Join Tom Bissell, a renowned video game writer known for his work on 'Andor' and 'Uncharted', alongside Steve Ahlman and Matt James, as they dive into dynamic discussions about 'Doom: The Dark Ages.' They explore the intricate evolution and gameplay mechanics of the Doom franchise, debating its balance between tradition and innovation. Bissell shares insights from the 'Andor' writers' room, shedding light on crafting cohesive narratives and the unique challenges of storytelling across media. Their banter is filled with passion, humor, and deep fandom!
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Stoicism Eases Andor Imposter Syndrome
Tom Bissell overcame imposter syndrome in the Andor writers' room by adopting stoic philosophy.
He focused on learning and was reassured by Tony Gilroy's supportive leadership.
insights INSIGHT
Truthfulness Key for Prequels
Writing compelling prequels requires truthfulness and plausible character behavior.
A great story balances surprise with inevitability, avoiding forced fan service.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Gilroy's Style Influences Writing
Tom mimicked Tony Gilroy's unique writing style in script formatting.
Masters of Doom tells the story of John Carmack and John Romero, often referred to as the 'Lennon and McCartney of video games.' The book details their rags-to-riches journey, from their troubled childhoods to the creation of iconic game franchises such as Doom and Quake. It explores their unique personalities, their contributions to gaming culture, and the eventual rift that drove them apart. Kushner's narrative delves into the broader impact of their games on society, from MTV to the Internet, and the controversies they provoked.
Extra lives
Tom Bissell
Tom Bissell's "Extra Lives" is a unique exploration of video games, blending memoir, criticism, and reportage. It delves into the author's personal experiences as a gamer, offering insightful commentary on the medium's evolution and impact. Bissell examines the emotional depth and narrative potential of video games, challenging conventional perceptions. The book features profiles of prominent game designers and a compelling analysis of storytelling in games. Ultimately, "Extra Lives" is a passionate defense of video games as a significant art form.
Ben, Matt, and Steve share their (non-spoiler-y) impressions of the new first-person shooter 'Doom: The Dark Ages,' focusing on the ever-evolving nature of the franchise, whether the series' latest experiments improve upon its tried-and-true formula, how they'd rank the three most recent 'Doom' games, and more. Then, Ben brings on video game writer and screenwriter Tom Bissell, who wrote the three-part finale of 'Andor,' to talk about the 'Andor' writers room; working within story constraints and established universes; tying the finale to 'Rogue One'; the future of 'Star Wars' and IP storytelling in the aftermath of 'Andor'; 'Andor' as a video game; the differences between writing for TV and video games; his work on 'Uncharted,' 'Gears of War,' 'What Remains of Edith Finch,' and 'Masters of Doom'; Hollywood's appetite for video game adaptations; and more.
Intro (0:00) Reactions to 'Doom: The Dark Ages' (2:30) Interview with Tom Bissell (35:35) Outro (1:41:53)
Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Tom Bissell, and Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
The Ringer-Verse 
