They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 244 - The History of Commodore Pt 1   We kick off our look at Commodore with the story of its founder, Jack Tramiel. A Holocaust survivor who emigrated to the United States, Tramiel began repairing lamps and typewriters before founding a typewriter import business in Toronto. His early success was nearly undone by the Atlantic Acceptance financial scandal, which forced him into partnership with investor Irving Gould. Commodore’s venture into calculators nearly bankrupted the company, but the acquisition of MOS Technology set the stage for its move into computers. This episode explores the corporate maneuvering, twists of fate, and personal drive that shaped Commodore’s early years. Featuring audience input, it’s the start of a lively three-part (and possibly four-part) deep dive into one of computing’s most fascinating companies.   TCW 2025 Livestream: https://youtu.be/BXXAhEVD4Lk   Jack Tramiel 1983 Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5skpKlVOqc Commodore - A Company On The Edge by Brian Bagnall: https://archive.org/details/commodorecompany0000bagn/page/n1/mode/2up Computer Chronicles Revisited - SMOliva: https://computerchronicles.blog/post/computer-chronicles-revisited-107-koalapainter-the-wine-steward-skate-or-die-master-composer-keyboard-controlled-sequencer/#the-atlantic-acceptance-scandal-and-irving-goulds-takeover   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 243 - RCA Studio II   The RCA Studio II emerged from the company’s faltering computer division and the vision of engineer Joseph Weisbecker, who had long dreamed of personal computing after reading "Giant Brains or Machines That Think". He developed FRED at home, a TTL-based hobby computer. A later iteration using the COSMAC microprocessor inspired his daughter Joyce, who went onto program Studio II games, and RCA’s forays into coin-op experiments like the Fredotronic. With the development of the CMOS-based COSMAC chip, RCA built trainers like the MicroTutor and kits like the COSMAC ELF, but the Studio II became their entry into the console market. Innovative in concept but hampered by primitive graphics, the system faced FCC challenges delaying release. The console launched in 1977 against the Channel F and Atari VCS, it struggled to find success, though its technology lived on in Taiwan and European licensed systems. Much of its history was later uncovered by researcher Kevin Bunch, which saved the Studio II from being just a footnote in video game history.   Mechanical Televisions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5OANXk-6-w 32 Line Mechanical TCV Popeye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpBDOBXiPs TCW 096 - Hello Big Blue: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/hello-big-blue/ TCW 026 - The Magnavox Odyssey: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-magnavox-odyssey/ RCA Spectra 70: https://d1yx3ys82bpsa0.cloudfront.net/brochures/rca.spectra70.1965.102646099.pdf Project Gutenberg - Giant Brains or Machines That Think: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/68991/pg68991-images.html Radio Electronics - Simon Computer: https://vintagecomputer.net/simon.cfm Think-a-Dot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think-a-Dot RCA System 00 and FRED: https://www.retrotechnology.com/memship/cosmac_system_00.html Fredotronic: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2021/10/13/home-to-the-arcade-a-perfect-translation/ RCA MicroTutor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCXQZY8XCK8 Popular Electronics - COSNAC ELF: https://archive.org/details/197608PopularElectronics_20181123 Popular Electronics - COSMAC ELF (Condensed): https://archive.org/details/popular-electronics-cosmac-elf/page/n15/mode/2up Building a COSMAC ELF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvkHmTo_1U COSMAC VIP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDnufgeONYg (Atari Archive has examples of all games and many of the things we talk about!) Atari Archive - EP01 - The Story of RcA FRED and the Studio II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o35y6W9hI-o Atari Archive - EP02 - The History of RCA's Commercial Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXIoi1QAcoY RCA Studio II: http://videogamekraken.com/rca-studio-ii RCA Studio II Console Tour & Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJkedjfK4aQ M-1200 (RCA Studio III): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NstUUSIwUwY Star Wars (Studio II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FYKkCkNZOY Pinball (MPT-02 - Studio III): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b3LO41z7ks     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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 242- Fumito Ueda   Fumito Ueda entered game design through art rather than a love of traditional play. Influenced by titles like Flashback and Another World, he sought to tell stories with minimal interfaces and expansive environments rich in mood. After early work on D and Enemy Zero, Sony gave him a trial period that led to ICO, a game shaped by surreal landscapes inspired by Giorgio de Chirico and a hand-holding mechanic to convey emotional connection. ICO struggled in Japan but became a critical hit abroad, influencing games from Uncharted 3, The Last of Us, Dark Souls, and Journey. Ueda expanded his ideas in Shadow of the Colossus, a meditation on cruelty and consequence that inspired epic boss battles in other franchises such as God of War. His long-delayed The Last Guardian explored companionship through a giant creature, though with mixed reception. Now independent, Ueda continues to shape gaming with projects yet to be revealed.   