In this chat, Kevin Toms, a pioneer in videogame development best known for the original Football Manager games, shares his inspiring journey in the gaming world. They reminisce about the genius behind creating management games instead of action-packed ones and how early career advice went awry. Kevin reveals the game's evolution to mobile platforms and the joy of seeing his work appreciated online. Plus, find out if he can enjoy a life free from work thanks to his game's success!
Kevin Toms highlights the innovative shift from arcade games to a management simulation style with Football Manager, emphasizing its text-based gameplay design.
The discussion reveals Tom’s pride in how Football Manager influenced a generation, showcasing its addictive qualities and lasting impact on gamers today.
Deep dives
Upcoming Live Events and Tickets
The speaker discusses the lack of live podcasts until next year, highlighting scheduled performances at the Leicester Square Theatre and the Y Theatre in Leicester during the spring. Tickets for these events can be purchased through the provided website. Additionally, the speaker mentions the second leg of their one-balled tour, 'Can I Have My Ball Back', which will visit various locations across the UK, including a recently added Birmingham date. The speaker encourages listeners to purchase tickets as gifts for the holidays, humorously suggesting they wouldn't mind if attendees ended up with numerous tickets for each show.
Introduction of Guest Kevin Tom
The episode features a guest, Kevin Tom, the author of 'The Origin of Football Manager, Part One', who shares insights about the inception of the Football Manager video game series. Tom reminisces about how he initially developed the game from a board game concept by leveraging his programming skills on home computers. He reflects on the originality of his game amidst a landscape dominated by arcade-style games, emphasizing its text-based and management simulation format. The discussion reveals how Tom's love for football management translated into creating a pioneering and unique gaming experience.
The Evolution of Football Management Games
Tom explains how his experiences as a child influenced the design of Football Manager, including his fascination with statistical records from games like Subbuteo. The interview highlights the addictive qualities of the game, where players can manage teams over numerous seasons without a defined endpoint. Tom shares his thoughts on how the game's design appeals to both casual and dedicated gamers, allowing them to either play through matches quickly or immerse themselves in detailed management decisions. This gameplay adaptability is underscored by anecdotes of players investing countless hours into developing their teams, showcasing the game's lasting impact.
Reflection on the Gaming Industry and Legacy
The conversation shifts to Tom's reflections on his role in the burgeoning video game industry during the 1980s, noting how few had the foresight to recognize gaming as a legitimate career path. He candidly acknowledges the financial ups and downs he faced after the initial success of his games and how he continues to pursue new projects. As he discusses the nostalgic connection many players have with Football Manager, Tom expresses pride in the positive influence his game has had on a generation of players. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of the Football Manager game series, hinting at subsequent parts of his book documenting its ongoing legacy.
Book Club #120 - The Origin of Football Manager Part 1 - Richard meets one of his childhood heroes Kevin Toms, a pioneer of videogame development and the face on the box of the legendary original Football Manager games. They talk about incompetent careers advisors, loving statistics, the genius of making a game about management rather than playing and text rather than graphics and that never ended, how the game became a phenomenon and how it has reappeared on your phones and computers today (with a new version out very soon). Plus why Kevin wanted to document this period and how the internet has allowed him to see how much his work was loved. Plus find out if he never had to work again due to the game’s success!