The Experience Points Podcast

As we mentioned over the last few podcasts, this week on the show, Scott and I discuss Ready Player One, a young-adult sci-fi novel that marries Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with every 80s pop-culture reference in existence. I highly recommend you give the book a read. If you have not yet picked it up, feel free to listen to the podcast anyway. Like always, we remain spoiler-free until near the end. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, because I forgot to mention it on the podcast, if I were to pick a giant robot for the final battle, I would pick an Evangelion.

Show notes:

- Run time: 48 min 50 sec- Music provided by Brad Sucks

We've all played some clunkers in our time, but what what are the roots of a bad game's troubles? Could it be the person at the end of the controller? Could we be doing it wrong? Today, Jorge and I talk about the line between a bad game and a bad player. Inspired by Sean Sands' thoughts about getting a new perspective on games he hasn't liked, we discuss the search for a clear vision. We touch on everything from Kinect Star Wars to Far Cry 2, and have a great time searching for the good in even the most tedious experiences. As always, feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!Some discussion starters:- Has there ever been a time when you realized you were playing a game "wrong?" What prompted this realization?- What kinds of things do bad games teach us? Is "bad" more of a relative concept based on popular conventions than an absolute category?- To what extent should developers guide players toward the standard or "right" way to play?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: 35 min 14 sec- "You're Doing it Wrong," by Sean Sands, via Gamers With Jobs- Music provided by Brad Sucks

The Mass Effect 3 fervor remains in full swing, and while many are already growing tired of the backlash against Bioware, it would be a missed opportunity to not discuss ramifications of player-driven protestations. Of course this is a grand subject, so we could not handle it alone. Kris Ligman of Critical Distance and Dire Critic joins us this week to discuss player entitlement, authorial intent, and all the drama surrounding the color-coded end of Commander Shepard. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the controversy in the comments section below. You will also find more of Kris' work in the show notes as well as pertinent articles about the Mass Effect ruckus.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41min 06 sec

- "In which Squaresoft wrote a Bioware game. (Spoilers.)", by Kris Ligman via Dire Critic. See her weekly roundups at Critical Distance

- "The Ending," by Cruise Elroy

- "Why the ending of Mass Effect 3 was satisfying, and worthy of the series (Massive spoilers)", by Ben Kuchera via The PA Report

- "The argument over Mass Effect 3's ending makes Ken Levine sad", by Brian Crecent via The Verge

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

How do video games handle religion and spirituality? It's a question that's been inspiring a fair amount of buzz. It's a big topic, so we decided to add a third seat on this week's show. Jorge and I are excited to welcome Richard Clark to the podcast. Richard's a prolific writer who regularly tackles issues of religion and morality in video games. As an added bonus, he's also an all around nice guy! Be sure to check him out on Twitter, Kill Screen, Christ and Pop Culture, and Game Church. As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for listening!Some discussion starters:- What are some of your favorite examples of religion in games?- What kind of game (e.g., open world, adventure, strategy, etc.) is most conducive to tackling questions of spirituality?Open world vs. scripted story for considering spirituality?- Have you ever unexpectedly encountered religion/spirituality in 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 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: 53 min 55 sec- "How do games handle the divine? Accidentally." by Yannick Lejacq, via Kill Screen- "Video games are a good fit for theological exploration," by Brian Crecente, via The Verge- "Capcom Videogame ‘Asura’s Wrath’ Draws Hindu Critics’ Wrath," by Sriram Vadlamani, via Tech Wire Asia- "Study: Video games depict religion as violent and problematic (interview)," by Stefanie Fogel, via Venture Beat- Music provided by Brad Sucks

At long last, the much awaited Journey from thatgamecompany is available on PSN. Jenova Chen's discussion of his own creations always seem so lofty, can his team deliver what Scott and I have so eagerly desired since its announcement? Join us while we discuss our personal experiences, how Journey is more "gamey" than we imagined, and how the game tells a story. We go quite long in this one, so we appreciate everyone who puts in the time to listen. The task of discussing Journey is not an easy one, but we hope you enjoy this voyage with us nonetheless. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the game. Please leave them in the comments section below.

Show notes:

- Run time: 53 min 11 sec

- Music, "Apotheosis" and "Final Confluence", by Austin Wintory from Journey. Find more of his work here.

The yearly Game Developers Conference has come and gone, and while Scott and I sadly missed the event proper, we did keep our hear to the ground. This week on the podcast, we discuss some highlights that caught our attention. Join us as we touch upon Valve's approach to Portal 2, mobile pricing models, the problem with DRM, and the "mind your own business" mentality.

Show notes:

- Run time: 38 min 42 sec

- "Witcher developer CD Projekt Red abandons DRM for future releases," by Eric Caoili via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: 'Don't underprice your mobile product' - Cave COO," by Kris Graft via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Humor, meaning, cooperation and ambition: the microtalks," by Leigh Alexander via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Portal 2: Making a sequel to a 'perfect' game," by Tom Curtis via Gamasutra

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Turn down the lights and turn up the Marvin Gaye: this week, it's all about sex. Inspired by Rich Stanton's recent article on the subject of sex in video games, we take a look at the more amorous side of medium we love. We talk about everything from Wii waggling to polyamory in this episode, so there's bound to be something to arouse your interest. As always, we're all about free love around here, so feel free to express yourself in the comments.Some discussion starters:- What games portray sex in a notable way? - When it comes to portrayals of sex in video games, how do we differentiate schlock from good stuff?- How does one's connection (emotional, physical, or otherwise) to their avatar impact the meaning of sex 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 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 33 sec- "Why Can't Games Do Sex?" by Rich Stanton, via Eurogamer- Music provided by Brad Sucks

We finally did it: we played Gears of War: The Board Game!" Last year, Jorge and I discussed the game in a podcast about the general relationship between board games and video games. Being fans of Gears and games in general, we decided (for better or worse!) we would play it once it was released. We finally did so and now we've regrouped to offer our thoughts on the game and its relationship to its source material. As always, feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts.Some discussion starters:- For those who played the game: did you like it? What worked and what didn't?- It was somewhat surprising that the Gears board game felt very faithful to the video game. What are some video games might lend themselves to board game adaptations in a similarly counter-intuitive way?- What lessons can video games take from their more tangible brethren?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: 41 min 35 sec- Official website for Gears of War: The Board Game and some discussion at Board Game Geek- Music provided by Brad Sucks

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

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 commentsTo 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 00 sec- "The Noise and the Fury," by Sean Sands, via Gamers With Jobs- Music provided by Brad Sucks