Punch Out (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T8hoeVpdV0 Space Harrier (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEWGnj12GO4 The Legend of Zelda (Famicom Disc System): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsmXV06PwnM Smash Ping Pong (Famicom): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd5QSxyG3Z0 Flashback (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNTnRM77XuE Another World (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLC_Un9lNPw D's Diner - Director's Cut (3DO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7G1NuWciEE Enemy Zero (SEGA Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmkfgDNihZ0 PaRappa the Rapper (PSX): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97k0Dy8JweM Prince of Persia (Game Boy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thAmYGc37pA Virtua Fighter (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA Hello Pac-Man (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5IOwrutZmM Lemmings (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuiyFXMjGxA Chuck Jones - The Evolution of an Artist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHpXle4NqWI ICO Leap of Faith (PS3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WWr_7CoIzY Giorgio de Chirico: https://www.wikiart.org/en/giorgio-de-chirico/all-works ICO cover - Japan: https://www.mobygames.com/game/5158/ico/cover/group-79093/cover-214724/ Uncharted 3 (PS5): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZFYTHMsLUc Zelda Twilight Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJPhioaehIY Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkL94nKSd2M FEZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm9XRDlNDK4 The Last of Us (PS3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJPKTCpL1ws Prince of Persia - The Sands of Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34s9b6sLMjk Dark Souls (PS3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdpdkd2eNmE ICO (PS2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIzZkGP3SUk Grand Theft Auto 3 (PS2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZMyBAjQ-QE Shadow of the Colossus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiB8MEJN-QU God of War 2 (PS2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pgks8w-HK8 The Last Guardian (PS4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6ssIkVxg_k   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 241 - The First 10 Years of European Consoles   The first decade of European consoles began with imports of the Magnavox Odyssey, but soon local experiments took shape. In Spain, the Overkal may have been tied to a possible attempt to bring the Odyssey into the country, though no hard evidence survives, and it is generally treated as a local product. Across Europe, companies like Videomaster in the UK, Zanussi in Italy, and Interton and Grundig in Germany built dedicated ball-and-paddle systems. Many went beyond Pong using discrete logic hardware to support more advanced play, a technical achievement later supplanted by programmable consoles. A key shift came when General Instrument’s Scottish branch developed the “Pong on a Chip,” enabling mass-produced systems like Videomaster’s Superscore and Zanussi’s Play-O-Tronic. By the late 1970s, firms such as Philips, Radofin, and Hanimex moved into programmable systems like the Videopac. The arrival of Atari, Mattel, and other American companies displaced Europe's fragmented but inventive hardware scene, but the North American video game crash killed their systems at the same time European gamers were shifting their focus to home computers.   TCW 105 - The Big Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-big-voice-of-magnavox/ TCW 106 - The Small Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-small-voice-of-magnavox/ TCW 177 - The Intellivision Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-intellivision-part-1/ TCW 178 - The Intellivision Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-intellivision-part-2 TCW 076 - A Fairchild Story: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-fairchild-story/   Overkal: https://prehistoricgaming.com/en/overkal-console/ Interton Video 2000: https://www.pong-story.com/v2000.htm GI Gemini Systems: https://www.pong-story.com/pc-50x.htm RCA Studio III Variants: http://videogamekraken.com/rca-studio-iii-by-rca Philips Videopac G7000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgG9F9SsgCw Interton VC 4000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yqVcULUqOU Radofin Programable Video System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvCFYLfQrC0   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 240 - Nintendo: Playing with Mii & Wii   From DS touch-and-stylus play to living-room motion, we trace Nintendo's road to Wii. Nintendogs and Brain Age broadened the audience to parents and grandparents. After cold receptions at Microsoft and Sony, inventor Tom Quinn's Gyration motion tech found a home at Nintendo, and internal prototypes were so fun they became Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Wii Fit. The reveal timeline runs from Reggie Fils-Aime's 2004 E3 DS debut and "Revolution" tease, to a controller-free console showing at E3 2005, to the surprise Wii Remote reveal during Iwata's Tokyo Game Show keynote, and the full unveiling at E3 2006. Built on refined GameCube internals, the Wii favored low cost, low noise, and always-on convenience, with Miis inspired by Japanese wooden dolls (Kokeshi) and a channel interface modeled on a TV wall to invite quick, family-friendly play.   Iwata Asks: https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/ Nintendogs (DS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb5j2v10eYs Nintendogs (DS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb5j2v10eYs Brain Age (DS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EeU92dl9ME Donkey Kong Bongos & Donkey Konga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64YSuP6G1Uw Wii Sports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp9l7J6w9iE Wii Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfz-l5GI-v4 Wii Fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDfXealVJyg Kokeshi Dolls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2NIA5GNvfo Nintendo Wii User Interface Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCU1gB3Xdv4 E3 2004 Reggie Fils-Aimé: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89GB6bC9_N4 E3 2004 Satoru Iwata Revolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33BGyhn_ryw E3 2005 Nintendo Revolution (Wii): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt8CBYAnMYc Nintendo - Tokyo Game Show 2005: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdgW4Ox71fw E3 2006 Sony Ridge Racer!