Shows
The Publishing Performance ShowAlex Smith of Book Vault - Creating Stunning Special Editions for Indie Authors (Live at Author Nation 2024)[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Alex Smith, Technical Lead at Book Vault, shares insights on how the platform empowers indie authors to create high-quality, premium books through special editions and print-on-demand services. With unique customization options, direct sales capabilities, and a focus on maximizing author revenue, Book Vault is revolutionizing the indie publishing landscape.In this episode:Book Vault's print-on-demand and direct sales servicesUnique customization options for special editions (foiling, printed end papers, ribbons, sprayed edges)Targeting super fans with premium, collectible editionsCase studies of successful indie authors using B...2024-11-1411 min
Nah Then PodcastEp. 1 - Alex NormanOn this episode, I catch up with Coventry native singer songwriter and events performer Alex Norman. We cover how he first got into music, how he developed as a live performer and his top 3 albums!I'm always on the look out for creative individuals to talk to to showcase their talents and work. So if you'd be interested in appearing on the podcast, please get in touch via our social media platforms!https://linktr.ee/nahthenpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-0235 min
It's Not About The MoneyManaging your equity compensation, with Alex CrouchIf you're a tech professional at a big company or a small startup, chances are good that you get at least some of your compensation in equity: stock options, restricted stock units, ESPPs, etc. All these forms of equity have their own nuances and tax implications, and figuring out how they fit into your larger financial picture can be confusing. Today our guest is Alex Crouch, CFP, the founder of Tech Financial Planning. His firm specializes in helping tech professionals answer these complicated questions in the way that best suits their financial goals. We...2024-05-0239 min
Sell By Being HumanWhat's it Mean to Be Authentic in Sales? - Dee Acosta, Sr Sales Mgr - ModigieSummary:In this episode, host Alex Smith interviews Dee Acosta, a senior director of sales and strategic growth at Modigie. He's been a #1 seller at his company numerous times and very active in sales communities. We discuss the concept of selling by being human and the importance of authenticity in sales. Dee shares examples of authentic people in his life and how their authenticity has contributed to their success. We also talk about the challenges of being authentic and the importance of trying to let out your authenticity even when you're not feeling really positive.2024-03-2038 min
Alexa podcast 101Entitled entitled, episodeAlex smith2023-12-0101 minSell By Being HumanThe Salesperson in A Marketers Clothes - Will Aitken, Head of Social, LavenderSummary:Will Aitken is the head of all things Social Marketing/Content at Lavender and is one of the most creative content creators on Linkedin today. He boasts over 40,000 followers to his Linkedin pages and his content to viewed or shared by millions of people per year. This episode we talk about Will's journey from top sales rep to content marketer and what he's learned along the way. Will has a really unique framework to posting content on LinkedIN and stopping the scroll. He thinks about being helpful, being relatable, and being motivational. He'll also...2023-05-1747 minSell By Being HumanActing Like A Trusted Advisor vs Being A Trusted Advisor - Brad Harmon, Industry Sales Executive, OracleSummary:Brad Harmon is the Industry Sales Executive at Oracle. Brad has a long history working as a strategic enterprise seller working with some of the largest companies in the world. He's had consistent success at being a #1 rep and in 2021, he achieved 300% of his annual quota. He is a dedicated, self-starter sales professional with various experience across many different industries.In this episode we talk about how to give more of yourself in the sales process to connect to buyers. We also discuss how you really exhibit how to show a customer that you...2023-02-2346 minSell By Being HumanThe Story of Starting This Podcast - Alex Smith, Host, Stories of Selling HumanToday's episode is a solo episode with your host, Alex Smith. We're approaching 2 years in May and by podcast standards that's a huge milestone. I thought I'd share a brief episode of why I started this journey and why I'm still doing it two years later.This is a wild story that began with an elevator, a mop, and a New York Times Besdt Selling author. Listen to the full episode, I promise it'll be interesting. Also, I'm committing to asking all of my guests - What Does Selling By Being Human Mean to you...2022-03-1609 minAlexa podcast 101AlexAlex
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alex-smith841/message2021-12-0701 minSell By Being HumanGratitude Story + Sales, Alex Smith, Your HostSummary:This episode I'm sharing a personal story about me about gratitude. I thought with Thanksgiving this past week, it made me think of how I view gratitude and how powerful it is to help get hyou out of some really hard times. You can actually use it to create joy, not the other way around.I share a really personal glimpse about working through a layoff, cancer, and how it only got worse from there. It was gratitude that helped me not get defeated. It's something that isn't practiced always but it can help...2021-12-0109 min
They Create WorldsStorytime with a Book 2TCW Podcast Episode 146 - Storytime with a Book 2
Alex reads and annotates a chapter of the book dealing with the founding of Activision! We cover not just the chapter but the thought process, and behind the scenes that went into the chapter. The story is helped with extra information that Alex was able to gleam from interviews, and trial transcripts. A larger perspective telling of the early formation of Activision, where the popular historical record needs to be corrected and more!
