They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 200 - The History of Handheld Games Part 3   In our concluding episode exploring the evolution of handheld games, we kick off with the Amiga and the allure of bouncing balls before delving into the Atari Lynx, an early and captivating handheld console. Despite its appeal, the Lynx struggled against challenges like its high price, the limited library of engaging games, and subpar battery life, ultimately being overshadowed by the Nintendo Game Boy—a device well-suited for puzzle games. Sega's Game Gear, whose origin may have stolen its design from Nintendo or Epyx- It's complicated. The Game Gear was notable but never had a lasting impact. Gunpei Yokoi took a daring leap with the Virtual Boy, which unfortunately flopped, returning to familiar ground with the Game Boy Pocket. Yokoi's departure coincided with the rise of Pokémon, injecting new vitality into handheld gaming. Yokoi later founded his own company, contributing to the development of Bandai's Wonderswan. This prompted Nintendo's re

TCW Podcast Episode 199 - The History of Handheld Games Part 2   Continuing in front of a live streaming audience, part two of our exploration into the history of handheld games delves into the pivotal role of LCDs. We kick off with the Microvision and trace the progression through the iconic Game & Watch, credited with saving Nintendo during challenging times and inspiring emulation by companies like Tiger Electronics. Citing the advancements in LCD technology, we culminate with a detailed examination of the enigmatic origins of the Game Boy, dispelling common misconceptions and unraveling a more intricate narrative. The episode concludes just before the release of the Game Boy, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats with a journey through the previously opaque yet fascinating world of handheld gaming history.   How LCD Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbdhbyiHX-s MicroVision Complete Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NmwIvrDR8w TCW 153 - Nintendo Playing with Cards: http://podcast.the

TCW Podcast Episode 198 - The History of Handheld Games Part 1   Recorded in front of a live-streaming audience, we delve into the captivating history of handheld games, commencing with an unexpected origin—the pocket-sized calculator. The innovative strides made in pocket calculator technology paved the way for toy companies to venture into the realm of handheld electronic games, resulting in classics such as Mattel Football and Auto Race. As advancements and reduced production costs followed, favorites like Simon and Merlin emerged. However, the early games faced a common challenge—the limitations of display capabilities at an affordable price point. To overcome this hurdle, inventive technologies like nixie tubes, VFD displays, and LEDs were harnessed to deliver engaging gameplay experiences. Notably, the VFD display mini arcades left a lasting mark, offering some of the most captivating recreations of popular arcade titles. This is part 1 of a 3-part series, exploring the evolution of handheld gaming and

TCW Podcast Episode 197 - The ID of Game Development   ID Software; the makers of many games that are beloved by gamers. Due to the need for rapid development ID was forced to separate game design from the mechanics. Having a dedicated game engine that was focused on visual and support technologies as opposed to the specifics of game design. ID Software utilized tools to make levels, licensing the engine to other companies, and so much more. Many moders of Doom got their start in the video game industry by being level designers for other companies. ID was instrumental in popularizing the structure by which games are made to this day.   TCW 030 - DOOM!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/ TCW 192 - Microprose Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/microprose-part-1/ TCW 193 - Microprose Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/microprose-part-2/   Slordax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMj2WlSsg4o Engine Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrqRuxAkkG8 Commander Keen 1: ht

TCW Podcast Episode 196 - The Sumerian Game   The Sumerian Game is one of the first uses of video games to help enhance education. Developed using some funds from the National Defense Education Act, the Sumerian game used education techniques where facts and data could be presented not by a teacher, but by a computer. The game itself is notable because it was designed by Mabel Addis, one of the first women to design a video game. Though the game has been lost to time its influence is felt to this day. The first part was the inspiration for Hamurabi, influencing Civilization, and other game designers that followed. We beg to report on this fascinating bit of video game history!   I'm Learnding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKg2ZzPKl2M NDEA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChXTy_C3xs Formal Logic Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_MUDF1d1sU Formal Logic: https://www.youtube.com/@FormalLogic Oh No my Brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZoQxH-il7E Mabel Addis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_