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaBUeINW_3s E3 2006 Sony Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaWptXzfETo E3 2006 Nintendo Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Ldhg7swgA Wii Console and Accessories (E3 2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pOGKxFD1C8 Wii Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLOccBorPsA Wii Would Like to Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOFhmjTgvY Link's Crossbow Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHgyRGeUKxg   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 239 - Nintendo: Wii Were Struggling   Nintendo’s struggle for cultural relevance in the lead-up to the Wii was marked by the N64’s poor fit for Japanese homes and the GameCube’s failure to outsell even the fledgling Xbox globally. Internally, a power struggle unfolded as Hiroshi Yamauchi prepared to retire. Former Sharp executive Atsushi Asada was brought in and became Executive Vice President and later Chairman of the Board. Satoru Iwata, whom Yamauchi saw great potential in, was appointed president of HAL Laboratory as part of a Yamauchi-backed bailout and ultimately succeeded Yamauchi as president of Nintendo. Minoru Arakawa was passed over, removed from the board, and after his retirement, replaced at Nintendo of America by Tatsumi Kimishima, who was later placed on the board himself, giving credence to the idea that Arakawa was pushed aside in favor of Iwata. We explore how, despite not facing financial collapse, Nintendo risked losing its creative identity after two struggling consoles and Sony's rising threat to its handheld dominance.   Iwata Asks Interviews: https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/ Simpsons all you can eat Court Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqT-AvswCZo TCW 153 - Nintendo Playing with Cards: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-cards/ TCW 154 - Nintendo Playing with Controversy: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-controversy/ TCW 155 - Nintendo Playing with Toys: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-toys/ TCW 014 - Nintendo Playing with Power: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-power/ TCW 128 - Nintendo in 1985: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-in-1985/?utm_source=chatgpt.com TCW 037 - Nintendo and Gumpei Yokoi: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-and-gunpei-yokoi/ TCW 063 - Lawsuits for Nintendo: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/lawsuits-for-nintendo/ TCW 068 - SEGA vs Nintendo Round 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-vs-nintendo-round-1/ TCW 069 - SEGA vs Nintendo Round 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-vs-nintendo-round-2 TCW 070 - SEGA vs Nintendo Round 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-vs-nintendo-round-3 TCW 198 - The History of Handheld Games Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-history-of-handheld-games-part-1/ TCW 199 - The History of Handheld Games Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-history-of-handheld-games-part-2/ TCW 200 - The History of Handheld Games Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-history-of-handheld-games-part-3/ Business Card CDs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS_QTo6L9dA GameCube Controller: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameCube_controller Kirby's Dreamland (NES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJXM4EPbPe0 Shmuplations - Satoru Iwata - 1999 Developer Interview: https://shmuplations.com/iwata/   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 238 - Quake   We dive into the development of Quake, the ambitious and turbulent follow-up to Doom from ID Software. John Carmack set out to build a groundbreaking engine featuring full 3D rendering, dynamic lighting, and client-server multiplayer. This pushed the technical boundaries in a pre-GPU world. To achieve this, he brought in legendary programmer Michael Abrash from Microsoft, selling him on the vision of Quake as a step toward the metaverse as imagined in Snow Crash. Meanwhile, John Romero envisioned Quake as a fantasy RPG inspired by a character from his D&D campaign, but lack of direction and his growing obsession with Deathmatch led to team frustration and eventual fallout. The result was a game that redefined first-person shooters and laid the groundwork for decades of engine development. It also marked the end of an era at ID with the ouster of John Romero.   TCW 030 - DOOM!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/ TCW 197 - The ID of Game Development: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-id-of-game-development/ Doom States and DeHackEd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTa3diypjv4 P2P vs Dedicated Servers?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt3ZLHKcP2U Token Ring - The Betamax of Networking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjLctlmZSp4 Artie - The Strongest Man In the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Bh3LskNbs Space Strike (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtDdEuKFQps Cosmic Crusader (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOTa5iQAw8 Big Top (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXUCacgF72M Snack Attack II (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu-SEjcnnjo So You Haven't Read "Snow Crash": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO64ZhBYy9E Ramblings in Realtime by Michael Abrash: https://www.bluesnews.com/abrash/ QuakeWorld Launch Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXw6BkZ-gdY Quake (DOS 6.22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyLC1vR9oGk Quake Longplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7GagGXXUtI Excerpt Quake Postmortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2OE-74bTQw   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 237 - Jordan Mechner and Price of  Persia   We continue our look at Jordan Mechner with the development of Prince of Persia. Its cinematic inspirations include Castles of Dr. Creep, the opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the 1938 Robin Hood. To animate the prince, Mechner filmed his brother performing stunts, then manually painted key frames, painting his brother white and the background black to make the footage compatible with a limited digitizer. Memory constraints forced creative solutions, like XORing the prince and bit shifting him to create Shadow Man. A promising film project delayed the game’s release, but Prince of Persia launched on the Apple II with groundbreaking animation. A strong Macintosh port and renewed interest following Disney’s Aladdin helped turn the game into a hit across the early 1990s.   