The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
EXP Podcast #92: Digital del Toro

What happens when a renowned filmmaker gets involved with video games?  It doesn’t happen often and the results are usually less than spectacular, but THQ and Guillermo del Toro are looking to buck this trend.  This week, we use this development as a starting point to discuss the what happens when established directors try their hand at game making.  We cover everything from artistic philosophies to the possibility of “dream team” partnerships between famous designers and directors.  As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on whether titans of the box office can also conquer the Xbox.

 

Some discussion starters:

- What are your thoughts on Guillermo del Toro potentially making a game?  

- What kinds of skills could directors bring to games?  How important is it for them to have a lot of experience with the medium, either as a player or a creator?

- Have you played any games in which a film director was involved?  Which directors do you think would make enjoyable 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: 26 min 45 sec

- “Guillermo del Toro negotiating video game deal with THQ,” by Ben Fritz, via the Los Angeles Times  

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_92_del_toro.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:06pm PDT

EXP Podcast #91: How to Build a World

We say it so often, it’s almost a cliche: video games allow us to explore virtual “worlds.”  The medium is replete with strange locations that players learn to navigate as naturally as they do their own neighborhoods.  Whether it is the Mushroom Kingdom, Rapture, or Liberty City, a convincing world can yield an immersive experience.  But what exactly makes for a good game world, and how do we describe these qualities concretely?  In his recent Edge article, Chris Dahlen raises these question and begins to push for a more explicit articulation of how game worlds function.  We use his article as a starting point and cover issues of fiction, systemic storytelling, and themes that define gaming worlds.  Seeing as how we have such worldly listeners, we’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments!  

 

Some discussion starters:


- What are your favorite video game worlds and why did they impress you?  Conversely, what prevents you from being drawn into a game world?  

- How much of a game’s world is defined by its rules and systems?  For example, would a Mario game that isn’t based in the Mushroom Kingdom or rendered with a fantastic art style still be in the “Mario world?”  Would an artistically traditional Mario game without platforming still be part of the “Mario world?”  

- What role does imagination play in world building?  How is the willingness to believe in a place augmented by previous experiences, as in the case of sequels?  

 

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: 34 min 04 sec

- “You Build Worlds,” by Chris Dahlen via Edge

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_91_world_build.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

EXP Podcast #90: What's In A Name?

My name is Jorge, and sometimes Shen, and other times Arkania. I have also been a variety of strangely named characters in everything from JRPGs to First-Person Shooters. According to Andrew Lynes, whose piece inspired this week's podcast, character name changes may subtly affect our gaming experiences. Join Scott and I while we discuss Link, Pseudonyms, Uno etiquette, and ways to improve the name game. For Andrew's article and a short list names I consider particularly uninspired, check out the show notes.

Show notes:

- Run time: 28 min 4 sec
- "How Character Names Change the Narrative Experience," by Andrew Lynes via Bitmob
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_podcast_90_-_Whats_in_a_name.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:27pm PDT

EXP Podcast #89: Red Dead Roundup Part 2

We are back on the saddle, this time to talk about all the spoiler-laden story elements of Red Dead Redemption. Such an ambitious and expansive game requires quite a bit of wrangling, so this week's podcast is extra long to compensate. This week, we delve into Red Dead as it relates to other Western mythologies, the ups and downs of open world story telling, and the meaning of redemption in a barren and nihilistic landscape. If you have thoughts on the game yourself, we encourage you to chime in below in the comments section.

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: 62 min 37 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_89_-_Red_Dead_Roundup_Part_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:38pm PDT