Stellar Jockeys Embrace Their Niche with Brigador and Killers

In a recent chat, I had the chance to dive into the minds behind Stellar Jockeys, Jack and Hugh Monahan, who shed light on their hardcore mech game, Brigador, and its upcoming sequel, Brigador Killers. One of the central themes of our conversation was the balance between making games accessible and maintaining depth. As a fan of intricate RPGs and immersive sims, I found their insights really intriguing.

Stellar Jockeys’ debut title, Brigador, didn’t exactly fly off the shelves initially. However, it has since gained a cult following. Jack candidly discussed the challenges of connecting with players who might find the game too complex. “We’re passionate about our games, but we know they can be a tough sell,” he admitted. One amusing anecdote involved a VTuber who streamed Brigador Killers. She politely acknowledged, “This isn’t really my thing,” highlighting the fact that not everyone vibes with the hardcore mech genre.

Jack recounted how the streamer focused more on the engineers and pilots than the mechs themselves, humorously dubbing the mech content “boy slop.” He embraced this term, saying, “Someone’s got to create that niche, and we’re okay with it.” Their commitment to crafting a deep and crunchy experience is clear, even if it means some players might not stick around.

Interestingly, Jack also touched on how trying to please the majority can sometimes lead creators astray. “When you cater too much to what you think people want, you end up reflecting your own biases rather than what the audience truly desires,” he explained. He recalled a fan mentioning how certain character designs reminded them of him—highlighting how a creator’s essence inevitably seeps into their work.

Hugh chimed in, comparing the challenge of making games to reading comprehension. He pointed out that some authors, like Ursula K. Le Guin, write complex works that are still approachable, while others, like Dostoevsky, are much harder to digest. He believes that the difficulty level in games can actually foster stronger communities around them. “If Dark Souls were easier, would it have the same passionate fan base? Probably not,” he noted.

Hugh emphasized that a certain level of challenge is necessary to create a memorable gaming experience, leading to a more engaged community. He reflected on his 15 years in game design and acknowledged that while he’s learning, he’s also evolving his views on this balance.

As for Brigador, it’s currently available for just $6.50 (approx. Rs 1,810) on Steam during the summer sale. While Brigador Killers doesn’t have a set release date yet, you can try out the demo and even wishlist it. I personally enjoyed the demo, especially its unique mechanic that allows players to exit their mechs—a feature that adds a fresh twist to the genre.

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.