They Create Worlds

https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/feed.xml

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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 Feb 15, 2024

Exploring the Mass Effect

Thursday Feb 15, 2024

TCW Podcast Episode 204 - Exploring the Mass Effect

In part one of a two-part exploration of the original Mass Effect trilogy, the game emerges as a synthesis of diverse influences from literary books, video games, art styles, TV shows, and movies. Drawing heavily from Bablyon 5 and the TV series 24, the main framework of Mass Effect reflects a blend of narrative inspirations. The art style, inspired by luminaries such as architect Santiago Calatrava, futurist Syd Mead, and John Harris, contributes to the game's visually captivating universe. The initial year of development was dedicated to crafting a compelling hard sci-fi universe. A key goal was to imbue the game with cinematic qualities and broaden its audience appeal, challenging the conventions of RPGs at the time. The innovative use of a dialog wheel, featuring concise words to convey dialog choices, coupled with full voice acting for both player characters and the main protagonist, marked significant strides in the gaming landscape.

KOTR in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTCSPo7ZuSE

SCTV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFb0L4MQziTjEsJKTbFgm8Q

The Wild Life - Rick Moranis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mM9qvLYeI8

Rick Moranis - SNL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzeyvaj1FiM

"The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3": https://me3finalhours.com/#:~:text=Q%3A%20What%20is%20the%20Final,creative%20process%20behind%20the%20games.

The Complete Deus Ex Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yD54ndTFVU

StarFlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foX2Mn1TIzk

Hard VS Soft Sci-Fi - What do they mean?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsbm2YDhItM

The Physics of Space Battles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFOuxAx-dkc

The Truth About Space War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs3mGhQGxM

Syd Mead - Visual Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuMIrHlAf2Q

Mr Spock Attempts Mind Meld with V'ger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qpO47Iskac

Santiago Calatrava: https://calatrava.com/

Santiago Calatrava: A selection of projects from all around the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEjJXEwicuA

Babylon 5 - Everything You Didn't Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50xmPWmLUko

John Harris - Beyond the Horizon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTuZlYJOw-Q

Book Notes Mass - The Art of John Harris: https://adamrowe.substack.com/p/book-notes-mass-the-art-of-john-harris

24's Jack Bauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKKTkTMAJBw

Mass Effect 2006 E3 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvCvqbn4qY

Mass Effect 1 - Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT5HhrIQfrY

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Thursday Feb 01, 2024

Alone In The Dark

Thursday Feb 01, 2024

TCW Podcast Episode 203 - Alone In The Dark

Despite appearing outdated by today's standards, Alone in the Dark remains a highly influential game in the survival horror genre. Numerous franchises, including Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Eternal Darkness, either cite or incorporate tropes popularized by Alone in the Dark. Spearheaded by Frédérick Raynal, the game drew inspiration from Giallo films and Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful works. It pioneered the use of 3D models in a pre-rendered environment with fixed camera angles, a technique later adopted as a staple on the first Sony PlayStation. Despite its significant success, Raynal departed Infogrames due to a lack of recognition, inadequate compensation, and the directive to create a new game with the same engine within a year. Subsequently, he founded his own company, Adeline Software.

Content Warning: The movies and genres referenced may not be suitable for some audiences.

Can You Hack Your Eyes to See Upside Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euwp4C6Wt8A

Dawn of the Dead (1978) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_EviQj5tvA

The Amityville Horror: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwa120o7m7k

No Film School - Giallo Firm: https://nofilmschool.com/giallo-film-genre-explained

Horror Press - Horror 101 - Giallo: https://horrorpress.com/misc/5539/horror-101-what-is-giallo-and-why-does-it-matter/

