The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
EXP Podcast #62: Distributing the Future
We routinely talk about the impressive content within games, but, in today's market, the way in which we procure that content is equally striking.  Digital distribution is changing long-standing traditions regarding how games are sold and played: an increasing number of both games and players are leaving discs and cartridges behind in favor of ones and zeroes.  Inspired by Evan Stubbs' article on the future of digital distribution, we discuss some the potential benefits and drawbacks of what seems to be the inevitable move towards completely digital gaming.  Whether you feel that this change will usher in a new era of economical convenience or a technological apocalyspe, feel free sound off in the comments.  

 

Some discussion starters:

 

- What are your habits regarding digitally distributed games?  Is there a certain reason you do or do not download games you could get on discs?

 

- How do you feel about pricing structures based on "segments" rather than as a function of time?  What kinds of privacy issues arise?

 

- How soon, if ever, do you think games will go 100% digital?

 

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 min 49 sec

 

- "The Future of Digital Distribution," by Evan Stubbs, via RedKingsDream

 

- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_62_downloads.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:17pm PST

EXP Podcast #61: The Dubious Health of the JRPG Few genres have seen a rise and fall like the once illustrious Japanese RPG. There still exists a strong core group of players dedicated to the JRPG, but could the poor showing of Japanese titles in 2009 be the death knell for a dying art form? Jeff Fleming think so. This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by his recent opinion piece, Scott and I visit to the local genre hospital and discuss the health of JRPGs, DS confinement, teen angst, and the 'unicorn magic' of operatic storytelling.

Show notes:

- Run time: 27 min 52 sec
- "The Last Days of the Japanese RPG?" by Jeff Fleming via GameSetWatch
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_61_-_The_Dubious_Health_of_the_JRPG.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:36pm PST

EXP Podcast #60: Playing With Characters
Put on your robes and wizard hats folks: it's time to do some role-playing.  Whether you are playing as a knight, a space marine, or a rogue treasure hunter, video games give the player an opportunity to assume an identity different from their own.  However, the increasing complexity ofRPGs as well as the inclusion of sophisticated characters in non-RPG games can lead to a conflict between the player and the game: What happens when the player wants to do something that their character would never dream of? Grayson Davis from Beeps and Boops raised this question, inspiring us to explore some possible answers.  This is a complicated issue and one that is likely highly influenced by personal taste, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts.
 
Some discussion starters:

- When playing a game, do you role-play your character?  How does this affect your play experience?

- What is the balance between providing individual experiences based on specific characters versus ensuring players see all the game has to offer?

- Are there certain games that you feel walk this line particularly well?  Are there games in which role-playing actually decreases your enjoyment?

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: 28 min 32 sec
- "The Player's Role," by Grayson Davis, via Beeps and Boops
- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_60_role_playing.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:34pm PST

EXP Podcast #59: Uncharted Territory The best games of 2009 have been selected and I have joined an unsurprising chorus of individuals who laud Uncharted 2: Among Thieves as their experience of the year. Such a title, however, with its unapologetic approach to cinematic game design, may hold untold dangers for the medium. So begins this week's conversation about the successes and failures of Uncharted 2. Once again, Scott and I focus on one single game we have recently played, reflecting on Naughty Dog, the impressionable public, and the future of game design.


- Run time: 32 min 59 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_59_-_Uncharted_Territory.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:52pm PST