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Love of the worlds created by video game designers and personalities drives Alex Smith & Jeffrey Daum (history, law, CS degrees) to provide a scholarly yet light-hearted discussion of how arcade, home console, and PC games merged into a Video Game Industry. Emphasis is on the combination of business and creative elements needed for financial success. Interviews of Atari, EA, Activision, & other execs with detailed source evaluations produce the insights you hear in these 140+ hours!
Episodes
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 234 - Yu Suzuki
Often called SEGA’s Shigeru Miyamoto, Yu Suzuki redefined arcade gaming through innovation and ambition. He pioneered immersive cabinets like Hang-On's rideable motorcycle and After Burner’s flight sim, and used sprite scaling to simulate 3D in hits like Space Harrier and OutRun. His work culminated in the R360 G-LOC—a gyroscopic cabinet offering full 360° motion. Suzuki later led SEGA into 3D with Virtua Racing and Virtua Fighter, and pushed console design forward with Shenmue. Though he didn’t invent Quick Time Events, he coined the term—and created a living, interactive world filled with dynamic conversations, a fully explorable city, and unprecedented detail for 1999. His vision helped shape what players now expect from immersive game worlds.
Champion Boxing (SC 1000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkDpaSXTGwE
Hang On (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TopLKeDqYhw
Hang On (Bike Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KV6gWzBnJw
Space Harrier (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXO7HOUaHaQ
Space Harrier (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ljkKcDsKs
Roger Dean Album Covers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Albums_with_cover_art_by_Roger_Dean_(artist)
OutRun (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp3GLGu7cfg
OutRun (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK3CpGLk0VU
The Cannonball Run (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8BNVDUslcE
Ferrari Testarossa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvfx5z4uMOo
After Burner (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSvxN7nMNwo
After Burner Deluxe (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGWesvT9z8Q
Top Gun (Trailor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa_z57UatDY
Castle in the Sky (English Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lMRfLJGXSM
Power Drift (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZZMU2HPmTE
Power Drift (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs0slBdnArg
R 360 SEGA G-Loc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OrXW5vCurc
G-Loc Air Battle (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JKeizTZF0
Virtua Racing (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssPfEPaTaGo
Kenji (Manga): https://mangapill.com/manga/2249/kenji
Virtua Fighter (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA
Virtua Fighter 2 (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OYlmdhOZY
Shenmue (Dreamcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkuWoz6RbgE
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 233 - Baldur's Gate
When three doctors, a prolific dungeon master, a database programmer, and a writer come together to make video games, you get Baldur’s Gate! Often credited with saving the Western RPG, Baldur’s Gate became a phenomenal hit, taking full advantage of Microsoft’s new DirectX API and Windows 95. With this technology, the team created massive, beautiful maps for players to explore. They began shopping their new Infinity Engine around—drawing attention from top figures at Virgin Interactive—but ultimately secured a deal with Interplay, after an initial rejection. This partnership allowed them to shift from an original pantheon-based RPG to using the Dungeons & Dragons license that Interplay had acquired from TSR. They focused on the Sword Coast and the city of Baldur’s Gate—an underdeveloped region of the Forgotten Realms that stayed true to the classic swords-and-sorcery motif. The result was a game that captured the spirit of D&D while delivering the fast-paced action that gamers of the late '90s craved!
VGA Standard Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exFKr-JJtg
SSI Gold Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBodtk1JnxQ
Dungeon Master (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3UdUWU4j1Y
Shattered Steel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvyi0l4s-wI&list=PLFTDBbYrcivppTQ8bupD3DQ7U23qTv5cK
What is DirectX and Why is it important?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSk6kwWBuE
Why Windows 95 was a big deal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DCNt0cqTQY
Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast: https://archive.org/details/tsr09460addfrvolosguidetotheswordcoast
Baldur's Gate Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooqFu_enV30&list=PLNU3jYa35cy3gahj5NBKymMB6grIGykOr
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 232 - All the Other Home Pongs
The home Pong market of the mid-1970s extended far beyond the big three—Atari, Coleco, and Magnavox. Numerous smaller companies entered the scene, not only in the United States but also across Europe and other parts of the world. As the home gaming industry rapidly evolved, many manufacturers introduced unique systems powered by integrated circuits. The market truly took off with the advent of “Pong-on-a-Chip” technology, which made it possible for virtually anyone to build a Pong console. Combined with affordable manufacturing in the Far East, this innovation drove costs down and helped the market reach new heights.
