Brigador Killers Developers Proudly Embrace Hardcore Design: "We Make Games That Aren't for Everyone"

The developers of Brigador Killers have made it clear that they have no intention of simplifying their games to appeal to a wider audience. In a recent interview, Stellar Jockeys founders Jack Monahan and Hugh Monahan explained that they are proud to create uncompromising, mechanically deep experiences—even if that means some players will bounce off them. Jack jokingly described their work as "boy slop," adding that "somebody has to make it," while insisting there's nothing wrong with creating games for a passionate niche audience.

According to the developers, trying to design games purely around what the market wants often results in generic experiences that lack personality. Instead, they believe authenticity is far more important than chasing mass appeal. Jack Monahan argued that developers should embrace the things they genuinely enjoy because every creative project inevitably reflects its creators. For Stellar Jockeys, that means dense world-building, intricate gameplay systems, and a level of complexity that won't necessarily appeal to everyone.

Lead designer Hugh Monahan also defended challenging game design, comparing difficult games to demanding works of literature. He believes that overcoming obstacles creates stronger player engagement and helps build dedicated communities. As an example, he pointed to Dark Souls, arguing that the series' demanding gameplay is one of the reasons its fanbase remains so passionate. In his view, a certain amount of friction is essential because players who invest time in mastering a complex game often form a deeper connection with both the experience and the community surrounding it.

The philosophy reflects the history of the Brigador franchise itself. The original game struggled commercially at launch before eventually finding a loyal audience and becoming a cult classic. Rather than abandoning that design philosophy, Stellar Jockeys has doubled down with Brigador Killers, continuing to prioritize depth, player mastery, and creative authenticity over broad accessibility. The developers acknowledge that their games won't appeal to everyone—but they believe that staying true to their vision is ultimately what gives the series its unique identity.