TCW Podcast Episode 195 - Finding Video Game Copyright   We look at copyrights and video games. Where did they come from? Were video games even creative works that could be copyrighted? If a video game is copyrightable is it like a book or like a movie? We look at how the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe answered these questions in game maker's long legal battles to combat counterfeiters, parallel importers, and more. Hey at one point it started a Yakuza war!   TCW 179 - Space Invaders and Nishikado: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-and-nishikado/ TCW 180 - Space Invaders Part II: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/space-invaders-part-ii/ Sea Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipssJjkN2bY Depth Charge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTuJb4MLGzs IPM Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBtV4cqqkVQ Astro Blaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR2kStMWBCs Star Castle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFLaa3bmiU Scramble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_zO5p

TCW Podcast Episode 194 - The 7th Guest   We cover the 7th guest in so much detail it's frightening! This game has everything from a genius bedroom programmer from the UK teaming up with an artist who made some raunchy comics, to bar fights, Twin Peaks, and a Shakespeare troupe. The 7th guest has it all to bring us a game that turned CD-ROM from an expensive luxury to a must-have item for any PC. Join us as we look at all the influences that led to the creation of a horror classic The 7th Guest! Just don't try and beat the virus!   TCW 082 - An Unlikely Paring of Siliwood: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/an-unlikely-pairing-of-siliwood/ Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EePWe5JZins Ballblazer ZX Spectrum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQiy2JB3x8 Ballblazer 11 Version comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tkwWD_BWWQ Metropolis PC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=415OUgctnX0 Defender of the Crown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvW6okgy4wA Spot the Video Game

TCW Podcast Episode 193 - Microprose Part 2   In part two of our look at Microprose we focus on the growth of the company with popular games like Gunship, and Sid Meier's Pirates. Wild Bill continued his aggressive push to expand the company moving into the UK market and even the coin-op space. This unfortunately led Sid to step back from the company and become a contractor. Wild Bill took the company public to help cover the costs of missteps but eventually became embroiled in his own troubles with pressure from the board. It was during a time when he was forced to step back from the company, and the release of problematic adventure and role-playing games led the company to be acquired by Spectrum Holobyte.   Silent Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz4shxxdero Gunship DOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCZUc0d8ol8 Gunship C64: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8bBV7uzbSs Airborne Ranger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wEH2c98-Nc Rules of Wooden Ships and Iron Men: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

TCW Podcast Episode 192 -Microprose Part 1   In the first part of our look at Microprose, we cover the central characters of Wild Bill Stealey and Sid Meier. The duo came from very different backgrounds that helped inform the creative and business powerhouse. Wild Bill had to grow up at a young age after his father's death. This led to him having to manage the home finances, negotiate out of debt, and learn many of the skills that would help him in his military, and business careers. We have covered some of Sid's history in episode 50, but we have a lot of new information with additional research and Sid's autobiography. We cover Microprose's founding with a bet between the two at a convention in Los Vegas, and Wild Bill pushing to have his dream of playing a video game able to realistically represent what it was like to fly a jet fighter.   TCW 050 - Civilizing Sid Meier: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/civilizing-sid-meier/ War Games Ending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93KC4AGKnY Formula 1 Racing

TCW Podcast Episode 191 - SEGA and CSK Part  2   In part two of our look at SEGA and CSK we look closely at the circumstances that lead to Isao Okawa taking direct control as CEO of SEGA. We also take a new look at the circumstances that lead to the financial difficulties with SEGA in lending money inside the company. We have a lot of new insights here behind the problems with the Dreamcast, how Okawa wanted to take CSK and SEGA more network focused, and some of the safeties he put in place in case his ambitions failed. Ultimately with Okawa's passing CSK wanted to go in a more financial services direction, and ended up selling their stake in SEGA to Sammy. Sammy then used this to buy out the rest of SEGA a year later.   TCW 127 - Dreams of SEGA: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/dreams-of-sega/ Dreamcast Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL5-sx2A0-M Dreamcast News Just Before Release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqocFElidKI Dreamcast Launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT9gseRFzqA Japa

