The Experience Points Podcast

By Jorge Albor, Scott Juster, Experience PointsSociety & Culture Leisure Video Games

The Experience Points Podcast episodes

March 10, 2010 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
31 min
March 04, 2010 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
29 min
February 24, 2010 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
33 min
February 18, 2010 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
31 min
February 10, 2010 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
29 min
February 04, 2010 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
37 min
January 27, 2010 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
27 min
January 21, 2010 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
28 min
January 14, 2010 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
29 min
January 07, 2010 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
34 min