Atari Archive: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_f7y6sBDmF...2021-09-1555 minThey Create WorldsAscension into the Black GateTCW Podcast Episode 144 - Ascension into the Black Gate
In our final part looking at the history of the Ultima series we start off looking at Ultima VII. This game is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series. The game combines story elements with a massive world to create a truly unique experience. The game is followed by two major commercial failures. Those failures being Ultima VIII and Ultima IX. The reasons behind those failures are many. However a lot of the blame for Ultima VIII's shortcomings, especially the jumping, can be laid at...2021-08-151h 48They Create WorldsThe Prophet of the AvatarTCW Podcast Episode 143 -The Prophet of the Avatar
In part two of our look at the Ultima series we start with how Richard came to the morality system that became a central feature of the franchise. Using a combination of features he likes from various worlds religions, his own experiences, and so on Richard crafted the eight virtues that the play, who would become the avatar, would have to emulate. In the following two games. The story focused on how not all choices are black and white like in Ultima V, and how without all the...2021-08-011h 38They Create WorldsUltima: Exodus to AkalabethTCW Podcast Episode 142 - Ultima: Exodus to Akalabeth
In this episode we look at the legendary series of Ultima! We look at the lead up inspiration, and influences that led to the creation of Ultima. This episode ties in heavily with our look at Origin Systems. In this we use the creation of Ultima as a microcosm of the development of the PC industry. The plight of the bedroom coder. Wanting to make cool games, finding themselves thrust into a wider PC game world, and the eventual whirlwind of having publishers involved. We mainly focus on how...2021-07-151h 19
Plain Jane Huddle PodcastS.1E.11 with Amy Hanson | SMALL STEPS PROJECTAlex chatted to the incredible Amy Hanson, founder and CEO of Small Steps Project; a brilliant charity which is incredibly close to our hearts and one which Alex is a proud trustee of! They delved into 10 years of the charity, lockdown reality for the children on the dumps and which celebrity's shoes sold for the most at the yearly celeb shoe auction! This episode was recorded on instagram Live in 2020. 2021-07-121h 08They Create WorldsThe Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 141 - The Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 2
In our second part we look at the emergence of the programable consoles. We see how many companies kept falling into the same trap of FCC regulations, heat issues, and chip shortages. By the time most of these issues were sorted out, with the notable exception of the Apple II being classified as an "industrial computer", the industry was in the midst of a console transition led by the ColecoVision. However the video game crash caused it all to be reset, and many...2021-07-011h 25They Create WorldsThe Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 140 - The Console Market of the 70's and 80's Part 1
We look at the early dedicated hardware systems in the United States. We have talked about many of these companies in the past. However we have not brought the story together at a large scale looking at the influences these companies had on each other, the consumer market in general, and what the market could handle. We see the reasons behind the transition to programable systems as being the logical course for an industry where dedicated hardware had reached a limit. We will...2021-06-151h 26They Create WorldsTec Toy and BrazilTCW Podcast Episode 139 - Tec Toy and Brazil
We look at the video game industry in Brazil. A big thanks to Marcus Garrett and his book "1983+1984 " which details a lot of the video game industry in Brazil. We delve into the interesting history of outside companies operating in Brazil and the gray market that has developed as a result. Once we have laid the groundwork we look at the company Tectoy which is one of the most successful toy/video game companies in Brazil. They ended up partnering with SEGA to bring in the Master Syste...2021-06-011h 07They Create WorldsDave Nutting & Nutting IndustriesTCW Podcast Episode 137 - Dave Nutting & Nutting Industries
In part one of our two part look at the contributions of Dave Nutting to the video game industry, we see where he came from. Some of his contentious relationship with his brother, and some of the design contributions he did that led to developments in the future with coin-op games. With the founding of MCI he was able to further form a team that would follow him into the future. Once ousted from MCI he started work on Solid State, and creating Dave Nutting Associates.
2021-05-011h 18They Create WorldsFamicomTCW Podcast Episode 134 - Famicom
We look at the Family Computer, or the Famicom's development. The state Nintendo was in before they entered into home dedicated consoled, and then explored programable consoles. We look at how the console was developed with the main focus being on cost and quality. The reason behind the use of the MOS 6502 chipset, sourcing ROM chips, and bringing it together into the red package that many love to this day. This is part one of a two part look at the Famicom in Japan!
TCW 037 - Ninten...2021-03-151h 22
Average Sports NerdsJJ Watt to Arizona! Top 5 QBs in the NFL right now, Josh Allen vs Deshaun Watson, Alex Smith ReleasedChris & Derek are back with another QB debate, Watson or Allen?? The guys also give their takes on the biggest stories from around the NFL including JJ Watt, Dak Prescott and Alex Smith. If you enjoy this podcast you can really help us out by subscribing and leaving us a review wherever you listen to this podcast. Stay tuned because we've got so much more to come!