Rocko's Modern Life - Dracula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ycpsJOtxx8
TCW 105 - The Big Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-big-voice-of-magnavox/
TCW 106 - The Small Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-small-voice-of-magnavox/
TCW 027 - The Magnavox Patent Lawsuits: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-magnavox-patent-lawsuits-friday-september-16-2016-1003-am/
TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/
Overkal: https://prehistoricgaming.com/en/overkal-history/
TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/
Universal Research Laboratory (URL) Video Action Systems: https://www.pong-story.com/url.htm
Mike the TV 99.99.99: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2xW8nh864
Executive Games: https://www.pong-story.com/executivegames.htm
First Dimension: https://www.pong-story.com/firstdim.htm
Executive Games - Face Off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB-pSaZ1e28
TCW 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-1/
TCW 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-2/
Pong In a Chip: https://www.pong-story.com/gi.htm
Videomaster: https://www.pong-story.com/vm.htm
Videomaster Home TV Game: https://prehistoricgaming.com/en/videomaster-home-tv-game/
Interton Video 2000: https://www.pong-story.com/v2000.htm
AY3-8500 System on a Chip: https://nerdstuffbycole.blogspot.com/2018/09/games-and-field-generation-in-ay-3-8500.html
Zanussi: https://www.pong-story.com/zanussi.htm
TCW 077 - Invading Taito Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-1/
TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2
APF TV Fun: https://retrogamingconsoles.com/consoles/apf-tv-fun/
APF Fun Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmIE3k2BGs0
Unisonic Pong Console: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFOkE1_52NA
Interton Video 2400: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLCnacjnBOs
Videomaster Superscore: https://www.pong-story.com/vm8.htm
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 231- Street Fighter 2
Street Fighter 2 is often credited with reviving the arcade scene in the early 1990s. While it successfully brought back the must-have arcade game mentality, it couldn’t stop the overall decline of arcades. The original Street Fighter was influenced by many sources, including Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, anime like Fist of the North Star, and Space Battleship Yamato. With the rise of beat 'em ups following Double Dragon, Capcom released Street Fighter 89, later renamed Final Fight. Taking lessons from Final Fight, Street Fighter 2 introduced an expanded roster, streamlined special moves, combos, and more. Its popularity led to the release of two enhanced versions: Championship Edition and Turbo. Come explore the history and influences of this legendary game!
TCW 041 - Beating Them All Up: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/beating-them-all-up/
Tower of Death Fight Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWMW1drldWc
Kung Fu Master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko3zG-YG41k
The Final Game of Death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzriAzTAXs0
Yie Ar Kung-Fu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2h6jQ4A1To
Enter the Dragon trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RGju9NuoOU
Karate Champ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwV3xqS9_aQ
Fist of the North Star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYsAklHsWd0
Space Battleship Yamato: http://y2u.be/LtwtV91fwd8
Street Fighter Big Button Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_XvCNGhmZ0
Street Fighter Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVLCv-YgWco
Polygon Street Fighter Oral History: https://www.polygon.com/a/street-fighter-2-oral-history
Double Dragon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfZz-1e-dUQ
Side Arms Hyper Dyne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esgm7Gk99P4
Forgotten Worlds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYJfoesXYC8
Final Fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gYGfL_p2o
Street Fighter 2 - The World Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI284D4y1q4
But She's Got a New Hat!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaOgZwk9rN8
Street Fighter 2 - Champion Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJne-82X4L0
Street Fighter 2 - Rainbow Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNIfE7A9q7Y
Street Fighter 2 - Hyper Fighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rrGLH0WByc
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 230 - Crafting the World of WarCraft
World of Warcraft has stood the test of time for twenty years, and now we can explore the fascinating history behind its creation. The developers drew inspiration from MMOs like Ultima Online, EverQuest, Anarchy Online, Dark Age of Camelot, and more, incorporating what they loved while tackling unique challenges. From art style and storytelling to quest design, factions, and PvP, every aspect of the game presented obstacles to overcome. Despite launching with several rushed elements, WoW captivated a gaming audience eager for an accessible MMO—and went on to set records for years to come
TCW 054 - Blizzard: Vikings and WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-vikings-and-warcraft/
TCW 055 - Blizzard: Hellfire and The World… of WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-hellfire-and-the-world%E2%80%A6-of-warcraft/
How to play Necromunda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqAxPXd5y8g
Place Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/41MvT5c
The WoW Diary: A Journal of Computer Game Development [Second Edition] (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/4kzpxNT
EverQuest Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AJdrc8ZsEI
TCW 219 - Diablo 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/diablo-1/
TCW 220 - Diablo 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/diablo-2/
A Brief History of Chess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeB-1F-UKO0
Tabula Rasa Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGQ0Nb3U9kw
Tabula Rasa Box Art: https://cdn.mobygames.com/covers/4266351-richard-garriotts-tabula-rasa-pre-order-bonus-pack-windows-front.jpg
World of Warcraft Box Art: https://i.etsystatic.com/19063773/r/il/3b9985/2196312265/il_fullxfull.2196312265_13ii.jpg
WarCraft 1 Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA40KEDV6Dc
WoW V0.53: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RszVOPx1apI&t=0s
Duskwood Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2suPQAZMqc
TCW 030 - Doom!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/
Ed Bighead Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/RememberWhenNick/videos/remember-when-bigheads-campaign/279376435941596/
Snow White Trailer (1937): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L16P0rip9E4
13th Warrior Cave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTVze7cfwWU
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 229 - US Gold
US Gold started as an importer of American games before becoming a dominant force in the British gaming industry. Partnering with Ocean Software, they formed a duopoly that shaped the UK and European gaming markets, bringing top titles to 8-bit computers and later expanding into consoles—US Gold backing SEGA while Ocean focused on Nintendo. When competitors began importing Japanese games, US Gold responded by securing a deal with Capcom to port its arcade hits to home computers. As its parent company, CentreGold, went public, US Gold also acquired Core Design—unknowingly setting the stage for gaming history. Because within Core, something legendary was in development: Tomb Raider. Join us as we dive into the rise of US Gold, its influence on British gaming, and its unexpected connection to one of gaming’s biggest icons.
