206 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 122+ hours!

They Create Worlds Alex Smith, and Jeffrey Daum

    • History
    • 4.9 • 50 Ratings

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 122+ hours!

    SEGA Saturn Part 1

    SEGA Saturn Part 1

    TCW Podcast Episode 206 - SEGA Saturn Part 1
     
    In this in-depth exploration of the SEGA Saturn, our focus delves into the intricate technology that underpins the console. We delve into the challenges associated with 3D modeling, collision detection, and object occlusion, scrutinizing how the Saturn, primarily a sprite-based system, manages to incorporate 3D elements. The pivotal moment arrives with the announcement of the Sony PlayStation, prompting SEGA's aspirations for enhanced 3D capabilities. SEGA sought Hitachi's involvement to augment the machine's speed for handling 3D demands. Fortuitously, the utilization of the SH2 chip presented an opportunity for two processors to collaborate seamlessly. Our discussion delves into the profound technical intricacies, laying the groundwork for the subsequent episode where we will unravel the repercussions of these technological endeavors for SEGA and the Saturn.
     
    TCW 127 - Dreams of SEGA: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/dreams-of-sega/
    TCW 129 - The Crash That Almost Was: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-crash-that-almost-was/
    Workstation VS Desktop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpBWaiWcXAk
    Workstation VS Gaming PCs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMSx2MUHSWM
    The Abyss - CGI Making of 1989: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAFIUuFRkBA
    Terminator 2 Advanced Photorealistic Morphing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37YrnLbQda0
    How Did They Get the CGI in Jurassic Park to Look so Good?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4UuQxjFpfU
    TCW 087 - Virtual History: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/virtual-history/
    Z-Buffer - Friday Minis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GyYKcLDaw
    How Games Have Worked for 30 Years to Do Less Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHYxjpYep_M
    Doom Engine - Limited but still 3D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYGJQqhMN1U
    Collision Detection in Quake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLHXn8IlAiA
    MDShock: https://mdshock.com/
    RISC vs CISK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rxade2nEjk
    Universal Logic Gates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPLg_P9dHNY
    Rodrigo Copetti Technical Breakdown Website https://www.copetti.org/
    SEGA Saturn Architecture: https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/sega-saturn/
    SEGA Saturn Polygon Distorted Sprite Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TleepxIORU
    Why Was the SEGA Saturn so Hard to Develop On: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa5pIfDvd68
    Why Triangulate Game Assets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oY_Ogj9Gh0
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3

    Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3

    TCW Podcast Episode 205 - Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3
     
    In our examination of the second and third installments of the Mass Effect trilogy, we delve into the development of each game and the transformative impact of BioWare's acquisition by EA. Mass Effect 2 marked a notable departure, shifting away from RPG elements towards a more structured shooter, with a renewed emphasis on narrative, albeit sidelining the original game's crew and downplaying choices made in its predecessor. Regrettably, Mass Effect 3 faced challenges, including the departure of its head writer and a departure from the hard sci-fi roots. The third game disappointed fans as high aspirations fell short, particularly in the lack of meaningful impact from player choices on the ending, which itself was criticized for adopting a Deus Ex Machina style conclusion. Despite these setbacks, the series retains a devoted fan base, attesting to its enduring appeal.
     
    Want to get Alex's book? Want to save some cash doing so? Want more books, and help charities? We got you!https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-architecture-worldbuilding-and-ai-taylor-francis-books
     
    Mass Effect Storyline in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WfTN57dOVg
    KOTOR Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8F-qqxGPNQ
    MASS Effect Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vSGwx0zvek
    Mass Effect Lore - The Asari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb20dR_X1E0
    The Dirty Dozen Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff1V6ywnWcY
    ME2 - Mordin Performing Scientist Salarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj0iJtgHOCI
    Mass Effect - Cerberus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_et4nN7LtAA
    ME3 Endings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1O_w0ksgw
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 40 min
    Exploring the Mass Effect

    Exploring the Mass Effect

    TCW Podcast Episode 204 - Exploring the Mass Effect
     
    In part one of a two-part exploration of the original Mass Effect trilogy, the game emerges as a synthesis of diverse influences from literary books, video games, art styles, TV shows, and movies. Drawing heavily from Bablyon 5 and the TV series 24, the main framework of Mass Effect reflects a blend of narrative inspirations. The art style, inspired by luminaries such as architect Santiago Calatrava, futurist Syd Mead, and John Harris, contributes to the game's visually captivating universe. The initial year of development was dedicated to crafting a compelling hard sci-fi universe. A key goal was to imbue the game with cinematic qualities and broaden its audience appeal, challenging the conventions of RPGs at the time. The innovative use of a dialog wheel, featuring concise words to convey dialog choices, coupled with full voice acting for both player characters and the main protagonist, marked significant strides in the gaming landscape.
     