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Cover Art by Jonny Trappe2021-03-051h 04They Create WorldsRolling Dice with the Parker Brother'sTCW Podcast Episode 133 - Rolling Dice with the Parker Brother's
We look at the history of the company Parker Brothers. Originally a board game company founded in the 1880's we follow the company's growth though the century. This family owned business was eventually bought by General Mills in 1963, and was brought into the ever expanding non-food properties of the conglomerate. Starting off with electronic games in the 70's, Parker Brothers would eventually enter the video game Industry near the beginning of the Great Video Game Crash. They were somewhat successful despite difficulties. However even they were n...2021-03-011h 34They Create WorldsEugene JarvisTCW Podcast Episode 132 - Eugene Jarvis
We look at the life and story of Eugene Jarvis. Unique in the industry of being one of, if not the only designers to have lived through and continues to work in the lifespan of the video game arcade industry. Starting off with Pinball and working at Atari for only two weeks. Eugene came to be influential in many popular pinball, and arcade games. Always looking for that next thrill he continues his quest to this day with his company Raw Thrills developing some of the few arcade titles still...2021-02-151h 19They Create WorldsSir Clive of ZXTCW Podcast Episode 131 - Sir Clive of ZX
In our second part looking at Sir Clive Sinclair we pick up the story where we left off! We follow Sir Clive Sinclair as he reluctantly develops computers for the British market to fund his other project's. The wild popularity of the ZX line including the ZX 80, ZX 81, and ZX Spectrum led to a booming home computer market in Brittan. Sinclair even tried to go into the business market with the Sinclair QL, but was outshone by competitors. In the end Sir Clive Sinclair lost a fortune in d...2021-02-011h 26They Create WorldsUncle Clive's RadionicsTCW Podcast Episode 130 - Uncle Clive's Radionics
We look at Sir Clive Sinclair in his early years dealing with creation of electronics for hobbyists. Sir Clive held a passion for miniaturization and doing so at a low cost. This started with audio equipment, amplifiers, high fidelity stereo, and FM radios. This continued into calculators, and digital watches. Sir Clive wanted to look into miniature TVs, and procured funding through the NEB. In an act of prescience he founded a second company that eventually became Sinclair Research to serve as a life boat if things went bad wi...2021-01-151h 15They Create WorldsThe Crash That Almost WasTCW Podcast Episode 129 - The Crash That Almost Was
We look at the crash that almost was. Most people do not realize that in the mid nineties we came very close to another video game market crash. A difficult transition was at hand as companies tried to figure out how and if they embrace the third dimension in video games. Coupled with a declining arcade market. New hardware costing twice as much, if not more than current systems many companies were on the edge. The market forces between Japan and the US with currency exchanges ate in...2021-01-011h 18They Create WorldsDreams of SegaTCW Podcast Episode 127 - Dreams of Sega
We look at the rapid decline of SEGA. A company mired in infighting between executives. This led to the disasterous launch of the Sega Saturn. Which was launched early as a panic move when faced with the competition from the SONY PlayStation. SEGA tried again with the Dreamcast, but was hindered by NEC only able to produce a quarter of the promised chips. Continued infighting and an exodus of middle management led to more problems. Resulting in the eventual merger, after a second attempt, with Sammy where SEGA currently...2020-12-011h 38They Create WorldsThe Visions of Coleco Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 125 - The Visions of Coleco Part 2
In our second part look at Coleco we dive into the electronics and transition into programable consoles. We see how they influenced the post crash consoles of Nintendo and Sega. With the release of Colecovision we saw one of the most advanced consoles of the pre crash era. The system was able to do faithful recreations of many popular arcade games. This is most exemplified with the release Donkey Kong. Coleco tried to transition into computers with the release of ADAM. However this turned into a disaste...2020-11-011h 33They Create WorldsThe Visions of Coleco Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 124 - The Visions of Coleco Part 1
We look at the Connecticut Leather Company otherwise known as Coleco! We see how a simple company starting with leather goods transformed into a toy company that spanned multiple generations. Coleco started exploring electronic toys with games like electric football. They found themselves uniquely suited to take advantage of the coming Pong on a chip craze. With their early entry allowing them to outpace the competition when the chip shortage struck. However due to complications Coleco decided to pull out of video games after the Pong fad st...2020-10-151h 17They Create WorldsA Casual World Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 123 - A Casual World Part 2
In our continued exploration of casual games we see the rise of match three in popularizing the genre. Exemplified by games such as Klax, Columns, Bejewed, and Candy Crush. The continued development and migration to the web further fueled the popularization of casual games. Reaching the apex today with the help of casual games on Facebook. That apex exemplified with the company PopCap Games. Enjoy the casual world of games!
