Love of the worlds created by video game designers and personalities drives Alex Smith & Jeffrey Daum (history, law, CS degrees) to provide a scholarly yet ligh...
TCW Podcast Episode 223 - D&D & Video Games 2E
In the second part of our exploration of Dungeons & Dragons and its connection to video games, we examine the game’s refinement and rise in popularity. D&D was a groundbreaking experience, brought to life through Gary Gygax’s collaboration with others, particularly Dave Arneson, who developed many of its foundational concepts. The game evolved from miniature wargaming focused on medieval combat, with Tolkien-inspired high fantasy elements added later as an afterthought. These fantasy rules closely resembled those of Rules for Middle Earth but weren’t universally embraced, as some players preferred the realism of traditional wargaming, making it challenging to satisfy both audiences. We also delve into the well-known controversy between Gygax and Arneson and the creation of the Blackmoor campaign setting. We explore how TSR released the original box set and then evolved it into AD&D. Additionally, we examine how RPGs began to take off as a whole new type of game that people could play. Finally, we look at how D&D became embroiled in the cultural backlash of the 1980s "Satanic Panic."
Transcript: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/transcripts/tcw223
Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc
Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC
The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq
Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi
Leonard Nimoy The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins Full Album Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQbus0xfhk
Playing at the World - Rules for Middle Earth: https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-precursor-to-chainmail-fantasy.html
Knights of the Dinner Table: https://kenzerco.com/
Bunnies & Burrows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunnies_%26_Burrows
Tunnels & Trolls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_%26_Trolls
James Dallas Egbert III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dallas_Egbert_III
Chief Wiggum - It Almost Looks Like an Arrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb5k0iOBdsU
Bake him away Toys!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBOvfN2Y4oo
Mazes & Monsters Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLi422rkUIY
NYT - D&D: Satanic Panic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATUpSPj0x-c
D&D Cartoon Lore Explored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lZxOMMufM
Matel D&D Handheld Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY2OI7sVHjQ
Matel D&D Electronic Labyrinth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STU1I_x0-so
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (Intellivision): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MDVwAXVJ3w
[Adult Themes] Dark Dungeons Comic: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=0046
[Some Adult Themes] CBS - What was the Satanic Panic?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plEImKEIRm8
(BADD) Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Ies6NVAeA
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: [email protected]
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/
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1:42:05
D&D & Video Games 1E
TCW Podcast Episode 222 - D&D & Video Games 1E
In the first part of this series, we explore the various influences leading to the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. This episode is an edited version of our livestream, delving into the rise in popularity of war games, board games, and miniatures. Avalon Hill, a major company in this field, published The General magazine, which helped players connect for games. Through opponent-wanted ads resembling today’s unmoderated forums and the discovery of games like Kriegsspiel and Stratego, we witness the evolution of elements that would eventually lead to the early role-playing game (RPG).
Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc
Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC
The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq
Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi
Afrika Korps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHOtUG4JvlQ
SGS Afrika Korps: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1266640/SGS_Afrika_Korps/
Gettysburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Cw6nzrPgw
The General Magazine: https://www.vftt.co.uk/ah_mags.asp?ProdID=PDF_Gen
What is Kriegsspiel?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVeR4n-u1w
Chancellorsville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmJjNI4CO70
Computer Chronicles Revisited: https://www.smoliva.blog/
Strategos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategos_(game)
Secrets of Blackmore on Amazon Prime Video (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4fsUSyA
How to Play DIPLOMACY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l53oL0ptt7k
Yes Mr Ford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0-AD3bFjF8
Siege of Bodenburg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Bodenburg
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds - Save 30% by signing up through the website and not the iOS App!
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/
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1:24:45
North to Hellgate London
TCW Podcast Episode 221 - North to Hellgate London
In a pseudo part three of our look at Condor and Blizzard North, we explore the troubles the company faced after a year and a half of crunch. David, Max, and Eric were all burned out along with the rest of the staff. David was going through a divorce and had trouble putting his heart into figuring out what the next game would be. Due to lack of leadership and a proper chain of command, many employees felt frustrated switching games over and over. At the same time, the expansion, Lord of Destruction, was completed after a year of development with no crunch. Through a combination of bad corporate structure, not empowering middle management, factionalism, and troubles with Blizzard's corporate owners being bought and sold amid their own scandals, David, Eric, Max, and Bill Roper from Blizzard South went on to form Flagship Studios and work on Hellgate: London. Unfortunately, the game was not well received due to expectations exceeding the financial and technical hurdles that needed to be overcome. There is a lot more to this story, so prepare yourself as we leave one hell for another!
