CE #43: Todd Harris

This week we're joined in the Laboratory by Hi-Rez co-founder and COO, Todd Harris. In this episode we discuss Smite, Tribes, the difficult communities they appeal to, and the nature of designing free-to-play games. We also learn how to monetize griefing and discuss the usefulness of Steam Greenlight.

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Todd on Twitter
• Hi-Rez Studios
• Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers
• Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix
• Try a free audiobook and support the show!
• [LINK] Peter Molyneux may have just monetized trolling
• [LINK] Is Steam Greenlight working?
• [LINK] Game Developer Tychoon uses irony on software pirates
• [LINK] The SimCity 3.0 update
• [LINK] Nyan Cat and Keyboard Cat creators sue 'Scribblenauts' studio for using their memes

CE 42: Monaco and Andy Schatz

Andy Schatz joins us again from the whirlwind of his upcoming Monaco: What's Yours is Mine release! For the episode (that answers the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything), we discuss slices of gum, the curious violence of Bioshock Infinite, and question the death of the personal twitter account.

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Andy on Twitter
• Pocketwatch Games
• Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers
• Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix
• Try a free audiobook and support the show!
• [LINK] The AMAZING Polygon interview with Andy Schatz
• [LINK] The personal twitter account is dead
• [LINK] The SimCity debacle
• [LINK] Hitbox discusses their Dustforce sales figures
• [LINK] NPR discusses the changing console market
• [LINK] We need better video game publishers

Nevermind the Bollocks

The next few weeks are going to be very trying for Wes, with the imminent birth of his latest and upcoming PAX East trip. Spencer has been a bit out of commission due to some family developments. With these in mind, it's highly unlikely that any new episodes will be released in the next few weeks. That COULD change, but it's quite difficult to book guests when your baby could be born at any minute.

Please keep tuned, this podcast is not dead... and we do have some open invitations to some amazing guests in the future!

CE 41: Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson, Vice-President of Tripwire Interactive, joins us this week in the laboratory. In addition to discussing Killing Floor and Red Orchestra, we talk about the value of community input into game design, the balance between the ESRB and regulation, and how we are all going to be MLG-pro

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Tripwire Interactive
• Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers
• Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix
• Try a free audiobook and support the show!
• [LINK] Gamers need to 'quiet down' says CA senator
• [LINK] MLG-produced game inevitable
• [LINK] Optimize 'Far Cry 3,' 'Hawken,' and other PC games with Nvidia's cloud-based settings tweaker

Good Reviews are Rocket Fuel

I cannot describe how incredible it is when people "get" your show. Thank you, folks!

CE 40: Michael McMain

Xaviant CEO, Michael McMain joins us this week on the show. In addition to discussing their work in progress, Lichdom, we discuss the place of consoles in the gaming universe, the inescapable siren call of Skyrim, and the big gay planet of The Old Republic. Skype was particularly cruel to the audio quality this week, so please pardon the hiss.

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Xaviant
• Lichdom
• Lichdom Play Tester Sign-up
• Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers
• Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix
• Try a free audiobook and support the show!
• [LINK] Say hello to The Old Republic's gay planet
• [LINK] Are console sales numbers calling for the next generation?
• [LINK] PSN offering great deals on some digital titles

CE 39: Erin Robinson

For our first episode of the new year, Erin Robinson is our guest in the Laboratory! In addition to talking about Gravity Ghost, we ask her about her technological influence, her path to indie development, and whether Spencer should make a game about words or insects.

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Erin on Twitter
• Gravity Ghost
• Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix
• Try a free audiobook and support the show!
• [LINK] Does calling it a “beta” justify selling an unfinished game?
• [LINK] Gabe Newell talks about the Steam Box
• [LINK] Nvidia's Project Shield
• [LINK] Fargo Reveals The Future Of Torment
• [LINK] Dragon Age’s lead writer on fandom and the “increasingly toxic” Bioware forums