The Tetris God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alw5hs0chj0
Klax...2020-10-011h 23They Create WorldsA Casual World Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 122 - A Casual World Part 1
We look at the changes in the industry, mindset, and accessibility of games that lead to the formation of casual games. The early groundwork is set with casual games like Shanghai, Rubix, Reversi, Solitaire, and Tetris. The development happened organically, almost by accident. The tales of some of the pioneers that opened the door to what is arguably the biggest segment of the modern gaming industry is a tale not well told. We start that tale in this episode!
Shanghai: https://www.youtube.com/wa...2020-09-151h 00They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 4TCW Podcast Episode 121 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 4
In this, our conclusion of the whole video game industry, we start with a look at Xerox Park, and the technologies that came from their endeavors. We see the true formation, merging, and maturation of videogames as an entertainment fixture! This of course is not without the challenges that stand before any new industry, including infighting, a congressional hearing, and espionage! Enjoy our conclusion and look at the whole video game industry!
Livestream Recording Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApvgG...2020-09-011h 34They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 3TCW Podcast Episode 120 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 3
This is our third part looking at the entire video game industry. We start with looking at the European PC industry, and then transitioning into the Arcade industry. We look at the arcades from both the United States, and Japanese standpoints. We then see the creation of the Famicom, and its debut in the west as the Nintendo Entertainment System. Next episode we will conclude our epic look at the whole industry!
Live Recording Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdAC0_F...2020-08-151h 25They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 119 -The Whole Video Game Industry Part 2
We continue our look at the entire video game industry! In the second part we start looking at the industry leading up to the crash! We continue the story where part 1 left off. We see the evolution of the industry along the three lines of arcade, home console, and PC. We see the pervasive influence of Dungeons and Dragons on the industry. Particularly the PC scene. A lot of crazy, and a lot of fun! Check out the companion video is you want to know how the orig...2020-08-011h 32They Create WorldsThe Whole Video Game Industry Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 118 - The Whole Video Game Industry Part 1
This is part one of our four part series looking at the entire video game industry at a very macro level. We look at the start of computers all the way through to the early video arcades and beyond! We see the evolution of games on PC, the arcade, and the initial forays into the home. We even see a hybrid of sorts with games like Seawolf combining electro-mechanical and video elements. We did a live recording of four episodes, including this one, on June 28th, 2...2020-07-151h 40They Create WorldsWing CommanderTCW Podcast Episode 117 - Wing Commander
We look at one of the great space flight simulators of the 90's! Wing Commander is largely attributed to Chris Roberts. However we find out in this episode the many other people who were instrumental in not just the story, but gameplay of Wing Commander. We can see the true potential of the Siliwood era with the live action cut scenes used in both Wing Commander III and IV. We of course look at the inspirations for Wing Commander, and take a look at the history of the people involv...2020-07-011h 43They Create WorldsThe Return of the Sdraziw of Sir-TechTCW Podcast Episode 115 - The Return of the Sdraziw of Sir-Tech
Our second part look at Sir-Tech Software! The company continues to struggle with the release of wizardry V, but makes the transition away from the Apple II with the release of Wizardry VI. The Wizardry franchise is a major hit in the Japanese PC space. This leads to Wizardry anime, manga, and Japanese only games. Sir-Tech still continued to struggle to maintain a presence as the US PC industry continued to consolidate. Despite some success bringing foreign software to the states, Sir-Tech closed operations in the...2020-06-011h 22They Create WorldsThe Wizards of Sir-TechTCW Podcast Episode 114 - The Wizards of Sir-Tech
We look at the company Sir-Tech. Known as "the Wizardry company", and founded by Norman Sirotek and Robert Woodhead. The company was originally founded to market Info Tree, a database program. The shift was made into video games starting with the release of Galactic Attack. With the heavy influences of the games on the PLATO system. Andrew Greenberg and Woodhead would meet, and would start collaboration on what would eventually be Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. One of the best produced games at the time, it was...2020-05-151h 25They Create WorldsAnd Landing on it!TCW Podcast Episode 112 - And Landing on it!
We continue our dive into platforming games. We look at the three main "schools" of thought brought about in the 2-D era. We start with the fast platforming pioneered by Sonic with Crash Bandicoot. The cinematic platformer of Prince of Persia is continued with Tomb Raider. Nintendo, makes its shift into 3-D with Starfox, and the development of the N64. This culminates with the release of Super Mario 64. These early transitions continue to evolve into the modern action platformers of Uncharted, and Super Mario Sunshine.
Ho...2020-04-151h 20They Create WorldsJumping to It!TCW Podcast Episode 111 - Jumping to It!
We leap around to the myriad of games that were influential in the development of platformer genre. Starting with an evolution from Space Invaders into Heiankyo Alien; the concept was thrown onto its side with Space Panic. Further refinement brought in jumping with Donkey Kong. Platformers were not as suited for the arcade scene, and ended up truly finding a place in the home on consoles and computers.
