Episode Description
In Episode Two of The MicroProse Podcast, Dann and Nanci explore the world of Neyyah, from the early stages of development to its imminent release.
This episode’s featured guest is Neyyah’s creator, Aaron Gwynaire, whose highly-anticipated point-and-click adventure game finally launches on Steam this September 2nd!
Special guests from Neyyah’s cast and crew include Nigel Goodwin, Paul Hayward, and Peter Renzullo.
The Mystery Segment in this episode is an impromptu gameshow style video game trivia challenge.
Gaming News announces the development of four new MicroProse titles; Better than Dead, Drone Sector, Archrebel Tactics, and Car Park Capital.
And - most exciting of all - on the day of recording this episode, MicroProse announced a release date for Neyyah - September 2nd, 2025.
FEATURE INTERVIEW: Aaron Gwynaire - Neyyah
Neyyah was conceived in the creative mind of Aaron Gwynaire, inspired by classic adventure games, and shaped by the people, places, and concepts that influenced Aaron’s own life.
Neyyah launches September 2nd
Explore a surreal archipelago where every puzzle, portal, and strange machine brings you closer to uncovering a forgotten civilization’s secrets.
Set across a fragmented world of abandoned islands, strange cultures, and cryptic machinery, Neyyah invites players to explore, observe, and solve their way through a non-linear narrative. With pre-rendered graphics and classic puzzle-adventure gameplay, Neyyah is a love letter to genre-defining titles like Myst and Riven.
The Neyyah Soundtrack
Neyyah’s atmospheric original soundtrack includes 29 tracks composed by Neyyah’s creator Aaron Gwynaire. In addition to this, there are 57 tracks (not 55, as mistakenly mentioned in the podcast) composed by 14-year-old Zaedyn Turner.
FMV Cutscenes
Neyyah’s live action cut-scenes were filmed at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA, by cinematographer Peter Renzullo. Post-production services were provided by Perth’s premiere production company, Sandbox Productions.
Neyyah's Cast:
Paul Hayward as Smollax
Nigel Goodwin as Vamir
Nanci Nott as Aurian
Aaron Gwynaire as Mason
Xanthe Turner as Talaiva
Zaedyn Turner as Niluka
Dann Tozer as Hayyen
Defy Reality Entertainment is an Australian game development company run by Aaron Gwynaire and Nanci Nott. Neyyah - the brainchild of Aaron Gwynaire - was entirely self-funded until MicroProse signed on as Neyyah’s publisher in 2021. In 2023, Defy Reality received funding from Screen Australia, facilitating the production of Neyyah’s cutscenes.
MYSTERY SEGMENT
Fact One Source Evidence:
None. But if you find any evidence, please let us know!
Fact Two Source Evidence: Ron Gilbert’s blog explains the ride inspired the ambiance, while the novel On Stranger Tides was the primary inspiration for the story and characters.
Fact Three Source Evidence: Selling more than six million copies, Myst was the best-selling PC game for nearly a decade, holding the record until the release of The Sims in 2002.
Fact Four Source Evidence: There is no record of Broken Sword's goat puzzle being officially recognized by Guinness.
GAMING NEWS
Archrebel Tactics
MicroProse, founded in 1982, is a world-famous simulation software company known for developing cult classics. Today, MicroProse is proudly Australian owned, and aims to support the recreation of classics alongside publishing innovative state-of-the-art games; creating lasting memories for a discerning new generation of gamers.
Hosted by: Dann Tozer and Nanci Nott
Theme and transition music by: Steam Signals
Recorded edited by: Warp Zone Creative Services
Produced by: MicroProse