The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
Curiosity screen via IGN

We have opened the cube and holy cow, Peter Molyneux was inside the whole time! But what else is inside the controversial designer's bizarre experiment? And what does cube's contents mean for the young grand-prize winner, the future players of Godus, and the games industry as a whole? Join us this week on the podcast as Scott and I search for crumbs inside the box that might give us a taste of what's to come!

Now that you Curiosity is over (well, sort of), let us know what you thought of the bizarre "game-like" thing in comments! Are you a cynic or a cubist?

Show notes:

- Runtime: 32 mins 17 secs

- Music by: Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_226_-_Cracking_Open_the_Cube.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:24pm PDT

We're all still trying process Microsoft's vision of the future, so why don't we take a short break and consider one of Valve's recent reveals. In a move that both Jorge and I find bizarre and terrifying, Valve is piloting Steam trading cards. While there doesn't seem to be any specific game tied to the cards themselves, the rules and rewards about obtaining, trading, and crafting cards may in fact have the potential to change the way we play and purchase games. Are you tempted by the prospect of a rare foil head crab card or do you plan on relegating your Steam cards to your digital attic, never to be touched? Let us know in the comments!

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes
- Find the show on Stitcher
- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. 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:


- Runtime: 33 min 16 sec
Steam Trading Card FAQ
- Music by: Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_225_-_House_of_Cards.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

We thought Lucas Arts and Star Wars 1313 was our last hope for a great Star Wars game. But no. There is another. With the recent announcement that Disney will be handing over the video game licenses for Star Wars to EA, the internet has been abuzz with mixed feelings. Some are eager to see what Visceral or BioWare can do with the franchise. Others are a bit more pessimistic. This week on the podcast, Scott and I step into the proverbial "shockboxing ring" and discuss our own thoughts on the Force, old Lucas Arts games, Boba Fett, and the future of the Skywalker clan.

Show notes:

- "Saturday Soapbox: Force feeding fandom," by Dan Whitehead via Eurogamer

- Runtime: 34 mins 52 secs

- Music: "Star Wars Main Theme" and "Imperial March" by John Williams

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_224_-_A_New_Hope_for_Star_Wars.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:26pm PDT

This week, we open a gateway to the spirit realm to call forth a podcast that defies the feeble constraints our earthly plane and human minds.  "What sorcery is this?" you ask.  It is precisely that, mortal: this week we talk about magic.  Actually, we use Robert Rath's recent article on the subject to push past the usual focus on psychic missiles and black cauldrons.  Magic is a common mechanic in games, but its more sociological role is rarely portrayed.  What would it look like if magic in games was a lifestyle, rather than simply a way to roast bad guys when you're tired of swinging a sword?   As always, don't hesitate to join the conversation by suddenly materializing in the comments!


- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes

- Find the show on Stitcher

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. 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:


- "I Hate Magic," by Robert Rath, via The Escapist

- Runtime: 28 min 25 sec

- Music by: Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_223_-_Conjuring_Video_Game_Magic.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

The spring lull is upon us. Without any huge release on the immediate horizon, Scott and are using this time to visit some of the games currently taking up space in our busy calendars. From gamified exercise to eSports and beyond, Scott and I have plenty of game mechanics to both love and hate. Check out all the games listed below in the show notes and be sure to chime in with your thoughts in the comments below!

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes

- Find the show on Stitcher

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. 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:

- Runtime: 35 min 1 sec

FitBit

Don't Starve

Spelunky

lolesports.com

Papers Please

Monaco

- Music by: Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_222_-_Playtime_Check-in_2013.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:54pm PDT