Core Elements

This week we welcome Alex and Vitoli into the laboratory to talk about their new game, Pixel Piracy. In addition to discussing how they've offered their own game up as a torrent, we talk about the rights of streamers to play what they want, the relative indie-ness of gaming studios, and the true meaning of the poop deck.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQqAK2SJmWo

We experiment this week with Dean Tate, creator of Captain Bubblenaut. We ponder the massive response turnout to buy the PS4, whether space combat can save a dying space game, and what can be considered "pay to win" in "Epic Loot".

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK7z-oy24TQ

This week we welcome Joe Mirabello, creator of Tower of Guns into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the success of TellTale adventure games, Origin's return policy, and what we would do to fix Civ 5. [MP3 AUDIO] Joe on Twitter The Tower of Guns Greenlight page [LINK]  Telltale Games hoping to follow up The Walking Dead with a game based on Fables[LINK]  Origin now offers full refunds For video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsdgdg-TtY4

This week we welcome Kent Hudson, creator of The Novelist into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the true point of the X-Bone, the balance between fun and art, and the idea of giving games we don't like any of our time. [MP3 AUDIO] Kent on TwitterThe Novelist [LINK] Xbox One will work without Kinect hooked up.[LINK] Card Hunter is the next great board game For video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDg72_7Rnbk

Welcome back to the laboratory! This week we're joined by Teddy Lee of Cellar Door Games, makers of Rogue Legacy. In addition to discussing how hard it is to work with his brother, we discuss the concept of cinematic games, we cover the apparent inevitability of Ouya failure, and we show each other on this doll where the Steam sale touched us. [MP3 AUDIO] Cellar Door Games on TwitterCellar Door Games [LINK] Nintendo claims a majority of gamers can't finish SMB 1-1[LINK] Ouya has no hit games so far[LINK] The harsh reality if indie game success

This week, music fills the laboratory as we welcome Ben Prunty, composer of the music of FTL and Gravity Ghost. In this episode we discuss the ubiquity of in-game stores, the mindset of the gaming DDoS, and the relative overhype of Naughty Dog. [MP3 AUDIO] Ben Prunty on TwitterBen Prunty Music [LINK] Blizzard confirm in-game store for World of Warcraft[LINK] Hackers deserve some of the blame for costly gaming industry[LINK] Six games that put insane detail into stuff you didn't notice[LINK] WiiU's ZombieU was not profitable[LINK] Microsoft allegedly tried to acquire Zynga

This week, Brad Muir, our guest from episode #1 of Core Elements, returns to the show! In addition to discussing his recently crowd-funded game, Massive Chalice, we discuss the legal destruction of digital property, the omnipresent fear of a digital store's collapse, and the deep, deep rabbit hole of Xcom. [MP3 AUDIO] Brad Muir on TwitterMassive Chalice [LINK] Eve Players destroy $19k worth of items in-game[LINK] Darkspore DRM issues prevent people from playing[LINK] Head of Xbox moves to Zynga[VID] Minecon 2013 officially announced

Tim Lindsey of Xaviant joins us in the laboratory to discuss project development on Lichdom. In addition to talking about his game, we discuss whether Warlords of Draenor will revive the fanbase, how lasers and smoke machines can help playtesting, and the usefulness of dancing and horseriding in keeping a princess alive...

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II5JrMNf53I

This week we are joined by one of the creators of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden of Galactic Cafe! In addition to discussing his amazing new game, we address the arcane nature of Pokemon, whether fair use of video content finally has a champion, and the challenges of picking a price for a priceless experience.

[MP3 AUDIO]

For a video of this episode go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVoYL6y-4Pg

This week we welcome Dan Teasedale of No Goblin into the laboratory! In addition to discussing his rock star days with Harmonix, we consider the recent bevy of Valve announcements, the future of Super Drake Tracker, and the potential evil of social game IPOs.

[MP3 AUDIO]

[LINK] King, makers of Candy Crush Saga, offering IPO

For a video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON1ENQ0qAS4