James Parkinson

James Parkinson, a producer and contributor, dives into the wild world of NBA Jam, exploring its conception from Mortal Kombat. Tim Kitzrow, the iconic voice behind the game's catchphrases, shares his journey from pinball gigs to recording sessions that birthed phrases like 'Boom Shakalaka!' They discuss the cultural impact of the game, its electrifying arcade atmosphere, and how it captivated NBA stars. Listeners will discover behind-the-scenes secrets and the surprising evolution of Tim's career, as NBA Jam became a staple in gaming and sports culture.

In this engaging discussion, James Parkinson, a contributor and producer for 99% Invisible, teams up with Tim Kitzrow, the iconic voice of NBA Jam. They delve into the game's revolutionary features, from digitized graphics to the exhilarating 'on-fire' mechanic. Tim shares the origin of his catchphrase 'Boom Shakalaka,' born from improvisation, and recounts how he crafted his energetic announcer style. The episode also explores NBA Jam's cultural impact and its staggering revenue generation, highlighting how it reshaped both gaming and basketball commentary.