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The games we love reveal something true about who we are, and about the world that made them. They Create Worlds is a podcast about the people, technology, and forces that built the video game industry.
Through video game history, the show looks at how culture, business, and technology shaped what we play, tracing the choices and circumstances that led to the games so many people around the world enjoy.
Each episode digs into where games came from, who made them, and why they were made the way they were. Business decisions, technological shifts, and creative choices all shaped what ended up on screen, and the show covers all of it together, not just one piece in isolation.
Hosted by Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum, They Create Worlds grew out of long conversations about the strange corners of the industry and the patterns that only show up when you look across companies, platforms, and decades. That conversational feel remains, built on careful research, clear structure and editing that makes even the deepest topics easy to listen to.
History turns out to be less settled than it looks. New documents surface, memories conflict, and the clean stories about why things happened the way they did rarely survive contact with the evidence. The show digs into all of that, following the creative and business forces that pushed and pulled on each other, and uncovering the human stories that lie beneath the games so many people around the world enjoy.
New episodes are released twice a month.
Episodes
Sunday Jul 15, 2018
Sunday Jul 15, 2018
TCW 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 have the financial reserve to weather the Sonly PlayStation entering the market. We go over some of the misconceptions regarding Sega of America and Sega of Japan, and show how even Nintendo was swayed by the marketing done by Sega.
Genesis Does what Nintendon't Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7nsBoqJ6s8
Altered Beast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I075dM_AZ2g
Master System Golden Axe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHbJLhumzUs
Genesis Golden Axe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiHjrQlO2RQ
Master System Sonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPvA0OvR24
Genesis Sonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJJnxHcv1z4
Welcome to the Next Level Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY61zUle52g
Genesis Commercials from 1991-1993: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIBmBy9APaU
Play it Loud Nintendo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stvktzVjZJw
F-Zero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIe4AvKLSa4
Donkey Kong Country: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4EUEsEM328
New episodes 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 forthcoming book will be released through CRC Press!
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/
Sunday Jul 01, 2018
Sunday Jul 01, 2018
TCW 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 hopped. Sega was gearing up though for the 16 bit era, and were first to the market with a new console starting the true fight between Sega and Nintendo.
Nintendo Game and Watch Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss3gZ6yV79c
Miyamoto on World 1-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRGRJRUWafY
Super Mario Tutorial 1: https://kotaku.com/5531665/if-super-mario-bros-was-made-in-2010
Super Mario Brothers Tutorial 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFMbaNfqY6Y
NES Zelda 1 Nerd Rap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI3rO3PbYOo
New episodes 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 forthcoming book will be released through CRC Press!
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/
Friday Jun 15, 2018
Friday Jun 15, 2018
TCW 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 numbers that that did due to a recall of the original Famicom console.
Game and Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUvFA7Ut8f0
Sega SC-3000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdfurnWIvJI
Original Famicom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbduBEeJZqE
Epoch Super Cassettevision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIzftg1nb8g
New episodes 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
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/
Friday Jun 01, 2018
Friday Jun 01, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 067 - The Birth of Japanese Consoles
We cover the start of Japanese home consoles beginning with the early dedicated systems and working up to the development of the Famicom and the Sega SC-3000. Japan differed from the US in that companies had the opportunity to sell consoles that bridged the gap from dedicated consoles to programable consoles with LSI-cartridge-based consoles. Epoch was the only company that stuck with home consoles during this era. Always remember the Famicom is not the first Nintendo console!
Before Mario Blog: http://blog.beforemario.com/
Bandai TV Jack 1000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW9lDLJgkus
Nintendo Color TV 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrVwYgYdaak
Nintendo Color TV Racing 112: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK3nLfWWJ6s
Epoch TV Baseball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCZDqJTOP48
Epoch TV Block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ4z1wtK9HM
Atari Video Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdH1I80ESQ
Epoch TV Cassetevision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aARzm5NTol0
Epoch TV Vader Console Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fO7hQvGXg0
Epoch TV Vader Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOcUmpZErdk
Epoch Cassetevision Galaxian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsGs9KcEc3k
*** LIVE STREAM Sunday June 3rd at 12:30 CDT (UTC - 5) ***
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGlSl-zgLdxhJEbo_NKr4w/live
New episodes 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
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/
Tuesday May 15, 2018
Tuesday May 15, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 066 - Half of a Life
We cover the founding of Valve and the development processes that led to Half-Life 1 & 2. Originally made using the Quake II engine, Half-Life was an ambitious project that ran into the same kind of hurdles other companies have experienced. Valve was able to take the needed time to create a truly outstanding product. This was due in no small measure to the founders being Microsoft millionaires. Even today, the sophistication in technology, storytelling, and level design in Half-Life 2 made possible through the development of the Source engine is something that other companies are only just now duplicating with regularity.