Load Runner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWwyhymcDxI
Space Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/wa...2020-04-011h 17They Create WorldsBooks of HistoryTCW Podcast Episode 110 - Books of History
We look at the many books dealing with video game history. Starting off with books that were primarily strategy guides, and had tidbits of historical interest woven in. As time progressed journalists, and industry insiders started to write books that included more history and even interviews with the people involved. As time moved on more comprehensive books, written by journalists, tried to capture the entire history in a complete narrative. However because of the near complete reliance on oral accounts, limited ability to fact check, and time of the a...2020-03-151h 15They Create WorldsAdventuring with LucasArts Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 109 - Adventuring with LucasArts Part 2
This our second half looking at LucasArts adventure games. We look at a company that for a time could do no wrong! Innovative storytelling, and gameplay with Monkey Island 2, Day of the Tentacle, and Sam & Max hit the Road being prime examples. However due to retail outlets, competition, and the continuing technological advancement of the computer industry; LucasArts was unsuccessful in transitioning into the 3-D space. The commercial flop of Grim Fandango, and Escape from Monkey island was the last attempts at adventure games using 3-D.
2020-03-011h 27They Create WorldsAdventuring with LucasArts Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 108- Adventuring with LucasArts Part 1
We look at LucasFilm games, AKA LucasArts. Not the company as a whole, but their influence on adventure games. Not only were they instrumental in advancing adventure games, they were able to affect the industry as a whole. We look briefly at the formation of the company, and get into some of their early projects. A young contractor, Ron Gilbert, joined the team by helping to convert some early games to the Commodore 64. Gilbert was later the driving force in creating an adventure game that was not full o...2020-02-151h 06They Create WorldsStorytime with a BookTCW Podcast Episode 107 - Storytime with a Book
We read from chapter 18 of "They Create Worlds: The People and Companies that Shaped the Video Game Industry Vol. 1," which discusses the impact of Breakout on Japan. There are some tangents, other story times, and we bring a lot of things discussed over the years into a more complete perspective. We also learn about the mysteries of magnets.
Steve Wozniak's Blue Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHZnvN_JCas
Breakout & Super Breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5xo-IzERu0
2020-02-011h 14They Create WorldsThe Small Voice of MagnavoxTCW Podcast Episode 106 - The Small Voice of Magnavox
Magnavox continues to strive for survival as an axillary of Philips. While people close to the video game division continue to be optimistic about their offerings; management at Philips was not so. The company continued to be plagued with production shortfalls with new chips, FCC approval problems, and new competition. They were able to make a few games of note developing some interesting ideas on where to take home consoles. Ultimately Magnavox faded into just a brand name for Philips after the video game crash.
2020-01-151h 21They Create WorldsThe Big Voice of MagnavoxTCW Podcast Episode 105 - The Big Voice of Magnavox
We look at the company of Magnavox. Started around the turn of the century getting into electronics with voice amplification, and eventually radios. Magnavox continued with home electronics in televisions and stereo systems. Unfortunately their visionary leader died unexpectedly, and with the rise of non-American television manufacturers put a lot of pressure on the company. With all this pressure Magnavox is bought by Philips in 1974 to expand the Dutch company's holdings in the United States. The video game division continued to fight for survival and relevance as the d...2020-01-011h 15They Create WorldsA Holistic View of ETTCW Podcast Episode 104- A Holistic View of ET
The game that has become so shrouded in myth and legend is brought to light in this holiday episode! We look at how E.T. was thrust upon Atari by Warner in a bid to bring Stephen Spielberg in to makes movies for Warner. With a massive royalty overhead, a short five week production time, and a massive brain drain at Atari Howard Scott Warshaw stepped up to the challenge. He took the ambitious task of programing E.T. for Atari, having done Raiders of the Lost...2019-12-151h 25They Create WorldsElite SystemsTCW Podcast Episode 103 - Elite Systems
We look at one of the British software companies Elite Systems. The company was originally named Richard Wilcox software, and was founded as a collaboration between two brothers with the encouragement of their father. Owing to Richard still being a teenager, had schooling, and could not make programing a full-time career at the time the decision was made to rebrand the company. Steve renamed the company to Elite Systems in 1984, and hired bedroom coders to produce software for the company. The company continued to be one of the industry leader...2019-12-011h 15They Create WorldsStern ElectronicsTCW Podcast Episode 102 - Stern Electronics
We look at the short history of Stern Electronics. A company that has influenced and been influenced by multiple other companies through its people. We cover the paths of many of these people including the founder Gary Stern. During the transition to video games in the late 70's and early 80's Stern was the American arm for Konami bringing over many of their games. With financial difficulties from having to buy out one of the major investors, once they became mired in legal trouble, and the collapse of the video...2019-11-151h 14They Create WorldsInfocomTCW Podcast Episode 101 - Infocom
We look at the short life of Infocom. A company that fell into the videogame sphere. Best known for their text adventure games, including the renowned game Zork. They started off as a company to keep creative minds together from MIT, and brought forth unique developments including using virtualization for video games. Due to lack of innovation, combined with its acquisition by Activision, the failure of their database Cornerstone, and saturating the market with a niche product; the company was closed down in the late 1980's. With a dedicated fan base in text a...2019-11-011h 28They Create WorldsThe 100 Most Influential Games Part 3TCW Podcast Episode 100 - The 100 Most Influential Games Part 3
And at long last, TCW Episode 100! To celebrate our 100th episode, we finish our countdown of the 100 most influential video games of all time. This time, we look at only 20 games, but these are the games we have deemed the absolutely most essential for shaping the video game industry as it exists today. We present these final twenty games in chronological order by original release date. Now that we have made all our picks, what do you think? Let us know on Twitter!