Compute Magazine Archive: https://archive.org/details/compute-magazine
Galactic Chase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVNM1JH6GNU
TCW 136 - Ocean Software: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ocean-software/
Beach Head (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex9mchOPG1o
Forbidden Forest (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j86veyiIcS8
Aztec Challenge (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLO2mGBID8I
Zaxxon (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-Tt6O9Onc
TCW 103 - Elite Systems: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/elite-systems/
Commando (ZX Spectrum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKom2O2H0pQ
OutRun -US Gold EU (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnuYHmSLUY4
Flashback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owuUW4DL4cg
TCW 129 - The Crash That Almost Was: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-crash-that-almost-was/
TCW 036 - Raiding Eidos: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/raiding-eidos/
TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market Hardware: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/
TCW 018 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market Software: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-software/
TCW 131 - Sir Clive of ZX: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sir-clive-of-zx/
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 228 - PopCap Games
PopCap Games was initially overlooked by the larger gaming industry due to its focus on fun, well-designed, and polished casual games. Their first major hit, Bejeweled, became a consistent source of income, allowing PopCap to invest time in developing new titles. This led to the creation of Peggle, which helped solidify PopCap’s reputation, particularly after developers at Valve became hooked on the game’s deeper skill-based mechanics and puzzles. The success of Bejeweled and Peggle continued with their ports to the iPod and, eventually, the iPad, further expanding PopCap’s popularity. This growth culminated in the release of Plants vs. Zombies, which debuted on PC before being adapted for iOS. The game’s seamless touchscreen integration made it a standout app for the newly launched iPad. As the gaming industry evolved, PopCap struck a deal with EA, which acquired the company, leading to the departure of its founders over the following years.
Attack Retrieve Capture: https://alchetron.com/Attack-Retrieve-Capture
Shariki Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMwGy1fv41g
Play Dimond Mine: https://www.crazygames.com/game/diamond-mine
Bejeweled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLtaf1PFVM
Palm OS - PDA Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nfg4YIoYas
TCW 122 - A Casual World Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-1/
TCW 123 - A Casual World Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-2/
Zuma Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpuOhuVnnQ
Alchemy Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p902uQ_y3r4
Play Alchemy Deluxe: https://archive.org/details/alchemy-deluxe
Bookworm Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA1NSyldUQ8
The Oral History of PopCap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwzxWLonObo
Burnout 3 Takedown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6vHTQv9JHY
Peggle Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlnieE-h6k8
Peggle Extreme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAKLiepJDrM
Peggle Extreme (Steam - Free): https://store.steampowered.com/app/3483/Peggle_Extreme/
Bejeweled (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7iHTM0ryWm0
Peggle (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qhWSm0zNSrk
Insaniquarium Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U04weIAra20
Plants VS Zombies (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XENla8M3910
Plants VS Zombies (iPad): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvopYLzwb90
PopCap Games on Internet Archive: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22PopCap+Games%22
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 227 - Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong, a game and character that stands as one of the foundational elements of video game history, has a popular narrative with some inaccuracies that need correction. Thanks to the efforts of Kate Willaert and Norman Caruso, we can better understand the influences and origins of Donkey Kong. Nintendo’s use of hardware from another game, Radar Scope, imposed technical limitations that prevented them from securing the desired Popeye license. Donkey Kong drew inspiration from games like Crazy Climber and Space Panic, and its four stages even incorporate elements of the Eastern storytelling structure known as Kishōtenketsu. Join us as we delve into the fascinating origins of Donkey Kong like never before!
Futurama - Quarters! A Million Allowances Worth of Quarters!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPWti2CoRg
"Critical Kate" Willaert: https://www.acriticalhit.com/
Norman Caruso "The Gaming Historian": https://thegaminghistorian.com/
In The Year 2525 - Zager & Evans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb7poHQuMWg
Wikipedia (Donkey Kong - 1981 Video Game): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(1981_video_game)
Space Firebird (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0MSz55Ct-0
Radar Scope (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbliYx51ok
Galaxian (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0OTi8hLYpg
How the Famicom was Born: https://glitterberri.com/developer-interviews/how-the-famicom-was-born/
Shmuplations - Shigeru Miyamoto – 2000 Developer Interview: https://shmuplations.com/miyamoto2000/
Shmuplations - Donkey Kong - A Record of Struggle: https://shmuplations.com/donkeykong/
Popeye The Sailor Man - A Dream Walking: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rt7c6
Crazy Climber (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZxndttbLIY
Space Panic (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLd1xABCsaQ
Design Bytes SMB 1-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La2aGhZxLkQ
Barrel Jumping Championship 1957: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvuK8NNSOnI
Scramble (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk6BTqzLLfk
Kishōtenketsu Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7to8TC5sJVc
Lionel Hutz Explains "The Truth": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nc88_ZEfxg
Gaming Historian - How the Mario Characters Got Their Names: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTyxQfpOEbE
Disinclined to acquiesce…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLGgIMCUzk
Donkey Kong (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHJhla8TO4
Donkey Kong Cereal Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGvDhBdClFY
Donkey Kong Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyfayak2djo&list=PLP9LnKF6J6Lod1PYlsQ2zJ9OsZT-ALBga
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 226 - Ray Kassar
Ray Kassar rose from humble beginnings to become a talented, savvy, and personable executive. He began his career in the textile industry at Burlington Industries, where he eventually became president of its most profitable division. However, after the unexpected passing of Burlington’s head, Kassar faced ageism and cronyism, which stifled his advancement. Despite climbing the corporate ladder again, he was passed over for a more tenured executive. Leaving Burlington, Kassar founded a company importing Egyptian cotton for the U.S., where he planned to work until retirement. However, Manny Gerard of Warner Communications recruited him to stabilize Atari after its recent acquisition. Kassar’s leadership introduced a robust marketing strategy, reduced manufacturing defects, and turned Atari into a massive profit center. Though his rapid adaptation to the gaming industry sparked some resentment and controversy, Kassar’s impact on Atari was undeniable. His story is one of nuance and twists, as Atari would not have achieved its success without his visionary leadership.
TCW 046 - Atari, Ray Kassar, and Warner: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-ray-kassar-and-warner/
TCW 104 - A Holistic View of ET: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-holistic-view-of-et/
TCW 186 - Atari's Distribution Nightmare: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-distribution-nightmare/
TCW 187 - Atari's Sinking Ship: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-sinking-ship/
Once Upon Atari - How I made history by killing an industry: (Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fUDNx6
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
TCW Podcast Episode 225 - Games by Apollo
The great video game crash of the mid-1980s had many factors contributing to it. One such factor was the rise of companies like Games by Apollo, which is sometimes seen as an exemplar of the many businesses that entered the video game industry hoping to make quick money. While some criticisms of Games by Apollo are valid, the company was also much more than that, bringing innovative game ideas to the table. Founded by Patrick Roper, who previously created career videos for students, the company grew rapidly and released games at an unprecedented pace. However, many of its games suffered from short production times, leading to control problems, balance issues, and design flaws. Despite these challenges, Games by Apollo consistently tried to push the envelope, creating games that pushed the VCS to new heights!
Smell BAD (Labyrinth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6H4e7Kvvw
Fuzzy Bunny's Guide To You Know What (Simpsons): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQn-DwSW-tk
Hands Across America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnA0uYL4YtI
Games By Apollo PM Magazine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BhTS-q38A
Skeet Shoot (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UWJFOUBxTo
Spacechase (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdG-v4MY51Q
Racquetball (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWueVYa0HJk
Lochjaw (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW8HOi1f0G8
Lost Luggage (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qehLDMO_Ncs
Kaboom (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwrZHu-d-vY
Space Cavern (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EILC0vcdnc4
Space Cavern - Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMaMvchzMBI
Demon Attack (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GwoSr12kxY
Kyphus (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmgsYN1oBI
Squoosh (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQR_hgYZPHA
Pompeii (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_9EnYxqvU
Play Pompeii: https://atarionline.org/atari-2600/pompeii
Infiltrate (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24ngfVWqA8
Elevator Action (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrBE8iUwgg4
Elevator Action (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5reigEnv4
Final Approach (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcUWNNCCMKE
Wabbit (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJmR9ygI9c
Video Game History Foundation -The Woman who Brought Female Representation to Games: https://gamehistory.org/wabbit/
Guardian (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmlwqi_UeEU
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1
Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode
Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/