Brigador Devs on '90s PC Classics and Show, Don't Tell Morality

Stellar Jockeys, the duo behind Brigador, discuss their early access follow-up Brigador Killers, adding on-foot gameplay, and why they emulate '90s PC classics' storytelling.

Ever wonder why '90s PC games felt so special? The Monahan brothers, the duo behind Stellar Jockeys, think it's because they showed instead of told.

Brigador was a sleeper hit for mech and sim fans, and now the studio has released its ambitious follow-up, Brigador Killers, into early access. I spoke to lead developers Hugh and Jack Monahan over the summer about the challenges of adding on-foot gameplay, the importance of not trying to please everyone, and why they emulate the "show, don't tell" morality and storytelling of '90s PC classics.

According to the devs, those classic games often taught really special things, but not because the story said, "Wow, violence is bad!" Instead, they let players experience the consequences themselves. That philosophy is central to Brigador Killers, which builds on the first game's top-down mech action with new on-foot sections.

Adding on-foot gameplay was a big challenge for the small team. It required rethinking how the game plays and how players interact with the world. But the Monahans aren't trying to please everyone—they're making the game they want to play, and that means staying true to their vision.

Brigador Killers is now in early access, so players can jump in and see how the studio's approach translates to a new style of play. The devs are using this period to gather feedback and refine the experience, but they're not compromising on their core design principles.

For fans of mech games and simmy experiences, Brigador Killers offers a chance to see how a cult favorite evolves. And for the Monahans, it's a chance to prove that '90s-style storytelling still has something to teach us.

What do you think about the "show, don't tell" approach to morality in games? Will you be picking up Brigador Killers in early access? Let us know in the comments!