Games...2019-10-151h 30They Create WorldsHello Big BlueTCW Podcast Episode 096 - Hello Big Blue
We look at Big Blue and their continuing development of computers in both business, and the home. We see how IBM had to deal with the eye of the government still looking at them for monopolistic practices. Eventually IBM found out they needed to enter the micro-computer market. They spun off a group that had a mandate to get a computer together in a year. However because of this it led to the rise of the PC clones. Compaq, for instance, computers started off with a laptop computer clone o...2019-08-151h 45They Create WorldsHello Little BlueTCW Podcast Episode 095 - Hello Little Blue
A sorted history involving scams, monopolies, and acts of petty revenge predate the company the world would see dominate the computer industry in the 70's and 80's. What started as an umbrella company became, under Tom Watson St's leadership, a tabulating company that grew to prominence in the great depression. Later on his son Tom Watson Jr would lead the company forward in the transition from punch card tabulation machines into computers that IBM would become famous for!
Herman Hollerith Punch Card Machine: https://www...2019-08-011h 31They Create WorldsEpyx not EpicTCW Podcast Episode 094 - Epyx not Epic
This is an epic story about Epyx. But don't confuse it with Epic! We look at the computer game company, and the many bits of software that had influences at the dawn of home computing. Everything from the first RPGs to action games that are remembered fondly, especially in Europe. Not to mention the worldwide appeal of the Games series featuring Olympic events. Sadly the company lost sight of its goals with management changes, and was gone by the early 90's. However employees of Epyx continued to influence the vide...2019-07-151h 26They Create WorldsBooks-B-WareTCW Podcast Episode 093 - Books-B-Ware
We look at what was largely a footnote in video game history. However it is notable as an early attempt at the integration of traditional media and the computer revolution. There are parallels between bookware and the Siliwood era that came after. Many of the games were stifled by the limitations in hardware at the time. Still there are some notable collaborations between programmers and writers that provide an interesting take on what was to come.
The Digital Antiquarian - Bookware: https://www.filfre.net/2013/09/bookware/
...2019-07-011h 24They Create WorldsCiting ApologiesTCW Podcast Episode 092 - Citing Apologies
A filler episode, with some updates on upcoming podcast items, and Alex's first book. Due to Alex trying to meet a deadline for the book we were unable to record until a few days before release. Nothing really historical covered, however a few interesting tidbits in this short episode!
Simpsons "Brownest of the brown liquors": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n39897a9hNk
Nokia Snake Game from the 90's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Rk4JQwtL4
Overview of Chic...2019-06-1530 minThey Create WorldsBally: The Road to FitnessTCW Podcast Episode 091 - Bally: The Road to Fitness
In our continuing look at Bally we see the shifting landscape ad they evolve and develop gambling machines. This is not to mean that pinball was neglected. Bally, with an eye to innovation and technology, introduced some of the first sold state pinball machines! They were also, through some luck, brought in with licensing deals with The Who, and Elton John. This led to some of the most popular pinball machines in the post WWII era. We did have to see the departure of Bill O'Donnell from Ba...2019-06-011h 43They Create WorldsThe Dawn of Computers and GamingTCW Podcast Episode 089 - The Dawn of Computers and Gaming
We look at the dawn of computers. Not just people; but analog, electronic, and digital computers! We look at how the early games on the computer were not so much games as demonstration programs or simple AI to play games like tic-tac-toe, NIM, checkers, and, of course, chess. We look at how the work done during WWII around RADAR played a role in how both computers and computer games developed. Next we look at some of the fear in the popular psyche of computers and AI as...2019-05-011h 30They Create WorldsGotta Go Fast!TCW Podcast Episode 088 - Gotta Go Fast!
Since we covered Mario a few episodes ago, it is only fair that we cover his great rival, not Bowser, but Sonic! We go at not quite sonic speed over the creation of the character and franchise. Sonic's interesting inception was brought about through a character submission process. Sonic is the melding of a rabbit, a character called "Mr. Needlemouse," and Michael Jackson! Yes, this is true. Look there is a music video referenced below. Though Sonic suffered from rapid over exposure he is still beloved by many fans. ...2019-04-151h 21They Create WorldsItsa Me Marioooo!TCW Podcast Episode 086 - Itsa Me Marioooo!