The Making of Prince of Persia: https://www.jordanmechner.com/en/books/journals/ TCW 172 - The Computer Price Wars Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-price-wars-part-1/ TCW 173 - The Computer Price Wars Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-2/ TCW 174 - The Computer Price Wars Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-3/ TCW  019 - The Great Video Game Crash Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-great-video-game-crash-part-1/ TCW 020 - The Great Video Game Crash Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-great-video-game-crash-part-2/ TCW 021 - The Great Video Game Crash Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-great-video-game-crash-part-3/ TCW 071 - A Story of Brøderbund!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-story-of%C2%A0br%C3%B8derbund/ TCW 072 - The MYSTeries of Brøderbund!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-mysteries-of-br%C3%B8derbund/ The Castles of Dr. Creep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi2dvxcioBw First 10 minutes of Raiders of the Lost Ark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUWYmTpYdP4 The Thief of Bagdad (1924): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTXZSVIIk-c How Prince of Persia Defeated Apple II Memory Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw0VfmXKq54 Prince of Persia (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZDAPp61aak Robin Hood (1938): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USpQGE5sVAY Prince of Persia (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKQX75dBlEI Prince of Persia (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukSECkajKYA Prince of Persia (NES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6hylvkCh-8 Prince of Persia (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZtkPZih-3s Prince of Persia (Macintosh): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjR_AhxPnVM Prince of Persia Re-Release Box: https://bigboxcollection.com/PrinceOfPersia.3DBox   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 236 - Jordan Mechner and Karateka   This episode explores the early life of Jordan Mechner and the making of Karateka. We cover his Jewish family’s escape from Nazi Europe, his years at Yale, and his struggle to choose between careers in film, art, and game design. Drawing on lessons from arcade games, Mechner formed core design principles that shaped his approach. He also worked closely with his father, Francis Mechner—best known for composing the game's music—who served as a creative sounding board, contributed gameplay ideas, and performed movements used in the game's rotoscoped animations.   Francis Mechner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Mechner Replay - Memoir of an Uprooted Family: https://www.jordanmechner.com/en/books/replay/ Jordan Mechner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Mechner Jordan Mechner Website: https://www.jordanmechner.com/ TCW 071 - A Story of Brøderbund! :https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-story-of%C2%A0br%C3%B8derbund/ TCW 072 - The MYSTeries of Brøderbund!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-mysteries-of-br%c3%b8derbund/  Choplifter (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvDnUHW_pjg Seven Samurai Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XMJY0hYJEw The Making of Karateka journals: https://www.jordanmechner.com/en/books/the-making-of-karateka/ The Making of Karateka (Game + Documentary: https://www.jordanmechner.com/en/games-movies/karateka/ The Making & Remaking of Karateka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq31IwKZkt0 Karateka Rotoscoping 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nqp6U1GYI8 Karateka (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqk9kosCs4     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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 235- Coin-op Legends of Japan   Long before they entered the world of video games, a generation of Japanese entrepreneurs built their fortunes in the coin-operated amusement business. In this episode, we trace the early lives and business ventures of five pioneering founders who helped lay the groundwork for companies like Tehkan (later Tecmo), Sammy, and IPM (later IREM). These are personal stories rarely told in English — tales of hustle, reinvention, and the road from postwar struggle to arcade success.   TCW 052 - The Many Faces of Konami: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-many-faces-of-konami/ TCW 153 - Nintendo Playing With Cards: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-cards/ TCW 154 - Nintendo Playing with Controversy: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-controversy/ TCW 155 - Nintendo Playing With Toys: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-playing-with-toys/ TCW  008 - Birth of the Japanese Game Center: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/birth-of-the-japanese-game-center/ TCW 077 - Invading Taito Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-1/ TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2/ TCW 005 - The Untold History of SEGA: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-untold-history-of-sega/ TCW 033 - The Saga of SEGA: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-saga-of-sega/ TCW 029 - 50 Years of Namco: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/50-years-of-namco/ TCW 201 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-1/ TCW 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-2/ 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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 234 - Yu Suzuki   Often called SEGA’s Shigeru Miyamoto, Yu Suzuki redefined arcade gaming through innovation and ambition. He pioneered immersive cabinets like Hang-On's rideable motorcycle and After Burner’s flight sim, and used sprite scaling to simulate 3D in hits like Space Harrier and OutRun. His work culminated in the R360 G-LOC—a gyroscopic cabinet offering full 360° motion. Suzuki later led SEGA into 3D with Virtua Racing and Virtua Fighter, and pushed console design forward with Shenmue. Though he didn’t invent Quick Time Events, he coined the term—and created a living, interactive world filled with dynamic conversations, a fully explorable city, and unprecedented detail for 1999. His vision helped shape what players now expect from immersive game worlds.   