Dario Argento: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Argento

Mario Bava: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Bava

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UztVF1nJTBo

Suspiria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPs2ExUL_bc

Alfred Hitchcock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock

Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVoVdKOLP04

10 Things You Don't Know About Alfred Hitchcock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9BS9SJxbxc

12 Common Camera Angles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNviMsi0K0

Popcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ea5-eFU3oA

Drakken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5RlWuY3gXU

TCW 064 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-1/

TCW 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-2/

Star Glider 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg3uQM83dl8

Alpha Waves (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qAtVwSIV8

PBS Monstrum - The Origins of the Zombie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIGmsxBMnjA

Shadow of the Comet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dwukeu8alE

The Case of Charles Dexter Ward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va7WZT1lVsc

44 Lovecraftian Monsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDPqZUja9wU

Alone in the Dark - Artwork - Goomba Stomp: https://goombastomp.com/in-retrospect-the-original-alone-in-the-dark/

Alone in the Dark - Retrospective, Analysis and Critique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YNZV5QAFc

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Monday Jan 15, 2024

Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2

Monday Jan 15, 2024

TCW Podcast Episode 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2

Following the release of Breakout by Atari, its influence spread to Japan, sparking a surge in demand that prompted numerous Japanese companies to enter the video game industry by creating clones of the popular game. Seeking innovation, Exidy developed Circus, introducing new elements to the Breakout formula. The widespread appeal of Breakout extended to the home gaming market with Atari and Nintendo releasing ball and paddle games. A standout in this genre was the uniquely designed Warlords, which evolved in parallel as an arcade and console game. Concluding our exploration, we delve into the history of Arkanoid, unveiling its captivating story, including previously unknown details about the creators that have yet to be found in English sources.

Monaco GP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGTGoKR7hUI

TCW 179 - Space Invaders and Nishikado: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-and-nishikado/

TCW 180 - Space Invaders Part II: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-part-ii/

TCW 029 - 50 Years of Namco: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/50-years-of-namco/

TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/

Breakout Cocktail Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCE6zjRujps

Mr Do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BBQWed8Vk

TCW 052 - The Many Faces of Konami: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-many-faces-of-konami/

TCW 077 - Invading Taito Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-1/

TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2/

Taito TT Block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTpha-l6ve4

Exidy Circus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFm3b7e2tV8

Breakout and Super Breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5xo-IzERu0

TCW 051- Sons of Pong: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/

Video Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdH1I80ESQ

Nintendo Kuzushi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-XAvkZIBQ0

Video Olympics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rie4hsUeDuA

Warlords VCS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDzQ8QhGJdY

Warlords Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y2xYX6h380

Arkanoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-Z6QQ5AOQ

TCW 028 - Picking up the Pieces: The US Arcade Industry After the Crash: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/picking-up-the-pieces-the-us-arcade-industry-after-the-crash/

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Monday Jan 01, 2024

Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1

Monday Jan 01, 2024

TCW Podcast Episode 201 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1

In this two-part exploration of advancements in ball and paddle games beyond Pong, we delve into the human fascination with balls and trace the evolution of coin-operated games leading to Pong's creation. Ramtek's contributions, especially with Wipe Out and Clean Sweep, spurred Atari to experiment with new ideas, resulting in Pin Pong. Other companies like Midway and Exidy also entered the scene with TV Flipper and TV Pinball, respectively. The narrative culminates with a detailed examination of the Breakout story, shedding light on subtle nuances often overlooked. The exploration concludes with the monumental success of Breakout upon its launch.

TCW 107 - Storytime with a Book: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/storytime-with-a-book/

Screenshots of Whirlwind Bouncing Ball & Extras: https://retrocomputingforum.com/t/footage-of-bouncing-ball-on-whirlwind/2124

Whirlwind Bouncing Ball Simulator: https://www.retrogamedeconstructionzone.com/2021/07/the-whirlwind-bouncing-ball-simulator.html

Amiga Bouncing Ball Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ga41edXw3A

Tennis for Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PG2mdU_i8k

International Mutoscope Play Hockey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EVdxkIz3pGg

Chicago Coin Goalee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZE-4C7o8M

