KZ: Hi Pat! How did macro photography of human irises inspire the game’s landscapes?

P: I saw super close up photos of irises by from Suren Manvelyan, and they looked like little valleys of green vines. I pictured a landscape perfect for a game of giant vines twisting around the player. 

KZ: What was the most difficult part of the process when you started?

P: Learning to code was very difficult, especially as I'm such a visual person. Painting makes sense to me – paint on the brush goes on the canvas. Coding is like learning a language from a bunch of aliens!

KZ: Now that you can look back on the process, what was the hardest part overall?

P: Making a game is tough. Painting a game is hard. But marketing a game is near impossible! I understood how to make and design a game, but learning how to promote the game so people actually know it exists was outside my skill set for sure. 

KZ: Can you share any secrets or tips for playing The Master’s Pupil with K-Zoners?

P: Puzzle games are all about patience! Solving problems take time, but that's what makes them enjoyable. 

The Master’s Pupil is available now on PC, Mac, and Switch!

Want to read the full interview with Pat Naoum? Grab the November 2023 ‘Spooky Battle Royale’ issue of K-Zone, on sale now!