CE 74: Nina Freeman

This week, our experiment focuses on Nina Freeman, lead designer of Cibele. In addition to exploring the nature of intimacy in video games, we learn how to hate ourselves for playing MMOs, that we're too old for Undertale, and that if I ever want to make Spencer quit caring, I should just bring up sales reports.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Nina on Twitter

Cibele

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My latest Unboxing video

[LINK] Steam estimated to have brought in $4 billion in revenue.

[LINK] Why 2016 will be the year of esports

[VIDEO] Smite releases a new cinematic trailer

[LINK] Undertale is tearing Gamefaqs apart

For a video of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/WpPvhb6un4c

CE 73: Warren Spector

This week we return to the laboratory with Warren Spector, creator of some of the most iconic experiences in gaming history. In addition to discussing his illustrious career making games like Ultima Underworld, Wing Commander, Deus Ex, and Epic Mickey, we learn about his work with the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, the myriad of games he's playing but would never design, and why he'll never get a job in this industry again. Guest Co-Host: Joel Levin of MinecraftEDU.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Warren on Twitter

Denius-Sams Gaming Academy

Joel on Twitter

MinecraftEDU

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[LINK] The Psychonauts 2 funding campaign.

[LINK] Winners of the 2015 Game Awards

[LINK] System Shock 3 revealed

For a video of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/fWbXyy0A5Ng

CE 72: Soren Johnson

This week we experiment on Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, makers of Offworld Trading Company. In addition to talking about his early access release, we discuss his history with Firaxis and EA, the eventual return of rhythm games, the frustration of unlimited turn strategy games, and the methods by which we will hobble Skynet's AI.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Soren on Twitter

Offworld Trading Company Early Access

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My latest Unboxing video

[LINK] Five things I didn't get about making video games (until I did).

[LINK] Activision to announce new Guitar Hero game

[LINK] Homeworld Remastered is released

[VID] Smosh Bros Claps with Realistic Audio

[LINK] The Art Of Elite: Dangerous' Space Photographers

[LINK] A Total War Game that isn't broken

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/BeA_zi560IE

CE 71: Kristen Bornemann

From deep within the Maguma Jungle, we are joined by Kristen Bornemann of ArenaNet! Kristen talks to us about the upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2, as well as her deep and confusing love for DOTA 2. We also discuss the release of the new 3DS, the slavery inherent in Ingress, and the cost to make Core Elements sell out.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Kristen on Twitter

Guild Wars 2

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[LINK] Smaller new 3DS will not be sold in the U.S.

[LINK] Activision cracking down on exploit videos

[LINK] Rock Band 3 releases two new tracks!

[LINK] The Unbalanced Design of Super Smash Brothers

[LINK] Notch talks about the sale of Minecraft to Microsoft

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/ImAArNuxwEc

CE 70: Gabriel Mughelli

This week, Gabriel Mughelli, Promotions Mastermind at Hi-Rez Studios, joins us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the upcoming Smite championships and Global Agenda 2, we discover why our brains like random lewtz, baffle Spencer with the popularity of e-sports, and dig into the worth of the CoD Riot Shield.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Gabriel on Twitter

Hi-Rez Studios

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[LINK] Your brain loves rewards - whether you like it or not

[LINK] Press X to mourn.

[LINK] Why I don't finish most video games

[LINK] Internet Arcade adds 900 classic games to your browser

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/B4NNeFFIZlo

CE 69: John Comes

This week, John Comes of Uber Entertainment joins us in the Laboratory! In addition to discussing Planetary Annihilation and the Human Resources kickstarter, we discuss the nature of Wes's MMO addictions, ponder the space flight sim vacancy, and definitively define which Civilization game is superior.

[MP3 AUDIO]

John on Twitter

Uber Entertainment

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[LINK] X-Wing and Tie Fighter fingally getting digital release.

[LINK] Star Citizen funding now up to $59 million.

[LINK] Microsoft plans to uphold Minecraft community standards.

[LINK] Twitch changes its Terms of Conduct to exclude shirtlessness.

[VIDS] People freaking out over MewTwo in Smash Brothers.

[VID] Spelunky beaten with a dance pad controller.

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/RLFqqgPj28A

CE 68: Will Overgard

Will Overgard, of The Creative Assembly, joins us in the laboratory this week! In addition to discussing Total War and Alien: Isolation, we ponder the results of internet death threads, dissect the fall of the Human Resources kickstarter, and help Spencer decide whether he should finish FFXIII or squeeze every bit of game he can from it.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Will on Twitter

The Creative Assembly

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[LINK] Game Dev threatens Gabe Newell and gets his game pulled from Steam.

[LINK] Custom game miniatures soon to be a thing.

[LINK] Study finds Portal 2 is better for you than "Brain Training" software.