Chicago Coin Slap Shot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_GiV7OgFi0

TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/

TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/

German Elimination/Quadrapong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOV9c8WkWsw

Barrel Pong Replica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPhSuF70Xhk

Wipe Out Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10453

Wipe Out Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_TmOD0IHFM

Leader Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8401

Clean Sweep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxt_RzAPixg

Pin Pong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol8g-tKd-nw

TV Flipper Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10000

TV Flipper Flyer: https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/flyers_video/midway/29173701.jpg

TV Pinball Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_1kAlO8G6c

TV Pinball Cabinet Pictures: https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10002

TV Pinball in Early Exidy by Data Driven Gamer: https://datadrivengamer.blogspot.com/2019/10/games-92-95-early-exidy.html

The History of How We Play - A Breakout Story: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2018/12/29/a-breakout-story/

Ones for Wellness - Screaming Therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5FEqPMFIlQ

Breakout Cocktail Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOGO49j5gCE

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Friday Dec 15, 2023

The History of Handheld Games Part 3

Friday Dec 15, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 200 - The History of Handheld Games Part 3

In our concluding episode exploring the evolution of handheld games, we kick off with the Amiga and the allure of bouncing balls before delving into the Atari Lynx, an early and captivating handheld console. Despite its appeal, the Lynx struggled against challenges like its high price, the limited library of engaging games, and subpar battery life, ultimately being overshadowed by the Nintendo Game Boy—a device well-suited for puzzle games. Sega's Game Gear, whose origin may have stolen its design from Nintendo or Epyx- It's complicated. The Game Gear was notable but never had a lasting impact. Gunpei Yokoi took a daring leap with the Virtual Boy, which unfortunately flopped, returning to familiar ground with the Game Boy Pocket. Yokoi's departure coincided with the rise of Pokémon, injecting new vitality into handheld gaming. Yokoi later founded his own company, contributing to the development of Bandai's Wonderswan. This prompted Nintendo's response with the Game Boy Color. Despite various attempts, no other company has managed to dethrone Nintendo as the undisputed king of handheld consoles.

Brownest of the brown Liquors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n39897a9hNk

Amiga Bouncing Ball CES 4K: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlAhRJjOhDg
Atari Lynx Cooler Than You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXZUX8803Wg

Lynx - Chip's Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw4EFHGemfQ

Lynx - Blue Lightning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKUJsqDux6A

Lynx - Gauntlet The Third Encounter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZplHuUekqF8

Lynx - Kalax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBPNolD7Fmc

Lynx - California Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAc8Su1huLE

Game Boy - Super Mario Land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLmpjWTTnI

Game Boy - Tetris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQwohHgrk2s

Game Boy - Doctor Mario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU9rkqHSiTg

Game Boy - Allyway: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nyoNner2NH0

Game Boy JP Launch Commercial 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkOk_E_3J0E

Game Boy JP Launch Commercial 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hXxgNT3ib0

Virtual Boy Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn8TFhK87ZM

Types of Batteries Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dId6loUiV_0&t=423s

Duracell Commercial (1982): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOe_Xohknjc

First Energizer Bunny Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiFQsxGUQOI

Game Boy Pocket Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwvZSWQAMak

Game Boy Pocket - Generation Gap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPje2eIf2v8

Pokémon Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1-rXw07VNA

Game Boy Pocket and Light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yz24JQpSHY

Game Boy Color Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRUaEftYJ4&list=PLy22iKf8SNXgNl8NpIqZX5du72dnDdE9F

Bandai Wonderswan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zLek3wPG8

Pokémon Silver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWVOYuRHaQ8

Space Odyssey: https://archive.org/details/2015MonnensGoldberg

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Friday Dec 01, 2023

The History of Handheld Games Part 2

Friday Dec 01, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 199 - The History of Handheld Games Part 2

Continuing in front of a live streaming audience, part two of our exploration into the history of handheld games delves into the pivotal role of LCDs. We kick off with the Microvision and trace the progression through the iconic Game & Watch, credited with saving Nintendo during challenging times and inspiring emulation by companies like Tiger Electronics. Citing the advancements in LCD technology, we culminate with a detailed examination of the enigmatic origins of the Game Boy, dispelling common misconceptions and unraveling a more intricate narrative. The episode concludes just before the release of the Game Boy, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats with a journey through the previously opaque yet fascinating world of handheld gaming history.

