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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[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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[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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[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