Remember when SEGA and Nintendo were sworn enemies? In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey from the 16-bit console wars to the modern era of cooperation. From Sonic on GameCube to the wild success of Mario & Sonic at the Olympics, SEGA’s shift from hardware maker to Nintendo ally changed the industry. We share behind-the-scenes stories from working at SEGA during this transition, favorite cross-platform titles, and why Switch 2 may be the ultimate home for SEGA fans.

Afsal Kuner’s career has traced the evolution of online gaming. He helped shape the early days of SEGA’s online presence, navigated bold experiments like Nokia’s N-Gage, and brought his technical and leadership skills to PlayStation. In this conversation, we explore the birth of networked play, the unexpected breadth of licensed titles on N-Gage, and what it means to be too early with technology. Afsal also shares stories about the quirkiest peripherals, and insights into the battle between DENA and GREE for early mobile market dominance. 

From studio founder and CEO (Demiurge Studios) to bedroom game developer, Al Reed has always taken an entrepreneurial approach to mining the gaming landscape for pockets of opportunity. His success has come from his commitment to creating game experiences that really know their intended audiences. Join us as Al shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments of his career, including how a passion for player-driven experiences shaped his approach to design and leadership. We dig into the art of small-team development, the challenges of scaling, and why the best game ideas often come from unexpected places.

We sit down with Klay Vorlick to explore the cross-cultural complexities of game development and publishing. Klay shares stories from his time at SEGA and Sony, diving into what it was like helping bring Japanese titles like Panzer Dragoon Orta and Skies of Arcadia to Western audiences. We talk about the surprising challenges of working with Japanese developers while based in the US, what it means to be Japanese-speaking in an American office, and how principles of design can clash across territories. Plus: what player behavior research really looks like behind the scenes.

From Sonic Dash to Crazy Taxi to a near-mythical PS3 Bayonetta rescue mission, Chris Southall’s journey through the games industry is a masterclass in adaptation, precision, and passion. In this episode, we talk about founding Sega’s elite dev rescue team, building Hardlight Studio, wrangling with IP stakeholders (including Sonic Team and a certain Hulk Hogan cameo), and the evolution from boxed product to live service games. Join us for a conversation full of war stories, wisdom, and some unforgettable dev trivia, including why "Stinky Chris" is immortalized in chalk.

(This episode was recorded in October 2024)

VR veteran David Jagneaux joins the podcast to talk all things virtual reality—what’s working, what’s not, and where we go next. From design hurdles like motion sickness to the thrill of immersive worldbuilding, it’s a look at a medium still discovering its full potential.

Game designer Katina Noonan joins the show to talk about building games with empathy, intention, and awareness. From her work on titles like Game of War and Castle Story to broader reflections on representation, community building, and leadership as a woman in games, Katina brings hard-won insights and a clear-eyed look at what it means to create experiences that welcome everyone. The conversation also dives into free-to-play monetization ethics, allyship, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful career in game design.

Former SEGA insider Marc Cellucci takes us behind the scenes of titles like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. Hear stories about working with legendary developers like Nagoshi-san and the impact of Japanese culture on gaming.

Chris and Ethan are joined by veteran games journalist Chris “CJ” Johnston for a deep dive into Nintendo’s latest handheld, the Switch 2. Drawing on CJ’s 30 years in the industry,including his influential time at Electronic Gaming Monthly, the conversation blends first impressions of the Switch 2 with a broader historical perspective. From launch games and peripherals to the joy of playing Yakuza on the go, this isn’t your standard hardware review, but a thoughtful look at how portable gaming continues to evolve.

Chris and Ethan dive deep into the world of portable gaming, from handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck to mobile gaming. They explore the challenges of adapting AAA games to touch screens to the rise of free-to-play models and discuss the appeal console-quality titles on the go.