers. This involved creating new stages, introducing fresh storylines, and integrating modern gameplay mechanics without alienating longtime fans.
Stage Design: While maintaining iconic environments like jungles and alien interiors, Operation Galuga incorporates new areas such as villages and temples, expanding the game's universe.
Tom Hewlett [09:58]: "There's a village... So it's kind of like a reimagining of the 8-bit Contrats."
5. Gameplay Mechanics and Accessibility
A significant focus was on making the game accessible to modern audiences without diluting its challenging nature. Features like 360-degree aiming and a life bar system were introduced to cater to both novice players and hardcore enthusiasts.
Tom Hewlett [16:22]: "We have perks you can unlock... You’re not being rewarded or penalized for anything."
Player Customization: Players can adjust settings to suit their playstyle, such as enabling or disabling perks, aiming degrees, and life bar features, ensuring a tailored gaming experience.
6. Visual and Graphical Direction
Rejecting photorealism to avoid the uncanny valley, WayForward opted for a stylized, comic book-inspired look. This choice aligns with Contra's legacy and ensures a vibrant, engaging visual appeal without the high costs associated with realistic graphics.
Tom Hewlett [22:56]: "Konami really wanted to go with like a comic book look... it was kind of like, well, we know this style will work for Americans."
Level Design: Incorporating 3D elements within a 2D framework, the game features dynamic environments with spline-based level progression, enhancing the sense of movement and immersion.
7. Boss Design and Gameplay Balance
Boss battles in Operation Galuga are crafted to encourage multiple strategies, requiring players to adapt and respond dynamically. Tom explains the iterative process of designing bosses that are challenging yet fair, ensuring no single strategy dominates.
Tom Hewlett [38:35]: "I'm going to think of the boss... and then we run the fight in my head."
8. Community Engagement and Speedrunning
The game has sparked interest within the speedrunning community, with players exploring optimal paths and strategies to achieve record-breaking times. While WayForward doesn't design specifically for speedrunners, they're mindful of creating an experience that accommodates various playstyles.
Tom Hewlett [40:26]: "We're never designing games just for speedrunners... but I think speedrunners are going to love this."
9. WayForward’s Studio Operations and Business Model
With a robust team of around 120 full-time employees, WayForward manages multiple projects concurrently—typically five to six. This diversification ensures steady cash flow and mitigates risks associated with project delays or cancellations.
Voldi Way [43:20]: "We have around 120 employees full time... we tend to work on five or six projects at a time."
Shared Disciplines: The studio employs shared teams for disciplines like audio, UI, and VFX, fostering collaboration and consistency across different projects.
10. Conclusion and Future Outlook
The episode wraps up with appreciation for WayForward’s dedication to preserving classic gaming experiences while innovating for the future. Contra Operation Galuga stands as a testament to their expertise, blending nostalgia with modern design to create a compelling entry in the storied Contra franchise.
Tom Hewlett [45:46]: "Thanks so much."
Voldi Way [45:46]: "Yeah, thank you so much for having us."
Final Thoughts: WayForward Games exemplifies a harmonious balance between honoring gaming legacies and embracing contemporary advancements. Contra Operation Galuga not only revitalizes a beloved classic but also sets a benchmark for future reimaginings in the gaming industry.
For listeners interested in game development, design philosophy, and the intricate process of reinventing classic titles, this episode offers invaluable insights from seasoned industry professionals.