The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
EXP Podcast #10: The Art of Being Sony Post recording note: We chose this story and recorded the podcast before we heard some unfortunate news.  It truly speaks to our economy's sad state of affairs when talented people who produce thoughtful, entertaining writing are let go.  Ben, we hope to see you on the other side of tunnel soon!

This week, we flirt with the fires of console fanboyism to talk about the state of the Playstation 3.  We were inspired by Ben Fritz's opinion piece in which he contemplated whether the PS3 had an "artsy" image that was hurting its sales.  We range from a discussion on the console's physical appearance to its popular perception and corporate philosophy.  "Artsy" is a vague term to be sure, so everything we say is definitely open for discussion, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.  Check out the show notes for the article that spurred the discussion, along with a bonus link to a window into the weird and wacky world that is Kaz Hirai's mind!

Some discussion starters:

-Do you get some kind of  "vibe" from specific gaming platforms?  If so, how does this affect your playing habits?
-How big of a role does marketing play when it comes to game sales? 
-To what forces do you attribute Sony's reversal of fortune in the console market?

To listen to the podcast:
- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show Notes:

-Run time: 27 min 53 sec
-Ben Fritz's article: "Is Sony too artsy for its own good?"
-Some Kaz Hirai gems
-Music provided by Brad SucksPost recording note: We chose this story and recorded the podcast before we heard some unfortunate news.  It truly speaks to our economy's sad state of affairs when talented people who produce thoughtful, entertaining writing are let go.  Ben, we hope to see you on the other side of tunnel soon!

This week, we flirt with the fires of console fanboyism to talk about the state of the Playstation 3.  We were inspired by Ben Fritz's opinion piece in which he contemplated whether the PS3 had an "artsy" image that was hurting its sales.  We range from a discussion on the console's physical appearance to its popular perception and corporate philosophy.  "Artsy" is a vague term to be sure, so everything we say is definitely open for discussion, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.  Check out the show notes for the article that spurred the discussion, along with a bonus link to a window into the weird and wacky world that is Kaz Hirai's mind!

Some discussion starters:

-Do you get some kind of  "vibe" from specific gaming platforms?  If so, how does this affect your playing habits?
-How big of a role does marketing play when it comes to game sales? 
-To what forces do you attribute Sony's reversal of fortune in the console market?

To listen to the podcast:
- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show Notes:

-Run time: 27 min 53 sec
-Ben Fritz's article: "Is Sony too artsy for its own good?"
-Some Kaz Hirai gems
-Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_10.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:55pm PDT

EXP Podcast #9: A Bloody Mess Some of those smart minds over at the University of Rochester got together and published a little study for us to talk about this week. Those psychologists, tinkerers of the brain I call them, have learned gore and gamers don't necessarily mix. The original article can be found in the show notes for your enjoyment. Your input on the subject is always appreciated. Feel free to answer some of the questions we have for your below if you need some inspiration.


Some discussion starters:
- How often do you notice gore when playing a game?
- When is violence and gore excessive?
- Would you miss the gore if taken out of traditionally violent games?

To listen to the podcast:
- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show Notes:

- Run Time: 27mins 10sec
- The article on the University of Rochester study.
- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: Gore.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:51pm PDT

EXP Podcast #8: Patent Pending This week, an intrepid Internet explorer happened upon some mysterious patents filed by Nintendo.  The documents lay out a new system for delivering hints in a game, as well as a mode of play in which the player watches the game unfold on its own until they choose to join in.  This raises numerous issues in regards to game difficulty, the accessibility of modern video games, and defining exactly it even means to "play a game."  As always, check out the show notes for links to the stories and references, and feel free to offer your speculations on how (or if) this patent will be utilized.

Some discussion starters:
- Do you think this system would create new gamers, or simply irritate current gamers?
- How much challenge do you like in a game?  Does it depend on what kind of game it is, or is there a specific way of implementing challenge that is particularly appealing?
- How much interaction do we need with a game in order for it to still qualify as a "game?"

To listen to the podcast:
- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show Notes:

- Run time: 26 mins 13 sec
- The Kotaku article describing Nintendo's patent
- Some developers comment on the news
- Corvus Elrod's excellent exploration of the definition of a "game"
- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_8.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:30pm PDT

EXP Podcast #7: Patch Notes The first 2009 EXP Podcast is upon us. This week we were inspired by news about a patch coming out for PixelJunk Eden mid-January that will, among other things, lower the game's difficulty. The original story is in the show notes for the curious listeners, but we mostly use it as a jumping off point to discuss patches in general, the idea of an ever-changing medium and Star Wars.

Some discussion starters:
- Should patches be mandatory?
- Is a patched game a different game?
- How do we talk about a frequently updated title?
- How much do you hate George Lucas for ruining Star Wars? (Only slightly kidding.)

To listen to the podcast:
- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show Notes:
 
- Run time: 28mins 1sec
- PixelJunk Eden patch coming soon.
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_7.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:08pm PDT