Itsa the most iconic character in video game history: Mario. We explore the origins of Mario and examine how his entire design was born of necessity. We discuss how the character evolved through the Donkey Kong series and Mario Bros. before taking a deep dive into the design of Super Mario Bros. Then it’s a quick tour through the rest of Mario's NES and SNES adventures, setting the stage for his transition into 3D worlds.
Nintendo Radar Scope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kb...2019-03-151h 43They Create WorldsComputer Game BASICsTCW Podcast Episode 085 - Computer Game BASICs
Now that we have explained how timesharing works, it's time to discuss games! In the 1960s, students and professional programmers alike created computer games that were played by dozens, if not hundreds of their peers on timeshared computers. In the early 1970s, some of these programs began to spread across the country thanks to the efforts of early pioneers in computer book and magazine publishing like Bob Albrecht and David Ahl. By the time the first microcomputers appeared in the late 1970s, these games were so widespread that t...2019-03-011h 33They Create WorldsTime SharedTCW Podcast Episode 084 - Time Shared
We lay the groundwork of computer development that led to some of the earliest influential games that would shape the industry. We cover how computers were one-program-at-a-time systems, and it was only through experimentation that were computers developed that could handle multiple inputs at once. We see how Sputnik scared the USA into spending a lot more in the sciences in order to keep up with Russian space development, which benefited computer-based education initiatives. We finish up looking at the proliferation of computers with remote terminals in universities, high scho...2019-02-151h 14They Create WorldsAn Unlikely Pairing of SiliwoodTCW Podcast Episode 082 - An Unlikely Pairing of Siliwood
We take a look at the circumstances and leadup to what become known as the Siliwood Era. We discuss how changing technology and an increased focus by certain video game companies on emulating blockbuster movies attracted the attention of the major media companies and set the stage for an unlikely alliance of Hollywood and Silicon Valley. This pairing led to the interactive movie fad and also led to changes in retail that would alter the course of the video game industry forever.
TCW...2019-01-151h 23They Create WorldsThe Meeting of SpacewarTCW Podcast Episode 081 - The Meeting of Spacewar
We go over the history of Spacewar, and the event at the Smithsonian. We take a close look at the people involved in bringing Spacewar into existence. We also look at some of the systems that were the predecessors to the PDP-1 that was used for Spacewar. We also discuss why games were used to demonstrate the capabilities of computers. In short an interesting look at one of the first video games.
TX-0 Mouse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0QTTYJv0Yw
P...2019-01-011h 21They Create WorldsVector LightsTCW Podcast Episode 080 - Vector Lights
We look at the arcade industry and the circumstances that led to the use of vector monitors in arcade games. While not as well remembered today, and with fewer systems still around, vector played an important role in the development of video games. Vector provided the detail and capabilities that were not yet available in traditional raster-based systems. However in due time Raster met, and then exceeded, the capabilities of vector systems, and with the lower cost of maintenance for raster vector has faded into history.
Slo...2018-12-151h 37They Create WorldsThe Six Children of EATCW Podcast Episode 079 - The Six Children of EA
We take a closer look at the six launch titles from EA. We cover each in more detail going into the background of the creators, as well as the development of each game. We take a look at how the games were received both commercially, and historically. Today Archon, Pinball Construction Set, and M.U.L.E. are the games that are best remembered from the initial six titles. Worms, Axis Assassin, and Hard Hat Mack are not well remembered today.
TCW 006 - The...2018-12-011h 22They Create WorldsInvading Taito Part 2TCW Podcast Episode 078 - Invading Taito Part 2
We go into part two of Taito. We start off looking at Space Invaders which is arguably the highest point of success and fame for the company. The company continued on with many notable hits in the following years. They continued to survive despite not having a succession plan with the death of Michael Kogan. The company was hurt by their delay in transitioning to 3d, and a lack of direction in regards to the home market. Taito still lives today as a wholly owned subsidiary of Square-Enix.
...2018-11-151h 23They Create WorldsInvading Taito Part 1TCW Podcast Episode 077 - Invading Taito Part 1
We look back at the history of the company Taito. Started by a Russian who through unique circumstances in World War II managed to grow up, and become educated in Japanese society. The name Taito means "Far East", and the company went through three iterations before it became the icon we know it today. We wrap up part one just before the release of the iconic Space Invaders in 1978.
