Dino Patti Discusses Simplifying Multiplayer Game Development and Ongoing Disputes with Playdead
Dino Patti, co-founder of Playdead, the studio behind indie classics Limbo and Inside, has been focused on Coherence, a tool that enables small developers to easily implement multiplayer and scale server architecture. Recently, Coherence celebrated its 2.0 launch and was acquired by Roundtable Interactive Group. In an exclusive interview, Patti reflects on Coherence's evolution and his ongoing legal battle with Playdead's co-founder, Arnt Jensen. Patti believes the sale of Coherence to Roundtable was inevitable, given the company's venture investment. He's satisfied that Roundtable offers the right fit, understanding Coherence's vision and willing to drive it forward. The 2.0 update introduces hosting flexibility and a new pricing structure, with the Coherence development tools free for studios with under $200K in revenue. Patti notes that Coherence has 'deep integration' with Unity, enabling developers to get started within minutes. He thinks there's more to be done with multiplayer, particularly in exploring emotional connections. Coherence's flexibility could help small studios experimenting with multiplayer, and Patti wants to support the creation of more lo-fi co-op games. He understands the difficulties of convincing developers of Coherence's potential but is committed to his vision. Patti also discusses the importance of trust in the development community and the need for flexibility in hosting options. He misses his game development days and may return to it in the future. Meanwhile, Patti is engaged in a legal dispute with Jensen, which he believes is an attempt to erase him from Playdead's history. He's determined to set the record straight, despite the costs and challenges involved.