BIMM Berlin hosts Analgesic Productions for an intimate look at indie game-making

This conversation was recorded as part of our Creative Industries and You module at BIMM Berlin, which includes a podcast-making assessment. The project connects students with working industry figures, giving them practical experience in research, interviewing, and producing publishable audio; skills that translate directly to creative careers beyond the classroom.

Our students had the opportunity to record a podcast with Marina Kitaka and Melos Han-Tani, co-founders of Analgesic Productions. They shared how they’ve built a decade-long partnership producing cult favourites like Anodyne, Even the Ocean and Anodyne 2.

During our conversation, the pair discussed how Analgesic Productions began, mainly through emails, Trello boards and a shared vision rather than a shared studio. Today, Marina works from Minnesota, while Melos is based in Tokyo; yet, their roles interlock seamlessly. Melos composes music, programs, and handles marketing, while Marina creates visuals and writes. Each project starts from scratch, resulting in games defined by dense, atmospheric worlds rather than open maps.

They spoke on how real-world exploration feeds their creativity; Melos spoke about walking through ‘unfamiliar neighbourhoods’ to observe structure and mood, which directly informs their environments. Their upcoming project, Angeline Era, embodies this: a “bump-slash” adventure that rethinks action mechanics and invites players to explore more thoughtfully.

Marina encouraged students to imagine alternative paths, building small communities, preserving older games, or creating personal projects that don’t depend on large corporate structures. Meaningful progress, she noted, ‘often comes from setting your own constraints and finding inspiration outside the medium.’

From our candid discussion, three points stood out:

• Independent isn’t second-best – You can sustain a creative career on your own terms without chasing mainstream trends.
• Constraints spark originality – Self-imposed limits and unconventional tools can lead to richer designs.
• Inspiration is everywhere – Walk, travel, read history – creative fuel often comes from outside games themselves.

BIMM Berlin will continue opening doors for students by connecting them with independent creators who embody imagination, integrity and a willingness to rethink the status quo.

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