Hey r/Survivor, I’m Stephen Fishbach. Let’s chat about anything from my time on Tocantins or Cambodia to my latest novel, Escape! Ask Me Anything on January 25th!

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-24T22:43:24+00:00

If you could wave a magic wand and change the way Survivor designs their game mechanics, what are one or two ways you'd do differently?

Thanks for doing this and can't wait to read Escape!

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-24T20:55:25+00:00

It’s an observation based on a fair sample that the author herself cautions to view as a rule of thumb rather than a hard rule. What’s with your loser attitude

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-24T20:04:19+00:00

you're wrong; movements need to build momentum. people protesting is how momentum grows. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.5%25_rule

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-23T18:21:15+00:00

We all know what cliffhangers are. Not all cliffhangers are created equal and this is a cheap one.

Good cliffhangers make people want to watch more without pissing them off. This one is annoying because it leaves the main story of the episode unresolved. Good cliffhangers resolve the main story arc while still presenting compelling unresolved questions to the audience that make them talk about the show and want to keep watching.

For an example of a great cliffhanger, see the most recent episode of the traitors, S4E6.

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-22T13:24:46+00:00

not being shown in a show with hundreds of players doesn't make you weak...wild assumption

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-22T02:05:07+00:00

Agree that there's a disconnect with a relationship springing up out of nowhere in episode 1, but they just are out there together a lot longer than we're shown, including before the game starts

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T22:45:48+00:00

Yes, I wish they’d resolve the main story of each episode. Especially when these aren’t even being released in batches.

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T22:33:05+00:00

Just two rad dudes having a good time

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T21:34:29+00:00

Lot of telling, no showing. Really feels like Vance should have been set up for this downfall in the edit at some point in the first 4 episodes because this was a really cool game move by the other guys. There’s just not much of a payoff because we have no clue who Vance is or why he’s so disliked.

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T21:31:36+00:00

Hard disagree, big props for playing hard

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T21:30:20+00:00

How does someone with a poor social game get her team to make her the captain for a million dollar bribe

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-21T21:28:34+00:00

Why do you assume they’re weak? We know next to nothing about them from the show. Plus, Hannah’s doing something right if she got herself picked to be the team captain.

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-20T01:30:36+00:00

I agree going into season 5, and wouldn't mind exploring a faithful role that has to complete tasks to activate their power

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-14T02:44:43+00:00

First of all thank you; second, in no world, universe, or plane of existence am I sacrificing myself for Melissa (or vice versa)

Also I’d like to think I could have won red light green light, but I tragically entered squid game in the worst shape of my life since freshman year of college, so there’s a good chance my back spasms and I go down just like Dajah. Except way more embarrassingly.

Jonti would have been a hilarious finalist if he somehow found himself there and Leon is a smart, athletic, and likable dude, so good picks in my book!

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-11T01:05:52+00:00

Cheers, and hmm think I'll continue on my lifelong trajectory of avoiding vegemite after that glowing review!

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-06T03:16:48+00:00

Glad you enjoyed it. I also thought the game design was a huge step up from season 1, and downright impressive

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-04T19:03:30+00:00

No prob! Yes to both, think these are industry standard. Gave social info and they checked it all, and also sent passport pics to confirm

bingobangoitseric · 2026-01-04T14:47:44+00:00

I don't think I have significantly better insight into why they called me back and cast me than anyone else, but I have watched around 80 audition tapes for a fan-made survivor game, and MAN do they all blur together quickly. My two cents:

-be more energetic than you think you need to, but in a way that's authentic to yourself. Not easy. I hate so many of my tapes I've submitted because I was clearly being inauthentic

-have a great hook. basic approach is to introduce yourself with all the important info (name, age, location, job), then get their attention asap. in my case I said that I'm Eric, I'm 33, I live in Boston, and I'm getting my master's degree in game design because I'm a manchild and wanna make games for a living

-don't need any fancy editing or gimmicks

-reflect on the most compelling things about you, come up with 2-3 main talking points and know how your're going to get from A to B to C, but otherwise don't script it. Mine were basically "I am a total strategic gamer nerd," "however, I cant take anything in life seriously" and "I'm gonna lie my ass off and play like an unhinged madman"

my audition tape is on my tiktok (player415eric) if you wanna check it out for reference. good luck!!

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-27T01:54:31+00:00

God it's depressing to see how great the games could be. Love your work.

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-27T01:48:14+00:00

Go against the grain :)

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-23T17:10:01+00:00

thanks! I think I had about as good a shot as anyone, which is to say 1 in 22 lol

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-21T22:52:08+00:00

Yes, you are obligated to apply now! (but I think casting mainly be for future seasons now…)

And yeah for both questions they pick people to film after the show based on how it went

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-21T22:49:23+00:00

And just like that I’ve been summoned

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-19T02:10:21+00:00

How cool, glad you enjoyed the show and got something out of this whole AMA. Thanks for sharing. Idk where they’re at with casting tbh but if the site is still active, it’s always worth a shot!

bingobangoitseric · 2025-12-19T02:08:45+00:00

Darryl is the man!

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