Champion Boxing (SC 1000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkDpaSXTGwE Hang On (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TopLKeDqYhw Hang On (Bike Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KV6gWzBnJw Space Harrier (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXO7HOUaHaQ Space Harrier (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ljkKcDsKs Roger Dean Album Covers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Albums_with_cover_art_by_Roger_Dean_(artist) OutRun (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp3GLGu7cfg OutRun (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK3CpGLk0VU The Cannonball Run (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8BNVDUslcE Ferrari Testarossa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvfx5z4uMOo After Burner (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSvxN7nMNwo After Burner Deluxe (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGWesvT9z8Q Top Gun (Trailor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa_z57UatDY Castle in the Sky (English Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lMRfLJGXSM Power Drift (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZZMU2HPmTE Power Drift (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs0slBdnArg R 360 SEGA G-Loc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OrXW5vCurc G-Loc Air Battle (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JKeizTZF0 Virtua Racing (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssPfEPaTaGo Kenji (Manga): https://mangapill.com/manga/2249/kenji Virtua Fighter (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA Virtua Fighter 2 (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OYlmdhOZY Shenmue (Dreamcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkuWoz6RbgE   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 233 - Baldur's Gate   When three doctors, a prolific dungeon master, a database programmer, and a writer come together to make video games, you get Baldur’s Gate! Often credited with saving the Western RPG, Baldur’s Gate became a phenomenal hit, taking full advantage of Microsoft’s new DirectX API and Windows 95. With this technology, the team created massive, beautiful maps for players to explore. They began shopping their new Infinity Engine around—drawing attention from top figures at Virgin Interactive—but ultimately secured a deal with Interplay, after an initial rejection. This partnership allowed them to shift from an original pantheon-based RPG to using the Dungeons & Dragons license that Interplay had acquired from TSR. They focused on the Sword Coast and the city of Baldur’s Gate—an underdeveloped region of the Forgotten Realms that stayed true to the classic swords-and-sorcery motif. The result was a game that captured the spirit of D&D while delivering the fast-paced action that gamers of the late '90s craved!   VGA Standard Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exFKr-JJtg SSI Gold Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBodtk1JnxQ Dungeon Master (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3UdUWU4j1Y Shattered Steel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvyi0l4s-wI&list=PLFTDBbYrcivppTQ8bupD3DQ7U23qTv5cK What is DirectX and Why is it important?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSk6kwWBuE Why Windows 95 was a big deal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DCNt0cqTQY Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast: https://archive.org/details/tsr09460addfrvolosguidetotheswordcoast Baldur's Gate Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooqFu_enV30&list=PLNU3jYa35cy3gahj5NBKymMB6grIGykOr   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 232 - All the Other Home Pongs   The home Pong market of the mid-1970s extended far beyond the big three—Atari, Coleco, and Magnavox. Numerous smaller companies entered the scene, not only in the United States but also across Europe and other parts of the world. As the home gaming industry rapidly evolved, many manufacturers introduced unique systems powered by integrated circuits. The market truly took off with the advent of “Pong-on-a-Chip” technology, which made it possible for virtually anyone to build a Pong console. Combined with affordable manufacturing in the Far East, this innovation drove costs down and helped the market reach new heights.   Rocko's Modern Life - Dracula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ycpsJOtxx8 TCW 105 - The Big Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-big-voice-of-magnavox/ TCW 106 - The Small Voice of Magnavox: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-small-voice-of-magnavox/ TCW 027 - The Magnavox Patent Lawsuits: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-magnavox-patent-lawsuits-friday-september-16-2016-1003-am/ TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/ Overkal: https://prehistoricgaming.com/en/overkal-history/ TCW 165 - Allied Leisure: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/allied-leisure/ Universal Research Laboratory (URL) Video Action Systems: https://www.pong-story.com/url.htm Mike the TV 99.99.99: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2xW8nh864 Executive Games: https://www.pong-story.com/executivegames.htm First Dimension: https://www.pong-story.com/firstdim.htm Executive Games - Face Off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB-pSaZ1e28 TCW 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-1/ TCW 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-visions-of-coleco-part-2/ Pong In a Chip: https://www.pong-story.com/gi.htm Videomaster: https://www.pong-story.com/vm.htm Videomaster Home TV Game: https://prehistoricgaming.com/en/videomaster-home-tv-game/ Interton Video 2000: https://www.pong-story.com/v2000.htm AY3-8500 System on a Chip: https://nerdstuffbycole.blogspot.com/2018/09/games-and-field-generation-in-ay-3-8500.html Zanussi: https://www.pong-story.com/zanussi.htm TCW 077 - Invading Taito Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-1/ TCW 078 - Invading Taito Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/invading-taito-part-2 APF TV Fun: https://retrogamingconsoles.com/consoles/apf-tv-fun/ APF Fun Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmIE3k2BGs0 Unisonic Pong Console: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFOkE1_52NA Interton Video 2400: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLCnacjnBOs Videomaster Superscore: https://www.pong-story.com/vm8.htm   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 231- Street Fighter 2   Street Fighter 2 is often credited with reviving the arcade scene in the early 1990s. While it successfully brought back the must-have arcade game mentality, it couldn’t stop the overall decline of arcades. The original Street Fighter was influenced by many sources, including Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, anime like Fist of the North Star, and Space Battleship Yamato. With the rise of beat 'em ups following Double Dragon, Capcom released Street Fighter 89, later renamed Final Fight. Taking lessons from Final Fight, Street Fighter 2 introduced an expanded roster, streamlined special moves, combos, and more. Its popularity led to the release of two enhanced versions: Championship Edition and Turbo. Come explore the history and influences of this legendary game!   TCW 041 - Beating Them All Up: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/beating-them-all-up/ Tower of Death Fight Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWMW1drldWc Kung Fu Master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko3zG-YG41k The Final Game of Death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzriAzTAXs0 Yie Ar Kung-Fu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2h6jQ4A1To Enter the Dragon trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RGju9NuoOU Karate Champ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwV3xqS9_aQ Fist of the North Star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYsAklHsWd0 Space Battleship Yamato: http://y2u.be/LtwtV91fwd8 Street Fighter Big Button Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_XvCNGhmZ0 Street Fighter Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVLCv-YgWco Polygon Street Fighter Oral History: https://www.polygon.com/a/street-fighter-2-oral-history Double Dragon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfZz-1e-dUQ Side Arms Hyper Dyne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esgm7Gk99P4 Forgotten Worlds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYJfoesXYC8 Final Fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gYGfL_p2o Street Fighter 2 - The World Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI284D4y1q4 But She's Got a New Hat!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaOgZwk9rN8 Street Fighter 2 - Champion Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJne-82X4L0 Street Fighter 2 - Rainbow Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNIfE7A9q7Y Street Fighter 2 - Hyper Fighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rrGLH0WByc   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 230 - Crafting the World of WarCraft   World of Warcraft has stood the test of time for twenty years, and now we can explore the fascinating history behind its creation. The developers drew inspiration from MMOs like Ultima Online, EverQuest, Anarchy Online, Dark Age of Camelot, and more, incorporating what they loved while tackling unique challenges. From art style and storytelling to quest design, factions, and PvP, every aspect of the game presented obstacles to overcome. Despite launching with several rushed elements, WoW captivated a gaming audience eager for an accessible MMO—and went on to set records for years to come   TCW 054 - Blizzard: Vikings and WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-vikings-and-warcraft/ TCW 055 - Blizzard: Hellfire and The World… of WarCraft: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/blizzard-hellfire-and-the-world%E2%80%A6-of-warcraft/ How to play Necromunda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqAxPXd5y8g Place Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/41MvT5c The WoW Diary: A Journal of Computer Game Development [Second Edition] (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/4kzpxNT EverQuest Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AJdrc8ZsEI TCW 219 - Diablo 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/diablo-1/ TCW 220 - Diablo 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/diablo-2/ A Brief History of Chess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeB-1F-UKO0 Tabula Rasa Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGQ0Nb3U9kw Tabula Rasa Box Art: https://cdn.mobygames.com/covers/4266351-richard-garriotts-tabula-rasa-pre-order-bonus-pack-windows-front.jpg World of Warcraft Box Art: https://i.etsystatic.com/19063773/r/il/3b9985/2196312265/il_fullxfull.2196312265_13ii.jpg WarCraft 1 Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA40KEDV6Dc WoW V0.53: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RszVOPx1apI&t=0s Duskwood Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2suPQAZMqc TCW 030 - Doom!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/ Ed Bighead Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/RememberWhenNick/videos/remember-when-bigheads-campaign/279376435941596/ Snow White Trailer (1937): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L16P0rip9E4 13th Warrior Cave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTVze7cfwWU     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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/    