Pachi-Slot in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5LIgutUeig
Sky Fighter 2: https://www.youtube.com/wat...2018-11-011h 18They Create WorldsA Fairchild StoryTCW Podcast Episode 076 - A Fairchild Story
We cover the history of the Fairchild company and their console the Fairchild Channel F. It is a fascinating journey of how a company was thrust into a role where they could get in on the ground floor of the new video game industry. Although through bad experiences in other industries, an epic struggle to ger FCC approval, and observations on the turmoil of the video game industry, Fairchild was defeated. Fairchild's exit from the scene was not so much the initial hurdles they faced, but their lack of will to...2018-10-151h 22They Create WorldsThe Japanese PC IndustryTCW Podcast Episode 074 - The Japanese PC Industry
We cover the Japanese PC industry from the initial pioneers up to the mid 1980's. The early innovators on the PC, while never having many international successes, laid the groundwork for games that would later be seen on the Famicom, and other platforms. It is further interesting to note the people who got their start in the video game industry through computer clubs in college, and by programing at department stores. With the computer industry coming from two sides, hobbyist and professional, they merged together to create an interesting tak...2018-09-151h 13They Create WorldsAdventuring in the ArcadeTCW Podcast Episode 073 - Adventuring in the Arcade
We look at the British PC Software market, specifically the Arcade Adventure genre. With the popularity of the ZX Spectrum as a home computer, and its hardware limitations lent itself to the development of the Arcade Adventure. With multiple influences the Arcade Adventure enjoyed side scrolling, top down, and isometric gameplay. We also see the start of the career of Tim and Chris Stamper with Sabre Wulf, Knight Lore, and Alien 8. We end looking at the panicle games of the genre with Dizzy, and Head over Heels. Unfort...2018-09-011h 10They Create WorldsThe MYSTeries of Brøderbund!TCW Podcast Episode 072 - The MYSTeries of Brøderbund!
We cover the later years of Brøderbund looking at their "evergreen" products. Print Shop being the first one to really put them on the map. We then look at the series of successes, and challenges that the company faced throughout the 80's and 90's. We then see how the meteoric success of MYST ultimately dead to the downfall of Brøderbund in 1998. Still Brøderbund was a fascinating company which was willing to take risks on some of the influential games, and software that built the PC in...2018-08-151h 41They Create WorldsA Story of Brøderbund!TCW Podcast Episode 071 -A Story of Brøderbund!
We cover the founding of Brøderbund by the Carlston brothers. We delve into their initial forays into the PC game market. The used a unique business model that supported developers, and creators, but did not bring them on as employees. However they did retain staff to assist in polishing up games that showed potential. Brøderbund even started exploring consoles with a few of their games until they decided to transition to evergreen products.
Galactic Trader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waxrpG-19jM
Alie...2018-08-011h 22They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 3TCW Podcast Episode 070 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 3
The fight heats up with the 16 bit era in the United States. Sega being first to market was able to take control, and dominate the market for a few years. However this short lived victory was bought at a price. With the low margins on consoles Sega was unable to sustain the growth once things started to change in Europe. Nintendo meanwhile was always able to turn a tidy profit even without a controlling market share. Nintendo's control of the handheld market, Japan, and the 8-bit consoles allowed them to ha...2018-07-151h 46They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 2TCW Podcast Episode 069 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 2
We cover Nintendo and Sega entering the US Market with their 8-bit consoles. With the early release, marketing, and connections Nintendo dominated the market. Sega tried to break in with a technologically superior system, but due to lack of third party software, due to Nintendo's exclusivity contracts, they were unable to make a significant impact. Briefly partnering with Tonka, of Tonka trucks, they tried to get a larger penetration onto store shelves. However Tonka overextending themselves, and were unable to properly market the Sega Master System like both companies hopp...2018-07-011h 15They Create WorldsSega VS Nintendo Round 1TCW Podcast Episode 068 - Sega VS Nintendo Round 1
Recorded live in front of fans on YouTube Live! Alex and Jeffrey start the dive into the Sega VS Nintendo rivalry. We lay the groundwork of how Sega came to enter the console market in Japan. We see the first clash with Nintendo, and the reasons that Nintendo won the first round cementing their hold on Japan in a way that would not be broken until the PlayStation era. Sega was able to convert their home computer hardware into a console, and was only able to get the sales numb...2018-06-151h 33They Create WorldsThe Magnavox Odyssey
TCW
Podcast Episode 026 The Magnavox Odyssey
We delve
into the Magnavox Odyssey the first home console video game system created by
Ralph Bear.
Alex's Blog Post: https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/1tl200-a-magnavox-odyssey/
Ralph Bear's
Website: http://www.ralphbaer.com/
Magnavox Odyssey
Manuals: https://archive.org/details/magnavoxodysseymanuals
Elliott Avedon
Virtual Museum of Games - Odyssey Home Entertainment System: http://gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/VirtualExhibits/electronic/console/odyssey/index.html
Magavox Odyssey on
'What's my line?': https...2016-09-151h 27They Create WorldsThe Project and Others in the Field
TCW
Podcast Episode 024 - The Project and Others in the Field
We cover
the developments in Alex's work, and others doing research into video game
history. We delve into history in general and question how accurate can it
really be? Even though the work done now will be superseded by work done in the
future it is still valuable, and we are in a unique time of being able to
record historical figures give accounts in their own words.
Ethan AKA George Henson : http://bit.ly/2aLUMGk
The...2016-08-151h 06