    KOTR in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTCSPo7ZuSE
    SCTV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFb0L4MQziTjEsJKTbFgm8Q
    The Wild Life - Rick Moranis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mM9qvLYeI8
    Rick Moranis - SNL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzeyvaj1FiM
    "The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3": https://me3finalhours.com/#:~:text=Q%3A%20What%20is%20the%20Final,creative%20process%20behind%20the%20games.
    The Complete Deus Ex Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yD54ndTFVU
    StarFlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foX2Mn1TIzk
    Hard VS Soft Sci-Fi - What do they mean?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsbm2YDhItM
    The Physics of Space Battles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFOuxAx-dkc
    The Truth About Space War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs3mGhQGxM
    Syd Mead - Visual Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuMIrHlAf2Q
    Mr Spock Attempts Mind Meld with V'ger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qpO47Iskac
    Santiago Calatrava: https://calatrava.com/
    Santiago Calatrava: A selection of projects from all around the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEjJXEwicuA
    Babylon 5 - Everything You Didn't Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50xmPWmLUko
    John Harris - Beyond the Horizon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTuZlYJOw-Q
    Book Notes Mass - The Art of John Harris: https://adamrowe.substack.com/p/book-notes-mass-the-art-of-john-harris
    24's Jack Bauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKKTkTMAJBw
    Mass Effect 2006 E3 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvCvqbn4qY
    Mass Effect 1 - Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT5HhrIQfrY
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 32 min
    Alone In The Dark

    Alone In The Dark

    TCW Podcast Episode 203 - Alone In The Dark
     
    Despite appearing outdated by today's standards, Alone in the Dark remains a highly influential game in the survival horror genre. Numerous franchises, including Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Eternal Darkness, either cite or incorporate tropes popularized by Alone in the Dark. Spearheaded by Frédérick Raynal, the game drew inspiration from Giallo films and Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful works. It pioneered the use of 3D models in a pre-rendered environment with fixed camera angles, a technique later adopted as a staple on the first Sony PlayStation. Despite its significant success, Raynal departed Infogrames due to a lack of recognition, inadequate compensation, and the directive to create a new game with the same engine within a year. Subsequently, he founded his own company, Adeline Software.
     
    Content Warning: The movies and genres referenced may not be suitable for some audiences.
     
    Can You Hack Your Eyes to See Upside Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euwp4C6Wt8A
    Dawn of the Dead (1978) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_EviQj5tvA
    The Amityville Horror: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwa120o7m7k
    No Film School - Giallo Firm: https://nofilmschool.com/giallo-film-genre-explained
    Horror Press - Horror 101 - Giallo: https://horrorpress.com/misc/5539/horror-101-what-is-giallo-and-why-does-it-matter/
    Dario Argento: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Argento
    Mario Bava: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Bava
    The Bird with the Crystal Plumage Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UztVF1nJTBo
    Suspiria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPs2ExUL_bc
    Alfred Hitchcock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock
    Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVoVdKOLP04
    10 Things You Don't Know About Alfred Hitchcock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9BS9SJxbxc
    12 Common Camera Angles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNviMsi0K0
    Popcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ea5-eFU3oA
    Drakken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5RlWuY3gXU
    TCW 064 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-1/
    TCW 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-2/
    Star Glider 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg3uQM83dl8
    Alpha Waves (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qAtVwSIV8
    PBS Monstrum - The Origins of the Zombie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIGmsxBMnjA
    Shadow of the Comet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dwukeu8alE
    The Case of Charles Dexter Ward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va7WZT1lVsc
    44 Lovecraftian Monsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDPqZUja9wU
    Alone in the Dark - Artwork - Goomba Stomp: https://goombastomp.com/in-retrospect-the-original-alone-in-the-dark/
    Alone in the Dark - Retrospective, Analysis and Critique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YNZV5QAFc
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 35 min
    Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2

    Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2

    TCW Podcast Episode 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2
     
    Following the release of Breakout by Atari, its influence spread to Japan, sparking a surge in demand that prompted numerous Japanese companies to enter the video game industry by creating clones of the popular game. Seeking innovation, Exidy developed Circus, introducing new elements to the Breakout formula. The widespread appeal of Breakout extended to the home gaming market with Atari and Nintendo releasing ball and paddle games. A standout in this genre was the uniquely designed Warlords, which evolved in parallel as an arcade and console game. Concluding our exploration, we delve into the history of Arkanoid, unveiling its captivating story, including previously unknown details about the creators that have yet to be found in English sources.
     
