They Create Worlds By cover art

They Create Worlds

By: Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum
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  • Summary

  • 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!
    Copyright 2015-2019 . All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Accolade Part 1

    Accolade Part 1
    May 1 2024
    TCW Podcast Episode 209 - Accolade Part 1 In part one of a two-part retrospective, we explore how the pressures of the North American video game crash combined with the desire to create more sophisticated products for home computer platforms led Alan Miller and Bob Whitehead to leave Activision and establish their own company, Accolade. Publishing a mix of internally developed and third-party product, Accolade finds success through several popular sports franchises, including Hardball, Jack Nicklaus Golf and, most significantly, Test Drive. By the beginning of the 1990s, the company remains small, but profitable, and is ready to parlay its success on computer platforms to still greater success in the rapidly growing 16-bit console market. TCW 126 - Activision and Atari: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/activision-and-atari/ TCW 009 - History of Mediagenic Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-i/ TCW 010 - History of Mediagenic Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-ii/ TCW 172 - The Computer Price Wars Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-price-wars-part-1/ TCW 173 - The Computer Wars part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-2/ TCW 174 - The Computer Wars Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-3/ Law of the West (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrMk9RyCWKI PSI-5 Trading Company (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56E21gQq1TE Hardball (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jejblUhw3hU High Noon Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9CR_tib0CA Gunsmoke 1966 opening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-mzTCmZPE Hardball (ZX Spectrum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwuKr6sa0S8 Hardball (Sega Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkeCqRXihJE Fourth and Inches (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1672sYyMrg TCW 156 - Madden for some Football: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/madden-for-some-football/ Sundog: Frozen Empire (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg_hEY_hy9U Ace of Aces (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=059zzI6sdxo Hardball (PC/DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzPHxCO17aw Empire Strike Back (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcWGvwYWHgY Jedi Arena (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKLLpjF0QkM Mean 18 (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4tX_ZVXwI0 Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf gameplay (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DOeXCiMbG8 Test Drive (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAj1jPvz8t8 Accolade Comics (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkjkycHvHsE Test Drive (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBl2zpfR3Bo 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/ ISHIDO - The Way of the Stones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZmLAC3pVFM TCW 094 - Epyx not Epic: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/epyx-not-epic/ Star Control (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSqJ0nPDDzs 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 Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis

    Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis
    Apr 15 2024
    TCW Podcast Episode 208 - Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis In this episode, we delve into the expansive universe of Dune, a rich tapestry woven with themes, warnings, and boundless inspiration. Its profound impact extends beyond literature, influencing science fiction and serving as a wellspring of creativity for writers, artists, and futurists alike. Our focus shifts to the realm of gaming as we explore the intricate landscape of adaptations, particularly the simultaneous development of two landmark Dune games by Virgin Games. Cryo Interactive's adventure strategy game "Dune" and Westwood Studio's real-time strategy game "Dune 2: Battle for Arrakis" emerge as distinct creations, each influenced by its respective studio's vision. We navigate the complexities of rights acquisition following Frank Herbert's passing and the lukewarm reception of the 1984 film adaptation, shedding light on the intricate plots and tangled webs that define these two seminal Dune gaming experiences. DUNE Series Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ658qV-xAg What's The Point of Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJAyPjX8r2Y The Original Sand Dunes That Inspired Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU44RjBSXm0 Dune - The Heresy of Frank Herbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrP7sjBa0hg Dune's Writing is Incredible. Here's Why.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ms5hDWafhw Metaethics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOoffXFpAlU Judging History: Projecting Morals Backwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2x7aIywXG4 What Makes a Hero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA Why Paul is Not the Hero of Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNcsWDc4w2o Paul Atreides is a Warning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh1hShH3oHM Dune (1984) Dune Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzUlXEyvJeA TCW 133 - Rolling Dice with the Parker Brother's: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rolling-dice-with-the-parker-brothers/ Atari 2600 Dune Prototype: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDwft29dOlM TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Hardware: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/ TCW 018 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Software: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-software/ TCW 131 - Sir Clive of ZX: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sir-clive-of-zx/ TCW 194 - The 7th Guest: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-7th-guest/ Cool Spot (Dos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I4fHvtUxAs McDonald Land (1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUDPl9y9xk Macadam Bumper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0e-jG506wY TCW 064 - 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/ Captain Blood (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeNKepH2ut4 Gandahar (Lightyears) Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdrCK5TNG6c Simpsons - Worker and Parasite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2_dhUv_CrI (Westwood Studios) - The Legends of Kyrandia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQuBkU3SzxY Herzog Zwei Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYfYrhT82RM Military Madness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv1ddpLkMOY Populous Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4po_dJZuEQ Populous Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjPeeJ9gfl0 TCW 050 - Civilizing Sid Meier: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/civilizing-sid-meier/ Civilization 1 Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnfkrhREDDM (Cryo Interactive) Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_B4WPnf-AY Westwood Studios) Dune 2 - Battle for Arrakis - Atreides Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOscXf0Fpmk 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 Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • SEGA Saturn Part 2

    SEGA Saturn Part 2
    Apr 1 2024

    TCW Podcast Episode 207 - SEGA Saturn Part 2

    In the second part of our examination of the SEGA Saturn, we delve into its influences, challenges, and lasting impact. Beginning with a detailed analysis of its pricing strategy, we scrutinize the psychological effect of pricing items at $99, creating an illusion of affordability. We then explore the cultural context in Japan, highlighting the tradition of Otoshidama and its influence on the perception of video games compared to the United States. Additionally, we investigate the collaborative efforts between SEGA of Japan and SEGA of America, particularly in the development of the 32X add-on for the SEGA Genesis. Despite potential advancements, concerns arose about the perceived high cost for a market still viewing video games as disposable toys. The emergence of SEGA's arcade division further complicated matters with the release of Virtua Fighter, signaling the advent of 3D gaming. This shift was notably exemplified by Virtua Fighter's port to the Saturn and the success of SEGA Rally Championship in Japan. Conversely, in the United States, the allure of sprite-based consoles persisted, while the rapidly expanding library of the PlayStation overshadowed the Saturn's appeal.

    Reboot 99.99.99: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2xW8nh864

    KFC Christmas Japan: A Delicious Alternate Reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFw-TZzqX8M The Bizarre Japanese Tradition of Having KFC for Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drgKABHouk4

    The Original Meaning of Otoshidama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5VH9Vp_Yuc

    All SEGA CD/32X Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzG-OAdbpC8

    TCW 190 - SEGA and CSK Pt 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-1/

    TCW 191- SEGA and CSK Pt 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-2/

    SEGA Saturn - Nights into Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFxH6-g8FGQ

    Virtua Fighter Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA

    Japan Sega Saturn Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc3AK8k90xw

    Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl895zXjfyQ

    SEGA Rally Championship (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x_E1wUvzb4

    E3 SEGA Saturn Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UrXV53QKmk

    PlayStation E3 299: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvEzZoYb1Y

    Tomb Raider (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfTnITt-vkU

    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

    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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CEO/CIOs, creative/marketing Success & Failure

Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum get to the heart of the story by speaking with those involved in the creation of the systems and games we have loved and hated. I enjoy the banter as these two communicate who, what, why, and how entertainment systems and game systems succeeded and failed over the decades

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