What really goes into making a great game?

In this episode of Wired Nerdy, we sit down with Benson Russell, a veteran game designer with over 30 years in the industry and credits that include Uncharted 3, The Last of Us, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. From the early days of breaking into a scrappy industry to shaping some of the most iconic modern AAA titles, Benson shares the real story behind game development.

We go beyond surface-level talk and dive into:

• How Benson got his start in game development

• The biggest lessons from 30+ years designing games

• What players don’t see behind AAA development

• Why modern games are so complex to build

• The truth about updates, delays, and shipping games

• Game-to-film adaptations, what works and what fails

• Fixing “development dysfunction” inside studios

• AI’s real impact on the future of gaming

• What excites (and concerns) him about where games are headed

If you love games, game design, or want to understand how the industry really works, this conversation gives you an insider’s perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

About Benson Russell

https://www.unhandledexceptions.io/

Benson Russell is a veteran game designer and founder of Unhandled Exceptions, where he helps studios solve development challenges and ship better games. Over his career, he has contributed to some of the most influential AAA titles in modern gaming.

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In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Pixelhavok and Glockified dive into the latest in gaming and technology. They discuss the impact of AI on RAM prices, the future of gaming consoles, and the challenges of balancing work and gaming. The duo also shares insights on the Unreal Engine’s role in Hollywood and the benefits of using Mac for productivity. Join them for a deep dive into the world of tech and gaming, with a focus on quality over quantity as they kick off season four.

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The Game Genie wasn’t just a cheat device. It was a revolution. This short documentary uncovers the wild story behind the accessory that let players bend their NES and Genesis games to their will. From the tech that made the magic happen, to heated courtroom battles, to the cultural impact it left behind, we cover it all.If you love retro gaming, hidden history, or just want to know why this little gold cartridge caused such a stir, hit play.

In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Keith and Doug return from a brief hiatus to dive into a lively discussion about their latest adventures in comic book collecting, the excitement of grading rare finds, and the thrill of hunting for elusive issues. They also explore the latest in gaming news, including the much-anticipated Steam Box and the ongoing RAM shortage affecting the tech world. Join them for a fun and engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, geeky insights, and a shared passion for all things nerdy. Don’t miss out on this episode packed with humor, nostalgia, and a touch of holiday spirit! Stay nerdy!

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In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Keith and Doug dive into the latest tech news and gaming updates. They discuss Apple’s surprising move to introduce budget-friendly MacBooks and its pivot to Google’s Gemini AI system. The duo also explores the challenges and changes in Battlefield 6, and share their thoughts on the Game of the Year Awards shortlist. As the holiday season approaches, they offer insights on Black Friday deals, from gaming laptops to smart home devices. Tune in for a blend of tech talk, gaming insights, and holiday shopping tips. Stay nerdy!

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In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Keith and Doug dive into the latest tech and entertainment news. They discuss the upcoming Apple product releases, including the new Apple TV and HomePod mini, and explore the potential of cloud gaming on these devices. The conversation shifts to the intriguing world of board games with a look at the Doom Arena Kickstarter project. The hosts also tackle the legal battles of Nintendo against emulators and the implications for the gaming industry. Finally, they explore the integration of AI in browsers and the humorous trials of robots with AI capabilities. Join Keith and Doug for a lively discussion filled with insights and humor. Stay nerdy!

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In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Keith and Doug dive into a whirlwind of nerd news and gaming updates. From Doug’s recent travels and his cheeky sports attire adventures to the latest in AI-driven video game development by Elon Musk, the duo covers it all. They discuss the impact of AWS outages, the resurgence of arcade classics, and the exciting announcements in the gaming world, including Halo’s monumental move to PlayStation. Join them for a lively discussion filled with humor, insights, and a sneak peek into their upcoming projects. Stay nerdy!

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In this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast, hosts Keith and Doug dive into the intriguing world of interstellar objects with a focus on the mysterious “3/I Atlas.” They explore its discovery, potential alien connections, and the societal reactions to such phenomena. The conversation also touches on the advancements in AI video generation with Sora 2, raising questions about the future of digital media. Finally, they share their thoughts on the latest Battlefield game, discussing cross-platform play and the evolving gaming landscape. Join us for a blend of science, technology, and gaming insights! #WiredNerdy #3IAtlas #AI #Battlefield

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Join Keith and Doug in this episode of the Wired Nerdy Podcast as they dive into the latest tech and gaming news. From Nvidia’s massive investment in OpenAI to the exciting gameplay reveal of Wolverine, they cover it all. Plus, get insights into the Tokyo Game Show and the future of AI in Hollywood. Don’t miss their thoughts on the latest gaming consoles and the importance of unplugging from technology. Stay tuned for a nerdy adventure! #TechNews #Gaming #Podcast

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This week on the Wired Nerdy Podcast, Keith and Doug break down the biggest headlines in geek culture and share their first thoughts on Apple’s brand-new iOS 26.

• Avengers: Doomsday Announced – Marvel officially sets a December 18, 2026 release date with the Russo Brothers back in the director’s chair.

• iPhone 17 Air Durability – Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet survives the bend test, making it the most durable iPhone to date. 9to5Mac

• Xbox Price Hike – U.S. Xbox fans hit with another hardware price increase just months after the last one. Eurogamer

• Spaceballs 2 Begins Filming – Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and more return alongside new cast members, with a tentative 2027 release.

• Nintendo Switch 2 Game Lineup – Upcoming titles include Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Borderlands 4, and more.

• Pamela Anderson Revives Barb Wire – A TV adaptation is in development, plus a comics compendium coming February 2026.

• Valve Says Oops – After a Steam bug tanks a dev’s decade-long project launch, Valve apologizes and offers a visibility boost.

Apple’s latest mobile OS is here! Keith and Doug share their early impressions, highlight new features, and debate how it stacks up to past updates.

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