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Love of the worlds created by video game designers and personalities drives Alex Smith & Jeffrey Daum (history, law, CS degrees) to provide a scholarly yet light-hearted discussion of how arcade, home console, and PC games merged into a Video Game Industry. Emphasis is on the combination of business and creative elements needed for financial success. Interviews of Atari, EA, Activision, & other execs with detailed source evaluations produce the insights you hear in these 140+ hours!
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
TCW Podcast Episode 228 - PopCap Games
PopCap Games was initially overlooked by the larger gaming industry due to its focus on fun, well-designed, and polished casual games. Their first major hit, Bejeweled, became a consistent source of income, allowing PopCap to invest time in developing new titles. This led to the creation of Peggle, which helped solidify PopCap’s reputation, particularly after developers at Valve became hooked on the game’s deeper skill-based mechanics and puzzles. The success of Bejeweled and Peggle continued with their ports to the iPod and, eventually, the iPad, further expanding PopCap’s popularity. This growth culminated in the release of Plants vs. Zombies, which debuted on PC before being adapted for iOS. The game’s seamless touchscreen integration made it a standout app for the newly launched iPad. As the gaming industry evolved, PopCap struck a deal with EA, which acquired the company, leading to the departure of its founders over the following years.
Attack Retrieve Capture: https://alchetron.com/Attack-Retrieve-Capture
Shariki Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMwGy1fv41g
Play Dimond Mine: https://www.crazygames.com/game/diamond-mine
Bejeweled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLtaf1PFVM
Palm OS - PDA Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nfg4YIoYas
TCW 122 - A Casual World Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-1/
TCW 123 - A Casual World Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-2/
Zuma Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpuOhuVnnQ
Alchemy Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p902uQ_y3r4
Play Alchemy Deluxe: https://archive.org/details/alchemy-deluxe
Bookworm Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA1NSyldUQ8
The Oral History of PopCap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwzxWLonObo
Burnout 3 Takedown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6vHTQv9JHY
Peggle Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlnieE-h6k8
Peggle Extreme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAKLiepJDrM
Peggle Extreme (Steam - Free): https://store.steampowered.com/app/3483/Peggle_Extreme/
Bejeweled (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7iHTM0ryWm0
Peggle (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qhWSm0zNSrk
Insaniquarium Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U04weIAra20
Plants VS Zombies (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XENla8M3910
Plants VS Zombies (iPad): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvopYLzwb90
PopCap Games on Internet Archive: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22PopCap+Games%22
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 227 - Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong, a game and character that stands as one of the foundational elements of video game history, has a popular narrative with some inaccuracies that need correction. Thanks to the efforts of Kate Willaert and Norman Caruso, we can better understand the influences and origins of Donkey Kong. Nintendo’s use of hardware from another game, Radar Scope, imposed technical limitations that prevented them from securing the desired Popeye license. Donkey Kong drew inspiration from games like Crazy Climber and Space Panic, and its four stages even incorporate elements of the Eastern storytelling structure known as Kishōtenketsu. Join us as we delve into the fascinating origins of Donkey Kong like never before!
Futurama - Quarters! A Million Allowances Worth of Quarters!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPWti2CoRg
"Critical Kate" Willaert: https://www.acriticalhit.com/
Norman Caruso "The Gaming Historian": https://thegaminghistorian.com/
In The Year 2525 - Zager & Evans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb7poHQuMWg
Wikipedia (Donkey Kong - 1981 Video Game): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(1981_video_game)
Space Firebird (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0MSz55Ct-0
Radar Scope (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbliYx51ok
Galaxian (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0OTi8hLYpg
How the Famicom was Born: https://glitterberri.com/developer-interviews/how-the-famicom-was-born/
Shmuplations - Shigeru Miyamoto – 2000 Developer Interview: https://shmuplations.com/miyamoto2000/
Shmuplations - Donkey Kong - A Record of Struggle: https://shmuplations.com/donkeykong/
Popeye The Sailor Man - A Dream Walking: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rt7c6
Crazy Climber (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZxndttbLIY
Space Panic (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLd1xABCsaQ
Design Bytes SMB 1-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La2aGhZxLkQ
Barrel Jumping Championship 1957: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvuK8NNSOnI
Scramble (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk6BTqzLLfk
Kishōtenketsu Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7to8TC5sJVc
Lionel Hutz Explains "The Truth": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nc88_ZEfxg
Gaming Historian - How the Mario Characters Got Their Names: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTyxQfpOEbE
Disinclined to acquiesce…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLGgIMCUzk
Donkey Kong (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHJhla8TO4
Donkey Kong Cereal Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGvDhBdClFY
Donkey Kong Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyfayak2djo&list=PLP9LnKF6J6Lod1PYlsQ2zJ9OsZT-ALBga
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 226 - Ray Kassar
Ray Kassar rose from humble beginnings to become a talented, savvy, and personable executive. He began his career in the textile industry at Burlington Industries, where he eventually became president of its most profitable division. However, after the unexpected passing of Burlington’s head, Kassar faced ageism and cronyism, which stifled his advancement. Despite climbing the corporate ladder again, he was passed over for a more tenured executive. Leaving Burlington, Kassar founded a company importing Egyptian cotton for the U.S., where he planned to work until retirement. However, Manny Gerard of Warner Communications recruited him to stabilize Atari after its recent acquisition. Kassar’s leadership introduced a robust marketing strategy, reduced manufacturing defects, and turned Atari into a massive profit center. Though his rapid adaptation to the gaming industry sparked some resentment and controversy, Kassar’s impact on Atari was undeniable. His story is one of nuance and twists, as Atari would not have achieved its success without his visionary leadership.
TCW 046 - Atari, Ray Kassar, and Warner: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-ray-kassar-and-warner/
TCW 104 - A Holistic View of ET: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-holistic-view-of-et/
TCW 186 - Atari's Distribution Nightmare: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-distribution-nightmare/
TCW 187 - Atari's Sinking Ship: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-sinking-ship/
Once Upon Atari - How I made history by killing an industry: (Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fUDNx6
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 225 - Games by Apollo
The great video game crash of the mid-1980s had many factors contributing to it. One such factor was the rise of companies like Games by Apollo, which is sometimes seen as an exemplar of the many businesses that entered the video game industry hoping to make quick money. While some criticisms of Games by Apollo are valid, the company was also much more than that, bringing innovative game ideas to the table. Founded by Patrick Roper, who previously created career videos for students, the company grew rapidly and released games at an unprecedented pace. However, many of its games suffered from short production times, leading to control problems, balance issues, and design flaws. Despite these challenges, Games by Apollo consistently tried to push the envelope, creating games that pushed the VCS to new heights!
Smell BAD (Labyrinth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6H4e7Kvvw
Fuzzy Bunny's Guide To You Know What (Simpsons): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQn-DwSW-tk
Hands Across America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnA0uYL4YtI
Games By Apollo PM Magazine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BhTS-q38A
Skeet Shoot (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UWJFOUBxTo
Spacechase (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdG-v4MY51Q
Racquetball (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWueVYa0HJk
Lochjaw (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW8HOi1f0G8
Lost Luggage (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qehLDMO_Ncs
Kaboom (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwrZHu-d-vY
Space Cavern (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EILC0vcdnc4
Space Cavern - Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMaMvchzMBI
Demon Attack (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GwoSr12kxY
Kyphus (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmgsYN1oBI
Squoosh (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQR_hgYZPHA
Pompeii (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_9EnYxqvU
Play Pompeii: https://atarionline.org/atari-2600/pompeii
Infiltrate (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24ngfVWqA8
Elevator Action (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrBE8iUwgg4
Elevator Action (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5reigEnv4
Final Approach (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcUWNNCCMKE
Wabbit (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJmR9ygI9c
Video Game History Foundation -The Woman who Brought Female Representation to Games: https://gamehistory.org/wabbit/
Guardian (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmlwqi_UeEU
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 224 - D&D & Video Games 3E
In our final look at D&D & Video Games, we explore the early PC and mainframe computer scene, as well as the games created by fans of D&D. Various aspects of D&D were incorporated into these games, ranging from puzzles and light combat to full-on dungeon dives to claim treasure from the deepest levels. These games grew in popularity and led to others iterating on the aspects they enjoyed. Games on the PLATO system—such as Pedit5, D&D, and Orthanc—paved the way for reimagining these games on home computers, including the Apple II. This foundation led to the creation of seminal titles like Ultima and Wizardry, which would influence RPGs on PCs for over a decade. D&D has a long history of collaborating with different systems and ideas to create innovative forms of gaming, with the potential to continue transforming video games well into the future.
Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc
Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC
The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq
Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi
Colossal Cave Adventure: https://rickadams.org/adventure/
Play Zork Online: https://textadventures.co.uk/games/view/5zyoqrsugeopel3ffhz_vq/zork
TCW 170 - A Rogue's Survival Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-rogue-s-survival-part-1/
TCW 171 - A Rogue's Survival Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-rogue-s-survival-part-2/
Pedit5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedit5
M199h: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2023/10/m199h-new-findings-both-solve-and.html
Everything We Know About 1970s Mainframe RPGS We Can No Longer Play: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2021/06/brief-everything-we-know-about-1970s.html
Orthanc (1975): https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2013/11/game-123-orthanc-1977.html
D&D On PLATO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdPrzb534TY
Revisiting The Dungeon (1975): https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2019/01/revisiting-dungeon-1975.html
Telengard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqDnYIsa-po
Play Telengard: https://www.myabandonware.com/game/telengard-6w
Moria: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2013/11/game-121-moria-1975.html
Play Moria (1988 DOS): https://www.myabandonware.com/game/moria-27f/play-27f
Oubliette: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2013/10/game-12-oubliette-1977.html
PLATO Oubliette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vUmkTi5D-k
TCW 016 - Early Computer Game Platforms: The Trinity, and the Disciples: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/early-computer-game-platforms-the-trinity-and-the-disciples/
Play Beneath Apple Manor (DOS 1983): https://www.myabandonware.com/game/beneath-apple-manor-256
Beneath Apple Manor Walkthrough (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IB7j2KVFrY
Dungeon Campaign: https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/2013/01/game-83-dungeon-campaign-1979.html
Dungeon Campaign (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xY7bZJ1LOQ
Dragon Maze (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-PNdthkDw
Dragon Maze Lets Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZnAmBAxgSo
Starfleet Orion: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfleet_Orion
Temple of Apshai Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVcDIQbwtWc
Temple of Apshai (Commodore Pet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3mcwLM-l5k
Ultima (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPqUe6Ohn2A
Wizardry (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJhMpPnnXMo
(Ethan) Temple of Apshai (TRS 80) - The Quest Log: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiMtY5BxdM0
TCW 114 - The Wizards of Sir-Tech: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-wizards-of-sir-tech/
TCW 115 - The Return of the Sdraziw of Sir-Tech: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-return-of-the-sdraziw-of-sir-tech/
Escape (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nvh78Dqfkg
Panorama Toh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4t6A9C31h0
TCW 157 - Final Fantasy's Tale: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/final-fantasy-s-tale/
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 223 - D&D & Video Games 2E
In the second part of our exploration of Dungeons & Dragons and its connection to video games, we examine the game’s refinement and rise in popularity. D&D was a groundbreaking experience, brought to life through Gary Gygax’s collaboration with others, particularly Dave Arneson, who developed many of its foundational concepts. The game evolved from miniature wargaming focused on medieval combat, with Tolkien-inspired high fantasy elements added later as an afterthought. These fantasy rules closely resembled those of Rules for Middle Earth but weren’t universally embraced, as some players preferred the realism of traditional wargaming, making it challenging to satisfy both audiences. We also delve into the well-known controversy between Gygax and Arneson and the creation of the Blackmoor campaign setting. We explore how TSR released the original box set and then evolved it into AD&D. Additionally, we examine how RPGs began to take off as a whole new type of game that people could play. Finally, we look at how D&D became embroiled in the cultural backlash of the 1980s "Satanic Panic."
Transcript: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/transcripts/tcw223
Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc
Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC
The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq
Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi
Leonard Nimoy The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins Full Album Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQbus0xfhk
Playing at the World - Rules for Middle Earth: https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-precursor-to-chainmail-fantasy.html
Knights of the Dinner Table: https://kenzerco.com/
Bunnies & Burrows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunnies_%26_Burrows
Tunnels & Trolls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_%26_Trolls
James Dallas Egbert III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dallas_Egbert_III
Chief Wiggum - It Almost Looks Like an Arrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb5k0iOBdsU
Bake him away Toys!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBOvfN2Y4oo
Mazes & Monsters Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLi422rkUIY
NYT - D&D: Satanic Panic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATUpSPj0x-c
D&D Cartoon Lore Explored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lZxOMMufM
Matel D&D Handheld Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY2OI7sVHjQ
Matel D&D Electronic Labyrinth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STU1I_x0-so
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (Intellivision): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MDVwAXVJ3w
[Adult Themes] Dark Dungeons Comic: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=0046
[Some Adult Themes] CBS - What was the Satanic Panic?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plEImKEIRm8
(BADD) Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Ies6NVAeA
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 222 - D&D & Video Games 1E
In the first part of this series, we explore the various influences leading to the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. This episode is an edited version of our livestream, delving into the rise in popularity of war games, board games, and miniatures. Avalon Hill, a major company in this field, published The General magazine, which helped players connect for games. Through opponent-wanted ads resembling today’s unmoderated forums and the discovery of games like Kriegsspiel and Stratego, we witness the evolution of elements that would eventually lead to the early role-playing game (RPG).
Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc
Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC
The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq
Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi
Afrika Korps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHOtUG4JvlQ
SGS Afrika Korps: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1266640/SGS_Afrika_Korps/
Gettysburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Cw6nzrPgw
The General Magazine: https://www.vftt.co.uk/ah_mags.asp?ProdID=PDF_Gen
What is Kriegsspiel?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVeR4n-u1w
Chancellorsville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmJjNI4CO70
Computer Chronicles Revisited: https://www.smoliva.blog/
Strategos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategos_(game)
Secrets of Blackmore on Amazon Prime Video (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4fsUSyA
How to Play DIPLOMACY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l53oL0ptt7k
Yes Mr Ford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0-AD3bFjF8
Siege of Bodenburg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Bodenburg
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds - Save 30% by signing up through the website and not the iOS App!
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 221 - North to Hellgate London
In a pseudo part three of our look at Condor and Blizzard North, we explore the troubles the company faced after a year and a half of crunch. David, Max, and Eric were all burned out along with the rest of the staff. David was going through a divorce and had trouble putting his heart into figuring out what the next game would be. Due to lack of leadership and a proper chain of command, many employees felt frustrated switching games over and over. At the same time, the expansion, Lord of Destruction, was completed after a year of development with no crunch. Through a combination of bad corporate structure, not empowering middle management, factionalism, and troubles with Blizzard's corporate owners being bought and sold amid their own scandals, David, Eric, Max, and Bill Roper from Blizzard South went on to form Flagship Studios and work on Hellgate: London. Unfortunately, the game was not well received due to expectations exceeding the financial and technical hurdles that needed to be overcome. There is a lot more to this story, so prepare yourself as we leave one hell for another!
Thor - Game Studio Gambles: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NLb9-DPspgA
Thor - Email Mike: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ilUpXkGxbo
Karateka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqk9kosCs4
Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034
Flagship Studios: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagship_Studios
Fate Longplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGH577lznLk&list=PL112CEBA37FF962EE
Mythos Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fEsOrRvZ58
Hellgate London E3 2005 Cinematic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xG9puQZJ1c
Hellgate London E3 Bill Roper Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1EQhHQPbQ
US/China WOW Model Differences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtI2GcUPEFQ
Hellgate London Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiKbGoiIHqo
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds - Sign up through the website not the iOS App!
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 220 - Diablo 2
We continue exploring the Diablo franchise with Diablo 2 and the journey of the team at Blizzard North. This episode covers the history of the Hellfire expansion for Diablo 1 and how it came to be developed by Sierra Online. A directive was issued for Blizzard North to focus on creating Diablo 2. The team aimed not just to create a bigger dungeon but to expand the game’s overall scope. However, the development of Diablo 2 faced challenges like feature creep, excessive gaming, and the absence of a game design document. These issues led to a year and a half of crunch time to complete the game. Despite these difficulties, Diablo 2 was released to phenomenal success.
Hellfire Monk Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJlxnFfxRM4
David Brevik on Diablo Hellfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4bDFgcuH-I
Warcraft Adventures - Lord of the Clans (Lets Play): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7JZu__7KTs
Thor - Overworked % Amazon Game Studios: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IVdaysrIS74
Thor - Blizzard Working Conditions: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B2mqnuRalYA
Thor - Blizzard Pay: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a8aumvAq5gM
Thor - Value vs Income from a Job: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8s3wa5kL6RY
TCW 054 - Blizzard - Vikings and WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-vikings-and-warcraft/
TCW 055 - Blizzard - Hellfire and The World… of WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-hellfire-and-the-world%E2%80%A6-of-warcraft/
Diablo II from 2000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_MoFDWJees
Diablo II LOD Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM7gA_xD7vE
Original StarCraft Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAXDv--grUE
Diablo II TV Commercial (Its Everywhere): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzBp9ECiodc
Diablo II TV Commercial (Evil Has Survived): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RvRK5qf6Lc
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
TCW Podcast Episode 219 - Diablo 1
We explore the monumental game Diablo! Initially a collaborative effort between David Brevik, Erich Schaefer, and Max Schaefer, Diablo brought together elements from games like X-Com, Angband, and surprisingly NHL '94. The trio formed the company Condor, producing NFL games and a Street Fighter clone called Justice League Task Force for the SEGA Genesis. At CES, they discovered another company developing the SNES port of Justice League, Blizzard Entertainment. Through a series of fortuitous events, Condor was acquired by Davidson & Associates and rebranded as Blizzard North. Join us as we explore the wild history of Diablo and its impact on shaping how we play video games today!
Play Diabo 1 Web Shareware Version: https://d07riv.github.io/diabloweb/
It was the best of times it was the blurst of times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_elVGGgW8
Moria (Plato Emulator): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zvqgKKXAFI
Angband: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSiX_aoUn5s
Stay a While and Listen (2 Book Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087JF24VG?binding=kindle_edition
Gordo 106 (AGDQ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwqlNeT9oTE
Three Days of the Condor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU8tQTNlPAM
Iguana Entertainment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguana_Entertainment
MC Chris Kingdom Hearts 2 & Resident Evil 4 (EXPLICIT): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZsDUSxK5Fs
NHL '94: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShqgmvGrxfM
X-COM UFO Defense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZJAFG0rjo0
The Digital Antiquarian - Diablo: https://www.filfre.net/2023/07/diablo/
Diablo 1 Original Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcKmaLP-sQM
Justice League Task Force (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hNrLiRxBE4
Justice League Task Force (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QulgjKAsRaA
TCW 054 - Blizzard: Vikings and WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-vikings-and-warcraft/
TCW 055 - Blizzard: Hellfire and The World… of WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-hellfire-and-the-world%E2%80%A6-of-warcraft/
David Brevik - Making Diablo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI_CXw4x61E
Diablo 1 - The Sin War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWXozMHrxrM
Diablo 1 All Cutscenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aMkkf8-i-U
Kali (Software): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_(software)
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/