How LCD Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbdhbyiHX-s

MicroVision Complete Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NmwIvrDR8w

TCW 153 - Nintendo Playing with Cards: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-cards/

TCW 154 - Nintendo Playing with Controversy: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-controversy/

TCW 155 - Nintendo Playing with Toys: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-toys/

Nintendo Chiritori: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KlWqH14EBs

Newton's Rings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_rings

Game & Watch Ball - Unbox and Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3BQjuy8hg

Game & Watch Vermin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8EvCmFN_98

Game & Watch Octopus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmkAhLVZFeQ

Game & Watch Gold Series All Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ26q73FEco

Game & Watch Oil Panic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cLDDCO85nQ

Game & Watch Donkey Kong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdS9VLFtnJs

Tiger Electronics Copy Cat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLs4tAlUxzw

Tiger Electronics Handheld Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkU6-knrDpQ

Tiger Electronics Simon's Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3MI4IEjyUc

Tiger Electronics Golden Axe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJNdy0IgUQQ

Why it is hard to make homemade LCDs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Sp0WPnVUA

How do color LCDs work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VamqtyatBss

Kids React to Gameboy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pCp8g-VjOs

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Wednesday Nov 15, 2023

The History of Handheld Games Part 1

Wednesday Nov 15, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 198 - The History of Handheld Games Part 1

Recorded in front of a live-streaming audience, we delve into the captivating history of handheld games, commencing with an unexpected origin—the pocket-sized calculator. The innovative strides made in pocket calculator technology paved the way for toy companies to venture into the realm of handheld electronic games, resulting in classics such as Mattel Football and Auto Race. As advancements and reduced production costs followed, favorites like Simon and Merlin emerged. However, the early games faced a common challenge—the limitations of display capabilities at an affordable price point. To overcome this hurdle, inventive technologies like nixie tubes, VFD displays, and LEDs were harnessed to deliver engaging gameplay experiences. Notably, the VFD display mini arcades left a lasting mark, offering some of the most captivating recreations of popular arcade titles. This is part 1 of a 3-part series, exploring the evolution of handheld gaming and revealing the creative solutions and technological milestones that have defined this interactive landscape.

How it's Made Vacuum Tubes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n4WVRKkmww

Integrated Circuits Crash Course Computer Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-tKOHICqrI

How Pocket Calculators Changed Electronics Forever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goB47Cgqxfs

Nixie Tube Clock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yS5w98xmwI

Nixie Tube Calculator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k49_PG5CUAk

Eversharp Mechanical Pencil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPoL2Ny4NmA

TCW 025 - Mattel Electronics?: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/mattel-electronics/

TCW 177 - The Intellivision Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-intellivision-part-1/

TCW 178 - The Intellivision Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-intellivision-part-2/

Mattel Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ5TVoVD5Ss

Mattel Auto Race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72CDVzrtiQ

Touch Me Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV8y2oDzIeg

Simon Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MOBW8f0CU0

Merlin Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZWlIm0jy30

Inside Tokyo's tiniest luxury apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ7Bu_SDJgM

VFD Displays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkPSDOjhxwM

In a Minute VFD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=tAss5GJRKrg

Slot Cars Racetrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TlExU8j984

Slot Cars Racing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNg2g3oODH8

TonyTronic PacMan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX86fRdilGc

Epoch Invader From Space Handheld: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed4atls32wU

Entex Galaxian 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9YiOw-lvA

Entex Pac Man 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqnQzU0erno

TCW 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-1/

TCW 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-2/

Coleco Mini Arcade Frogger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzOtMB-lU9c

8-Bit Guy - Mini Tabletop Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuo0njOI-qE

Entex Adventure Vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYnCwNKaVAM

Adventure Vision all 4 Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUwS1PipKXQ

Browser Gameplay of Adventure Vision: https://archive.org/details/adventurevision_library

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Wednesday Nov 01, 2023

The ID Of Game Development

Wednesday Nov 01, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 197 - The ID of Game Development

ID Software; the makers of many games that are beloved by gamers. Due to the need for rapid development ID was forced to separate game design from the mechanics. Having a dedicated game engine that was focused on visual and support technologies as opposed to the specifics of game design. ID Software utilized tools to make levels, licensing the engine to other companies, and so much more. Many moders of Doom got their start in the video game industry by being level designers for other companies. ID was instrumental in popularizing the structure by which games are made to this day.

TCW 030 - DOOM!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/

TCW 192 - Microprose Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/microprose-part-1/

TCW 193 - Microprose Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/microprose-part-2/

Slordax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMj2WlSsg4o

Engine Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrqRuxAkkG8

Commander Keen 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQVk6wmaqAs

Miyamoto Explains SMB 1-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRGRJRUWafY

Batman Forever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAERGZX_8Og

Commander Keen 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHUOKVzo0Q

Commander Keen 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3aTzbUPktk

Hovertank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7juV9zo5Tk

Catacombs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EjI3TxSNmI

Castle Wolfenstein Apple II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fgok9eHqO8

Doom II Level 13 City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJSQoUcAoGo

Doom II Level 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzGZZnbMhv8

Strife Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjxJbo9jHFo

American McGee levels Doom: https://doom.fandom.com/wiki/Category:American_McGee_levels

Quake 1 Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHT2TgMX7Rg

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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Sunday Oct 15, 2023

The Sumerian Game

Sunday Oct 15, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 196 - The Sumerian Game

The Sumerian Game is one of the first uses of video games to help enhance education. Developed using some funds from the National Defense Education Act, the Sumerian game used education techniques where facts and data could be presented not by a teacher, but by a computer. The game itself is notable because it was designed by Mabel Addis, one of the first women to design a video game. Though the game has been lost to time its influence is felt to this day. The first part was the inspiration for Hamurabi, influencing Civilization, and other game designers that followed. We beg to report on this fascinating bit of video game history!

I'm Learnding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKg2ZzPKl2M

NDEA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChXTy_C3xs

Formal Logic Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_MUDF1d1sU

Formal Logic: https://www.youtube.com/@FormalLogic

Oh No my Brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZoQxH-il7E

Mabel Addis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Addis

Hamurabi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R606drkQ_i8

101 BASIC Computer Games: http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/_Books/101_BASIC_Computer_Games_Mar75.pdf

KAISER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sviiX23UMss

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 online 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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Sunday Oct 01, 2023

Finding Video Game Copyright

Sunday Oct 01, 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 195 - Finding Video Game Copyright

We look at copyrights and video games. Where did they come from? Were video games even creative works that could be copyrighted? If a video game is copyrightable is it like a book or like a movie? We look at how the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe answered these questions in game maker's long legal battles to combat counterfeiters, parallel importers, and more. Hey at one point it started a Yakuza war!

TCW 179 - Space Invaders and Nishikado: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-and-nishikado/

TCW 180 - Space Invaders Part II: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-part-ii/

Sea Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipssJjkN2bY

Depth Charge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTuJb4MLGzs

IPM Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBtV4cqqkVQ

Astro Blaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR2kStMWBCs

Star Castle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFLaa3bmiU

Scramble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_zO5pZJOjU

The Simpsons - The Mob vs. Yakuza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cte8bG9Bl-Q

Street Fighter II Rainbow Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNIfE7A9q7Y

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com