TCW Podcast Episode 229 - US Gold   US Gold started as an importer of American games before becoming a dominant force in the British gaming industry. Partnering with Ocean Software, they formed a duopoly that shaped the UK and European gaming markets, bringing top titles to 8-bit computers and later expanding into consoles—US Gold backing SEGA while Ocean focused on Nintendo. When competitors began importing Japanese games, US Gold responded by securing a deal with Capcom to port its arcade hits to home computers. As its parent company, CentreGold, went public, US Gold also acquired Core Design—unknowingly setting the stage for gaming history. Because within Core, something legendary was in development: Tomb Raider. Join us as we dive into the rise of US Gold, its influence on British gaming, and its unexpected connection to one of gaming’s biggest icons.   Compute Magazine Archive: https://archive.org/details/compute-magazine Galactic Chase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVNM1JH6GNU TCW 136 - Ocean Software: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ocean-software/ Beach Head (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex9mchOPG1o Forbidden Forest (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j86veyiIcS8 Aztec Challenge (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLO2mGBID8I Zaxxon (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-Tt6O9Onc TCW 103 - Elite Systems: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/elite-systems/ Commando (ZX Spectrum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKom2O2H0pQ OutRun -US Gold EU (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnuYHmSLUY4 Flashback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owuUW4DL4cg TCW 129 - The Crash That Almost Was: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-crash-that-almost-was/ TCW 036 - Raiding Eidos: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/raiding-eidos/ TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market Hardware: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/ TCW 018 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market Software: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-software/ TCW 131 - Sir Clive of ZX: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sir-clive-of-zx/   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 228 - PopCap Games   PopCap Games was initially overlooked by the larger gaming industry due to its focus on fun, well-designed, and polished casual games. Their first major hit, Bejeweled, became a consistent source of income, allowing PopCap to invest time in developing new titles. This led to the creation of Peggle, which helped solidify PopCap’s reputation, particularly after developers at Valve became hooked on the game’s deeper skill-based mechanics and puzzles. The success of Bejeweled and Peggle continued with their ports to the iPod and, eventually, the iPad, further expanding PopCap’s popularity. This growth culminated in the release of Plants vs. Zombies, which debuted on PC before being adapted for iOS. The game’s seamless touchscreen integration made it a standout app for the newly launched iPad. As the gaming industry evolved, PopCap struck a deal with EA, which acquired the company, leading to the departure of its founders over the following years.   Attack Retrieve Capture: https://alchetron.com/Attack-Retrieve-Capture Shariki Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMwGy1fv41g Play Dimond Mine: https://www.crazygames.com/game/diamond-mine Bejeweled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLtaf1PFVM Palm OS - PDA Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nfg4YIoYas TCW 122 - A Casual World Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-1/ TCW 123 - A Casual World Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-2/ Zuma Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpuOhuVnnQ Alchemy Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p902uQ_y3r4 Play Alchemy Deluxe: https://archive.org/details/alchemy-deluxe Bookworm Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA1NSyldUQ8 The Oral History of PopCap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwzxWLonObo Burnout 3 Takedown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6vHTQv9JHY Peggle Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlnieE-h6k8 Peggle Extreme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAKLiepJDrM Peggle Extreme (Steam - Free): https://store.steampowered.com/app/3483/Peggle_Extreme/ Bejeweled (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7iHTM0ryWm0 Peggle (iPod): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qhWSm0zNSrk Insaniquarium Deluxe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U04weIAra20 Plants VS Zombies (PC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XENla8M3910 Plants VS Zombies (iPad): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvopYLzwb90 PopCap Games on Internet Archive: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22PopCap+Games%22   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 227 - Donkey Kong   Donkey Kong, a game and character that stands as one of the foundational elements of video game history, has a popular narrative with some inaccuracies that need correction. Thanks to the efforts of Kate Willaert and Norman Caruso, we can better understand the influences and origins of Donkey Kong. Nintendo’s use of hardware from another game, Radar Scope, imposed technical limitations that prevented them from securing the desired Popeye license. Donkey Kong drew inspiration from games like Crazy Climber and Space Panic, and its four stages even incorporate elements of the Eastern storytelling structure known as Kishōtenketsu. Join us as we delve into the fascinating origins of Donkey Kong like never before!   Futurama - Quarters! A Million Allowances Worth of Quarters!