TCW Podcast Episode 190 - SEGA and CSK Part 1   In this first of a two-part episode about SEGA and CSK, we look at the origin of CSK, and the major players involved. Most notably Isao Okawa who had a history of making bold moves to pivot CSK during uncertain times. SEGA was in the hands of Hayao Nakayama who got Okawa to buy the company from Gulf and Western. Nakayama then worked for many years to transition the corporate structure from a US one to a more traditional Japanese structure. This allowed SEGA to become a public company in Japan. We have a lot more information looking from the CSK Corporation side of things, and in part two look at Okawa taking over SEGA and trying to pivot again as he battled a terminal illness.   How Products are Priced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYqvqScg_j8 Pricing Effect - Why a Higher Price Rag Makes Wine Taste Better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb3PsQFB3fU Complete Guide to Business Cards in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh0qYdDl4IE   They Create Worlds SE

TCW Podcast Episode 189 - The Simulations of Will Wright   In part two we look at the Sim craze with the release of Sim Earth, Sim Ant, and others. It was Sim Ant in combination with the loss of Will Wright's home in the Oakland firestorm of 1991 that laid the groundwork for what would become The Sims. The game went through many iterations, and would not see fruition until the acquisition of Maxis by Electronic Arts. The game became a phenomenal success and was as big a hit, if not bigger, than Sim City. Will Wright continued with the creation of the game Spore which, while heavily hyped, was a very shallow amalgamation of five different games. Will Wright is still trying to make games based on systems, but as of yet none have reached the impact of Sim City or The Sims.   Gaia Hypothesis - James Lovelock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIFRg2skuDI Sim Earth (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t_foiU3fHo Sim Earth (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOtbazBWijw SimAnt Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/

TCW Podcast Episode 188 - Will Wright's Sim City   We look at the life of game designer Will Wright who developed the hit game Sim City. Wright was, and is a very talented individual with a deep passion for learning. As a child, he was not into video games, and only his interest in robotics led him to investigate computers more. From there he was enamored with the original Flight Simulator and the possibilities it promised. Though it was not until his exposure to Conway's Game of Life that he really took an interest in programming.  This led to his development of Raid on Bungling Bay, and from the tools used to make that game, he found more fun in creating a city simulator he call microtopolis. This simulation game would eventually become what we know as Sim City!   Solaris by Stanisław Lem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(novel) What is Montessori in 18 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljuw3grZ11Q Victor Tugelbend: https://discworld.fandom.com/wiki/Victor_Tugelbend The Cannonball Run: https://

TCW Podcast Episode 187 - Atari's Sinking Ship   In part two of our look at Atari and the reasons behind the crash of the mid-1980 we see how Atari's handling of the excess product led to its downfall. The idea that they could treat this like any other overstock of products and push through did not consider the consumer's lack of knowledge. Together with the massive price reduction in the hardware for not just the VCS, but also the 5200 further eroded consumer confidence and understanding. By the time Atari started taking the drastic measure they needed to right the company they were sold by Warner because Warner could not afford the depression in stock price. Though logistics may not be the most exciting topic. It really is the core of what lead to the crash, and how Atari got into and failed to manage it speaks volumes about what future companies would need to do in order to survive.   ET Commercial Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7LwjROqsQw TCW 133 - Rolling Dice with the Parker Brothers: http

TCW Podcast Episode 186 - Atari's Distribution Nightmare   In this first part deep dive at the fall of Atari and the video game industry, we look closely at the distribution nightmare and the factors forming it. There is a lot of new information here, and we drill down deep on the factors that led to the early 80's video game crash. Though many wish to blame ET, or bad games causing the crash, in reality, it really was an unsustainable distribution problem that some people saw coming, but a variety of factors was not dealt with. Join us in this part one of learning the truth, at least for what we know now, cause of the great video game crash!   Lefty Sells an 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfelvI_ikf4 Fleetwood Mac Rumors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLfcwDZ5GzQ&list=PL6ogdCG3tAWjN3nOVWjA6DCwYYKAMk5-f     New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History