[LINK] Human Resources kickstarter cancelled

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/2jHxOzdBlv8

CE 67: Consortium

This week we're joined by Gregory MacMartin of iDGi, makers of Consortium. In addition to discussing their futuristic murder mystery, we contemplate the value of cancelled Blizzard games, assess the standards for debate and discourse, evaluate the concept that Mass Effect 2 is the best pc game, and statistically analyze how much programming indie game devs can do.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Gregory on Twitter

Consortium

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[LINK] Blizzard cancels Titan.

[LINK] Ingress gets player-defined quests

[LINK] X-box One sales are tanking in Japan

[LINK] Female Game Developers talk about #GamerGate

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/4qVDpneTVFA

CE 66: Ryan S Dancey

Our guest scientist this week is Ryan S Dancey of Goblinworks, makers of Pathfinder Online. His illustrious gaming career includes product development on Legend of the Five Rings, brokering the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast, leading the development of 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons, and marketing Eve and the World of Darkness MMO for three years with CCP. In edition to discussing these amazing gaming milestones, we discuss the acquisition of Mojang by Microsoft, the toxicity of online comments, the keys to ensuring a successful business lives through its own growth, and whether Pokemon should have been a Facebook game.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Ryan on Twitter

Pathfinder Online

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My latest Unboxing video

[LINK] Mojang bought by Microsoft for $2.5 billion.

[VID] This is Phil Fish

[LINK] "One of the most radical things you can do is to actually believe women when they talk about their experiences"

[LINK] Pewdiepie turns off YouTube comments

[LINK] In Defense of Specific Definitions

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/HKstBtgvt6o

CE 65: @MikeRugnetta

After a long dormant period inside the volcano, Mike Rugnetta from PBS Idea Channel returns for a reasoned discussion about the nature of games and our media. In addition to talking about his work with PBS and podcasting, we look into the obtuse nature of non-DS Zelda, the corruption that nostalgia can throw on your game replays, and the persistent ear-plugging of the angry gamer bros.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Mike on Twitter

PBS Idea Channel

Reasonably Sound Podcast

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[LINK] Mike's tweets regarding Feminist Frequency

[LINK] Equality is the worst thing that could happen

[LINK] Passing off Anti-Feminist Nonsense as Critique

[LINK] Jim Sterling: Social Justice Warriors and Ganondorf

[LINK] League of Legends critics are trying to sell themselves, not fix the game

[LINK] The Note 4 VR Rig

[LINK] Explore Destiny with Google Street View

[LINK] What happens if you op everyone on a server

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/iZpRNPDbP6Q

CE 64: Pixel: ru²

This week we're joined by Charlotte and Jesse, creators of Pixel: ru². In addition to talking about their game, we discuss the expectations that are coming from E3, the future of GoG Galaxy, and the nature of taking an indie game to PAX.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Charlotte on Twitter

Pixel: ru²

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My first Unboxing video

[LINK] Ubisoft and Rockstar's huge oversight

[LINK] Five video game trends coming out of E3 2014

[LINK] Playing Occulus Rift games at E3

[LINK] GoG Galaxy to offer DRM-free alternative to Steam

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/dL1B2hfhSGM

CE 63: Wildstar

Wildstar was released this week, and we celebrate by having Matt Mocarski and Mike Donatelli of Carbine Studios join us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the making of their game, we also explore the expectations on Facebook's Occulus project, the extraordinary challenges of MMO development, and the nature of in-game comedy.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Mike on Twitter

Matt on Twitter

Wildstar

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My first Unboxing video

[LINK] Former Steam boss Jason Holtman joins Oculus VR

[LINK] Watch Dogs sells 4 million copies its first week.

[LINK] The inside story on the World of Darkness MMO and CCP.

[LINK] Video Game Preorders are out of control

[VIDS] The Best Luigi Death Stare videos

[GAME] Pixel: ru² is on sale this week at IndieGameStand! 75% off! They'll be guests on the show next week!

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/Cp-y2sfKKq8

CE 62: Dragon Army

Michael Stanley, of Dragon Army, joins us in the laboratory this week to talk about Robots Love Ice Cream. In addition to discussing what constitutes a "Core Gamer", we analyze the nature of the fixated Eve assassin, contemplate the lethality of weaponized ice cream, and debate whether all of Notch's work has become autobiographical.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Michael on Twitter

DragonArmy on Twitter

Robots Love Ice Cream

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[LINK] NNPD Reports on "Core Gamers"

[LINK] Titanfall companion app lauches

[LINK] EVE Online 3 year manhunt

[LINK] Xbox live offering refunds for Netflix subscribers

[LINK] Notch's tiny despair simulator

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/3KLDkPvSQrM

CE 61: Elysian Shadows

This week we're joined by Falco and Tyler, developers of the game Elysian Shadows. In addition to talking about their 2d/3d RPG, we ponder virtues of old game styles, contemplate the value of being grandfathered on Steam, and continue to allow Wes to talk about how he's MMO'd out.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Elysian Shadows on Twitter

Falco on Twitter

Tyler on Twitter

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[LINK] Nintendo Earnings negative for the third year in a row

[LINK] Blizard profits fall 35%

[LINK] DOTA 2 players outnumber World of Warcraft subscribers

[LINK] Earth 2066 removed from Steam store for false advertising.

