Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to those burning questions you need to know. They're all here in the Squashy Software Faque.

Q. Is that real clay?
A. Yes. Yes it is.

Q. It's not done with 3D software, then?
A. Nope. Clay. Or plasticine, if you prefer.

Q. How do you do that, then?
A. Check out my animation page for more info about my working methods.

Q. Do you still have the models from Platypus lying around?
A. No, actually all the models in Platypus were made from the same lump of clay. After I photographed it, I'd mush it up again and make the next thing. Most of my models get recycled like this. Life is tough for a clay model.

Q. When is Cletus Clay going to be finished? I've been waiting a long time.
A. Yeah, I know. I've been really busy with other stuff. I apologise. But it will be released sometime in 2006. Sometime when you least expect it. And if you sign up for the mailing list (see the box on the right there), I'll email you as soon as it's out. So you should definitely do that.

Q. Why is Platypus called Platypus? That's a stupid name.
A. Is not! But as for why... well, it kind of an instinctive decision, you know? It just felt right. It sounded a bit like "plasticine", and "blaster", and "splat". And it also has that weird, spacey kind of vibe, if you can divorce it from its actual meaning for a moment. Besides, it's traditional for shooters to be named after some random word. And "Platypus" amuses me. It's a good word. I think that once you get used to it, you'll find it suits the game pretty well. Just relax and go with it.

Q. Can you give me a job? I'd like to work for you.
A. Sorry, no. I don't have any money. It's sure to end in tears.

Q. You have inspired me to do something similar myself. Any tips?
A. Good for you! The following links will be more useful to you than I am:

If you want to learn how to make games, go to blitzbasic.com and get yourself one of the excellent Blitz game programming languages.

If you want to learn how to sell games, go to indiegamer.com and check out the independent game developer message forums.

If you want to learn to do clay animation, animateclay.com has lots of excellent information.