TCW Podcast Episode 185 - A Very Naughty Dog Pt 2   In our continuing look at Naughty Dog, we examine the continuing development of Crash Bandicoot and the Jax and Dexter series. After Sony's acquisition of Naughty Dog, and during the development of Jak 2, Andy and Jason decided to part ways with the company to focus more on their personal lives. They did help in training people to take their place. These new people at the helm led to the creation of Naughty Dog's most famous franchises. Uncharted and The Last of Us. Games that really pushed forward what is possible for storytelling in video games.   Polygon Man: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygon_Man Sony E3 1996: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHTNTuiOt7s 1984 Macintosh Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zfqw8nhUwA Crash Bandicoot Nintendo Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTi5EaocGaY All Crash Bandicoot Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLdQczq3NMM Crash Bandicoot PSX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK-h4M4Aetg Crash Band

TCW Podcast Episode 184 - A Very Naughty Dog Pt 1   Before "The Last of Us" what eventually became Naughty Dog was founded by two teens Andy Gavin, and Jason Rubin. They were drawn into the uncharted waters of computers by making their first published game Ski Crazed. From there they put on the rings of power to become the youngest game developers for EA releasing a game to outdo Ultima on the Sega Genesis. But EA pulled a thieving move and denied them a reprint of the ambitious game. The dream of them being game developers would have died there had it not been for a new warrior in the console market to challenge them to make a game for the 3DO. With that glorious victory, they went to Hollywood and found that they could get universal recognition by getting Sony to use a Bandicoot to crash onto the world stage.   Internet Archive Byte Magazine: https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine?tab=collection How to use a Drawing Tablet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb8FtNJOGS4 Ski Crazed: https://www.youtube.com/w

TCW Podcast Episode 183 - A Working Model of Vending   The arcade industry had many influences. From traveling fairs, clockmakers, and more. Eventually, with the invention of putting a coin-activated door on tobacco boxes in bars, the idea inspired others to make coin-operated vending machines and cast iron banks that were marked as toys but were used for gambling in bars. This is a deep dive into where the coin-op industry came from and we can see some of these influences that carried on to the modern day.   Penny-in-the-Slot Automata and the Working Model: https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Slot-Automata-Working-Model/dp/0709074085 Glockenspiel in Munich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsfxTyhCzr8 Cuckoo Clocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6lCQvEUf-U Lost art of Automatons alive again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7oSFNKIlaM HUGO Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG9rvNhdOX8 Revolutions S3: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/484J9T0QdvFdlaq5M5tUcs Exposition des Produits de I'industrie Française:

TCW Podcast Episode 182 - The KOEI Dynasty   We continue our look at KOE and their move onto the console space. This transition is rocky due to the increased costs of cartridge manufacturing. They were able to secure funding by holding a luncheon at the Imperial Hotel for distributors. They were able to start production on Nobunaga's Ambition for the NES. From there they continue to improve setting up development groups to explore new opportunities. The company was still niche until Dynasty Warriors 2 where they could finally move to mainstream gaming. When KOEI acquired Taito, doors opened to other companies' intellectual properties. This led to games like Dynasty Warriors Gundam, Hyrule Warriors, Dragon Quest Heroes, and Fire Emblem Warriors. The company continues to expand and thrive today by helping Nintendo produce the popular Fire Emblem Three Houses, and the RPG NIOH. Still led by the founders in their 70s Yoichi and Keiko Erikawa are truly the power couple of the video game industry!   Ishin no Arashi

TCW Podcast Episode 181 - The Fabric of Koei   We look at the company KOEI and the power couple Yoichi and Keiko Erikawa. Keiko came from the city and had a love of design and investing. Yoichi came from the Japanese countryside and loved games and local history. Yoichi made board and card games based on historical events and people. They met in college when Yoichi rented a room from Keiko's grandmother, and after some time fell in love. Yoichi was pressured by his father to go into the family's failing textile business. Eventually, he and Keiko struck it out on their own. Yoichi and Keiko founded Koei working as a textile business, but they ended up developing software and games for the NEC PC in Japan. This episode is a fascinating case of the parallel evolution of video games and many firsts for the Japanese market.    We discuss erotic games at a PG 13 level from 0:53:50 to 1:00:55. The material may not be appropriate for younger listeners.   What Magic is This? - The I Ching: https://whatmagicisthis.com/