Half-Life E3 Trailer 1997: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD_4JLIdpkk
Half-Life Introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsTEoGoAxUk
Dr. Paul Eckman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9i-9_QuetA
Gabe and Valve Discuss Half-Life 2 Leak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=908dFzfvjeA
Half-Life 2 Leak VS Release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jMx5Wp0Gwc
Half-Life Alpha 0.52: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7bTo5xLyQ
Half-Life 2 - 2003 Tech Demo E3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ddJ1OKV63Q
Team Fortress Classic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaTE1NYIjBU
Counter Strike 5v5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2tTgPPtxc0
*** LIVE STREAM Sunday June 3rd at 12:30 CDT (UTC - 5) ***
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGlSl-zgLdxhJEbo_NKr4w/live
New episodes 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
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/
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Tuesday May 01, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2
We go into the mass consolidation that sprung Infogrames into an international powerhouse. It was due to these quick consolidations that led them to have a high value on the stock market. When the tech bubble burst in the early 2000's the stock value plummeted, and Infrogrames was unable to service the massive debt consolidation has built up. This eventually led to the outer of Bruno Bonnell from Infrogrames. We go over the parade of leadership as the company collapses and sheds all the assets that they have.
V Ralley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swYrhyCLblE
Terminator Dawn of Fate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEVx4OGZv9w
Enter the Matrix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaGQ8v5G3_I
Matrix Path of Neo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRvSJYxVAhA
New episodes 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
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/
Sunday Apr 15, 2018
Sunday Apr 15, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 064 - Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1
The rise and fall of a French company founded by Bruno Bonnell. We cover the rocky start of the company and the games that helped them gain notoriety. Through some chance connections through family and fellow employees Infogrames was able to skyrocket onto the international stage with their game Alone in the Dark.
Captain Blood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od3jvPPugGc
Sim City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A54blk-ojA4
Tintin on the Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-rYm-cAER4
North and South: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lISIBipdoao
Fantasia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctc7i3Y9PPs
Microsoft Encarta 1994: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEE8bXCxhsE
Alone in the Dark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lWaQe8LPW0
Popcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SygD93F95js
Popcorn Download: http://www.ludoid.fr/site/index.php/popcorn
Drakkhen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7MqcOp0J9E
Alpha Waves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qAtVwSIV8
Starglider 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78PQ8tKTAiA
Asterix (NES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pnRL2G9nLA
New episodes 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
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/
Sunday Apr 01, 2018
Sunday Apr 01, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 063 - Lawsuits for Nintendo
We delve into the legal hurdles that Nintendo faced during its rise to power in the '80s and '90s. We see how they were able with the guidance of Howard Lincoln to weather the first of many lawsuits, and triumph! In their long history they have used the court systems in the United States to their advantage; even wining a case almost everyone thought that they would lose.
Japanese-English Marketing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ-dBHCHo3E
Zelda CDI Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN8-Pdz-ns8
How Shift Registers Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BLj9Ak2Djs
Nintendo PPU Scrolling: http://wiki.nesdev.com/w/index.php/PPU_scrolling
NES SMB3 Loading Seam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfrNnwJrujw
New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
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/
Thursday Mar 15, 2018
Thursday Mar 15, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 062 - Lawsuits for Everyone!
Thanks @MyMac for suggesting this topic! We delve into some of the landmark court cases that helped shape the video game industry. Specifically we looked at the sphere of copyright law. Starting with looking at what constitutes an infringement. How similar can two works be, and where is the line if you modify the game. We wrap up looking at the Game Genie, and how they managed to stay in business because they did not make permeant changes to the games that were modified.
Article linked by @MyMac: http://www.goliath.com/gaming/11-video-games-that-resulted-in-major-lawsuits/
Defense Command: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoNaXAsBbns
Defender: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcQ4l_KeO0s&t=16s
KC Munchkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07JtE4pIq8U
Pac-Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dScq4P5gn4A
Lady Bug Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K7BHmrEsSk
Mouse Trap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ5y3JvOMDo
Super Mario Bro Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtMZKYnLg5c
Zelda Cartoon Excuse me Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPxY8lpYAUM
Super Missile Command: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DuVjvl4FDs
Game Genie Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C86OsYRACTM
New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
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/
Thursday Mar 01, 2018
Thursday Mar 01, 2018
TCW Podcast Episode 061 - Where in the Game is Carmen Sandiego?
We go into the development, creation, and surprise smash hit that is the Carmen Sandiego franchise. Starting off as a video game that flopped at launch; it grew into one of the biggest things of the mid 80's through to the 90's spanning not just video games, but also a game show, a cartoon, and other entertainment media.
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Apple II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEB9M_1XOP0
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? PC-DOS 1985: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScvM9pecFOo
Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? CD-ROM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cu5PyQbFNI
Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego? MS-DOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UidxgSOoMsA
Where in time is Carmen Sandiego?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-J21Og1YN0&list=PLCCC6AE567E396E23
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Theme Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1EIUP8tvbE
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? TV Game Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12CpbySx3rw&list=PLNVJERnYYcB3AGI1LfL6ZouPXRzJDgPF
Carmen Sandiego Board Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pEAC-G_ITI
Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? Cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LigDMelE89A&list=PLjJh7KucCudsLVfXHU2kK7MLHkc6uvXQS
GI-Joe PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0eD5ABK0wc&list=PLfp_r1A709h8xiXhm1hCehdvvCOMi3_zb
Wheel of Morality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwNS9_13L4c
Carmen Sandiego Returns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQv_j64ATEo
New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!
TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com
Twitter: @tcwpodcast
Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com
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/