They Create Worlds

https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/feed.xml

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Episodes

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

Sunday Nov 01, 2020

The Visions of Coleco Part 2

Sunday Nov 01, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2

In our second part look at Coleco we dive into the electronics and transition into programable consoles. We see how they influenced the post crash consoles of Nintendo and Sega. With the release of Colecovision we saw one of the most advanced consoles of the pre crash era. The system was able to do faithful recreations of many popular arcade games. This is most exemplified with the release Donkey Kong. Coleco tried to transition into computers with the release of ADAM. However this turned into a disaster for the company and marked the turning point into a rapid decline. They were able to stay afloat for a little while with the release of Cabbage Patch Kids, however Coleco was unable to recover from the downward spiral.

TCW 025 - Mattel Electronics?: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/mattel-electronics/

Coleco Quarterback Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93u6POODKQY
Coleco Head to Head Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmLX1ylQhMs

Mini Tabletop Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuo0njOI-qE

Colecovision Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOyuI4MwS8

Colecovision Turbo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxX3DK3pSU

Colecovision Zaxxon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGIAKKsNylU

Colecovision Donkey Kong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI9WwdVb-_A

ADAM Computer Comercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-dmEFOT3FY

Coleco Adam Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAYCqMchb88

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Thursday Oct 15, 2020

The Visions of Coleco Part 1

Thursday Oct 15, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1

We look at the Connecticut Leather Company otherwise known as Coleco! We see how a simple company starting with leather goods transformed into a toy company that spanned multiple generations. Coleco started exploring electronic toys with games like electric football. They found themselves uniquely suited to take advantage of the coming Pong on a chip craze. With their early entry allowing them to outpace the competition when the chip shortage struck. However due to complications Coleco decided to pull out of video games after the Pong fad started to fade.

Howdy Doody: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=674LDaMpDnU

Eagle Toys Hockey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUlDXHXNCYs

Coleco Electric Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8y0_XVnCII

Electric Football Mini Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMyaWCroBg8

TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/
Coleco Telstar Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ9iGNSjwWo

RF Modulators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOS2j2cUyo8
TCW 027 - The Magnavox Patent Lawsuits: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-magnavox-patent-lawsuits-friday-september-16-2016-1003-am/
Jai-Alai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5iQcnIRMa8

Coleco Telstar Colormatic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sunfn3zkKQ
Coleco Telstar Ranger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaRcdOfWawk
Coleco Telstar Galaxy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS_zZZL9ynE

Coleco Telstar Combat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE0pBEipkjQ

Coleco Telstar Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0AqMUySRG0

Coleco Telstar Arcade Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGXc15cgzhw

Coleco Telstar Marksman Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfAAamT_vwY

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Thursday Oct 01, 2020

A Casual World Part 2

Thursday Oct 01, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 123 - A Casual World Part 2

In our continued exploration of casual games we see the rise of match three in popularizing the genre. Exemplified by games such as Klax, Columns, Bejewed, and Candy Crush. The continued development and migration to the web further fueled the popularization of casual games. Reaching the apex today with the help of casual games on Facebook. That apex exemplified with the company PopCap Games. Enjoy the casual world of games!

The Tetris God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alw5hs0chj0

Klax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amH4q0TV384

Lucy and the Chocolate Factory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkQ58I53mjk

Columns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCZ_2d_oF8Y

Acccustic coupler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bSMJQbUpL0

TCW 039 - On-Line Systems: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/on-line-systems/

TCW 040 - Sierra On-Line: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sierra-on-line/

Space Jam Website: https://www.spacejam.com/

Castle Crashers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d0VXoJ5qyc

Bejeweled : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrDsaK2qMUE

Evolution of Farmville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyits1Q7Zk8

Candy Crush Saga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ThVjWeiMc

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Tuesday Sep 15, 2020

A Casual World Part 1

Tuesday Sep 15, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 122 - A Casual World Part 1

We look at the changes in the industry, mindset, and accessibility of games that lead to the formation of casual games. The early groundwork is set with casual games like Shanghai, Rubix, Reversi, Solitaire, and Tetris. The development happened organically, almost by accident. The tales of some of the pioneers that opened the door to what is arguably the biggest segment of the modern gaming industry is a tale not well told. We start that tale in this episode!