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPWti2CoRg "Critical Kate" Willaert: https://www.acriticalhit.com/ Norman Caruso "The Gaming Historian": https://thegaminghistorian.com/ In The Year 2525 - Zager & Evans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb7poHQuMWg Wikipedia (Donkey Kong - 1981 Video Game): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(1981_video_game) Space Firebird (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0MSz55Ct-0 Radar Scope (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbliYx51ok Galaxian (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0OTi8hLYpg How the Famicom was Born: https://glitterberri.com/developer-interviews/how-the-famicom-was-born/ Shmuplations - Shigeru Miyamoto – 2000 Developer Interview: https://shmuplations.com/miyamoto2000/ Shmuplations - Donkey Kong - A Record of Struggle: https://shmuplations.com/donkeykong/ Popeye The Sailor Man - A Dream Walking: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rt7c6 Crazy Climber (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZxndttbLIY Space Panic (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLd1xABCsaQ Design Bytes SMB 1-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La2aGhZxLkQ Barrel Jumping Championship 1957: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvuK8NNSOnI Scramble (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk6BTqzLLfk Kishōtenketsu Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7to8TC5sJVc Lionel Hutz Explains "The Truth": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nc88_ZEfxg Gaming Historian - How the Mario Characters Got Their Names: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTyxQfpOEbE Disinclined to acquiesce…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLGgIMCUzk Donkey Kong (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHJhla8TO4 Donkey Kong Cereal Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGvDhBdClFY Donkey Kong Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyfayak2djo&list=PLP9LnKF6J6Lod1PYlsQ2zJ9OsZT-ALBga   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 226 - Ray Kassar   Ray Kassar rose from humble beginnings to become a talented, savvy, and personable executive. He began his career in the textile industry at Burlington Industries, where he eventually became president of its most profitable division. However, after the unexpected passing of Burlington’s head, Kassar faced ageism and cronyism, which stifled his advancement. Despite climbing the corporate ladder again, he was passed over for a more tenured executive. Leaving Burlington, Kassar founded a company importing Egyptian cotton for the U.S., where he planned to work until retirement. However, Manny Gerard of Warner Communications recruited him to stabilize Atari after its recent acquisition. Kassar’s leadership introduced a robust marketing strategy, reduced manufacturing defects, and turned Atari into a massive profit center. Though his rapid adaptation to the gaming industry sparked some resentment and controversy, Kassar’s impact on Atari was undeniable. His story is one of nuance and twists, as Atari would not have achieved its success without his visionary leadership.   TCW 046 - Atari, Ray Kassar, and Warner: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-ray-kassar-and-warner/ TCW 104 - A Holistic View of ET: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-holistic-view-of-et/ TCW 186 - Atari's Distribution Nightmare: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-distribution-nightmare/ TCW 187  -  Atari's Sinking Ship: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/atari-s-sinking-ship/ Once Upon Atari - How I made history by killing an industry: (Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fUDNx6   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 225 - Games by Apollo   The great video game crash of the mid-1980s had many factors contributing to it. One such factor was the rise of companies like Games by Apollo, which is sometimes seen as an exemplar of the many businesses that entered the video game industry hoping to make quick money. While some criticisms of Games by Apollo are valid, the company was also much more than that, bringing innovative game ideas to the table. Founded by Patrick Roper, who previously created career videos for students, the company grew rapidly and released games at an unprecedented pace. However, many of its games suffered from short production times, leading to control problems, balance issues, and design flaws. Despite these challenges, Games by Apollo consistently tried to push the envelope, creating games that pushed the VCS to new heights!   Smell BAD (Labyrinth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6H4e7Kvvw Fuzzy Bunny's Guide To You Know What (Simpsons): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQn-DwSW-tk Hands Across America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnA0uYL4YtI Games By Apollo PM Magazine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BhTS-q38A  Skeet Shoot (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UWJFOUBxTo Spacechase (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdG-v4MY51Q Racquetball (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWueVYa0HJk Lochjaw (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW8HOi1f0G8 Lost Luggage (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qehLDMO_Ncs Kaboom (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwrZHu-d-vY Space Cavern (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EILC0vcdnc4 Space Cavern - Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMaMvchzMBI Demon Attack (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GwoSr12kxY Kyphus  (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmgsYN1oBI Squoosh (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQR_hgYZPHA Pompeii (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_9EnYxqvU Play Pompeii: https://atarionline.org/atari-2600/pompeii Infiltrate (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24ngfVWqA8 Elevator Action (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrBE8iUwgg4 Elevator Action (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5reigEnv4 Final Approach (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcUWNNCCMKE Wabbit (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJmR9ygI9c Video Game History Foundation -The Woman who Brought Female Representation to Games: https://gamehistory.org/wabbit/ Guardian (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmlwqi_UeEU   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 Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/