Core Elements

This week, our experiment focuses on Nina Freeman, lead designer of Cibele. In addition to exploring the nature of intimacy in video games, we learn how to hate ourselves for playing MMOs, that we're too old for Undertale, and that if I ever want to make Spencer quit caring, I should just bring up sales reports.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/WpPvhb6un4c

This week we return to the laboratory with Warren Spector, creator of some of the most iconic experiences in gaming history. In addition to discussing his illustrious career making games like Ultima Underworld, Wing Commander, Deus Ex, and Epic Mickey, we learn about his work with the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, the myriad of games he's playing but would never design, and why he'll never get a job in this industry again. Guest Co-Host: Joel Levin of MinecraftEDU.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/fWbXyy0A5Ng

This week we experiment on Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, makers of Offworld Trading Company. In addition to talking about his early access release, we discuss his history with Firaxis and EA, the eventual return of rhythm games, the frustration of unlimited turn strategy games, and the methods by which we will hobble Skynet's AI.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/BeA_zi560IE

From deep within the Maguma Jungle, we are joined by Kristen Bornemann of ArenaNet! Kristen talks to us about the upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2, as well as her deep and confusing love for DOTA 2. We also discuss the release of the new 3DS, the slavery inherent in Ingress, and the cost to make Core Elements sell out.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/ImAArNuxwEc

This week, Gabriel Mughelli, Promotions Mastermind at Hi-Rez Studios, joins us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the upcoming Smite championships and Global Agenda 2, we discover why our brains like random lewtz, baffle Spencer with the popularity of e-sports, and dig into the worth of the CoD Riot Shield.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/B4NNeFFIZlo

This week, John Comes of Uber Entertainment joins us in the Laboratory! In addition to discussing Planetary Annihilation and the Human Resources kickstarter, we discuss the nature of Wes's MMO addictions, ponder the space flight sim vacancy, and definitively define which Civilization game is superior.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/RLFqqgPj28A

Will Overgard, of The Creative Assembly, joins us in the laboratory this week! In addition to discussing Total War and Alien: Isolation, we ponder the results of internet death threads, dissect the fall of the Human Resources kickstarter, and help Spencer decide whether he should finish FFXIII or squeeze every bit of game he can from it.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/2jHxOzdBlv8

This week we're joined by Gregory MacMartin of iDGi, makers of Consortium. In addition to discussing their futuristic murder mystery, we contemplate the value of cancelled Blizzard games, assess the standards for debate and discourse, evaluate the concept that Mass Effect 2 is the best pc game, and statistically analyze how much programming indie game devs can do.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/4qVDpneTVFA

Our guest scientist this week is Ryan S Dancey of Goblinworks, makers of Pathfinder Online. His illustrious gaming career includes product development on Legend of the Five Rings, brokering the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast, leading the development of 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons, and marketing Eve and the World of Darkness MMO for three years with CCP. In edition to discussing these amazing gaming milestones, we discuss the acquisition of Mojang by Microsoft, the toxicity of online comments, the keys to ensuring a successful business lives through its own growth, and whether Pokemon should have been a Facebook game.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/HKstBtgvt6o

After a long dormant period inside the volcano, Mike Rugnetta from PBS Idea Channel returns for a reasoned discussion about the nature of games and our media. In addition to talking about his work with PBS and podcasting, we look into the obtuse nature of non-DS Zelda, the corruption that nostalgia can throw on your game replays, and the persistent ear-plugging of the angry gamer bros.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://youtu.be/iZpRNPDbP6Q