Shanghai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujw9y_m41WM

History of Mediagenic Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-i/

History of Mediagenic Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-ii/

Rubix the Amazin Cube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6Ey_FHJkk

Reversi Windows 1.0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcIDOdZu5GA-

The Complete Tetris Story: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-complete-tetris-story/

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Tuesday Sep 01, 2020

The Whole Video Game Industry Part 4

Tuesday Sep 01, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 121 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 4

In this, our conclusion of the whole video game industry, we start with a look at Xerox Park, and the technologies that came from their endeavors. We see the true formation, merging, and maturation of videogames as an entertainment fixture! This of course is not without the challenges that stand before any new industry, including infighting, a congressional hearing, and espionage! Enjoy our conclusion and look at the whole video game industry!

Livestream Recording Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApvgGf4xpjM

TCW 083 - An Unlikely Pairing of Siliwood: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=An+Unlikely+Pairing+of+Siliwood

TCW 087 - Virtual History: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/virtual-history/

Space Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vetUbjRB_0k

TCW 030 - DOOM!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=doom

Congress Violence in Videogames: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwM3ZMTCR0

TCW 003 - What Makes an Industry?: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/what-makes-an-industry/

TCW 036 - Raiding Eidos: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=Raiding+Eidos

TCW 066 - Half of a Life: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/half-of-a-life/

Darknet Diaries - XBOX Underground Pt1: https://darknetdiaries.com/episode/45/

Darknet Diaries - XBOX Underground Pt2: https://darknetdiaries.com/episode/46/

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Saturday Aug 15, 2020

The Whole Video Game Industry Part 3

Saturday Aug 15, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 120 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 3

This is our third part looking at the entire video game industry. We start with looking at the European PC industry, and then transitioning into the Arcade industry. We look at the arcades from both the United States, and Japanese standpoints. We then see the creation of the Famicom, and its debut in the west as the Nintendo Entertainment System. Next episode we will conclude our epic look at the whole industry!

Live Recording Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdAC0_F4I6Y

TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Hardware: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/

TCW 028 - Picking up the Pieces: The US Arcade Industry After the Crash: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/picking-up-the-pieces-the-us-arcade-industry-after-the-crash/

TCW 057 - Foundation of the Japanese Video Arcade Game Industry : http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/foundation-of-the-japanese-video-arcade-game-industry/

TCW 042 - Laser Craze: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/laser-craze/

Scramble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxaYafoAqFY

Super Cobra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6FK9jNBURY

Xevious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P24bjcvnxd8

TCW 073 - Adventuring in the Arcade: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=Adventuring+in+the+Arcade

TCW 035 - EA the Teenage Years: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ea-the-teenage-years/

TCW 063 - Lawsuits for Nintendo: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/lawsuits-for-nintendo/

TCW 111 - Jumping to It!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=Jumping+to+it

TCW 011 - The Genesis of JRPGs: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-genesis-of-jrpgs/

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Saturday Aug 01, 2020

The Whole Video Game Industry Part 2

Saturday Aug 01, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 119 -The Whole Video Game Industry Part 2

We continue our look at the entire video game industry! In the second part we start looking at the industry leading up to the crash! We continue the story where part 1 left off. We see the evolution of the industry along the three lines of arcade, home console, and PC. We see the pervasive influence of Dungeons and Dragons on the industry. Particularly the PC scene. A lot of crazy, and a lot of fun! Check out the companion video is you want to know how the original recording was!

Archive Live Stream Recording on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ5gDXPUV8g

TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2/

TCW 057 -Foundation of the Japanese Video Arcade Game Industry : http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/foundation-of-the-japanese-video-arcade-game-industry/

TCW 008 - Birth of the Japanese Game Center: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/birth-of-the-japanese-game-center/

TCW 029 - 50 Years of Namco: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/50-years-of-namco/

TCW 025 - Mattel Electronics?: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/mattel-electronics/

TCW 085 - Computer Game BASICs: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=Computer+Game+BASICs

TCW 016 - Early Computer Game Platforms: The Trinity, and The Disciples: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/early-computer-game-platforms-the-trinity-and-the-disciples/

D&D Dark Dungeons Comic: http://www.therobotspajamas.com/dd-kills-with-the-help-of-satan/