[LINK] Developers abandon unfinished game on Steam after selling 200,000 copies

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/xLJXtt9_Rxs

CE 60: Phil Tibitoski

This week Spencer makes a new best friend as Phil Tibitoski joins us in the volcano. In addition to talking about Octodad, we discuss YouTubers owning the games they play, the dollar per hour cost in games, and the need for variability in enemy camps.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Phil on Twitter

Octodad

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[LINK] One Explanation Behind EA 'Destroying' Bullfrong

[LINK] YouTubers ask for a piece of game dev's profits to play their games

[VID] Game Theory: Flabby Bird, PewDiePie, and Pasta Sauce

[VID] Extra Credits: What is a Game?

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/e3boaKaP5lk

CE 59: Dana Massey

This week we're joined by Dana Massey of Rocket City Studios. In addition to discussing their game, Second Chance Heroes, we explore the world of 2048, we ponder the masochism of MMO development, and we pontificate on how Titanfall turns losers into winners and winners into losers.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Dana on Twitter

Second Chance Heroes

[LINK] How Razer is reinventing the gaming PC, one insane project at a time

[LINK] Unreal Engine unveils new pricing structure

[LINK] 2048, Doge2048, Flappy 2048

[LINK] Sony reveals its vr system for PS4 and The new Occulus Rift is very cool

[LINK] SimCity finally gets an offline mode

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/Dc6womK94q4

CE 58: Dejobaan Games

This week, Ziba Scott returns to the volcano to discuss his work with Dejobaan games, makers of Drunken Robot Pornography and the upcoming Elegy for a Dead World. In addition to discussing the YOLO naming of DRP, we ponder whether we really want smart AI, what we're doing with our PC games, and whether crowd-sourced content is exploitative.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Ziba on Twitter

Elegy for a Dead World

Dejobaan Games

[LINK] Maybe We Can't Handle Smart Enemies in Our Games

[LINK] When a Successful Game is a Failure

[LINK] We're Buying More PC Games Than We Can Play

[LINK] Comcast isn't letting customers watch HBO Go on Playstation

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/qdP8QrWHmUQ

CE 57: Raphael van Lierop

After a long absence, we are joined in the laboratory this week by Raphael van Lierop of Hinterland Studios. In addition to discussing his game, The Long Dark, we discuss the meaning of Flappy Bird, ponder the success of Games Workshop titles, and wonder at the emerging religions in Twitch Plays Pokemon.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Raphael on Twitter

The Long Dark

Hinterland Games

[LINK] Flappy Bird creator pulls his game offline

[LINK] Nintendo terminating Wi-Fi service for DS and Wii

[LINK] Twitch Plays Pokemon nearly beats the game

[IMG] The Evolution of Religion in Twitch Plays Pokemon

[LINK] Ken Levine announce he is "winding down" Irrational Games

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/n80z1u_LyOo

CE 56: Lorne Lanning

Lorne Lanning, creator of Oddworld, steps into our laboratory to discuss his work with us. In addition to talking about Lorne's transition from film to games, we talk about breadcrumbs in MMOs, the imbecilic trolling of the gaming internet, and Spencer's New Year's insanity pact.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Lorne on Twitter

Oddworld.Com

[LINK] Trolling group using virtually unheard of NTP attack to grind popular online games to a halt.

[LINK] Creative Assembly announces Alien: Isolation

[LINK] PlayStation Now will offer Netflix-like subscription options

[LINK] GDC Developers Choice Award Nominees

[LINK] Independent Games Festival awards finalists revealed

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjXqvMh6pys

CE 55: Steve Gaynor

This week Steve Gaynor of Fullbright joins us in the volcano to talk about his incredibly successful indie game, Gone Home. As part of his initiation, we discuss the latest YouTube shenanigans, The cinematic value of a cinematic let's play, and the strategy of price drops.

[MP3 AUDIO]

Steve on Twitter

Gone Home

[LINK] Eldritch

[VID] YouTube goes crazy with the new content-id system

[LINK] No Man's Sky

[LINK] Telltale's Game of Thrones

[LINK] Elder Scroll Online release date set at April 4th

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3AlzZS91iM