    Monaco GP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGTGoKR7hUI
    TCW 179 - Space Invaders and Nishikado: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-and-nishikado/
    TCW 180 - Space Invaders Part II: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-part-ii/
    TCW 029 - 50 Years of Namco: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/50-years-of-namco/
    TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/
    Breakout Cocktail Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCE6zjRujps
    Mr Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BBQWed8Vk
    TCW 052 - The Many Faces of Konami: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-many-faces-of-konami/
    TCW 077 - Invading Taito Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-1/
    TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2/
    Taito TT Block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTpha-l6ve4
    Exidy Circus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFm3b7e2tV8
    Breakout and Super Breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5xo-IzERu0
    TCW 051- Sons of Pong: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/
    Video Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdH1I80ESQ
    Nintendo Kuzushi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-XAvkZIBQ0
    Video Olympics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rie4hsUeDuA
    Warlords VCS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDzQ8QhGJdY
    Warlords Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y2xYX6h380
    Arkanoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-Z6QQ5AOQ
    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/
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 27 min
    Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1

    Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1

    TCW Podcast Episode 201 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1
     
    In this two-part exploration of advancements in ball and paddle games beyond Pong, we delve into the human fascination with balls and trace the evolution of coin-operated games leading to Pong's creation. Ramtek's contributions, especially with Wipe Out and Clean Sweep, spurred Atari to experiment with new ideas, resulting in Pin Pong. Other companies like Midway and Exidy also entered the scene with TV Flipper and TV Pinball, respectively. The narrative culminates with a detailed examination of the Breakout story, shedding light on subtle nuances often overlooked. The exploration concludes with the monumental success of Breakout upon its launch.
     
    TCW 107 - Storytime with a Book: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/storytime-with-a-book/
    Screenshots of Whirlwind Bouncing Ball & Extras: https://retrocomputingforum.com/t/footage-of-bouncing-ball-on-whirlwind/2124
    Whirlwind Bouncing Ball Simulator: https://www.retrogamedeconstructionzone.com/2021/07/the-whirlwind-bouncing-ball-simulator.html
    Amiga Bouncing Ball Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ga41edXw3A
    Tennis for Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PG2mdU_i8k
    International Mutoscope Play Hockey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EVdxkIz3pGg
    Chicago Coin Goalee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZE-4C7o8M
    Chicago Coin Slap Shot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_GiV7OgFi0
    TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/
    TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/
    German Elimination/Quadrapong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOV9c8WkWsw
    Barrel Pong Replica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPhSuF70Xhk
    Wipe Out Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10453
    Wipe Out Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_TmOD0IHFM
    Leader Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8401
    Clean Sweep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxt_RzAPixg
    Pin Pong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol8g-tKd-nw
    TV Flipper Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10000
    TV Flipper Flyer: https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/flyers_video/midway/29173701.jpg
    TV Pinball Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_1kAlO8G6c
    TV Pinball Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10002
    TV Pinball in Early Exidy by Data Driven Gamer: https://datadrivengamer.blogspot.com/2019/10/games-92-95-early-exidy.html
    The History of How We Play - A Breakout Story: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2018/12/29/a-breakout-story/
    Ones for Wellness - Screaming Therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5FEqPMFIlQ
    Breakout Cocktail Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOGO49j5gCE
     
    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/

    • 1 hr 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
50 Ratings

50 Ratings

8bitsteve ,

Great!

Always informative and in depth. These guys know their stuff in detail and it shows. One of my favorites.

WrecklessInSeattle ,

A gaming history must

I’m a life long gamer. Born into an Atari 2600 and healthy collection of all the greats of the time. I’ve been fortunate enough to work for the arcade division of SEGA and worked in the family entertainment industry.

Listening to Alex and Jeffery cover so much of gaming history and by default much of the early electronics of the time makes me very happy. I love hearing the stories of how this industry rose from humble coin op amusement to the worlds most profitable media. They do such a great job of digging deep to bring these stories to life. A must for anyone interested in the history of video games.

Quesadillas999 ,

The BEST video game podcast!!

I’ve been listening for about two years and my god have I learned about ENDLESS amounts of stories, people, companies, games, challenges, loop holes, discoveries, breakthroughs, everything. I feel so nostalgic for everything they talk about and I’ve come to appreciate video games SO much more from listening to the stories behind the people and endeavors that made them possible. I love how the podcast jumps between Europe, the US, and Japan, and how it’s across all consoles and platforms, discovering how people find themselves creating worlds.

Moreover, Alex is very meticulous about making sure to clear the air with the facts, and making clear what is absolutely true, what is false, what is still not too sure, and being honest about his findings, his personal interviews, and his fellow historians. And of course the show would not be possible without Jeffrey, who I love hearing just as much :)

If you like video games at all and have any sort of interest in hearing their backstory, listen to ANY episode!

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