D&D Dark Dungeons Comic Comparison: http://www.theescapist.com/darkdungeons.htm

Mazes and Monsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HfU0UjcCeE

TCW 101 - Infocom: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=Infocom

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Wednesday Jul 15, 2020

The Whole Video Game Industry Part 1

Wednesday Jul 15, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 118 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 1

This is part one of our four part series looking at the entire video game industry at a very macro level. We look at the start of computers all the way through to the early video arcades and beyond! We see the evolution of games on PC, the arcade, and the initial forays into the home. We even see a hybrid of sorts with games like Seawolf combining electro-mechanical and video elements. We did a live recording of four episodes, including this one, on June 28th, 2020. Archival video of that is available on our YouTube channel!

YouTube Livestream Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwLh3ptIkhM

Ahoy "The First Video Game": https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uHQ4WCU1WQc

Ethan's Response: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2019/10/16/a-response-to-ahoys-the-first-video-game/

TCW 089 - The Dawn of Computers and Gaming: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-dawn-of-computers-and-gaming/

TCW 081 - The Meeting of Spacewar: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-meeting-of-spacewar/

TCW 007 - History of the Arcade: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-the-arcade/

TCW 034 - The Nutting Associates: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/?s=The+Nutting+Associates

Seawolf MAME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss0FEdCIJEM

Seawolf Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipssJjkN2bY

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Wednesday Jul 01, 2020

Wing Commander

Wednesday Jul 01, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 117 - Wing Commander

We look at one of the great space flight simulators of the 90's! Wing Commander is largely attributed to Chris Roberts. However we find out in this episode the many other people who were instrumental in not just the story, but gameplay of Wing Commander. We can see the true potential of the Siliwood era with the live action cut scenes used in both Wing Commander III and IV. We of course look at the inspirations for Wing Commander, and take a look at the history of the people involved! Grab your flight suit, and strap yourself in commander!

TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Hardware: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/

TCW 018 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Software: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-software/

Wizadore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frec-Bh6XfE

Stryker's Run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Q6qrzYw5I

TCW 038 - Origin Story: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/origin-story-1489274251/

Times of Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us8fDT3HYz8

Bad Blood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to057eXgGNw

Space Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyby7Znjmzc

Battlehawks 1942: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt6Q0jPWnQw&t=731s

F-19 Stealth Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPAKu2sP7w

Wing commander launch cutscene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocwNg05FL4

Wing Commander 1 Campaign with Commentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9Z4q8y-FhY

Wing Commander 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IXwoZSH9Y&list=PLcl9BuQAvqoAQWPRbs__HFdgNDpXx-uUA

TCW 082 - An Unlikely Pairing of Siliwood: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/an-unlikely-pairing-of-siliwood/

Wing Commander 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhPlK6yOT3g

Wing Commander 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcbHuJxqgk0

New episodes 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 is available for preorder and should be released through CRC Press in December 2019: 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

Monday Jun 15, 2020

The Atari Games You Are Looking For

Monday Jun 15, 2020

TCW Podcast Episode 116 - The Atari Games You Are Looking For

In this episode we continue our tradition of looking at Atari! This time a deep look at Atari Games. We look at the company starting with it's acquisition by Namco. We look at its progression through the 80's and 90's with many notable games. Unfortunately during the Siliwood era Atari was reacquired by Time Warner. After limited success the remnants of the company were sold off to Williams' where the name of Atari was given up in a legal dispute with Hasbro.

TCW 029 - 50 Years of Namco: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/50-years-of-namco/

TCW 032 - The History of the Atari Brand: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-history-of-the-atari-brand/

TCW 029 - Picking up the Pieces: The US Arcade Industry After the Crash http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/picking-up-the-pieces-the-us-arcade-industry-after-the-crash/

Marble Madness - Atari 1984: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jazxSQz0yL4

Star Wars Arcade Atari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHUToeQykp0

Star Wars Arcade Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHaST9kFApo

Firefox Atari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ivJ7c_naPQ

Atari Temple of Doom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnFM7qP4cZo

Atari Road Runner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dprbGfSttHU

Atari Empire Strikes Back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz2B4Iy9-6M

Paperboy Arcade Atari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnFMiTjswtk

Gauntlet Atari Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrddJQSgPtk