It's the end of the year, which means it's time to reflect on the events of 2008.  This week, we fill the podcast to the brim, discussing our favorite games of the year, our favorite pieces of game writing, and a few news stories that didn't make the original cut.  Check out the show notes for links to all of the games and articles we reference and be sure to weigh in with your favorite 2008 highlights.

Some discussion starters:

-What was your favorite game you played this year?  How about your favorite "gaming moment?"
-Did any game writing or particular blogs make an impact on how you view the medium?  What trends do you see forming in game writing?
-Which news stories caught your attention?  Were there any important or quirky ones that were overlooked?

This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the "prestigious" Spike TV Video Game Award show. This glamorous extravaganza aired on December 14th complete with scantily clad ladies, crotch shotguns, and some fairly insulting stereotypes. Check out images and videos from the links you'll find in the show notes.

As usual, we encourage you to participate in the conversation. Some questions for discussion:
-What would you like to see in a videogame award show?
-What awards would you give out?
-Who should vote on the winners?

This week on the EXP Podcast, we wade in to the murky waters of advertising in video games. Microsoft-owned company, Massive Inc. held a conference in which several large publishers (such as EA, Activision, and Ubisoft) discussed how to best implement commercial advertisement in games. Let's not let them be the only ones discussing this...

This week we discuss an IGN preview of Scribllenauts from 5TH Cell and an interview with creative director Jeremiah Slaczka. We theorize on the limitations of a game that claims it can do anything and the potential impacts of what sounds like a ground breaking venture.

This week, we talk about a survey conducted by Guitar Center saying that a huge number of people that buy Guitar Hero are subsequently inspired to learn how to play a real guitar. We discuss the effect games have on our personal interests and explore games' abilities to inspire non-gaming action.

Show notes:

- Run time: 24m 12s

- The Gamasutra article

- Music provided by Brad Sucks