The Experience Points Podcast
By Jorge Albor, Scott Juster, Experience Points
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Podcast Description
A weekly show from the authors of ExperiencePoints.net. Each episode we will have an in depth conversation on a particular video game related topic.
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EXP Podcast #160: By Any Other Name | Are you a "Gamer" and proud of it? Some actually shy away from the term or want to abandon it entirely. The name "gamer" evokes images of basement-dwellers and incredibly long sessions of World of Warcraft, at least for those outside the community. But can we salvage this form of gaming identification? Should we reclaim the word and shout "I am a gamer and proud of it" from the rooftop? This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by an article from Jason Johnson, Scott and I discuss the gamer moniker, knitting circles, and more. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes below and we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below and while you're at, feel free to leave us a review on iTunes. Thanks for listening! Show notes: - Run time: 34 min 27 sec - "Will the Real Gamer Please Stand Up?", by Jason Johnson via Kill Screen Daily - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #159: Needless Noise, Appropriate Anger | Every week, it seems like there is some sort of mini-controversy happening. Whether it is outrage over a shady DLC scheme or frustration over a classic series' new artistic direction, there is never any shortage of noise and fury. This week, we use Sean Sands' observations on the recent Super Bowl to explore the line between constructive criticism and pointless rage. Feel the need to get something off your chest? We're always here to listen, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical- | 2/14/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #10: Gods, Cats, and Clones | Scott and I have returned with another selection of independent games that deserve your attention for more than a few reasons. We begin with two browser-based MMO's, the first a bullet-hell RPG the other a surreal cat roleplaying game, both of which will tickle your... fancy feast (YEAAAA!) We round out the show with a more serious look at Triple Town, Yeti Town, and the dangers of clones and patent laws. You can find links to all the games in the show notes below along with a few articles of interest. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Show notes: - Run time: 39 min 55 sec - Realm of the Mad God, by Wild Shadow Studios - Chatchat, by Terry Cavanagh and Hayden Scott-Baron - Triple Town, by Spryfox - Yeti Town, by SixWaves/LoLApps (and allegedly Spyrfox) - "The Bulldog and the Pegasus," by Ian Bogost via Gamasutra - "Attack of the Clone Attackers," by Jamin Warren via Kill Screen - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #158: Listener Mail! | This week's podcast is brought to you by...you! We solicited questions from readers and listeners and received a great batch of topics. We touch upon a huge variety of issues, including region locking, games with historical settings, and the different approaches to games criticism. This was a fun show to record and we'd like to do it again, so keep those questions coming via email, twitter, or singing telegram. Thanks for your questions and thanks for listening! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by l | 1/31/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #157: Breaching the Wall | We may say we are all part of a large gaming community, but some groups of players may be living in a walled off city, isolated from the popular discussion of games. World of Warcraft may have millions of players, but is the WoW community excluded now more than ever? Katie Williams thinks so in her article that inspired this week's podcast discussion. Who built these walls? What are we losing by isolating ourselves? And most importantly, how do we tear these walls down? Join Scott and I this week while we try to answer these questions and many more. As always, we encourage you to read Katie's original piece which you can find in the show notes below. We also encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section. Discuss starters: - How relevant is WoW today? - Are MMOs unique enough such that they inherently exist in a walled off city? - What role do developers, and community managers in particular, play in fomenting conversation between games. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 05 sec - "The Walled City of Gaming: World of Warcraft," by Katie Williams via Gameranx - "Bow N****r," by Always Black - "Alice and Kev: The Story of Being Homeless in Sims 3," by Robin Burkinshaw - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #156: Contextual Greatness | When we talk about the greatest games of all time in terms of their design, technology, and art, are we fooling ourselves? In a recent opinion piece, Leigh Alexander suggests that "truly great games" are all about players' personal contexts. This week, we use her article about the mystique surrounding Ocarina of Time as a starting point for a discussion about how our memories and the passage of time shape and re-shape some of our favorite games. As always, we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments! Discussion starters: - When you think about your favorite games, how crucial was the context in which you played themt? - Have you ever revisited a game and then come away with a drastically new opinion? - How should we take a game's context into account when thinking about its legacy? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family | 1/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #155: 2012 Predictions | We have consulted the Mayan calendar, had a chat with John Cusack, and returned with our prediction on games, habits, and hardware for the coming year. This time we take a scatter shot approach, going down a long list of topics and releases in hopes of sharing out quick thoughts on almost every 2012 issue on the horizon. Naturally we missed out on something you are eagerly awaiting. Let us know what that is in the comments section below. Again, happy new year and we look forward to discovering what the future actually holds. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 34 min 45 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #154: 2011 Games of the Year | It's that time of the year again, folks: time to pick our game of the year! Jorge and I could never pick just one (or could we...?), so we each pick three of our favorite games from 2011 and talk about what makes them great. It was a great year, if I do say so myself, and our lists reflect the many diverse and memorable titles released over the past year. Of course, we don't come close to discussing all the great games of 2011, so we're looking forward to hearing your favorites in the comments! Happy New Year and thanks for listening! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's wr | 1/4/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #153: Too School For Cool | Normally I try to think about high school as little as possible. But recently Kirk Hamilton of Kotaku asked us all to revisit our bygone days and think about high school as an interesting setting for videogames. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I put on our school colors and discuss our experiences with media set in high school and the trials and tribulations of our collective youths that might make us turn on our console to visit, of all places, our own school experiences. We encourage you to read Kirk's original piece, which you can find in the show notes below. We also want you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - What games set in high school have interested you and why? - What high school experiences lend themselves well to gaming? Show notes: - Run time: 31 min 10 sec - "High School Sucked, Can We Please Have More Games About It?," by Kirk Hamilton via Kotaku - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #152: Musings on Mandatory Missions | Long before the advent of Achievement Points, players have chased after goals. But are all tasks created equal, or are some more important than others? This week, inspired by Wired's two articles on mandatory missions every well-informed gamer should undertake, we discuss some of the game experiences that give us common ground. As always, feel free to jump into the comments and share your thoughts. Thanks for listening! Discussion starters: - What do you consider to be mandatory missions? - Is the idea of a set of canonical video game experiences useful or realistic? - How has time and technology affected what we would consider to be defining video game moments? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. A | 12/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #151: We Got Next | No matter how many hours Scott and I spend playing, analyzing, and writing about games, there are still so many sub-cultures to which we remain largely ignorant. Competitive gaming, particular around the fighting game genre, continues relatively under the radar of both gamers and the public. I Got Next, a recently released documentary by first-time film maker Ian Cofino seeks to shine some light on the relationships players have with Street Fighter and its competitive gaming community. This week on the podcast, Scott and I discuss the movie, competitive gaming at large, and the fascinating community of Street Fighter players, friends, and rivals. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. If you would like to watch the film before listening to the podcast, you can find a direct link to the Hulu source in the show notes. Discussion starters: - What are your experiences with competitive gaming? - How might the competitive scene change if it were taken more seriously by the public? Is there something about gaming culture impeding its progress? - What are your thoughts on the film? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 36 min 47 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #150: First Facebook Forum | Admit it: You didn't think we would do it, did you? You thought all our talk of investigating Facebook games was brought on by too much turkey and an overabundance of holiday spirit. Today, Jorge and I are happy to present to you a conversation about our initial experiences with a handful of Facebook games. In addition to the games themselves, we discuss the nature of social games, monetization, and ethical design. As always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and we invite you to join our experiment by befriending us on Facebook. Thanks for listening! Here are our dedicated Experience Points Facebook accounts: Jorge's account Scott's account Discussion starters: - What are some of your favorite Facebook games? - For those of you who play them, how do the social aspects of Facebook games influence your behavior while playing? <span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Ar | 12/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #9: 2D Literacy | This week on the EXP IndieCast, Scott and I are joined once again by game designer Nels Anderson, who's recent Montreal International Game Summit talk sparked a lively conversation about systems literacy, 2D indie-darlings, old television shows, player expectations, and so much more. Give this elongated episode and listen and let us know your thoughts by leaving your comments below. As always, you can find bonus material in the show notes below. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 33 min 11 sec - "MIGS Slides and Talk Text," via Above49 by Nels Anderson - Everything Bad is Good for You by Steven Johnson - Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows - House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #149: Thanksgaming 2011 | It's Thanksgiving time here in the U.S., so Jorge and I decided to get into the spirit of the holiday. In this episode, we each pick a few video game concepts for which we are thankful and chat about the reasons behind our gratitude. We cover everything from Batman to sado-masochism, and we're looking forward to hearing about the game-related things that make you optimistic! Additionally, Jorge and I reveal our new initiative to learn more about a certain sizable, yet often under-analyzed, segment of the video game world and we solicit your help! Discussion starters: - What sorts of video game subjects or trends make you happy? - Is there anything for which you are thankful that you originally disliked? - What do think we'll find in our adventure into the wild blue yonder? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. <span style="font-size: 15px; fo | 11/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #148: 'Uncharted 3' Debrief | Naughty Dog's latest cinematic achievement can finally wow players with a heaping load of spectacle and a fair bit of Nolan North charm. Scott and I get in on the "taste for adventure" this week while we discuss Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. In this longer-than-normal episode, we discuss a range of issues, from the game's gun-play to its lauded story to the future of our witty treasure-hunting hero. If you have joined in on Drake's adventure, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - What are your thoughts on the slightly revamped combat system in the latest Uncharted addition? - Where would you like to see this franchise go? - What are your thoughts on Naughty Dog's multiplayer pay wall? Show notes: - Run time: 57 min 10 sec - Music provided by Greg Edmonson via the Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Original Soundtrack (from the tracks Nate's Theme and Second-Story Work) | 11/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #147: Simply Irresistible | What is the point of doing something if there aren't any points to be won? Radek Koncewicz's post on the irresistible, but ultimately pointless actions we take in games inspired us to think about the little personal flourishes we add to our game playing experiences. Maybe you're one of those folks who had to catch the Super Mario Bros. 3 wands in mid-air, or maybe you're a strict adherent to the jumping screen shift in Mega Man. Whatever the case, games are full of irresistible opportunities to form personal habits that don't always have gameplay ramifications. As always, feel free to jump into the comments to share your personal quirks. Thanks for listening! Discussion starters: - What are some "irresistible" actions you take? - What are some examples of actions that blur the line between subjective choices and those that have objective ramifications on the game? - How do rewards, achievements, and stat tracking influence your dedication to forming unique habits within certain games? To listen to the podcast: <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-d | 11/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #146: HD Recollections - Shadow of the Colossus | We have crossed ancient lands, traversed architecturally unsound bridges of questionable origin, journeyed to the heart of this forgotten temple, and place our mics upon a demigods alter to bring you part two of our Team Ico focused podcasts. This week, Scott and I discuss the marvels of Shadow of the Colossus as well as historical collections of notable games in general. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - If you played Shadow of the Colossus at launch, what were your first thoughts of the game? - How does your play experience differ the second, third, and fourth time you play a game? - What game series would you like to see given a collector's treatment? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 51 min 36 sec - Music provided by Koh Ohtani from the Shadow of the Colossus Soundtrack. | 11/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #8: Closed, Fantasy, and Aquatic Worlds | It's time once again for an independent game roundup! This week, Jorge and I discuss <i>A Closed World, A Tale By Alex, and Fisher-Diver. All three games are free to play and boast interesting mechanical and thematic features. Each game is thought-provoking and well-worth playing; we have a wide ranging conversation that encompasses everything from considering the difficulties of incorporating LGBTQ themes in games to hunting the most dangerous game. As always, thanks for listening and fell free to jump into the comments with your thoughts! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-var | 10/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #145: HD Recollections - Ico | Somewhere in a forgotten castle in Japan, where the sound of ocean waves can drift through the remains of ancient keeps, Fumito Ueda is hard at work crafting The Last Guardian. The only tenable flavor of that otherworldly realm must come from the recent launch of the Ico and Shadow of the Collosus HD bundle. This week on the show, at the request of listener Chris Rickard, we take a look at the first half of the collection and revisit our time with Yorda, Team Ico's management of camera angles and scales, and the evolutionary tree of platformers. Surely you have played the game before (If not, get on it!), so be sure to leave your thoughts on the game in the comments section below, as well as your feelings towards the HD conversion. If you liked this show, come back in two weeks while we discuss Shadow of the Collosus. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 37 min 22 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks and Michiru Oshima from the Ico Soundtrack. | 10/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #144: The Wonder Gears | Time moves fast in the world of video games. Technology changes (remember Rumble Paks?), franchises rise and fall (just ask Guitar Hero!), and it's hard to predict what will gain popularity (Minecraft, anyone?). With the recent release of Gears of War 3, Jorge and I decided we would take stock of what we consider to be one of most important franchises of the last five years. This show is less about the games' specific story and more about their narrative within the industry. We talk about everything from the influence of cover to blurred genres distinctions, and close with some thoughts (and hopes) regarding Epic's future. As always, thanks for listening and feel free to voice your thoughts in the comments! Discussion starters: - How does Gears differ from other big franchises of last few years? - Is the series' influence understated, properly recognized, or exaggerated? - What are your hopes for Epic's future projects? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline | 10/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #143: Deli Club DLC | If Antonio Banderas can sell sinus medication, why can't Captain Olimar sell herbicide? Maybe he can. Video games have been used to sell a wide variety of non-game related merchandise, but have our iconic protagonists ever been spokespersons? If not, then Nathan Drake is changing videogames again, and this time he is doing it was sandwiches. This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the fourth-wall breaking personification of Nathan Drake, how it reflects the status of games cultures and narratives, and the ethical concerns about connecting game content with real world consumption. We encourage to watch, and the re-watch, the Uncharted 3 Subway commercial embedded below, and then leave your thoughts in the comments section. Some discussion starters: - Does this ad campaign water down Uncharted 3's story? - Do you think this type of marketing will weave its way throughout videogames more often? - Did you already buy Subway before even listening to this episode? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 32 min 58 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 10/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #142: A New Hope in The Old Republic? | A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....Jorge and I recorded a podcast about Star Wars. Inspired by the recent announcement that the Bioware-developed MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic would indeed be released this year, we discuss our expectations and the nature of Star Wars video games in general. We've flown from one end of this galaxy to the other, and we've seen a lot of strange stuff, but finding a great Star Wars game is rare and precious thing. Many Bothans died to bring us this podcast, so make it worth their sacrifice by sharing your thoughts in the comments! Discussion starters: - Will Star Wars: The Old Republic become more fun than you can possibly imagine, or will it cause a great disturbance in the Force? - What are your favorite Star Wars video games and what elements of the universe do the depict? - Which lesser known characters or themes would you like to see in a Star Wars game? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast v | 9/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #141: TGS 2011 Rundown | Like some sort of radioactive monster from the sea, the Tokyo Game Show has risen and invaded Japan. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss the most interesting tidbits out of TGS, touching on a variety of subjects, from our longing for the "Japanese" aesthetic to pregnancy peripherals and the prospects for the PS Vita and the 3DS. Be sure to check out the show notes for some of the games we mention in the show. Discussion starters: - Do you miss traditionally "Japanese" games? - What games out of TGS piqued your curiosity? - Are you more or less excited for the Vita? How about the 3DS? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 42 min 53 sec - Ni No Kuni TGS Trailer - Gravity Rush TGS Trailer - Mommy Tummy TGS Footage via Joystiq - "Opinion: 'Expansion Slide Pad' Reflects Lack Of Confidence In 3DS," by Kyle Orland via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #7: Talking Trauma with Krystian Majewski | This week, Jorge and I are pleased to welcome Krystian Majewski back to the show! Krystian is designer of Trauma, an independent game that blends puzzle solving, exploration, and interactive storytelling. We discuss the Trauma's development process and ask Krystian about his approach to game design. We also find time to talk about everything from urban exploration to Lego robots, and we find out whether Krystian ended up with "Katherine" or "Catherine." Unsurprisingly, we had a great time talking with Krystian and we hope you enjoy the conversation as well. Be sure to check out the links in the show notes if you're interested in Trauma, as well as Krystian's many other projects. Thanks again to Krystian, and to you all for listening! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-co | 9/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #140: A Catherine Conversation | We have wrestled with sheep, turned blocks into staircases, and climbed the highest towers to bring you this Catherine themed podcast. This week on the show, Scott and I discuss the latest erotic-story-focused-puzzle game from Atlus, its cowardly and ineffectual protagonist, and its take on gender, marriage, and fidelity. As always, we encourage you to share your own thoughts on Catherine in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - What do you think of Catherine's protagonist? - Do you feel your ending fit within the story well? - What sort of message came through Catherine? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 48 min 07 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #139: The Mega-Music Show | This week's show is all about music games. It's a big topic, so Jorge and I recruited a talented trio of musicians and video game writers to help us out: Dan Apczynski, David Carlton, and Kirk Hamilton were all kind enough to stop by to discuss the merits of music games. We cover a huge swath of topics ranging from pedagogy, to musical philosophy, to Bon Jovi's genius. We've known Dan, David, and Kirk for a long time and it was a blast to have an excuse to hang out with them and record the show. Hopefully you all enjoy listening to our podcasting jam session as much as we enjoyed recording it. Thanks again to all our guests and thank you for listening! And now, inspired by Kirk's reference, here's a kid playing Guitar Hero while solving Rubik's Cubes: Some discussion starters: - What is your take on the state of the music game genre? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decora | 8/31/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #6: Traumatic Parables | We have clicked though the photograph, plummeted through spiked filled tunnels, and shattered the fourth wall entirely on this week's independent games focused podcast. Join Scott and I as we journey through the surreal landscape of Trauma, praise and criticize the torture that is VVVVVV, and try to wrap our heads around the strange construction of The Stanley Parable. As always, we encourage you to check out these games on your own, listen to our discussion, then chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 38min 21 sec - VVVVVV - Trauma - The Stanley Parable - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #138: The Halo: Reach Recap | Jorge and I love talking about Halo almost as much as we love playing it. This week, we discuss what was supposedly Bungie's last Halo game: Halo: Reach. It's a wide-ranging conversation that encompasses everything from the gameplay systems to the grand plot of the Halo universe. As always, feel free to join in with your thoughts and comments. Some discussion starters: - For those of you who played the game: What are your thoughts? - What challenges and opportunities do video game prequels present? - What aspects of Halo do you wish to see Bungie bring into their next project? What should they leave behind? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 46 min 19 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #137: Cross-Media Legends and Downfalls | Last week Scott and I discussed Mark Filipowich's article on cross-media storytelling. Out of that podcast came a challenge: We would put Mark's theories to the test by watching Halo Legends and Dead Space: Downfall. We have returned with out lives, if not our dignity, in tact, bringing you our views on these films and what they add/take-away from their parent franchises. If you rank amongst our bravest listeners, you joined us on this journey and we encourage you to leave your own thoughts in the comments section below. If you have not watched them but are curious enough to do so, both films are currently streaming on Netflix for those with service. Show notes: - Run time: 42 min 13 sec - "Games and Cross-Media Storytelling," by Mark Filipowich, via PopMatters - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #136: Cross-media 'Cast | Today, it feels like more games than ever enjoy an "expanded universe." Books, TV shows, comics, and movies all develop worlds and characters that first appeared in video games. This might be great for devoted fans, but what does it imply about games' abilities to stand on their own? This week, we use Mark Filipowich's article on cross-media storytelling as a starting point for discussing the ways in which supplemental media affect the stories games try to tell. We also lay out some plans for a cross-media adventure that will be the topic for a future show. As always, we're glad to have you all along for the ride and look forward to reading your comments! Some discussion starters: - What are some of your favorite examples of game-related cross-media storytelling and why are they effective? - How can we separate marketing cash-ins from legitimate additions to a game's story? - Does an abundance of ancillary material degrade in-game content? How can games tell stories that stand on their own? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weigh | 8/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #135: Overrated | Does the entire world love a game that you despise? You are not alone! We invited games journalist and brave contrarian Mitch Krpata on the show this week to discuss his criticism of Ocarina of Time, the value of terrible games, love/hate relationships with indie games, and more. Discussion starters: - What are some games you have disliked that everyone else seems to enjoy? - Is there a value in playing a game you despise? - What are the dangers of universally praised games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 49 min 57 sec - "Hey! Listen! The Case Against Ocarina of Time," by Mitch Krpata, via Joystick Division - Insult Swordfighting blog by Mitch Krpata - "Review: Limbo," by Mitch Krpata via The Boston Phoenix- "Mass Effect: Massive Interface Fail," by Krystian Majewski via Game Design Reviews - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #5: A Conversation with Peter Brinson | This week, Jorge and I are happy to welcome Peter Brinson to the show. Peter was one of the lead designers on The Cat and the Coup, a independent game about the 1953 CIA-orchestrated Iranian coup. After talking about The Cat and the Coup on a previous show, we thought it would be a great idea to have Peter on to learn more about the game's inception as well as his approach to incorporating history, art, and design in creating a documentary game. As we said before, we highly recommend the game. Thanks again to Peter for taking the time to chat with us and thanks also to everyone listening. We hope you enjoy the show! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000 | 7/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #134: Currently Playing | The summer gaming dry spell is upon us, yet Scott and I both have our gaming dockets full. After a long month of work for the both us, we have returned to our backlog with a ravenous appetite. This week on the Experience Points podcast, Scott and I discuss what we have been playing, from Zelda sequels to isometric shooters, and a few things in between. Let us know what you have been enjoying lately in the comments section below, and be sure to chime in with your thoughts on the games we've discussed in the show. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 32 min 18 sec - "Cold As Ice," by Nels Anderson via Above49 - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #133: Born Free-to-Play | Cash-strapped gamers have never had it so good: today, there are plenty of companies literally giving games away for free. However, developers aren't simply doing this out of the goodness of their hearts; games without initial costs often feature non-traditional ways of making money. Recently, a few high profile games like Team Fortress 2 and World of Warcraft have started experimenting with free-to-play and micro-transaction payment models. They join a host to of other games that are trying to change the way players pay for games. This week, Jorge and I talk about some of the financial, gameplay, and cultural issues surrounding free-to-play business models. As always, we're always interested to hear any of your valuable thoughts, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - What are some of your favorite free-to-play games and how do they implement their non-traditional payment models? - Do specific types of games or genres lend themselves well to the free-to-play model? - What kinds of cultural and socio-economic issues arise when transitioning to a micro-transaction payment system? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical- | 7/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #132: Summer Lovin' | The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the beaches are crowded, summer is in full swing. To celebrate, PopMatters just featured a great selection of the best summer entertainment. Our compatriots even offered up their choice for great games and podcasts for the season. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I continue the conversation with more of our own picks for games we associate with the summer. As always, we encourage you to join the discussion in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - What games do you associate with the summer? - Does replayability or game duration affect this association? - Who is your go-to-character in <i>Smash Bros.</i>? (That's right. We only ask the toughest questions.) To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 49 sec - "The Best Summer Entertainment," by multiple authors via PopMatters - "Great Games and Podcasts for Summer Fun," by multple authors via PopMatters - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #4: Sissy and the Coup | What do five-year-olds, mythical creatures, and Iranian history all have in common? They are all topics in this week's independent games podcast! This week, we take a look at Sissy's Magical Ponycorn Adventure and The Cat and the Coup. Both are free and quick to play, so we encourage you to take a few minutes to experience two well-made, thought provoking games. After that, we invite you to listen in on our discussion that touches on everything from the value of game design to the nature of history. As always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments! Some discussion starters: - How does a game benefit from youthful inspiration? Also: which is your favorite Ponycorn? - How does one balance the impulse to both challenge and educate the player in a documentary game? - Are certain types of games more useful for imparting specific messages? How do game mechanics influence the way a story is told? To listen to the podcast: <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: tr | 6/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #131: E3 2011 Retrospective | This year's Electronic Entertainment Expo has departed, but Scott and I are staying on topic just a little bit longer. Although we both missed the event this year, we kept abreast to the buzz coming out of Los Angeles. Consider us the clean-up crew, bringing you a serious, but not humorless, discussion of the rumors, technical innovations, and idiocies at this year's E3. Let us know your thoughts on all the E3 announcements in the comments section below. Some discussion starters, in which I can ask anything I want: - What games are you most excited for coming out of E3? - How awful is Ubisoft's Mr. Caffeine? - What is the worse named piece of hardware: the Wii U or the PSVita? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 57 min 59 sec - Giant Bomb's E3 coverage portal - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #130: Dollars and Duty | Jorge and I are still processing all the E3 madness, so we thought we'd talk about one of last week's big stories: Call of Duty: Elite. Activision's new Call of Duty social network promises to provide players with detailed battle statistics, group functionality, and a persistent profiles across multiple games. However, some of this comes at a price: parts of Call of Duty: Elite will only be available to those who pay a premium fee. It's move with very few precedents, so we thought it would be a good topic to discuss. As always, feel free to jump in with your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - How much (if anything) would you pay for premium Call of Duty content? Are there any other games that might hook you with a similar structure - What does this mean for the future of the Call of Duty series? - How will the advent of premium content impact plot-driven games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, | 6/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #129: The Search for Sci-fi | Two weeks ago, I wrote about the state of Science Fiction in modern videogames. It turns out a mere smattering of words is not enough to thoroughly explore the veritable galaxy of topics regarding this ripe genre. Joined this week by Grayson Davis of Beeps & Boops, Scott and I discuss the good and bad of science fiction, a bit of Star Trek, time travel, and sources of excellent Sci-fi gaming. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - What are your favorite science fiction games? - How should we approach the genre as it relates specifically to games? - How do you see the state of modern science fiction games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podc | 6/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #3: Ludum Dare and don't take it personally... | It's time once again to look at some of the independent games we've been playing over the last month! This week, we discuss a few games created for the Ludum Dare game jam event as well as Christine Love's newest work, <i>don't take it personally, babe, it just ain't your story</i>. Both topics encompass a huge amount of material, so we highly recommend you visit the websites listed in the show notes to explore all the intriguing games. Weather you're into sword showers, scurvy, or social scandals, this episode has something for you! Some discussion starters: - Which Ludum Dare games did you enjoy? - How can games effectively model emotional and social systems? - What benefits does a highly-structured game like <i>don't take it personally...</i> have over more player-structured games? To listen to the podcast: <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: | 5/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #128: Pledging Brand Fealty | The Sony network has returned, but has our faith in the company? What happens to brand loyalty when the going gets tough? This week, inspired by the Gamers With Jobs podcast, Scott and I discuss our own loyalties to corporations and developers, the Sony hacking debacle, and the meaning within these illusory relationships. Some discussion starters: - Where do your brand loyalties lie? - How, if at all, has Sony's recent troubles altered your relationship with the company? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 32 min 31 sec - "GWJ Conference Call Episode 239," via Gamers With Jobs - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #127: Games in the Gallery | Last week, the Smithsonian American Art Museum announced the games that will be included in its upcoming exhibit <i>The Art of Video Games</i>. After the curators selected 240 nominees, people voted for which games would be included in the exhibit. The list is full of influential games, so we thought it would be fun to go through the selections and discuss some of the highlights. You can follow along with us by downloading the PDF document listing the winners and runners up from the American Art Museum's website. It's a big list, but not nearly big enough to fit everyone's most beloved games, so feel free to share your choices in the comments! Some discussion starters: - Which of your favorites made the list? What were some notable omissions? - What patterns do see across across the time periods and the various formats? - While visual art is relatively easy to convey visually, it is can be more difficult to convey design philosophies. How are games best presented in a public format? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transpare | 5/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #126: Wii Expected More | The internet is abuzz with rumors and speculations about Nintendo's 'Project Cafe,' what most of us are calling the Wii 2. The newcomer will feature a touchpad screen on each controller, HD capability, and maybe the ability to read minds. But what about its predecessor? Are we abandoning the Wii as a failure? To help us answer this question, we are joined this week by Gus Mastrapa, who wrote a timely and provocative piece about just this subject. Join us while we discuss the high and lows of console failures, the loss of console cycle excitement, and Nintendo's history of innovation. As always, you can find original articles in the show notes. Show notes: - Run time: 53 min 17 sec - "The Wii Was The Most Successful Video Game Failure Ever," by Gus Mastrapa via Joystick Division - "In Memory of Moon Leaps," by Sean Sands via Gamers With Jobs - Music by Brad Sucks | 5/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #125: Mortal Kombat Konversation | It is time once again to heed the call of the Elder Gods and protect Earthrealm from the evil forces of Outworld and the Netherrealm in the time-honored tradition of Mortal Kombat. Or at least that's what Wikipedia said the game was about...In any case, this week we're talking about the latest Mortal Kombat release! As an added bonus, check out the slide show Hanah made of Jorge and me playing the game. I think the pictures demonstrate the game's real strengths: much of Mortal Kombat's fun comes from sharing its the gross absurdity with friends. Fighting games, and Mortal Kombat in particular, are great spectator sports. Some discussion starters: - Mortal Kombat is one of those iconic games that most people have at least some familiarity with. What's your history with the series? - How effectively does the latest Mortal Kombat cater to both fighting game veterans and newcomers? - What does the future hold for Mortal Kombat and for the fighting genre in general? To listen to the podcast: <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight | 4/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #124: Now in HD! | There are so many great games from the past, but do they look terrible on your huge HD television? Are those blocky polygons jarring and atrocious? Maybe we should convert them to high resolution remakes. Or maybe not. Sometimes, as Michael Abbot states, "better isn't better." This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss the risks and rewards of HD remakes, touching upon designer intent, history lesson box-sets, contextual play, and more. Show notes: - "When better isn't better," by Michael Abbot via Brainy Gamer -Music by Brad Sucks | 4/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #2: Stargazing with Jason Rohrer | We had such a good time on last week's IndieCast that we decided to do double up! This week, we welcome game designer Jason Rohrer to the show. Jason is the creator of a host of games, including such well-known titles as Passage and Sleep is Death. Most recently, he released Inside a Star-filled Sky, a top-down shooter that combines classic arcade dynamics with innovative approaches to procedural level generation and unique social aspects. Jason and his games are always thought-provoking, so Jorge and I were delighted to get the opportunity to chat with him. We cover everything from Picasso to Spelunky and even manage to touch upon lunar exploration. We hope you enjoy the show! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 51 min 02 sec - <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; | 4/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP IndieCast #1: Explanations and Stargazing | The Experience Point Podcast is branching out. Scott and I have decided to put on our swim trunks and wade into the world of independent games with a brand new monthly podcast dedicated to the too often overlooked members of the games industry. At least once a month, we will explore two games that have caught our eye. We will also supplement this talks, when possible, with interviews with their designers. This week on the show, Scott and I discuss the rocket-boosting madness of No Time To Explain and the infinitely recursive realm of Inside A Star Filled Sky. | 4/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #123: First in Line | When everyone else is nestled snugly in bed, the most die-hard fans are battling the elements, sleep deprivation, and mall security in hopes of being the first to procure a new console or game. This week, the tale of a man named Isaiah-Triforce Johnson came to our attention. After waiting in line for a week, he was one of the first Americans to buy a Nintendo 3DS. His quest got us thinking about the strange rituals surrounding console launches and game releases. It's a surprisingly broad topic, and we cover everything from the "first!" impulse to frostbite. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts, as well as any of your release night stories in the comments! Some discussion starters: - Have you ever stood in line for the release of a console or game? What was your motivation? - Why is it important to play something immediately upon release? Is it even important? - Should developers incorporate release day bonuses into games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcastvia iTunes here. Additionally,here is the stand-alone feed. <sp | 3/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #122: The Selfish Podcast | Are gamers selfish? That is the question Michelle Baldwin from Pioneer Project asks herself when confronted with "the look." When some unfamiliar with games hears about your small obsession or hobby, a curious glare not uncommon. Where does this look come from? How might social games address the divide between gamers and non-gamers? And how might we contemplate selfishness that makes us better thinkers, designers and players? Join us this week as Scott and I discuss all of these questions and more in the most selfish EXP Podcast to date. | 3/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #121: Bits and Board Games | When Jorge and I found out that someone is making a Gears of War board game, we were a bit puzzled. We're both fans of the series, but Marcus and company never really seemed like the tabletop types. This week, we use this odd development as a chance to discuss the relationship between video games and board games. Topics include the cultural overlap between the board game and video game communities, the strengths of tabletop gaming, and whether the forthcoming Gears of War board game will be "SWEET!" We look forward to hearing about some of your favorite cardboard campaigns in the comments! Some discussion starters: - A Gears of War board game: terrible idea, or terribly-awesome idea? - For primarily video game folks: what keeps you away from board games and what could draw you in? - For board gaming folks: what sorts of lessons can video games learn from board games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transpa | 3/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #120: GDC 2011 Roundup | The 25th annual Game Developer's Conference has come and gone. In its wake, besides a pile of business cards, beer bottle caps, and shattered dreams, is a burning desire to make the games industry a better place. A cornucopia of panels and sessions were devoted to this very task, the vast majority of which Scott and I completely ignore in this podcast. However, we do manage to pluck out a few gems. Join us this week while we discuss the state of social and mobile gaming, Iwata's defensive positioning, Notch's funny hat, and inception-style worlds within worlds. | 3/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #119: 'Dead Space' Debrief | With the release of Dead Space 2, Jorge was finally enticed into playing the first Dead Space. I had played the game some time ago and had quite a positive experience (check out the show notes for some of my writing on the game), so I was excited to get a chance to discuss it on the podcast. As with all of our in-depth discussions on particular games, we cover everything from the rule systems to the story themes, giving folks ample warning before revealing any crucial plot points. We discuss everything from the aesthetics of hydroponics, the nature of the sci-fi genre, to signs of an extra-terrestrial Professor Layton. While no one can hear you scream in space, feel free to sound off with your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - Is there a way to balance the impulse to create a unified world that avoids becoming repetitive? Are Dead Space's sterile hallways a liability or a strength? - How does Dead Space relate to other survival horror games? - What are the benefits and drawbacks of revisiting or playing an original game before its sequel? For those of you who have already played Dead Space 2, how did your knowledge (or lack thereof) with the original affect your experience? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed</s | 3/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #118: Dead Club Med | The trailer for Dead Island appeared last week and shook gaming enthusiasts to the core. The internet was positively elated by this emotionally provocative commercial, which you can find embedded below. Techland must be doing something right, the film adaptation of the game has already been optioned. But how does the trailer hold-up to our critical gaze? What is all the excitement about? Join us this week while Scott and I discuss dead children, cultural expectations, and the art of a good trailer. You can find a slew of links in the show notes and, as always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. More Dead Island Videos Some discussion starters: - What did you think of the Dead Island trailer? - Is it sound to try to enhance a game using material not find within it? - Should Dead Island set a new precedent for successful game trailers? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking this link. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link in the address bar. Show Notes: - Run time: 27 min 38 sec - "Dead Island - Announcement Trailer," via IGN - "Welcome to Dead Island," by Ryan Geddes via IGN - "Dead Island trailer made chronological, humorous," via Joystiq - Carousel and Delux Commercials by Adam Berg - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #117: Single-player Socialites | With the ubiquity of the Internet and the popularity of social games, are single-player experiences becoming a niche genre? This week, we're happy to welcome Justin Keverne back to the podcast to discuss the role of single player games in a medium currently fascinated by group experiences. An accomplished game designer and critic, Justin helps us make sense of the relationship between single-player, multiplayer, and "social" games. We cover everything from the fourth wall, to Venn diagrams, and even the behemoth that is Facebook. As you know, the podcast isn't meant to be a single-player experience, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - Is the single-player experience a historical aberration? - How do social components effect your experience with a game? What are the differences between a collaborative playthrough of a single-player game, online leader boards, asynchronous play, and active multiplayer? - What types of themes are best explored in a single-player game? What are some examples of games that rely on solo experiences? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-w | 2/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #116: A Classic Conversation | We have traveled the world far and wide and brought back with us a special guest for this week's show. Joining us on this very special podcast is Professor Roger Travis from the University of Connecticut. In both his educational and literary work, Roger takes a fascinating interdisciplinary approach to games, history, and classics. Who could be more suited, then, to discuss Russian plans to retell national mythologies in videogames? Join us this week while we discuss practomime, games based learning, cold war villains, bardic storytelling, and the Arbiter. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also find the original article and more of Roger's work in the show notes. Discussion starters: - Does does historical nostalgia manifest itself in video games? - Do game makers have an obligation to accurately portray history? - What are the narrative confines of heroic mythologies in games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 64 min 13 sec - "Russia wants to ban Cold War villains from games," by Shaun Walker via The Independent - Video Games and Human Values Initiative - Living Epic - Play The Past - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #115: Sidekicking It | Batman has Robin, The Green Hornet has Kato, Sherlock Holmes has Dr. Watson: Whenever a hero needs assistance, a loyal sidekick appears to lend a helping hand. This week, we use Brendan Main’s piece about a particularly controversial sidekick to explore how second bananas function in video games. Feel free to type up your thoughts in the comments. Alternatively, you can just tell your sidekick to do it for you. Some discussion starters: - On the subject of Navi: Love her or hate her? Why? - What are some examples of well-implemented sidekicks? Is their success tied to specific narrative or thematic elements, do they perform a specific function in the game, or is it some combination of both? - How do multiplayer games encourage or inhibit leader/sidekick relationships? Is there a way to foster this relationship without devaluing the second player? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-fa | 2/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #114: A Brand New Lara | Take a famous icon, smear it with mod and dim the lighting, and you've got a successful franchise reboot. At least that is what Crystal Dynamics is hoping to accomplish with their latest Lara Croft project. Even though two Tomb Raider games were released in the last three years, apparently the franchise is in need of a face lift. Join us this week on the EXP Podcast while Scott and I discuss Tomb Raider's longevity, Dragon Ball Z, Jesus, and what it means to reboot a series. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion Starters: - What aspects of Lara Croft remain iconic for you? - Is Lara an immortal icon, or would a failed reboot mark her death knell? - Can you think of any games that succeeding in rebooting a franchise for you? - What games do you think desperately need a reboot? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 32 min 35 sec - "A Survivor Is Born: The New Lara Croft," by Megan Marie via Game Informer - First-Person Tetris - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #113: Game Writing Roundup, 2010 | There’s a huge amount of great video game writing out there. Too much for your humble hosts to ever digest by themselves. This week, we take advantage of 2010’s embarrassment of riches and discuss some of our favorite pieces of video game writing from last year. As always feel free to join in and spread the word about your favorite game-related posts, essays, novellas, treatises, and tweets! Pieces discussed: - “Okay, Kids, Play on my Lawn,” by Roger Ebert, via Chicago Sun-Times - “Groping the Map”, by Justin Keverne, via Groping the Elephant - “Video games: The Addiction,” by Tom Bissel, via The Guardian - “Making Men Uncomfortable: What Bayonetta Should Learn From Gaga,” by Tanner Hi | 1/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #112: Minerva's Den Debrief | This week, we stay just a bit longer under the sea, exploring the much lauded Bioshock 2 DLC, Minerva's Den. 2K's final journey into Rapture may just show other game developers how to create stand-alone additional content that puts other full length titles to shame. Some discussion starters: - How does Minerva's Den compare to Bioshock 2? - How does Minerva's Den compare the DLC from other recent games? - Does this game make you more excited/hopeful/concerned about Bioshock Infinite? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 34 min 31 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #111: BioShock 2 Debrief | This week, we board our bathyspheres to revisit Rapture. BioShock 2 was faced with the monumental task of following one of gaming’s most revered titles and it was initially met with trepidation from fans. However, the game is much more than a cookie-cutter sequel, and we spend this episode discussing the significant systemic and narrative changes it brings to the series. Some discussion starters: - Did BioShock 2 alter your feelings towards the original game? - Did the moral choices in BioShock 2 carry weight for you? - How did the game’s emphasis on defending Little Sisters impact your play style? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: | 1/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #110: 2010 Leftovers | We have covered our games of the year, but 2010 held far more than just six titles, and 2011 will hold many more. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss some of the game we neglected last week, from games we never played to games we look forward to playing. Join us around the table while we devour our leftovers. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - What games are people neglecting that deserve more attention? - What games of 2010 do you regret not playing? - What games of 2011 do you most look forward to? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 25 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #109: 2010 Game(s) of The Year! | It’s GOTY season, and we just couldn’t let the opportunity go without talking about some of the outstanding titles we played this year. Naming the one true “Game of the Year” is a hopelessly subjective task, so instead we each chose three games from 2010 that made strong impressions on us. As always, feel free to join in on the conversation. What were your highlights from 2010? Jorge’s Top Games of 2010: Mass Effect 2 Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Red Dead Redemption Scott’s Top Games of 2010: God of War III Super Mario Galaxy 2 Red Dead Redemption To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; b | 12/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #108: On the Grind | In clinical psychology, continually doing a repetitive action with little or no justification is tell-tale sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder. In MMOs, it's just called the grind. Why, after so many complaints, is the grind still a major feature of nearly every MMO RPG available? Inspired a post from Zach Best writing for Game Design Aspect of the Month, that is the very question Scott and I will be exploring in this week's podcast. You can find the original article and a pouch of magic destiny in the show notes. We also encourage you to leave your own gaming experiences in the comments section below. Discussion starters: - Do you enjoy grinding? Does it fulfill an important purpose for you? - Is grinding a permanent feature of games with leveling mechanics? - How much of the grind is self-imposed? To listen to the podcast:- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 20 sec - “The Opposite of Grind," by Zach Best via Game Design Aspect of the Month - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #107: The 10 Minute Rule | It’s crucial for games to catch a player’s attention, but what is the best way to ensure that someone will stick around to the end? This week, we use Leanne C. Taylor’s article to think about the ways both cutscenes and mechanics are used to keep players’ interests. She examines the concept of the “10 minute rule” that many movies follow when attempting to engage their audiences and examines its applications in video games. Hopefully, the first 10 minutes of our show persuades you to stick around! If so, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - What sorts of story-telling devices capture your attention when you start a game? - Are there specific genres that benefit from a particular kind of hook? - What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of a cut-scene approach vs. a gameplay approach? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text- | 12/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #106: Poking the Cute Aesthetic | In a series of posts lavishing praise on Nintendo's latest iteration on the Kirby Franchise, Kirby's Epic Yarn, Michael Abbot of the Brainy Gamer has been exploring the game's charming concept. It seems these days you can't shake your Wiimote without hitting a title, from both indie and traditional developers, that exploits some of the tactile art designs, lullaby-like musical themes or children's book narration that comprise some of the elements of the "cute aesthetic." Join us this week while Scott and I discuss the adorable betrayals, cuddly characters, and charming anomalies of "cute" games. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below and check out Michael's insightful articles in the show notes. Discussion starters: - If you had a chance to play Kirby's Epic Yarn, what did you think of the art design? Does it make the game feel "childish" in a bad way? - Is the textured approach to art design growing old? - Does the cute aesthetic hold up to the test of time better than other art designs? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 17 sec - "Kirby's Epic Concept" by Michael Abbot, via The Brainy Gamer - "Plush Tech," Ibid. - "Kirby's Epic Sound," Ibid. - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #105: CoDcast: Black Ops | The following information is for your eyes only: This week, the Experience Points Podcast discusses Call of Duty: Black Ops. Topics such as the game’s campaign structure, its multiplayer philosophy, and its relationship with historical subject matters are covered. Be careful: surveillance indicates the presence of plot spoilers towards the end of show. Your mission: listen to the show and then share any of your thoughts in order to add to the growing body of intelligence surrounding this massive gaming phenomenon. Remember: if you are caught, your Gamertag will be wiped from the records and the government will deny any knowledge of your existence. Some discussion starters: - Does the single player campaign’s linear style still hold up? What is the right balance between set pieces and emergent gameplay? - What makes the Call of Duty multiplayer system popular? How do rule systems, statistics, artistic choices, and cultural dynamics impact your enjoyment? - How does Black Ops relate to historical reality? What is its place among other Cold War fiction? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoratio | 11/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #104: Out of Order | Court is in session and the fate of video games in California is on the line! Alright, maybe that's overly dramatic. But really, the Supreme Court is hearing proceedings for Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association. The Justices will decide whether banning the sale of videogames to minors infringes the freedom of speech enshrined in the first amendment. Based on the reactions of the court, which you can read here, I don't the industry is doomed quite yet. However, this case raises legitimate concerns worth considering. Join us this week while Scott and I discuss America's founding fathers and the redeeming values, according to Jason Schreier, of nine violent videogames. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts on the comments section and check out Schreier's inspirational article in the show notes below. Some discussion starters: - What "adult" games have redeeming values for minors in particular? - How can the games industry help parents manage their children's consumption of violent videogames? - Should more gamers be paying attention to the Supreme Court case or do we have nothing to worry about? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 37 min 59 sec - “Blood Redemption in 9 Violent Videogames" by Jason Schreier, via Wired GameLife - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #103: 3DSocialite | While the main draw of the Nintendo 3DS remains its titular capacity for accommodating a third visual dimension, other thought-provoking features are beginning to emerge. According to The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo is looking to implement a variety of networking and communication features aimed at turning the device into a platform for social gaming. Nintendo’s on-line strategy (such as it is) has always been unique, and it will be interesting to see if this strategy signals a bold new direction or simply another half-step towards towards keeping up with Internet-focused devices like the iPhone. Some discussion starters: - Is a single-use portable gaming device still appealing? - What are your thoughts and concerns regarding the StreetPass and SpotPass programs? Does it affect your attitude towards the 3DS overall? - Aside from obvious matchmaking functionality, what is the potential of services like StreetPass? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font | 11/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #102 - Return to Azeroth.mp3 | I have been free of World of Warcraft for almost two years now, but already its tendrils are pulling me in - and I'm not the only ex-WoW player being called by the sirens of Cataclysm, Blizzard's next expansion to the iconic MMO. Sean "Elysium" Sands inspires this week's podcast discussion with his article "Is Cataclysm Enough to Bring You Back?" I know my mind has been changed at least once. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 02 sec - “Is Cataclysm Enough to Bring You Back?," by Sean Sands via Gamers with Jobs - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #101: A Subjective Story | While reviewers often strive for “unbiased” opinions, the impact of personal taste on one’s enjoyment of a game is unavoidable. In the current climate of heavily authored and story-based games, is it possible for a game’s plot to impact one’s enjoyment of its game mechanics? This week, we use an article sent to us by Sam Crisp and written by Kieron Gillen as a starting point to explore this question. We cover a range of issues including the search for objectivity, the original intent of designers, and the existence of the gaming wolf-boy. As this is a topic focused largely on opinions, we’re looking forward to hearing from you in the comments. Some discussion starters: - For those folks who played Mafia II, did you enjoy the story and did your feelings towards it impact your experience with the mechanics? - What games have either won you over or turned you off with their stories, rather than their gameplay? - Is it possible to make any objective conclusions about game plots, or are we stuck in a world of relativity? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseli | 10/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #100: Celebrating Our Centennial | Wow! One hundred podcasts and over three hundred posts on Experience Points and we are still going strong. This week, Scott and I look back on some of our past writings and hold an impromptu interview of sorts. Join us while we celebrate our EXP Podcast Centennial! A huge thanks to everyone who has joined us for our conversations about games and culture. We could never express our gratitude, at least not without tearing up a bit. - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 46 min 44 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 10/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #99: System Spoiler | Most people would probably agree that revealing the end of Star Craft 2 is considered a spoiler, but would they feel the same way about revealing unit stats or building techniques? This week, we use Kieron Gillen’s article about game mechanic spoilers to explore the notion that the enjoyment of a game’s systems and rules can be affected by premature knowledge. We cover everything from the role of previews, the responsibility of critics, to the effects of preconceived opinions. We even stumble upon a new potential business venture: the “mystery game of the month!” As always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Are there certain games that are more susceptible to mechanical spoilers? How does a game’s plot relate to this susceptibility? - Have you ever played or avoided a game because of a mechanical spoiler? - How should reviewers and critics discuss a game’s rules or mechanics? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-al | 10/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #98: Stuck in the Game | It happens to everyone: everything is going according to plan when suddenly, you run into a virtual brick wall. Whether this obstacle is a particularly cruel boss battle, an demanding time limit, or a mind-bending puzzle, the result is the same: you’re stuck! This week, we use Michelle Baldwin’s piece about her odyssey to slay a mighty dragon that had been tormenting her and a friend for months. Along the way we discuss some of our own personal battles, various design choices that both lead into and out of tough situations, and the social dynamics of being stuck alongside others. As always, we hope you stick with us until the end and venture into the comments with your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - Have you ever experienced any notorious instances of being stuck in a game? Did you ever overcome the barrier, or was it the end of the line? - Is there an optimal way to help players through rough spots? - How does being stuck in a multiplayer game (either cooperative or competitive) change your experience? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-a | 10/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitEXP Podcast #97 - Language Lessons | Warning: This podcast contains more adult language than usual. This podcast might be NSFW all thanks to Austin Ivansmith, who recently wrote an interesting article on swearing in videogames. Join us this week while Scott and I discuss the ethics of curse word construction, artistic integrity and avoiding offensive language, and the types of games that just might pull off an "F Bomb" with aplomb. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes below. We also encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section and let us know what you think. Some discussion starters: - Can language be just as stylized as violence, and therefor be more acceptable? - Is adding "bad language" toggle option an artistic betrayal or a helpful feature? - What games include good use of adult language and which do not? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 26 hr 2 min 24 sec - "Why all the swearing?," by Austin Ivansmith via Carrot v Stick - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #96: Portal Pedagogy | For many folks, September means having to relinquish the last strands of summer and head back to school. However, trading the couch for the classroom doesn’t mean you have to abandon video games. This week, we are pleased to welcome Michael Abbott of The Brainy Gamer and Wabash College to the show. Michael is in the process of launching “Enduring Questions,” a course “devoted to engaging students with fundamental questions of humanity from multiple perspectives and fostering a sense of community.” In addition to more traditional texts, some sections of the course will have Portal on the syllabus. We were thrilled to learn this and invited Michael to join us in discussing the course, how video games function as academic texts, and the challenges involved in teaching games. Some discussion starters: - Have you ever taken any classes in which video games were on the syllabus? What games would work well as teaching tools, and for what subjects? - Establishing gaming literacy is challenging. How is critical playing best taught? How did you learn to analyze games? - What kinds of challenges arise from using games in the classroom? How do we overcome things like generational stratification in regards to certain genres or games in general? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparen | 9/22/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #95: Masters of Mastery | Scott and have once again ventured into the frigid north - Canada. This time we return with Chris Lepine of The Artful Gamer, who brings with him some marvelous insight into "mastery" as an aspect of fun. Continuing last week's discussion about the "fun factor," we delve deeper into one particular notion of enjoyment. Along the way we chat about poetic play, the dangerous of neurotic mastery, multiplayer mastery, and the joys of griefing. If we stir up your thoughts along the way, we encourage you to share them in the comments section below. You can also find a link to Chris's original article and more of his work in the show notes. Show notes: - Run time: 63 min 23 sec - "The Neurotic Joy of Gaming," by Chris Lepine of The Artful Gamer - "Mad Skills," by Nels Anderson of Above49 - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #94: Post PAX Podcast | While we weren’t able to make it to PAX this year, the magic of the Internet allowed us to vicariously experience one of gaming’s best conventions. This week we’re taking advantage of the still-present PAX afterglow by talking about some of our favorite news from the show. We touch on the importance of expectations and nostalgia, the quiet innovation of some of the smaller games, and the general evolution of the conference itself. Since PAX incorporates everything from huge announcements (like Duke’s return) to low-key indie premieres (like The Witness), it’s almost impossible to catch everything, so feel free to jump into the comments to share what stood out to you. Some discussion starters: - For those of you who made it to the conference, what were your overall impressions? What would you like to see from PAX in the future? - What is your reaction to Duke Nukem? Are you interested in the game and does the franchise have a future? - SpyParty was a pleasant and unexpected surprise for both Jorge and me. What unexpected games impressed you? To listen to the podcast: <span | 9/8/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #93: Funvestigations | There is a grand project being conducted right now - an effort to catalog why we love the games we love. After propositioning a broad array of players to describe what makes particular games fun, Michael Abbot of The Brainy Gamer has put together a catalog of descriptions for us to peruse. Join us this week while Scott and I discuss wonder and possibility, exploration, special snowflakes, luck, British apprenticeships, and nostalgia. We encourage you to leave your comments in this shred. For the full catalog and to contribute your own ideas of fun, check out Michael's link in the show notes. Show notes: - Run time: 35 min 48 sec - “Fun Factor Catalog," by Michael Abbot via The Brainy Gamer - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #92: Digital del Toro | What happens when a renowned filmmaker gets involved with video games? It doesn’t happen often and the results are usually less than spectacular, but THQ and Guillermo del Toro are looking to buck this trend. This week, we use this development as a starting point to discuss the what happens when established directors try their hand at game making. We cover everything from artistic philosophies to the possibility of “dream team” partnerships between famous designers and directors. As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on whether titans of the box office can also conquer the Xbox. Some discussion starters: - What are your thoughts on Guillermo del Toro potentially making a game? - What kinds of skills could directors bring to games? How important is it for them to have a lot of experience with the medium, either as a player or a creator? - Have you played any games in which a film director was involved? Which directors do you think would make enjoyable games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,<span st | 8/25/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #91: How to Build a World | We say it so often, it’s almost a cliche: video games allow us to explore virtual “worlds.” The medium is replete with strange locations that players learn to navigate as naturally as they do their own neighborhoods. Whether it is the Mushroom Kingdom, Rapture, or Liberty City, a convincing world can yield an immersive experience. But what exactly makes for a good game world, and how do we describe these qualities concretely? In his recent Edge article, Chris Dahlen raises these question and begins to push for a more explicit articulation of how game worlds function. We use his article as a starting point and cover issues of fiction, systemic storytelling, and themes that define gaming worlds. Seeing as how we have such worldly listeners, we’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - What are your favorite video game worlds and why did they impress you? Conversely, what prevents you from being drawn into a game world? - How much of a game’s world is defined by its rules and systems? For example, would a Mario game that isn’t based in the Mushroom Kingdom or rendered with a fantastic art style still be in the “Mario world?” Would an artistically traditional Mario game without platforming still be part of the “Mario world?” - What role does imagination play in world building? How is the willingness to believe in a place augmented by previous experiences, as in the case of sequels? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; ba | 8/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #90: What's In A Name? | My name is Jorge, and sometimes Shen, and other times Arkania. I have also been a variety of strangely named characters in everything from JRPGs to First-Person Shooters. According to Andrew Lynes, whose piece inspired this week's podcast, character name changes may subtly affect our gaming experiences. Join Scott and I while we discuss Link, Pseudonyms, Uno etiquette, and ways to improve the name game. For Andrew's article and a short list names I consider particularly uninspired, check out the show notes. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 4 sec - "How Character Names Change the Narrative Experience," by Andrew Lynes via Bitmob - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/11/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #89: Red Dead Roundup Part 2 | We are back on the saddle, this time to talk about all the spoiler-laden story elements of Red Dead Redemption. Such an ambitious and expansive game requires quite a bit of wrangling, so this week's podcast is extra long to compensate. This week, we delve into Red Dead as it relates to other Western mythologies, the ups and downs of open world story telling, and the meaning of redemption in a barren and nihilistic landscape. If you have thoughts on the game yourself, we encourage you to chime in below in the comments section. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 62 min 37 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #88: Red Dead Redemption Roundup, part 1 | Saddle up, amigos. It’s time to ride into one of the year’s most high-profile games: Red Dead Redemption. Published by Rockstar, Red Dead Redemption attempts to convey the feel of the Mythic West by dropping the player into an expansive, beautiful, and dangerous world. It is a highly ambitious game whose plot and game systems both deserve in-depth analysis. Because of this, we have split up our conversation. This week, we mainly discuss the game’s structure and mechanics while avoiding specific plot details. We cover topics like morality, emergent gameplay, and the viability of the Rockstar formula. As always, we’re interested to hear what you all thought, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Some discussion starters: - How much time did you spend on the side quests? Were they just a distraction from the main plot or did they offer you something - Do you have any good emergent stories from your travels in New Austin? With all the angry wildlife, surly townsfolk, and wide-open spaces, strange things are bound to happen... - Do you think the Rockstar, open world formula is a viable platform to explore other genres? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, <span style | 7/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #87: Taming the Trolls | The perils of internet anonymity have long stirred up conflict within gaming communities. Blizzards attempt to fight back against forum trolls resulted in a loud outcry from those eager to protect their privacy. While Blizzard's Real ID plans were eventually canceled, they opened up an interesting discussion about anonymity and the role of developers in maintaining a healthy community. Join us this week as Scott and I discuss Blizzard's plans, facebook privacy, horse photos, public shaming, Dennis Rodman, and militant honesty. We encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - How well can online communities police themselves? - What responsibility does Blizzard have in monitoring and shaping player behavior? - Is our relation to anonymity changing? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 39 sec - “Pro Real ID" by Krystian Majewski, via Game Design Scrapbook - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #86: Lay Off the Cake | Aperture Science was a meme factory. Years after Portal’s release, we are still quoting the jokes and phrases that helped give the game its unique personality. With the forthcoming release of Portal 2, writer Erik Wolpaw is grappling with the memes spawned by the original. Making cake references might be an easy way to wink at fans, but there is a danger of the game collapsing under the weight of its own baggage. This week, we discuss the unique challenges facing Portal 2 and consider the ways in which memes function in video games and the video game community. We’d be interested to hear your thoughts in the comments, be they on the subject of cake, cubes, or Keyboard Cats. Some discussion starters: - Will it be hard for Portal 2 to distance itself from the baggage of the first game? Would you be disappointed if there were not cake references? - What are some of your favorite game memes and why? Is there a specific purpose they serve either in or out of the game? - Is it possible to have gameplay memes? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-wei | 7/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #85: Twisted Truth | Every year E3 is all about surprises. Some take the art of the surprise very seriously. At this year's event, Designer David Jaffe shocked fans when he announced the new Twisted Metal. Why were some so taken aback? Because Jaffe explicitly denied the existence of such a title. Without a shred of doubt, he completely lied to journalists and readers. Branching off a post from Kyle Orland on the subject, and two pieces by Nels Anderson, Scott and I discuss the value of surprises, games journalism, film industry norms, and the cultural of secrets. You can find the original articles in the show notes and we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - Is secrecy in the games industry valuable in anyway? - Should we be alright with this much secrecy? How about Jaffe's behavior? - Is the industry incapable of becoming more transparent or is the a cultural trait that can be changed? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 24 min 27 sec - "David Jaffe is a liar. Do we care?" by Kyle Orland, via The Game Beat - "It's All Cloack & Dagger" by Nels Anderson, via Above49 - "Sometimes, The Spy Games are Too Much" by Nels Anderson, via Above49 - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #84: Dropping in on ODST | “Alright Browncoats: we break atmo in five minutes and we’ve got a whole mess of ruttin’ hostiles lining up to meet us. Get your fancy pants and grab your guns, we don’t want to disappoint our hosts. Stick together, make your shots count and everything will be shiny...” Oh, sorry everybody. I think I’m getting my sci-fi universes mixed up. But if you’ve played Halo 3: ODST, you probably understand. This week, Jorge and I discuss this unique entry in the Halo franchise. Part expansion pack, part sequel, and part spin-off, ODST is an interesting beast. We discuss everything from the mission structure, the gameplay, and the storytelling approach. As always, feel free to drop into the comments with your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - For those of you who played it, what did you think? How does ODST compare with the Master Chief trilogy? - Did the story and its characters draw you into the plot? What are your thoughts on the silent protagonist and the rest of the crew? - ODST is a rare example of a “spin-off” game: it uses an established mythology and gameplay system as a base from which to branch off into something new. What other franchises would yield enjoyable spin-offs? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally,<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-deco | 6/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #83: E3 2010 Retrospective | This year's Electronic Entertainment Expo has come and gone, leaving in its wake rumors, exciting announcements, technical innovations, and underpaid "booth babes." I was fortunate enough to attend the three day event, getting to see some unreleased creations a few months early and bask in corporate self-aggrandizement. This week on the podcast, Scott and I discuss the ins-and-outs of E3, from motion controls and 3D technology, to Zelda and SOCOM 4. Let us know your thoughts on all the E3 announcements in the comments section below. Show notes: - Run time: 38 mins 59 secs - Music provided by Brad Sucks Read more! Ed. note: I know, Twilight Princess is a Zelda game on the Wii. Also, 3DS ships March 2011, not this fall. Sorry to get your hopes up. | 6/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #82: Space Jesus | While they may not always do so in the most graceful fashion, even even the most mainstream games address complex issues like sex and violence. Religion, however, remains a relatively understudied topic. This week, we draw inspiration from Richard Clark and Jason Killingsworth, two authors who examine the ways religion is manifested in games and how theology impacts our relationship with them. Over the course of the discussion we touch upon faith as a game mechanic, how religion impacts cultural expression, the deity’s of Dungeons and Dragons, as well as the inspiration for this episode’s silly title. As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - In which games has religion played a major role? - Can issues like faith and spirituality be conveyed with game systems or should religion be explored through thematic details? - How does your religious background affect your response to religion in games? How do you want to see the subject addressed, if at all? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: tr | 6/16/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #81: Morality Dilemma | In an effort to explore the depths of choice and human ethics, morality systems have become commonly used tool in game design. Morality can be a deeply complicated and heated topic of discussion, so how do games successfully tackle this subject with players? Recently J. Matthew Zoss asked this question of some influential game designers in his piece on Gamasutra. Fittingly, GameSetWatch's (and Gamasutra's) Andrew Vanden Bossche joins us this week as a guest host to delve into the "rights and wrongs" of morality in games. As usual, you can find the inspirational article in the show notes, as well as links to more of Andrews work. Show notes: - Run time: 40 min 48 sec - "Ethics 101: Designing Morality in Games," by J. Matthew Zoss via Gamasutra - Design Diversions, biweekly column by Andrew Vanden Bossche via GameSetWatch - Mammon Machine - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #80: "Prince of Persia: The Movie:" The Podcast | It was a long holiday weekend here in the U.S., but don't think that Jorge and I were taking a break. On the contrary, we engaged in some some field research by trekking to the local movie theater to see the latest video game-to-film adaptation: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. As long time admirers of the franchise, we proceeded hopefully, yet cautiously. Would the Sands of Time live up to the quality of its source material? Would we be left wishing we could rewind time to before our money left our wallets? Would Nolan North dub over Jake Gyllenhaal's voice? Check out the show to find out. Some discussion starters: - For those of you who saw the movie, what did you think? For those of you who haven't, what makes you hesitant? - Do you have any favorite video game films? What games do you think would work well on the silver screen? - Given that the player's ability to actively interact with a game largely defines the narrative, can a film do justice to a game's themes? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 36 min 33 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #79: Laborious Longevity | Sometimes games are just too hard or too large. Is this a common problem and is it hurting the industry? John Davison of GamePro thinks so. Maybe this explains why so many people never finish their own games. Guest host David Carlton of Malvasia Bianca joins us this week to offer his insights on lengthy games, the joys and pains of difficulty, adult gaming habits, and cyclical gaming trends. You can find the original article in the show notes, as well as links to more of David Carlton's work. - What long or hard games have you stuck with and why? Show notes: - Run time: 37 min 34 sec - "Too Big and Too Hard, " by John Davison via GamePro - Malvasia Bianca, home of David Carlton - The Vintage Game Club - The Video Games and Human Values Initiative - Playdom - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #78: Finishing the Fight with Halo 3 | As you may remember, Jorge and I are playing through the Halo series and making podcasts along the way. Released in 2007, Halo 3 was one of the biggest gaming events of the decade and I was quite excited to see how the game has aged. Having wrapped up the Master Chief trilogy, we spend the podcast discussing Halo's plot and extended universe, the game's influential design choices, and what the future holds for the franchise as well as Bungie. Halo's structure facilitates unique experiences for everyone who plays it, so feel free to jump in with your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Halo 3 seemed to emphasize its story more than the first two installments. How significantly does the in-game narrative, as well as the surrounding universe and marketing campaign, impact your enjoyment of the game? - While Halo's combat has always had a distinct feel, each game has introduced subtle tweaks. Of the original trilogy, which game did you enjoy the most? - After Halo 3, were you still interested in continuing the franchise? What are your thoughts on Bungie distancing themselves from the franchise and the rumors of their ambitious new project? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 34 min 26 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #77: Earning The Badge | The cub scouts, the younger sect of Boy Scouts of America, have recently added a new honorable achievement for children to attain: the videogame merit badge. Technically, it is a belt loop or an academic pin. Regardless, to claim the glory of such a trophy, kids have to accomplish a few tasks. Join us this week as Scott and I discuss the ESRB, consumer education, math with Marcus Fenix, and what it takes to become a young videogame guru. You can find a link to the scouts official requirements in the show notes. Show notes: - Run time: 25 min 22 sec - The cub scout video game award and requirements - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/12/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #76: The Future of Games: In 3-D! | Have recent video games left you feeling a little flat? Fear not: as we speak, companies are getting ready to venture in to your living room via the third dimension. This week, we use Gus Mastrapa's article about the current 3-D gaming scene to discuss what may be the next big visual leap in games. Topics include everything from the practical costs of the technology to its implications for game design. Regardless of whether you already own a custom pair of 3-D goggles or if you still rock a black-and-white tube-TV, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - What kind of barrier to entry does 3-D face for the average gamer? Is there a certain price it must reach or a certain feature it must have before you make the jump? - What do you think the relationship will be between 3-D and other technologies such as motion control and head tracking? - How would you like to see 3-D implemented in games (if at all)? Are there certain existing games that you feel would benefit from the added depth? - How does something like the Nintendo DS (or the forthcoming "3DS") impact your thoughts on TV and monitor-based 3-D rigs? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 42 sec - "Why 3-D Gaming's Future is Still Blurry," by Gus Mastrapa - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #75: Olympic Review | We have reached the lands of the Gods, gazed upon their infinite knowledge, and returned with another enlightening podcast. This week, Scott and I eagerly delve into God of War III, the final installment (maybe) in the epic Kratos trilogy. Join us this week to discuss the game's new features, the design of Olympus, fun with fleeces, over-the-top aesthetics, and the brilliance of thematic consistency. Show notes: - Run time: 44 min 23 sec - "Time for God of War to Call It Quits," by Chris Kohler via Wired - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #74: Perspectives on Play | When playing games with others, the already-challenging task of learning the systems and rules is compounded by having to learn about the other players. Differences in techniques, skills, and expectations definitely keeps things lively, but what happens when problems arise? This week, inspired by Alex Martinez's article about how cute little Sackboy precipitated a big ugly fight between him and his wife, we look at what happens when players see things differently. We discuss how games approach the challenge of accommodating players of different skills, goals, and play philosophies while also touching on some of the ways players communicate with each other. As always, if you want to add your perspective, jump into the comments! Some discussion starters: - How much is a player's enjoyment impacted by their "gaming literacy" and how much is influenced by how they approach games generally? Are there certain games at which you are not skilled but still enjoy because of their dynamics? - What games do a good job of accommodating both highly-experienced and minimally-experienced gamers? Do they do this through levelling the play field or by quickly and efficiently educating the newcomer? - How can players reach an agreement about what they want to get out of a game? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 35 min 44 sec - "Little Big Trouble," by Alex "Spaz" Martinez - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/21/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #73: Just the FAQs | The digital wilderness can be a confusing place. Thankfully, when we need a guide or a helping hand, we have the luxury of being able to turn to the gaming equivalent of CliffsNotes: FAQs. Whether they are called walkthroughs, guides or cheats, it's likely that every gamer out there has at some some point consulted them for clues on how to get the most out of a game. This week, inspired by Robert Janelle's profile on some dedicated FAQ writers, we discuss the relationship between games and guides. FAQs have always been more than simple spoiler lists, and we explore the different ways to use walkthroughs, the role they play in gaming culture, and what it takes to write a great guide. As always, feel free to offer your own thoughts on tips, tricks, and techniques in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Are there any particular games you have played in which FAQs were particularly useful? Does this correspond to specific genre or gameplay style? - In what contexts are FAQs most useful? Should guides be more integrated into games? How have services like YouTube affected the way you seek out hints? - Have you ever written a FAQ? If so, how did you like the experience? If not, would you ever consider writing a FAQ for any particular game? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 44 sec - "Bad MotherFAQers," by Robert Janelle, via The Escapist - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #72: Some Heavy Rain | There are, occasionally, titles that seem to herald a new day in videogames. Some have claimed Quantic Dream's latest creation as one such experience, marking the future of interactive fiction.We hope you brought your umbrella, because this week Scott and I venture into Heavy Rain to discuss whether or not this theory holds water. As usual, we will avoid spoilers until absolutely necessary. For the spoiler-sensitive out there, we give plenty of warning before we reveal secrets, so feel free to give this podcast a listen. Discussion starters: - Prior to the game's release, were you excited about Heavy Rain? If so, why? - How well did the game's mechanics succeed in telling the story? Should they be emulated by other creators of interactive drama? - How well does Heavy Rain succeed in telling an "adult" story? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 47 min 17 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #71: Hostile Forces | For a medium designed to entertain and even calm, videogames can be surprisingly frustrating. Intense hostility can be elicited by games, be they single-player or multiplayer. This can result in high blood pressure, loud swearing, or even the destruction of property. Chris Lepine of The Artful Gamer inspires the podcast this week with his post on angry gamers and a shattered six-axis. Join us this week while we discuss breaking controllers, 8 bit anger, the calming affects of transparency, diverting hostility, and adversarial gaming. Show notes: - Run time: 36 min 26 sec - "The Angry Gamer," by Chris Lepine via The Artful Gamer - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #70: Silent Hill Sound Off! | It's easy for games to get lost in the crowded winter season, when huge games like Mass Effect and Call of Duty dominate dominate both sales charts and critical conversation. This week, we have an in-depth discussion about a game that has been quietly lurking in the shadows: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. The most title recent in a long-running series, Shattered Memories re-imagines the first Silent Hill to provide both a unique gameplay and storytelling experience. In addition to upholding the sense of dread and horror from the previous games (seriously, try playing this with the lights off!), the Shattered Memories has some narrative twists that set it apart from most other games. Jorge and I made sure to keep the first half of our talk spoiler-free before getting down to specific plot points. Despite (or perhaps because of) its rough edges, we both highly recommend the game. Just don't blame us when you're huddled beneath the covers at night, afraid to turn the lights off. Finally, the in-game psychologist told us its healthy to share your feelings with others, so feel free to jump in with your comments. Some discussion starters: - For those of you who played the game, what did you think? Had you played other Silent Hill games before? How did your puzzles and stories differ from ours? - The game claims "to play you" just as much as you play it. For those of you who played it, was this accurate? What other games "play" their players, and how do they do so? - Is there room on the market for "double-A" games like Shattered Memories? Is this a meaningful distinction? How should we evaluate games with experimental concepts but less polish than blockbuster titles? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 44 min 23 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #69: The Finish Line | This past weekend concluded the 2010 San Francisco Game Developers Conference, which brought together developers from around the world to discuss all aspects of the games industry. Numerous talks were held covering a wide range of subject. One particularly interesting talk, embedded above, was by Chris Hecker, who called on designers to "finish" their games. Fittingly, we called on game developer Krystian Majewski, creator of the IGF Award nominated Trauma, to offer his professional wisdom. Join us this week while we discuss missing deadlines, game depth, charismatic marketers, and the importance of wacky ideas. Show notes: - Run time: 38 min 05 sec - "Please Finish Your Game," by Chris Hecker, via ChrisHecker.com - See Game Design Reviews for more information about Trauma and Krystian Mejewski - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #68: Naked Ambition | As games evolve, more mainstream titles are incorporating elements of nudity. This raises the question of nudity's importance. In one sense, its value is derived from what it represents in terms of the story or the characters. Nudity is also useful for examining wider societal issues and cultural norms. But what if we had to assign nudity an actual economic worth? Does $3 sound about right? This week, we discuss G. Christopher Williams' article about nudity in The Saboteur. The game represents an intersection of monetized, optional, and artistic nudity, and is an interesting case study for how mainstream games deal with exposed flesh. We share our thoughts on the game's approach to bare bodies and then trade ideas about what the future holds for digital nudity. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments (clothing optional). Some discussion starters: - What are the implication of having monetized nudity? - Do you think there is a difference between cutscene and interactive examples of nudity from a moral/ethical point of view? - Can you think of any games in which nudity was essential to the complete experience? Are there games in which nudity ultimately weakened the overall experience? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 09 sec - "The Value of Nudity: Considering the Saboteur," by G. Christopher Williams, via PopMatters - "In the Nude for Games," by Jorge - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #67: Late for a History Lesson | It is hard to look away from the onslaught of newly released titles, which time to pique our interest with all these "fresh" ideas. But games have been around for a while now, and not every game is a glistening display of pure innovation. We have old roots that are worthy of exploration. Or, as Evan Stubbs suggests, those seeking to expand the medium have an obligation to reexamine older titles and put modern day gaming in its historical context. Join us this week while Scott and I discuss stealth mechanics of the past, the art of building upon genre, the Beatles, Braid, and the risks and rewards of gamer time travel. As usual, you can find Evan's original article on the subject in the show notes. We also encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 51 sec - Learning from History by Evan Stubbs, via RedKingsDream - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #66: Fall Sales Wager Results | Remember back in October, when we tried to guess which new fall titles would be the biggest sellers of the season? This week, we reveal the much anticipated outcome. The whole experiment was much more complicated than we bargained for, but we came away with some interesting lessons about the allure of franchises, the supposed "casual/core" dichotomy, and the shadowy world of sales numbers. Below is our list of the best selling games as well as our respective predictions. For those of you playing along, how did you do? Were there any big surprises? Did any of your favorites miss the list? Also, you may want to take this opportunity to say "hi" to Jorge. You know, put any old arguments to rest, or maybe say something nice just to show you care. Life is unpredictable: one day you're on top of the world and next you're writhing in intestinal anguish after indulging in some laxative-infused tiramisu custard... Actual List (as calculated by us): 1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii 3. Wii Fit Plus 4. Assassin's Creed 2 5. Left 4 Dead 2 6. Dragon Age: Origins 7. Borderlands 8. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 9. DJ Hero 10. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Jorge's List: 1. Modern Warfare 2 2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii 3. Wii Fit Plus 4. Band Hero 5. Uncharted 2 6. Left 4 Dead 2 7. Assassins Creed 2 8. Lego Indiana Jones 2 9. DJ Hero 10. Dragon Age Scott's List: 1. Wii Fit Plus 2. Modern Warfare 2 3. New Super Mario Bros Wii 4. Lego Indiana Jones 2 5. Dragon Age 6. Lego Rock Band 7. Assassin's Creed 2 8. Left 4 Dead 2 9. The Legend of Zelda: The Spirit Tracks 10. Brutal Legend To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 11 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #65: Commercial Appeal | Take a look at the trailer for Vanquish above. This is the latest work from Shinji Mikami, famed creator of the Resident Evil franchise. What exactly is going on here? What type of game is this? We've got a gruff looking space marine fighting robot aliens. What are we supposed to get out of this trailer? Which brings us to this week's topic: What are we supposed to get out of trailers in general? Join us while we discuss veterans, butterflies, 80's music, exploitation, and the art of game trailers. You can find links to some of the trailers we discuss in the show notes. Some discussion starters: - Can trailers even hope to give an accurate assessment of what the game is going to be like? - Do they have an obligation to not mislead the viewer? - What do you look for in a good trailer? Have any favorites? Have you ever avoided them? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 02 sec - Halo 3 Museum Trailer - GTA4: Liberty City Stories Trailer - Mirror's Edge Trailer - Gears of War 2 Trailer - Left 4 Dead 2 Trailer - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/17/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #64: Spartacus: Blood and Pixels | For a long time, many video games have sought to emulate storytelling techniques found in film, particularly the ways a story is visually conveyed. While a growing number of people are questioning the wisdom of this goal, "cinematic" is still usually a complementary term used to describe games. This week, we turn the tables and examine how aesthetic techniques from video games are influencing TV and film. With the help of G. Christopher Williams' article on the video game aesthetics of Spartacus, we discuss both subtle and overt aesthetic contributions games make to works outside of the medium. As always, feel free to share your thoughts on the sharing in the comments Some discussion starters: - Do any specific films or TV shows strike you as aesthetically inspired by video games? - Is there a particular "look" that denotes video game aesthetics? Is it still pejorative to liken a film or TV show to a video game? - Can film and TV appropriate video game aesthetics even though they lack the ability to appropriate the corresponding mechanics? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 22 sec - "The Video Game Aesthetics of Spartacus: Blood and Sand," by G. Christopher Williams, via PopMatters - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/10/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #63: Halo Podcast Evolved | To his personal shame, Scott had never played any of the Halo games. So we decided to drop into the franchise from orbit, pull Halo one from cryo, and mount up as Master Chief. Scott and I have just finished playing the first two Halos (on Legendary mode) and want to take a moment to discuss our thoughts on the birth of a truly epic franchise. Podcast topics this week include the dangers of zombies, complex level design growing pains, purple corridors, and the birth of a Spartan legend. We encourage you to leave your own thoughts on the franchise in the comments section below, though please avoid Halo 3/ODST spoilers. Discussion Topics: - How did you first feel about Halo 1 and 2 when you first played them. - Is it hard to visit older titles? Do you find past mistakes become more tiresome? Do sequels forever take the place of their predecessors? - How did Bungie manage to construct such a important franchise with such an influence on the history of game development? How well does the beginning of the franchise hold up today? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 36 min 25 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #62: Distributing the Future | We routinely talk about the impressive content within games, but, in today's market, the way in which we procure that content is equally striking. Digital distribution is changing long-standing traditions regarding how games are sold and played: an increasing number of both games and players are leaving discs and cartridges behind in favor of ones and zeroes. Inspired by Evan Stubbs' article on the future of digital distribution, we discuss some the potential benefits and drawbacks of what seems to be the inevitable move towards completely digital gaming. Whether you feel that this change will usher in a new era of economical convenience or a technological apocalyspe, feel free sound off in the comments. Some discussion starters: - What are your habits regarding digitally distributed games? Is there a certain reason you do or do not download games you could get on discs? - How do you feel about pricing structures based on "segments" rather than as a function of time? What kinds of privacy issues arise? - How soon, if ever, do you think games will go 100% digital? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 26 min 49 sec - "The Future of Digital Distribution," by Evan Stubbs, via RedKingsDream - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #61: The Dubious Health of the JRPG | Few genres have seen a rise and fall like the once illustrious Japanese RPG. There still exists a strong core group of players dedicated to the JRPG, but could the poor showing of Japanese titles in 2009 be the death knell for a dying art form? Jeff Fleming think so. This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by his recent opinion piece, Scott and I visit to the local genre hospital and discuss the health of JRPGs, DS confinement, teen angst, and the 'unicorn magic' of operatic storytelling. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 52 sec - "The Last Days of the Japanese RPG?" by Jeff Fleming via GameSetWatch - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #60: Playing With Characters | Put on your robes and wizard hats folks: it's time to do some role-playing. Whether you are playing as a knight, a space marine, or a rogue treasure hunter, video games give the player an opportunity to assume an identity different from their own. However, the increasing complexity ofRPGs as well as the inclusion of sophisticated characters in non-RPG games can lead to a conflict between the player and the game: What happens when the player wants to do something that their character would never dream of? Grayson Davis from Beeps and Boops raised this question, inspiring us to explore some possible answers. This is a complicated issue and one that is likely highly influenced by personal taste, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - When playing a game, do you role-play your character? How does this affect your play experience? - What is the balance between providing individual experiences based on specific characters versus ensuring players see all the game has to offer? - Are there certain games that you feel walk this line particularly well? Are there games in which role-playing actually decreases your enjoyment? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 32 sec - "The Player's Role," by Grayson Davis, via Beeps and Boops - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #59: Uncharted Territory | The best games of 2009 have been selected and I have joined an unsurprising chorus of individuals who laud Uncharted 2: Among Thieves as their experience of the year. Such a title, however, with its unapologetic approach to cinematic game design, may hold untold dangers for the medium. So begins this week's conversation about the successes and failures of Uncharted 2. Once again, Scott and I focus on one single game we have recently played, reflecting on Naughty Dog, the impressionable public, and the future of game design. - Run time: 32 min 59 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/6/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #58: The 2009 Year-end Extravaganza | As 2009 draws to a close, it's time to take a step back and reflect on the games we played over the year. Being the rebels that we are, Jorge and I are even letting pre-2009 games get in on all the GOTY action played numerous games this past year that were not even released in 2009. Instead of abandoning them to the sands of time, we decided to do a super-sized show that highlights both our favorite 2009 titles as well as our favorite gaming experiences from the past calendar year (release dates be damned!). As always, feel free to offer your assessment on the year and share your top gaming moments from 2009. Thanks to everyone who visited the site over the past year; without you we'd just be yelling at the screen. Have a great New Year, and we'll see you in 2010! Some discussion starters: - First thing's first: What were your favorite 2009 titles? Which games are we missing out on? - Regardless of release date, which games hooked you over the past year? Did you find a hidden gem in your back catalog, or are you still pouring hours into a game like Roller Coaster Tycoon? - We didn't have enough time to touch on this in the podcast, but what were your favorite gaming trends or surprises from 2009? What are you looking forward to in 2010? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 49 min 19 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #57: Celebrities and Exploitation | The innards of the videogame industry are dark, mysterious, and just a little bit icky. According to a recent article by Leigh Alexander, not all is merry for our game developers this holiday season. Some people who have put in a lot of work are being ignored, by publishers and gamers alike. Maybe, as Joshua Lin describes, we need more videogame celebrities as advocates and developer representatives. Join Scott and I while we discuss labor disputes, the Joss Whedon appeal, developer secrecy, and the hidden ailments of the games industry.. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 4933 sec - They worked on the game you played but didn't get credit, by Leigh Alexander via Kotaku - We Need "Celebrities", by Joshua Lin via Gamasutra - Sometimes, the Spy Games are Too Much, by Nels Anderson via Above49 - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #56: New Mario Mania | Every so often, the fall's harvest yields an extra-special crop, a crop in which fungus is the bounty rather than the blight. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is out and provoking unusually disparate reactions. In order to share our thoughts on the game, Jorge and I have called a truce on throwing each other into lava pits for just long enough to record a podcast. We discuss our impressions, the madness that is multiplayer Mario, as well as the contemporary relevance of Mario's game design. Feel free to triple-jump into the comments with your thoughts. We promise we won't throw any koopa shells at you, just remember we never said anything about Bob-ombs... On a related note, I found this video of a big band performing the Super Mario Bros. theme song. It even has lyrics! Some discussion starters: - For those of you who have played the game, what do you think? For those of you who haven't, does a side-scrolling Mario appeal to you? - One of the most surprising things about NSMBW's multiplayer mode was its ability to foster both cooperative and competitive play. Can you think of any other games that have tapped into this dynamic? - Should Mario adopt modern gaming conventions such as character classes or more forgiving difficulty? Can a newcomer find as much enjoyment in this game as an experienced player? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 33 sec - Mitch Krpata's review, via The Phoenix - To get a taste of the hilarity that is the multiplayer, check out Giant Bomb's review - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/16/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #55: The Making of a Memorable Character | What makes Mario such a memorable character? Is it that sweet mustache? Those flattering overalls? Could it be his trademark 'woohoo'? Or is his appeal coincidental? How would Faith from Mirror's Edge measure up? These topics are on our minds thanks to a fascinating article by Andrew Vanden Bossche discussing game design and its influence on memorable characters. This week on the EXP Podcast, join Scott and I while we discuss ass kicking, those gendered voices in your ear, first-person hugs, and the art of impressive character design. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 34 sec - "Memorable Game Characters, Mirror's Edge and Picture Books" by Andrew Vanden Bossche, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/9/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #54: Following Xbox, Friending PlayStation | It's amazing (and frightening, depending on your viewpoint) how quickly social networking websites have become part of our daily lives. In 2004, who would have thought that [The] Facebook would be keeping track of their video game accomplishments? In 2006, Twitter asked the world "What are you doing?" and now we can answer its nagging inquiry by replying: "I'm updating you on my Xbox." As Web 2.0 snakes its tendrils into our game consoles, we discuss our initial impressions of the features and exchange some ideas about the ramifications of adding our game-playing selves to the Internet Hive Mind. Seeing as how the explosion of social networking has been crucial to this site, I'll stop teasing the hand that feeds us and invite you all to jump in with your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Have you activated the social networking functions on your consoles yet? If so, are you enjoying the experience? If not, what stops you from doing so? - What effects will social network integration have on player habits? - What does the future hold for the relationship between sites like Twitter, the game industry, and its culture? Is this the beginning of a huge change or simply a passing fad? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 26 min 13 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/2/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #53: Thanksgiving Leftovers | Continuing our holiday theme, Scott and I reached into our 'epic' spreadsheet of podcast topics to share with your our seasonal leftovers. From dark Disney characters to videogame weapons, these six stories are a little old, but still have a lot of flavor. Join us while we discuss persistent world narcissism, games of the decade, in-game trust, and old-school medallions. As always, you can find all these stories in the show notes. Some discussion starters: - How can lies and mistrust be implemented in a videogame? - How do you feel about collector's editions? How do you flaunt your 'geek' pride? - Epic Mickey: How much do you trust Warren Spector really? - What are the most influential games of the decade? - How do we implement persistent worlds in the most painless way possible? Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 36 sec - "Games of the Decade: An Introduction" by Mitch Krpata, via Insult Swordfighting - "Design of a Decade" by Steve Gaynor, via Fullbright - Epic Mickey details via Game Informer - Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition via Joystiq - "Dear persistent worlds: you make me feel bad" by Andrew, via Charge Shot!!! - "Inside the Video Game Weapon Replica Business" by Mike Fahey, via Kotaku - "Fear and Mistrust in Videogames" by Scott Sharkey, via 1Up - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #52: The Difficulty with DLC | "Thank you Mario. But our princess is in another castle! I'll show you the way...for only $5!" This scenario might be an exaggerated nightmare, but the world of DLC is becoming an increasingly complicated one. The recently released Dragon Age: Origins launched with day-one premium content, some of which is actually offered by in-game NPCs. Unsurprisingly, many gamers vehemently disapproved of this and set out to form angry Internet mobs. This week, we discuss Sean "Elysium" Sands' plea for gamers to re-evaluate the merits of premium downloadable content. He makes a thought-provoking argument, suggesting that DLC may be the price we pay in order to perpetuate the existence of gaming as we know it. Do his ominous predictions have you reaching for your wallet? We invite you to jump in with your thoughts, free of charge. Some discussion starters: - What kind of DLC have you purchased? Do you have specific personal rules about what you buy? - Do you believe that one game's DLC can subsidize other games, or will it just yield more DLC for that game? - Is there an ethical component to DLC from an artistic or democratic standpoint? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 52 sec - "A Dirge for the Sinking Ship," by Sean "Elysium" Sands - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #51: Sizing Up Handhelds | Big chubby news recently came out of Nintendo: Their next DS version is imminent, and it is a much larger beast than we are used to. The DSi LL (DSi XL for the western market), is a whopper compared to its older sibling. Its screen is fully 93% larger than the original DSi. Take that poor eye sight. This week, Scott and I tackle this behemoth and discuss the current state of handhelds, what we've been playing on our itty-bitty screens, fat fingers, developing for limitations, and the elderly market. You can find more information, including nice photographs, in our show notes, and we encourage you to leave thoughts of any size in the comments section. Some discussion starters: - Aside from portability, what has attracted you most to handheld games? - What limitations of the current handheld market are potentially empowering? - What games have you been playing on a small scale, and what best use the smaller hardware? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run Time: 27 mins 21 secs - Nintendo Officially reveals the DSi LL, via Destructoid - Music by Brad Sucks | 11/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #50: In Search of Secrets | Invisible coin blocks, hidden passages within a level, and obscure collectible trinkets are just a few of the conventions often turn games into digital Easter egg hunts. However, in a time when large numbers of gamers never even bother to finish a game's main story mode, the reason behind the near-ubiquitous inclusion of in-game secrets is a mystery unto itself. This week, we use Andrew Vanden Bossche's recent GameSetWatch column as a starting point to discuss secrecy in games. How do deceitful children, James Bond, and avian harassment factor into the conversation? You're one click away from finding out. As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments: do you crave concealed cash, or are you simply sick of sleuthing? Some discussion starters: - What sets your favorite examples of secrets apart from your least favorite examples? - Are secrets that affect gameplay any more or less ethical than those that do not? - In light of the Internet, what is the future of secrecy in games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 31 min 37 sec - "Design Diversions: 'It’s A Secret To Everyone'," by Andrew Vanden Bossche, via GamaSetWatch - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 11/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #49: Next Gen Genetics | Our console generation is getting old, and there doesn't seem to be a new model in our immediate future. So what is going to happen to those "Next Gen" games we are perpetually looking forward to? According to LukePlunkett of Kotaku , we might be short on innovative wonders for awhile. This week, Scott and I delve into Plunkett's somewhat controversial piece. Join us while we discuss generational shifts, ideal zombie numbers, creative spaces, sea mammals, and evolution of game design. As always, we love to hear your thoughts in our email or the comments section below. Check out the show notes for Luke's original article; it is well worth reading. Discussion Starters: - What makes a truly "next gen" game? Or is this a frivolous distinction? - What advancements most open up a creative space for developers to implement bold innovations? - Is the evolution of games better characterized by fundamentally different eras or gradual iterations on common ideas? Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 11 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 10/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #48: Exploiting Bobby Kotick | He has been called a heartless, devilish, carpetbagger. He is unapologetic about his mission to take the fun out of making video games. He has inspired neo-folk protest songs. He is Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision. This week, we discuss one of gaming's most infamous characters and his influence on the medium. We cover capitalism, sensational journalism, and some light conspiracy theory in an attempt to fight against the culture "of skepticism and pessimism and fear," perpetuated by everyone's favorite villain. Some discussion starters: - How does Kotick's business philosophy affect your perception of Activision-Blizzard and the titles it publishes? To what extent are your more casually-interested friends and family aware of the business side of games? - Which (if any) company executives make a positive impression on you? How do they this? - To what extent is Kotick simply playing role for the public? Is this even plausible? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 50 sec - "Why We Love to Hate Activision - And Might Be Wrong," by Leigh Alexander, published on Kotaku - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 10/21/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #47: Groping the Television | Last month, previous EXP podcast guest Nels Anderson made an interesting claim: videogames have far more in common with television than film. Truly the Citizen Kane of comparisons. Scott and I watch a lot of television, but we're no experts. So this week we thought it appropriate to discuss these two mediums with another guest. Joining us this week is JustinKeverne of Groping The Elephant. We are honored to have such an intelligent blogger and designer in our midst. Justin provides plenty of insight to go around and one of those charming British accents to serenade our listeners. Join us while we discuss format breaks, self-created narratives, short attention spans, and television adaptations. Our hosting triad and the broad subject matter has made this podcast a little longer than normal. Don't worry, it is time well spent. You'll findNels's original article in the show notes, along with supplemental articles we mention in the show and links to Justin's own work. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. | 10/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #46: Fall Sales, Speculation, and Sweets | The Fall release season is upon us, bringing with it its annual gaming bounty. While it may be humanly impossible for us to play all of the new releases, nothing is stopping us from trying to guess what other people will play. This week, Jorge and I channel our inner Michael Pachter and enter into a gentleman's agreement: We each came up with a list of what we believe will be the top ten best-selling games released between October and December. When February rolls around, we will take revisit our predictions and score them based on their accuracy. The winner will enjoy a (hopefully) tasty dessert of their choosing...made by the loser! Food, games, and gambling: What could be better? Below are our respective picks. As always, feel free to jump in with your choices in comments section. What are your predictions? While we can't promise dessert for anyone that beats us (or can we...?), the victory will undoubtedly be far sweeter than anything made by mere mortals. Jorge's List: 1. Modern Warfare 2 2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii 3. Wii Fit Plus 4. Band Hero 5. Uncharted 2 6. Left 4 Dead 2 7. Assassins Creed 2 8. Lego Indiana Jones 2 9. DJ Hero 10. Dragon Age Scott's List: 1. Wii Fit Plus 2. Modern Warfare 2 3. New Super Mario Bros Wii 4. Lego Indiana Jones 2 5. Dragon Age 6. Lego Rock Band 7. Assassin's Creed 2 8. Left 4 Dead 2 9. The Legend of Zelda: The Spirit Tracks 10. Brutal Legend To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 11 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 10/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #45: A Real Downer | You've put in hours into a game, the final boss is just on the horizon. While the end might be nigh, it probably isn't unpredictable. Game endings tend to be repetitive success stories, lacking the ambiguous or downer endings readily available in other mediums. Menveer Heir, of Raven Software and Design Rampage, inspires us again on this weeks podcast with his post lamenting the lack of depressing games. Join Scott and I while we discuss player agency, dead avatars, Roman aggression, and authorial control. As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section below and we'll shower you with praise. BE WARNED! This podcast contains potentially significant spoilers for about twelve games and two movies. These are listed in the show notes, along with Manveer's original article. If you are sensitive to spoilers and hear a game title, go ahead and skip ahead a few seconds. Some discussion starters: - Confession time. What downer game endings have tugged at your heart strings? - Does character failure equate to player failure? What about failure and downer endings in non-character driven games like Civilization? - So you've got a sad story to tell. How do you pull it off with out upsetting the all-powerful player? Show notes: - "Life is a Series of Down Endings," by Manveer Heir via Design Rampage - Run time: 29 min 3 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks - Show includes spoilers for: Prince of Persia, Shadow of the Colossus, Chronotrigger, Passage, Halo 3, Call of Juarez, Call of Duty 4, Eternal Darkness, Far Cry 2, Final Fantasy X, Bioshock, Braid, Braveheart, and Marley and Me. | 9/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #44: Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood Debriefing | Saddle up pardners: Today, you're riding out west with the EXP Gang. OK, I'll stop. This week, we discuss the recently released Western-FPS Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. We cover everything from co-op, to cover mechanics, to Confederates. Although the game had some shortcomings, it ended up provoking a fruitful discussion. Feel free to mosey on over to the comments section to share your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - What are your favorite things about Western film and literature? What games (Western or otherwise) evoke similar feelings? - How can the thematic topics seen in many Westerns (explorations of civilization and the wilderness, violence and the law, morality versus barbarism, etc.) best be incorporated into games? - Are we getting to a point where co-op, much like competitive multiplayer, is becoming a standard feature that we expect from games? - For those of you who played the game: What are your overall impressions? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 39 min 14 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #43: Tact and Dead Celebrities | How we depict figures from our cultural history and actual history is our entertainment media is fascinating. We tend to overly praise and ridicule these individuals, particularly celebrities. Deciding which depiction of a cultural figure is too offensive or disrespectful is no easy task. The appearance is Kurt Cobain as a playable character in Guitar Hero 5 runs this border. Giving more options to players is great, but is allowing a deceased celebrity, particularly one who died in a tragic way, to sing ABBA too much? This week, Scott and I discuss this Cobain fiasco and the philosophy behind open access to potentially disrespectful material, and we don't stop there. Our topics include duck hats, Johnny Cash, mash-up culture, and Frederick Douglas. As always, we love to hear your thoughts, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. | 9/16/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #42: Title Bouts | There is nothing like a little friendly competition to get a heated discussion going. In fact, according to Leigh Alexander's recent interview with Capcom senior director of communications Chris Kramer, rival development teams may lament their bygone days of battle. Join us this week while Scott and I discuss the Mortal Kombat/Street Fighter debate, the pros and cons of exaggerated competition, and some of the more memorable video game rivalries. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes. We would also love to hear your thoughts on the subject, as well as memorable rivalries we may have missed, which you can leave in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - Have you ever found yourself picking sides on a video game rivalry? Did this enhance your experience with the game or the gaming community? - Do you think video game rivalries are healthy for the industry? Is there a genre or particular game that needs a boisterous competitor? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 25 min 1 sec - Interview, "Capcom 'Would Welcome' Return Of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat Brand Rivalry" by Leigh Alexander via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/9/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast: PAX 2009, Day 3 | The final day of PAX 2009 has come to an end. Though saddened by the thought of an empty convention, eerily devoid of digital revelry, we are filled to the brim with satisfaction. The last day of PAX was as busy as ever. Panels included such interesting topics as the future of videogames, gamer culture, and depictions of sex and serious topics. The excellent panelists gave us loads to talk about on this episode, but we also discuss games from the show floor and out feelings towards the unique PAX event over all. We invite you to leave your thoughts in the comments section and join us next year for PAX 2010! To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 33 min 16 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast: PAX 2009, Day 2 | It's Day 2 of PAX and Experience Points is going strong! Today we sat in on on a variety of panels that covered everything from sex, to gender, to story telling methods in games. We also were lucky enough to witness the spectacle that is the Omegathon, a PAX-wide video game tournament featuring attendees. In this episode, we recap our thoughts on the panels and re-live the glory of the Omeganauts. As always, we love your comments, so feel free to jump in with your thoughts. To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 10 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast: PAX 2009, Day 1 | Experience Points is in Seattle for PAX 2009! The days are unbelievably packed with all things gaming related. Much of our first day was spent in the various panels, so this podcast serves as a sort of debriefing session. Feel free to to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments, and if you are in Seattle, let us know so that we can stop by and say "Hi!" To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 08 sec - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #41: Survey Said...Depression? | The mainstream acceptance of video games is a relatively recent phenomenon, as is the scientific study of how games effect players. When studies are conducted, it is important to examine them closely, as they can influence political decisions, social perceptions, and future research trends. This week, we explore a study looking at gamers' physical and mental health. We discuss some of the study's shortcomings and anticipate the ways in which future research can benefit the larger gaming community. As always, we welcome your input so feel free to read through the articles and weigh-in with your comments. Some discussion starters: - What is the best way to organize the gaming community in a study? Number of hours gaming? Relative importance of gaming in someone's life? Can we find any way to define what constitutes a "Video-Game" player? - How do people utilize games to deal with problems in their life? Are games something that attract a certain mental or physical profile? Do games cause ill health or does ill health lead people to play games? - What can games teach us in terms of our lifestyles? How do games (even those that are not "serious") improve our lives? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 21 sec - The Two Articles from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine can be found here, in the August 2009 press release section. They are in PDF format. - "Study: Average gamer is 35, fat and bummed," via MSNBC.com - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 9/2/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #40: Missed Connections | Remember the days when the only way to connect with your fellow gamers was to be in the same room? Whether it was showing off your custom Excitebike track or networking a group of PCs in your parents' living room, connecting with other players was decidedly local experience. Today, on-line multiplayer allows us to play simultaneously with dozens of people in as many countries...as long as the connection is stable. This week, inspired by articles from Chris Dahlen and Phill Cameron, we discuss the wonderful world of routers, ports, lag, and the culture surrounding on-line gaming. Feel free to reach through your firewall and leave a comment with your thoughts on the past, present, and future of inter-networked. Some discussion starters: - What responsibility do developers and publishers have in terms of connection issues and standardization? Would you pay more for increased stability? - What role does a game's community play in alleviating or normalizing connection issues? - Could an asynchronous multiplayer system enjoy the same kind of success that real-time multiplayer does? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 14 sec - "Trying to Make a Connection," by Phill Cameron, via Game Set Watch - "Will We Ever Game Against Mars?" by Chris Dahlen, via Edge - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/26/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #39: Gritty Realities | When it comes to videogame art design, is reality over-rated? In an industry constantly creating and mastering new technologies, game creators have always wanted to show off. For many developers, showing off means aiming for the bountiful land beyond the uncanny valley. For Sean "Elysium" Sands of Gamers With Jobs, the "Gritty Realism" aesthetic has lost its appeal. This week, inspired by Sean's article "Breaking the Mirror", we discuss realistic sweat, humble art design, aging graphics, and the phantom of realism. You can find the article in the show notes and, as always, we love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - Do games that show off their visual realism appeal to a wider audience? - What is the most excellent looking game you have ever played? Did it fit with the gameplay and narrative? - Which games age best visually? - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 25 min 19 sec - "Breaking the Mirror" by Sean Sands, via Gamers With Job - Music by Brad Sucks | 8/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #38: Gamers in Motion | Let's be honest: During our early console gaming days, how many of us would fling our controller upward in a desperate attempt to make Mario jump just a little bit higher? We learned to shed those earnest, yet useless actions, but with the rise of motion controls and quirky peripherals, it seems that those old habits have been revived. This week, inspired by an article from Bob Mackey, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of motion control as it stands today. Although we are less than three years into the mainstream adoption of motion control, the phenomenon has made an impact in game design, player accessibility, and market strategy. As always, feel free to Wii-waggle your way into the conversation with your comments. Some discussion starters: - Which games exemplify your favorite forms of motion control and which subject you to your least favorite? - Are motion controls capable of the kind of complex actions found in button/key-exclusive control schemes, or does motion control necessitate simplicity? - What will the future of motion control look like? Will motion control become a kind of genre, will it be integrated into traditional games, or is it just a fad? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 14 sec - "Cutting the Cord," by Bob Mackey, via 1up.com - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/12/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #37: Guns & Wizard Hats | Peanut-Butter & Jelly, Chicken & Waffles, both ingenious combinations! So why not Guns & Wizard Hats? Well I might have a few reasons. This week, Scott and I gnaw on an interesting article by Wired's Chris Kohler regarding Ray Muzyka's and Cliff Bleszinski's RPG/Shooter portents. We touch on such topics as big-ass swords, stat tracking, and the troublesome word that is "genre." As always, you'll find the original article in the sow notes. Also, your thought are always fascinating; you should leave them in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - What risks do developers running adding genre elements from RPGs into Shooters? - Are their some genre elements that are incompatible? - What RPG elements would you add to existing genres, if any? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 29 min 57 sec - "BioWare's Muzyka: Line RPGs, Shooters Blurring" by Chris Kohler, via Wired - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #36: Another Brick in the Wall | What happens when our universe and the digital ones we find in games begin to overlap? Inspired by Steven Conway's excellent piece about re-examining "the fourth wall" in the context of video games, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of playing a self-aware game. Much is discussed: we navigate the labyrinthlabyrnth that is the Metal Gear universe, explore the hidden meaning of Tingle, and dredge the depths of Rapture in search of answers. Help us break the fourth wall of our site by jumping in with your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - What games successfully play with the idea of the fourth wall? Do they employ subtle "winks" or explicit self awareness? - Are games that "extend the magic circle" to encompass the player the ideal way to play? How does the rise of motion control effect this? - How does the role of authorship impact the idea of the fourth wall? Is it necessary for a designer to extend the magic circle, or is it up to players to dictate their level of involvement in the game's fiction? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 35 min 47 sec - "A Circular Wall? Reformulating the Fourth Wall for Video Games," by Steven Conway, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #35: Anger Management | I am inundated with excellent games, happy as a clam. But trouble has been brewing for some gamers who fear the titles they love will be marred by sneaky developers and their zany "improvement" schemes. Some have gone so far as to organize an online defense force, including fans of Left 4 Dead, Starcraft, and Diablo. Maybe they have some reasonable complaints and should be heard. Or maybe they are entitled good-for-nothings with too much time on their hands. This week, Scott and I tackle 'nerd rage'. Join us while we discuss whiners, community organizing, unicorn art and what p**ses us off. As always, your comments are appreciated. Some discussion starters: - Should gamers, such as the Left 4 Dead 2 boycotters, bother organizing against perceived grievances by developers/publishers? Where does the sense of entitlement come from? - What responsibility do developers/publishers have to their consumers, fan base, and online community? What are the best tactics for diffusing hostility when it arises? Is acquiescing harmful? - What sparks your nerd rage? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 56 sec - Left 4 Dead 2 Boycott Group - Starcraft 2 LAN petition -Diablo 3 art petition - Adam Sessler's response to L4D Boycott - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #34: Murder, She Played | How many videogame characters have died, by your hands or another character's? Now how many of those actually meant something? There is something unique about murder in videogames in contrast to killing. This week, Scott and I once again spring board off the murderous ideas of Christian Nutt of Gamasutra. Join us while we discuss Shakespeare, revenge, and wanton killing. Christian's original article can be found in the show notes. As always, we encourage you to chime in by leaving your comments below. Some discussion starters: - Does an excess of killing in videogames dampen the effect of murder? - Do certain genre's lend themselves better to murder stories? - Are there specific murder stories that you would like to see in a videogame format or believe would translate well? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 28 min 12 sec - "Can Murder and Games Meaningfully Meet?" by Christian Nutt, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #33: The Decision Dilemma | Last month, outspoken game designers Clint Hocking and Manveer Heir held a little cross-blog discussion regarding the design and implementation of ethical choices in video games. We are accustomed to making decisions about weapons, strategies, and the color of our Sim hairstyles, but meaningful choices with moral weight are relatively rare. Even when faced with potentially tough moral dilemmas, the current nature of video games may dilute the effect. Heir suggests in-game permanence (which has created various interesting experiments), while Hocking eschews authorial influence in favor of ludic solutions. It is tough topic, so we decided to we decided to call for backup. This week, we have are honored to welcome Nels Anderson, author of the excellent Above49 blog and gameplay programmer for Hot Head Games. Join us while we discuss permanence, harvesting children, Choose-Your-Own-Adventures, readability, and the future of moral choices in games. With three of us at the table, we made this podcast slightly longer than normal, but extra time is well spent on a very complicated and contentious subject. We encourage you to read the Hocking's and Heir's original articles in the show notes, along with supplementary pieces we discuss in the show. As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Have you ever faced a difficult in-game discussion that stemmed from moral concerns? If so, did you translate this into simply mechanical outcomes? Did you approach is role-playing as the protagonist? - If your in-game decisions were permanent, would they be more meaningful? What techniques add add weight to a decision? - To what extent is in-game decision making impacted by real-world experiences? Do you carry your personal set of ethics into a game? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 41 min 13 sec - "Ethical Decision Making," by Clint Hocking, via Click Nothing - "Designing Ethical Dillemas," by Manveer Heir via Design Rampage - "Ludonarrative Dissonance in Bioshock," by Clint Hocking - <a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.48000#318863" id="g3-y" title="Resc | 7/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #32: Wimping Out | Trying to make a game simultaneously accessible and challenging while also retaining a cogent plot is a daunting task. Inspired by Julian "rabbit" Murdoch's piece about his son's gaming habits and a recent Gamasutra post by Leigh Alexander, we discuss the nebulous subject of challenge in games. Using the articles to focus the discussion, we explore the necessity of challenge, different ways of testing players' skills, and how we view the evolution of game difficulty. Such a hard topic means we need your help to do it justice, so feel free to join the discussion in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Do you see a trajectory in terms of the games' difficulties over the years? If so, how and why have they changed? - Have you ever considered quitting a game due to its difficulty, but decided instead to fight through it? Was this rewarding? - To what extent do players and designers share the burden of accessibility? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 04 sec - "Wimp," by Julian "rabbit" Murdoch, via Gamers With Jobs - "Can Nintendo Take 'Accessibility' too Far?" by Leigh Alexander, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 7/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #31: Throwing in the Towel | Sometimes when the going gets tough, the less-than-tough just quit. At least that's what Sean "Elysium" Sands did when confronted with some ridiculously skilled players of Demigod. We here at EXP have immense respect for the talented writers of Gamers With Jobs, so we would never ridicule Sands' excellent confession in his Personality Flaws piece. On the contrary, this week Scott and I spring board off of the article to discuss unhealthy competition, victory through attrition, player tantrums and cooperative design in competitive games. As always, your thoughts are welcome in the comments. Some discussion starters: - Has competition ever soured your gaming experience? What about a need to keep up with other players? - Is there competitive meta-gaming in gamer culture? Do you think this is destructive or healthy? - What does a competitive game look like if it's designed to encourage cooperation and mutual learning? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 30 min 27 sec - "Personality Flaws," by Sean 'Elysium' Sands of Gamers With Jobs - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #30: The Father of All Podcasts | With Father's Day coming up this weekend, we decided to dedicate a podcast to exploring the role father characters in video games. Starting with an eclectic list of various game dads, we examine them in terms of their gameplay functions, back-stories, and their narrative importance. A number of surprising patterns crop up that link even the most dissimilar-seeming game fathers. We finish by theorizing about how father characters will continue to develop in forthcoming games. As always, feel free to share your thoughts about anything we mention in the podcast, as well as your analysis of any game dads we passed over. Some discussion starters: - Who are your favorite game dads? - How is fatherhood portrayed in games? What makes dads important to the gaming experience in terms of story and gameplay? - Has your perception of fatherhood in games changed over the years? Will the portrayal of fathers in games change as more gamers have children? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 31 min 04 sec - The Story of Being Homeless in Sims 3: "http://aliceandkev.wordpress.com/" - "The Absent Dad," by Michael Abbott of The Brainy Gamer - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #29: The Epic Aesthetic | E3 has come and gone, but the over-the-top presentations of upcoming games lingers. Huge screens depicting carnage and head-ripping made epic enthusiasts from around the world spasm with excitement like an epileptic at ananime convention. Which brings us to an article from last month by Chris Remo, Gamasutra Editor At Large and Idle Thumbs entrepreneur, asking if the videogame industry "over-eggs" the epic. I think we've got enough examples of gun-swords and gut-busting work this discussion into a soapy lather. Join us this week while Scott and I ponder chainsaws, crescendos,back flips and fun with Milo. As always, we encourage you to leave your own thoughts in the comments below. Some discussion starters: - Is the videogame industry producing a glut of epic titles? Is it the brunt of guilt on consumers or designers? - What are games do you think restrain themselves yet remain epic? - Do the titles presented at E3, and motion controls, effect the future of epic? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 27 min 44 sec - Do Video Games Over-Egg The epic? by Chris Remo via Gamasutra - Music by Brad Sucks | 6/10/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #28: Power to the Players? | As we all learned from Uncle Ben, "With great power, comes great responsibility." When Paragon Studios gave players the tools to create their own quests in City of Heroes, it soon became a case study of what happens when people discover a new-found power. Upon gaining the power to design quests, some players began to exploit the system for maximum experience points with the minimum amount of work. This kicked up a storm amongst the City of Heroes players, as well as in the larger video game community. This week, we use Nels Anderson's post on the subject as focal point for discussing the role and regulation of player-created content. As always, we're interested to hear your experiences, so feel free to create some "reader-generated" content in the comments. Some discussion starters: - How should player generated content be regulated? Should it? By whom? - Are games with player-created content fated to be dominated by an elite class of creators? Is democratization necessary or ideal? - Why do players exploit games? Where is the line between optimization and exploitation drawn? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: - Run time: 26 min 56 sec - Nels Anderson's post, via Above49.ca: "About that Player-Generated Content..." - Nate Ralph's post, via Wired: "Handed Keys to Kingdom, Gamers Race to Bottom" - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 6/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #27: A Game's Travel | Our bags are in the trunk, Teenage Wasteland is playing on the stereo, and our coffee stained road map is on the dash: On this podcast, we're hittin' the road. This week, we draw our discussion from prolific and esteemed games writer/pseudonym L.B. Jeffries and his excellent article on Popmatters. Early last month, Jeffries discussed his thoughts on travel in videogames and raised some interesting questions. This week, Scott and I tag along with our own journey through videogame travel, hitting such topics as basic math, warp tubes, and boredom. As always, we encourage you to share your own tales of navigation in the comments section below. Some discussion starters: - Do you ever use out-of-game distractions during in-game travel? - Are games allowed to be boring? Not just calm, or unexciting, but actually boring? - Do you use landmarks, or any other tricks, to help make sense of space while traveling? - Which games capture your definition of travel best? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: -Run time: 25 min and 53 sec - Travel in Video Games, via Popmatters -Music by Brad Sucks | 5/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #26: Spring Cleaning! | Every week, we add to a massive list of notable news, analysis, and opinion pieces related to video games, knowing full well that most of them will never make the show. We figured it was time to sort through some of the backlog for any gems that may have been passed over and fashion them into an auditory smorgasbord. The topics vary widely, and range from art design, memory and history, dating, and even death. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to the articles. As always, feel free to weigh in on the discussion in the comments with your thoughts on the stories, or with links to some of the stories you've enjoyed over the past months. Some discussion starters: -How do you keep track of your past gaming experiences? -Have you ever learned about history through gaming? -What is the perfect "date game?" Does such a thing exist? -Which games do you admire for their artistry? -Do you have any life/death stories that took place in an on-line space? -Which recent gaming articles have you enjoyed recently? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show notes: -Run time: 31 min and 53 sec -"Altars," by Lara "KaterinLHC" Crigger, via Gamers With Jobs -"Can Games Handle History," by Luke Plunkett, via Kotaku -"The Dating Game," by Wendy Despain, via The Escapist -"Artist Wants More Diverse Game Graphics, Says Developers Should 'Believe More in Games,'" by Steven Totilo, via MTV Multiplayer -"Death Leaves Online Lives in Limbo," by Peter Svensson, via The Associated Press, posted on SFGate.com -Music by Brad Sucks | 5/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #25: It's About Time | Is this already episode twenty-five? My how time flies! Which is exactly the topic of the day. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I stumble upon a clever idea from Reid Kimball, Gamasutra Expert Blogger and level designer for Buzz Monkey Software. Taking a cue from cinema, Reid suggests game designers implement the potentially cheesy but versatile tool that is the montage. By creating an interactive montage, the passage of time is expressed without a non-interactive cut scene or jarring jump in time. Join us while we discuss flashbacks, lumberjacks, the mighty Chronos, and how games and gamers play with time itself. Of course you can find Kimball's article in the show notes below. As always, we would love to have you share your own temporal musings in the comments section. Some discussion starters: - What games express the passage of time in satisfactory ways? Does their interactive, or the lack thereof, improve the experience? - Do you enjoy playing games under a time constraint? Does this give greater meaning to the passage of time in-game? - Are there characters or franchises you would like to see age in real-time? Do you think this would add to the immersion? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 26 min 48 sec - Reid Kimball's article, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #24: Cultured Gaming | This week, Inspired by Daniel Johnson's article about games and culture, we wade in to the fascinating-yet-nebulous realm of culture in video games. After a brief discussion of how to define the term, we think about the cultural influences found in video games. Whether it is a game's content, the way it was produced, or its capacity to illustrate the societies in which it exists, games carry meaning about everyone involved in the process. As this site is largely about examining the culture that both flows through and emanates from games, we found plenty to talk about in this article. We hope to hear your thoughts in the comments! Some discussion starters: - What games have you found particularly interesting in terms of the way they represented a specific culture (either positively or negatively)? Who is most qualified to handle cultural topics in video games? - When does a culture become stifling? How do development techniques, business practices, social mores, and player expectation impact this? - What do video games say about our current societies? What games from the past do you find particularly illustrative of cultural zeitgeists? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 28 min 50 sec - Daniel Johnson's Article, via GameSetWatch: "'Lingua Franca' – The Place Of Games In Culture" - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 5/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #23: Gears of War Roundup | Well yippee-kay-yay, this week on the EXP Podcast we focus on big burly men with chainsaw-guns. Developed by Epic Games, the Gears of War franchise has found immense success amongst a variety of gamers. With a collection of books , a movie in the works, and an inevitable third game, Gears of War just seems to stick in our minds for some reason. Earlier this week L.B. Jeffries of Popmatters drew connections between GoW2 and the Iliad , the talented editors/contributors of Critical Distance chatted about GoW2 and ludonarrative dissonnance (which Scott and I discuss briefly on this podcast), and I wrote my own Sensationalist piece on the game Monday. Scott and I finished both games in the series on cooperative mode, much like Resident Evil 5. Though not as controversial as RE5, we still plumb the subterranean depths of Gears of War and find some "sweet" analysis of the coop experience, over-the-top storytelling, and how to make giant worms even more epic. Please share your own thoughts in the comments section, we love to hear them. Some discussion starters: - Do you think the Gears of War franchise is representative of triple-A games at large? Has Gears become cliche? - Do you think Epic is wasting their time incorporating a serious story on top of the tone set by gameplay? - Somewhat referring to last week's podcast, would you show a videogame outsider Gears of War to draw them into the medium? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 24 min 59 sec - Music by Brad Sucks | 4/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #22: Games for the Uninitiated | If you read this site, you are probably one of two kinds of people: 1. The kind that loves video games or... 2. The kind that is subjected to rants about why we love video games (i.e. non-gamer friends and family). This week, we were inspired by Owen Good's article about explaining the allure of video games to non-gamers. We use his discussion of trying to decide which games to demonstrate for his grandfather as starting point to discuss the tricky business of sharing our favorite games to people that probably have never heard of them. It is a situation in which many of us have found ourselves, so please feel free to share your stories in the comments! Some discussion starters: - Have you ever tried to explain or demonstrate your gaming interests to a non-gamer? How successful were you? - What is the most effective way to draw someone in to gaming? Finding a game that ties in with their interests? Showing them something completely new? Demonstrating graphical realism? Showing them inventive story-telling? - Which games would you show to a non-gamer and why? What would you want to communicate to them? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 30 min 20 sec - Owen Good's Article, via Kotaku: "What Would You Show to Someone Who's Never Seen a Game" - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #21: Perpetual War Games | Last week, Konami announced Six Days in Fallujah, a game set during the tumultuous 2004 batle in Fallujah, Iraq, developed by Atomic Games. Nothing stirs up controversy like a videogame adaptation set in a current war zone (except a large scoop of gratuitous nudity). With war veterans on both side of the fence, it is not so easy to work out how videogames should address warfare and current events. Yet Scott and I try to do just that anyway! Join us while we discuss PR insults, mixing games and social messages, and limitations of fun. At the bottom of the page, you'll find our delightful show notes. In them you'll find the Wall Street Journal's and LA Times' articles concerning Six Days in Fallujah, we encourage you to read them, particular for soldiers' opinions. Also, Chris Breckon of Shacknews had a closer look at the actual game, the product seems unsatisfying, but his thoughts on the subject are insightful. As always, we look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments section. Some discussion starters: - Is there a market for games about current events, particularly about controversial subjects? - Can a game intend to make players uncomfortable yet still be fun, or does this defeat the purpose? - Have any games you've played addressed serious and currently significant subjects? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 24 min 59 sec - Wall Street Journal, Iraq, The Videogame - Los Angeles Times, Konami announcement update - Chris Breckon of Shacknews, Six Days | 4/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #20: Resident Evil 5 Debriefing | Grab you shotgun and your thinking caps, because this week, we are devoting the podcast to a thorough discussion of Resident Evil 5! We put in some marathon couch co-op sessions, analyzing everything from the control scheme to the game's character development. As we discuss in the show, Resident Evil 5 quickly became a controversial game in a number of respects. The game has sparked debates over everything from game design to social responsibility, so we take some extra time to delve into this surprisingly complicated game. We encourage everyone to read the show notes for some background on the ethnicity discussion, as some very smart folks have calmly, patiently, and rationally explained the issues behind the game's imagery. These are some charged topics, but as always, we welcome feedback and discussions. Feel free to send us an email or post your thoughts in the comments. Some discussion starters: - When does a control scheme move from being a "style" to simply being outdated? If you have played the game, do you think RE5 crosses this line? - Resident Evil has always featured arbitrary, yet constant rules. To what extent do you appreciate "game-eyness" in your video games? What do you think about the "if-then" gameplay we discussed? - What kind of co-op games most effectively make use of two-player teamwork: do structured, explicitly-designed two player challenges or more free-form, player initiated cooperation make for better cooperation? - What are games' obligations towards social responsibility? How can games address complicated issues like race, class, gender, and politics? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 50 min 16 sec - N'Gai Croal's original comments on the RE5 Trailer: "Newsweek’s N’Gai Croal On The ‘Resident Evil 5′ Trailer: ‘This Imagery Has A History" - Shawn Elliot: "Primal Fear: Haunted by Ghosts of Predators Past" - Shawn Elliot: "Racial Imagery in RE5 Trailer?" - Evan Narcisse on Crispy Gamer: "Thought/Process: More on Resident Evil 5 and Uncomfortable Echoes" - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 4/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #19: The OnLive Myth | The gaming internet sites were humming with excitement during the Game Developers Conference last week in sunny San Francisco. Upon one particular announcement, a mix of gleeful tittering and cries of consternation were audible across the bay and a widespread internet discussion soon followed. The product announced was OnLive, a gaming service that purports to do away with hardware concerns by streaming your games over high-speed internet. This week, Scott and I discuss OnLive as it relates to the curative properties of snake oil, urban ISP ruffians, scam artists, and the future of consumer participation in game consumption. Since we are drawing on a wider collection of news sources than normal, we will link some of the more interesting pieces in the show notes along with OnLives demonstration video. If you are curious about OnLive further, allow us to google that for you. Comments are encouraged via email on the right or in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Since we are drawing a wider collection of news sources than normal, we will link some of the more interesting pieces in the show notes along with OnLives demonstration video. If you are curious about OnLive further, allow us to google that for you. Comments are encouraged via email on the right or in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Some discussion starters: - Do you think the time is right for a service like OnLive? Are people ready for another console competitor? - Do you think the infrastructure exists for OnLive? - Would you partake in this service or do you think the growing pains of expanding their content is too much? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 28 min 14 sec - OnLive website with video. - John Spinale talks to The Escapist about OnLive. - Richard Leadbetter, of Erogamer, explains why OnLive can't possible work. | 4/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #18: A Gamer's Best Friend? | Animals have a long history in video games, and continue to play important parts in the most recent titles. This week, we happened upon an article detailing the story of a high school student offended by the treatment of dogs in Call of Duty: World at War. Her efforts to petition Activision to change its ways got us thinking about how and why games are criticized, as well as the larger role of animals in games. Although we have a bit of fun at the article's expense, it is a useful tool for examining how people react to violent games, how different forms of violence are interpreted, and how animals fit in to the medium as whole. As always, we love hearing your responses to both the story and the podcast, so feel free to send us an email or jump in on the comments! Some discussion starters: - What memorable animal appearances can you think of? What role did the animals play in the game? - While we were not exactly optimistic about Lucci's chances of getting Activision's attention, her efforts raise a good point: how should people display their disagreement with publishers and developers? Petitions? Essays? Response games (like the PETA example)? Voting with one's wallet? - To what degree does the incorporation of animals succeed in games, and how would you like to see it improved? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 25 min 54 sec - Mike Fahey's (Kotaku) article and response: "Students Protest Call Of Duty Dog Killing" - The original article from the Lowell Sun: "NDA students protest video game's depiction of cruelty to animals" - Cooking Mama and PETA's response - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #17: The "B" All and End All | It seems like most people have their favorite examples of the "so bad it's good" class of film. Low-budget, occasionally self-aware, "B movies" often form strong followings of people who love them for their effort and entertainment value. This week, we discuss a recent article by Christian Nutt of Gamasutra that examines the obstacles and efforts in the creation of "B" video games. We invite you to join our conversation about chainsaw arms, "Sweet" dialogue, and NPH by commenting on this post. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes for your enjoyment. Some discussion starters: - Have you ever enjoyed a game you knew was poorly designed or implemented? Would you consider this a "B" videogame? - Is it possible to have "B" game mechanics or must "B" games rely on thematic implementation? - Can you think of any games that you considered "A" level when they were released, that now seem campy or "B" level? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - 27min 18sec - "Can The Industry Make a 'B Game'?" by Christian Nutt, via Gamasutra - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #16: Corralling the Community | We all know by now that the stereotype of the solitary, basement-dwelling video game nerd is the stuff of fiction. Gaming communities have always existed, but the rise of the Internet has allowed for increasingly complex and direct communication between players and developers. This week, we use Leigh Alexander's piece on Eve Online to start a conversation about community management in modern games. We take a look at Brandon Boyer's article about Infinity Ward's Twitter-based suggestion box for the next Call of Duty: Modern Warfare game. Of course, no discussion about community would be complete without your feedback, so please don't hesitate to jump in via comments or email! Some discussion starters: -How involved are you in large scale community games like Eve Online? What drew you to the community and why do you think it was successful? -Players: How (if at all) do you interact with game developers? Do you post on message boards, send emails, or just vote with you wallet? Developers: What are the most effective ways of gathering feedback? -In today's world of downloadable content and game patches, is there a danger of developers over-reacting to complaints from a vocal minority of players? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 27 min 56 sec -Leigh Alexander's article about Eve Online: "Interview: CCP's Tinney On How EVE Keeps Growing" -Brandon Boyer's article about Infinity Ward's use of Twitter: "Call of Duty creators Infinity Ward launch their Twitter suggestion box " -Steven Totilo's article about Gabe Newell's DICE 2009 talk: "DICE 2009: The Very Different Gaming World Gabe Newell Wants" -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/10/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #15: Noby Noby Men | Keita Takahashi of Namco Bandai, creator of Katamari Damacy, has once again dipped his nimble fingers into his mystical bucket of genius and pulled out Noby Noby Boy, one of the most bizarre games I have ever played. Mike Schiller of PopMatters bravely took it upon himself to review this oddity. This week, Scott and I use Schiller's piece to discuss our own thoughts on Noby Noby Boy, Metagames, "play," and the sexuality of interstellar worm-like beings. I highly encourage you to watch some YouTube videos of the game and read the PopMatters review, both of which you can find in the shownotes. As always, we would love you to post your comments, no matter how bizarre they may be. Some discussion starters: - What are your thoughts on making your own in-game challenges? Have you any memorable accomplishments? - Do metagames enhance or diminish a gaming experience? - Do you think Noby Noby Boy is representative of a wider PS3 audience? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 27 min 4 sec - Some Noby Noby Boy gameplay. - Noby Noby Boy and the New PS3 Paradigm by Mike Schiller of PopMatters. -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 3/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #14: Controlling the Periphery | The video game world is buzzing with the release of Street Fighter IV. It is a franchise that helped usher a generation of gamers into the fighting genre, and arrives greeted by a wave of emotionally-charged expectations. Further complicating any attempts at objective analysis further is the fact that Street Fighter is rooted in the arcade tradition. With the game's release comes peripherals (by the way, it looks like Jorge was right: MadCatz is the pricey one!) that capture the arcade feeling. Mitch Krpata of the site Insult Swordfighting raises the important question of how to analyze games that rely (either implicitly or explicitly) on peripherals. We trace a brief history of non-controller pad input devices and muse on their effects on the games that use them. As always, feel free to jump in with your experiences and thoughts. Some discussion starters: -Should Street Fighter IV be reviewed a specific way (either arcade stick or control pad)? -How much focus should the hardware have in game analysis? -What do you think of the "fairness" argument: Should games have a standardized control scheme to ensure a level playing field? Should developers ensure that third party peripherals do not undermine this? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 28 min 19 sec -Mitch Krpata's article: "A Peripheral Concern " -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #13: At Game's End | Hello readers and listeners. This week Scott and I branch off of neat panel discussion Stephen Totilo held with Ken Levine of 2k Boston and Todd Howard of Bethesda Softworks. Each panelist was asked to comment on their game endings, Bioshock and Fallout 3 respectively. We take their comments and run with them, discussing our thoughts on cut scenes, interactive conclusions, and more. As always, we encourage you to take a look at the original article and footage in the show notes. Comments are appreciated and we've got some discussion starters just below if you need some momentary inspiration. Some discussion starters: - Do traditional game endings feel like a payoff? Have you ever cheated and watched an ending online? - What do you think the future holds for videogame endings? Do you think there is an easier or better way to end games? - What have been your favorite and least favorite videogame endings To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 31 min 12 sec - Original MTV Multiplayer article with footage from Ken Levine and Todd Howard Comic-Con panel. -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #12: The Therapy Game | This week will see the release of thatgamecompany's unique new title, Flower. In an interview with MTV Multiplayer, Jenova Chen, the co-creator of thatgamecompany, explained that he hoped that Flower will feel "like therapy" to players. This got us thinking about the ability of games to act as stress relievers and how both the mechanical and narrative techniques in games affect our mindsets. We also talk about the traditional notions of why some games are considered relaxing, and we explore the soothing possibilities of games that normally would not be considered calming. We invite you to relax, take a deep breath, and then jump in with your thoughts! Some discussion starters: -What games, if any, do you use as "therapy?" Do they fall into one genre, or are there any you think are "surprisingly" calming? -Is there a contradiction between a therapeutic game and one in which the player partakes in destructive in-game behaviors? -What kinds of themes and imagery do you think of when you here about a "therapeutic game?" -Does a genre of meditative or Zen gaming need to exist, or can it be encompassed within larger categories? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 25 min 43 sec -Patrick Klepek's article with excerpts from Jenova Chen: "‘Flower’ Should Make You Feel Better About Yourself, Argues Creator" -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #11: Interactive Edutainment | Be they breaking a sweat playing a mean game of Wii Tennis or squeezing their "mind grapes" learning a foreign language, students are incorporating videogames into their educational curriculum. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I take out our chalkboard, calculators and pen protectors to talk about videogames in the classroom. We branch off two Kotaku articles available for your perusal in the show notes. Let us know your thoughts on the subject in the comments section and free to answer the questions available below. Questions of Interest: - How have you used videogames as learning devices, if at all? - What do you think are the limitations of videogames in the classroom? - Is there anything you learned from videogames you still use, or could use, today? Show Notes: -Run time: 26 min 18 sec -Kotaku article: Wii in PE -Kotaku article: Learning English on the DS -Music provided by Brad Sucks | 2/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #10: The Art of Being Sony | Post recording note: We chose this story and recorded the podcast before we heard some unfortunate news. It truly speaks to our economy's sad state of affairs when talented people who produce thoughtful, entertaining writing are let go. Ben, we hope to see you on the other side of tunnel soon! This week, we flirt with the fires of console fanboyism to talk about the state of the Playstation 3. We were inspired by Ben Fritz's opinion piece in which he contemplated whether the PS3 had an "artsy" image that was hurting its sales. We range from a discussion on the console's physical appearance to its popular perception and corporate philosophy. "Artsy" is a vague term to be sure, so everything we say is definitely open for discussion, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well. Check out the show notes for the article that spurred the discussion, along with a bonus link to a window into the weird and wacky world that is Kaz Hirai's mind! Some discussion starters: -Do you get some kind of "vibe" from specific gaming platforms? If so, how does this affect your playing habits? -How big of a role does marketing play when it comes to game sales? -To what forces do you attribute Sony's reversal of fortune in the console market? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: -Run time: 27 min 53 sec -Ben Fritz's article: "Is Sony too artsy for its own good?" -Some Kaz Hirai gems -Music provided by Brad SucksPost recording note: We chose this story and recorded the podcast before we heard some unfortunate news. It truly speaks to our economy's sad state of affairs when talented people who produce thoughtful, entertaining writing are let go. Ben, we hope to see you on the other side of tunnel soon! This week, we flirt with the fires of console fanboyism to talk about the state of the Playstation 3. We were inspired by Ben Fritz's opinion piece in which he contemplated whether the PS3 had an "artsy" image that was hurting its sales. We range from a discussion on the console's physical appearance to its popular perception and corporate philosophy. "Artsy" is a vague term to be sure, so everything we say is definitely open for discussion, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well. Check out the show notes for the article that spurred the discussion, along with a bonus link to a window into the weird and wacky world that is Kaz Hirai's mind! Some discussion starters: -Do you get some kind of "vibe" from specific gaming platforms? If so, how does this affect your playing habits? -How big of a role does marketing play when it comes to game sales? -To what forces do you attribute Sony' | 1/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #9: A Bloody Mess | Some of those smart minds over at the University of Rochester got together and published a little study for us to talk about this week. Those psychologists, tinkerers of the brain I call them, have learned gore and gamers don't necessarily mix. The original article can be found in the show notes for your enjoyment. Your input on the subject is always appreciated. Feel free to answer some of the questions we have for your below if you need some inspiration. Some discussion starters: - How often do you notice gore when playing a game? - When is violence and gore excessive? - Would you miss the gore if taken out of traditionally violent games? To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run Time: 27mins 10sec - The article on the University of Rochester study. - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/21/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #8: Patent Pending | This week, an intrepid Internet explorer happened upon some mysterious patents filed by Nintendo. The documents lay out a new system for delivering hints in a game, as well as a mode of play in which the player watches the game unfold on its own until they choose to join in. This raises numerous issues in regards to game difficulty, the accessibility of modern video games, and defining exactly it even means to "play a game." As always, check out the show notes for links to the stories and references, and feel free to offer your speculations on how (or if) this patent will be utilized. Some discussion starters: - Do you think this system would create new gamers, or simply irritate current gamers? - How much challenge do you like in a game? Does it depend on what kind of game it is, or is there a specific way of implementing challenge that is particularly appealing? - How much interaction do we need with a game in order for it to still qualify as a "game?" To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 26 mins 13 sec - The Kotaku article describing Nintendo's patent - Some developers comment on the news - Corvus Elrod's excellent exploration of the definition of a "game" - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #7: Patch Notes | The first 2009 EXP Podcast is upon us. This week we were inspired by news about a patch coming out for PixelJunk Eden mid-January that will, among other things, lower the game's difficulty. The original story is in the show notes for the curious listeners, but we mostly use it as a jumping off point to discuss patches in general, the idea of an ever-changing medium and Star Wars. Some discussion starters: - Should patches be mandatory? - Is a patched game a different game? - How do we talk about a frequently updated title? - How much do you hate George Lucas for ruining Star Wars? (Only slightly kidding.) To listen to the podcast: - Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed. - Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format. - Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right. Show Notes: - Run time: 28mins 1sec - PixelJunk Eden patch coming soon. - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 1/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #6 - Year-end Roundup! | It's the end of the year, which means it's time to reflect on the events of 2008. This week, we fill the podcast to the brim, discussing our favorite games of the year, our favorite pieces of game writing, and a few news stories that didn't make the original cut. Check out the show notes for links to all of the games and articles we reference and be sure to weigh in with your favorite 2008 highlights. Some discussion starters: -What was your favorite game you played this year? How about your favorite "gaming moment?" -Did any game writing or particular blogs make an impact on how you view the medium? What trends do you see forming in game writing? -Which news stories caught your attention? Were there any important or quirky ones that were overlooked? | 12/31/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #5 - And the Award Goes to... | This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the "prestigious" Spike TV Video Game Award show. This glamorous extravaganza aired on December 14th complete with scantily clad ladies, crotch shotguns, and some fairly insulting stereotypes. Check out images and videos from the links you'll find in the show notes. As usual, we encourage you to participate in the conversation. Some questions for discussion: -What would you like to see in a videogame award show? -What awards would you give out? -Who should vote on the winners? | 12/24/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #4 - This Game is Sponsored By... | This week on the EXP Podcast, we wade in to the murky waters of advertising in video games. Microsoft-owned company, Massive Inc. held a conference in which several large publishers (such as EA, Activision, and Ubisoft) discussed how to best implement commercial advertisement in games. Let's not let them be the only ones discussing this... | 12/16/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #3 - Scribblenautics | This week we discuss an IGN preview of Scribllenauts from 5TH Cell and an interview with creative director Jeremiah Slaczka. We theorize on the limitations of a game that claims it can do anything and the potential impacts of what sounds like a ground breaking venture. | 12/10/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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EXP Podcast #2 - Aspirational and Inspirational Gaming | This week, we talk about a survey conducted by Guitar Center saying that a huge number of people that buy Guitar Hero are subsequently inspired to learn how to play a real guitar. We discuss the effect games have on our personal interests and explore games' abilities to inspire non-gaming action. Show notes: - Run time: 24m 12s - The Gamasutra article - Music provided by Brad Sucks | 12/3/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitEXP Podcast #1 - Finishing Games | -- | 11/26/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 173 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Always interesting and insightful
Always a good listen no matter the topic. Not always agreeable but atleast their arguments are compelling.
Great Stuff
I just started listening to this podcast about ten episodes ago, and I've been very impressed-- a couple of times I didnt think the topic would interest me, but the dynamic between the two hosts keeps things lively and engaging. What I like most is that this isn't just a current events podcast, but really a discussion of how video game news relates to political and social issues. For example, their supreme court podcast was funny and provoked some great discussion.
I also loved when the brainy gamer talked about teaching ultima 4 to his students. Even more interviews would be great!
Great show
I heard about this show from listening to the double fine podcast where the immensely talented and cute Tasha talks about this show to Tim as one of the few gaming pods she listens to. Thought I would give it a go and I'm not disappointed so far. It's quite high brow and structured for the most part but these guys don't take themselves too seriously. If you are tired of the regular format of most gaming pods or don't want to listen to drunk guys yelling and digressing(talkradar I'm looking at you) then give this a try. Keep up the good work.
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