Thor - Game Studio Gambles: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NLb9-DPspgA
Thor - Email Mike: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ilUpXkGxbo
Karateka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqk9kosCs4
Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034
Flagship Studios: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagship_Studios
Fate Longplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGH577lznLk&list=PL112CEBA37FF962EE
Mythos Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fEsOrRvZ58
Hellgate London E3 2005 Cinematic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xG9puQZJ1c
Hellgate London E3 Bill Roper Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1EQhHQPbQ
US/China WOW Model Differences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtI2GcUPEFQ
Hellgate London Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiKbGoiIHqo
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds - Sign up through the website not the iOS App!
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/
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1:30:11
Diablo 2
TCW Podcast Episode 220 - Diablo 2
We continue exploring the Diablo franchise with Diablo 2 and the journey of the team at Blizzard North. This episode covers the history of the Hellfire expansion for Diablo 1 and how it came to be developed by Sierra Online. A directive was issued for Blizzard North to focus on creating Diablo 2. The team aimed not just to create a bigger dungeon but to expand the game’s overall scope. However, the development of Diablo 2 faced challenges like feature creep, excessive gaming, and the absence of a game design document. These issues led to a year and a half of crunch time to complete the game. Despite these difficulties, Diablo 2 was released to phenomenal success.
Hellfire Monk Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJlxnFfxRM4
David Brevik on Diablo Hellfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4bDFgcuH-I
Warcraft Adventures - Lord of the Clans (Lets Play): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7JZu__7KTs
Thor - Overworked % Amazon Game Studios: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IVdaysrIS74
Thor - Blizzard Working Conditions: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B2mqnuRalYA
Thor - Blizzard Pay: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a8aumvAq5gM
Thor - Value vs Income from a Job: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8s3wa5kL6RY
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/
Diablo II from 2000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_MoFDWJees
Diablo II LOD Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM7gA_xD7vE
Original StarCraft Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAXDv--grUE
Diablo II TV Commercial (Its Everywhere): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzBp9ECiodc
Diablo II TV Commercial (Evil Has Survived): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RvRK5qf6Lc
TCW Email: [email protected]
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/
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1:12:36
Diablo 1
TCW Podcast Episode 219 - Diablo 1
We explore the monumental game Diablo! Initially a collaborative effort between David Brevik, Erich Schaefer, and Max Schaefer, Diablo brought together elements from games like X-Com, Angband, and surprisingly NHL '94. The trio formed the company Condor, producing NFL games and a Street Fighter clone called Justice League Task Force for the SEGA Genesis. At CES, they discovered another company developing the SNES port of Justice League, Blizzard Entertainment. Through a series of fortuitous events, Condor was acquired by Davidson & Associates and rebranded as Blizzard North. Join us as we explore the wild history of Diablo and its impact on shaping how we play video games today!
Play Diabo 1 Web Shareware Version: https://d07riv.github.io/diabloweb/
It was the best of times it was the blurst of times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_elVGGgW8
Moria (Plato Emulator): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zvqgKKXAFI
Angband: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSiX_aoUn5s
Stay a While and Listen (2 Book Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087JF24VG?binding=kindle_edition
Gordo 106 (AGDQ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwqlNeT9oTE
Three Days of the Condor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU8tQTNlPAM
Iguana Entertainment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguana_Entertainment
MC Chris Kingdom Hearts 2 & Resident Evil 4 (EXPLICIT): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZsDUSxK5Fs
NHL '94: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShqgmvGrxfM
X-COM UFO Defense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZJAFG0rjo0
The Digital Antiquarian - Diablo: https://www.filfre.net/2023/07/diablo/
Diablo 1 Original Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcKmaLP-sQM
Justice League Task Force (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hNrLiRxBE4
Justice League Task Force (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QulgjKAsRaA
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/
David Brevik - Making Diablo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI_CXw4x61E
Diablo 1 - The Sin War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWXozMHrxrM
Diablo 1 All Cutscenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aMkkf8-i-U
Kali (Software): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_(software)
New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: [email protected]
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: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love
Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Love of the worlds created by video game designers and personalities drives Alex Smith & Jeffrey Daum (history, law, CS degrees) to provide a scholarly yet light-hearted discussion of how arcade, home console, and PC games merged into a Video Game Industry. Emphasis is on the combination of business and creative elements needed for financial success. Interviews of Atari, EA, Activision, & other execs with detailed source evaluations produce the insights you hear in these 140+ hours!