Exploring a world of crypts with Lili Zone

Lili Zone (she/they) is the experimental game designer behind works like Crypt World (2013) and Crypt Underworld (2023). She took some time to chat with me about Crypt World’s origins, the nearly decade long development of Underworld, and what she has planned for the future now the crypts are behind her. We also dig into the evolving conception of indie games, the “small games matter” PR amnesia cycle, and gaming’s ongoing embarrassment and adoration for Great Men™.

You can play Lili’s games on itch, and her personal site.

Lili’s Cool Things to Share
- The Blazing World (Margaret Cavendish, 1666)

Things Discussed
- Crypt World
- Crypt Underworld
- The Virtual Museum of Dead-Wifery (Lili Zone, 2020)
- Room Map (Lili Zone, 2022)
- Glorious Trainwrecks
- Problem Attic (Liz Ryerson, 2013)
- Indie Game: The Movie (James Swirsky and Lisanne Pajot, 2012)

Kritiqal Care is produced by me, Nathalie, with music by Desired. It's available on Pocket Casts, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get podcasts. If you enjoyed the show, consider sharing it with a loved one and supporting KRITIQAL on Ko-Fi.