Acclaimed author Blake Harris discusses Sega and Nintendo's rivalry, revealing internal conflicts at Sega. He talks about the impact of Oculus on tech, Larry David's upcoming book, and writing about cultural icons. Harris shares insights on persistence, research, and storytelling.
Sega's internal conflicts led to its downfall according to Blake Harris, highlighting the significance of organizational harmony in success.
The podcast sheds light on the challenges faced by VR companies like Oculus in mainstream acceptance, emphasizing the need for killer use cases.
Blake Harris emphasizes the importance of persistence and connections in creative endeavors, showcasing the impact of collaboration and dedication.
Deep dives
Blake Harris's Persistence and Inspirations
Persistence and inspiration drive Blake Harris, the author and creator of Console Wars, as he delves into the importance of persistence in his work, from engaging with business leaders to staying focused on his projects for months or years. His encounter with Seth Rogen's company, Point Grey, played a transformative role in the project's life, highlighting the significance of connections and collaborations in his creative journey.
Console Wars and VR Insights
Console Wars, authored by Blake Harris, unveils the intense rivalry between Sega and Nintendo in the gaming industry's early days, showcasing how Sega transformed from an underdog to a market leader. In contrast, The History of the Future explores Oculus VR's evolution under founder Palmer Luckey, delving into the challenges of monetizing mind-blowing VR experiences into a successful business. Harris's deep dive into these pivotal moments demonstrates the inflection points in the gaming industry's history.
Overcoming Challenges and Trends in Gaming Industry
Blake Harris navigates the complexities of accessing key figures and crafting impactful narratives in his books, Console Wars and The History of the Future. While outlining Sega's downfall due to internal conflicts between Sega of America and Japan, he delves into the challenges faced by companies like Oculus in establishing VR as a mainstream platform, emphasizing the search for killer use cases amidst technological and market barriers. Harris's insights shed light on the arduous yet dynamic landscape of the gaming industry.
The Evolution of Technology and Virtual Reality
The podcast delves into the evolution of technology from receiving a Bell computer as an extravagant gift in the past to the current fascination with AR and VR devices. It highlights the transition from using computers solely for CD-ROM games to exploring broader functionalities today. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by tech companies to create compelling reasons for daily VR usage.
Impacts of Virtual Reality on Various Fields
The podcast explores the transformative potential of VR in diverse fields such as firefighting, surgeries, and military training. It emphasizes how VR serves as a valuable tool for high-stakes scenarios like surgeries and military simulations, offering realistic practice environments. Additionally, it mentions the decreasing cost of VR technology, making advanced simulations more accessible to various sectors.
Episode 27: Blake Harris is the acclaimed author of "Console Wars" and "The History of the Future." Blake shares his journey from a struggling screenwriter to a successful author, diving into the intense rivalry between Sega and Nintendo that defined a generation of gaming.
He reveals insights into the internal conflicts at Sega that contributed to their downfall and discusses the revolutionary impact of Oculus and virtual reality on the tech landscape.
Blake also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book about comedy legend Larry David, creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," complete with humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. From the challenges of getting in touch with industry giants like Seth Rogen to the joys and struggles of writing about beloved cultural icons, this episode is packed with compelling stories and valuable lessons on persistence, research, and the art of storytelling.
