The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast

This week, we're joined by Simon Smith, managing director of family games publisher Thumbfood.  Smith joins us to discuss why the family and kids games market needs "a kick up the arse" on consoles, and why a wider audience is the key to driving PlayStation 4 past 100 million sales. We also touch on how to avoid the mistakes made by previous publishers with an interest in family games, how to compete with the flood of free-to-play kids titles on mobile, why educational titles might stand a better chance of breaking through the noise, and why Crash Bandicoot's ongoing success indicates there is demand from the mainstream for more family-friendly games. As always, you can find more news, insight and analysis into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded during Develop:Brighton 2018, we're joined by former Valve writer Chet Faliszek to discuss the realities and possibilities of AI in video games. Faliszek shares how he believes AI can be used to build more systemic gameplay, and how this can create more unique experiences for the players. He also touches on why mid-sized studios are best placed to take advantage of this rapidly developing technology, and drops a few hints about his first project with UK developer Bossa Studios. The discussion also covers the difference between player agency and interactivity, why writing more generically actually makes dialogue feel more natural, and how games can offer more options than 'kill all your enemies'. As always, you can find more news, insight and analysis into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined this episode by indie figurehead Mike Bithell, developer of Thomas Was Alone, Volume and bitesize text adventure Subsurface Circular. Recorded just a few days after the surprise launch of the latter's spiritual successor, Quarantine Circular, we speak to Bithell about the advantages and potential of releasing games without any marketing build-up. We also discuss the benefits of developing shorter games, the limitations this creates, and why embracing these limitations is the key to crafting a tight and easily digestible experience. As always, you can find more news, analysis and insight into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're joined by Geogrify founder and ex-IGDA director Kate Edwards to discuss one of the less-highlighted challenges of working in the video games industry: Ageism. Recorded at E3 2018, the discussion explores who is being affected by ageism in the industry, and the impact on both victims but also the companies neglecting them.  Edwards also shares the process behind her recent 50 Over 50 list, which highlights both notable figureheads within the industry and those who have perhaps been denied the spotlight throughout their careers. Finally, she offers advice to industry members of all levels on how we can combat ageism. As always, you can find more news, insight and analysis into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The entire GamesIndustry.biz team convene to reflect on this year's major games showcase in Los Angeles. Instead of talking through every announcement (which listeners are no doubt familiar with), we each choose a topic or trend that emerged from the show and discuss how it impacts the industry in general. Throughout the episode we discuss the growing presence of consumers at E3, the continuing saturation of shooters and violent action adventures as the tentpole titles of the show, and the (glacially) slow shift towards a more diverse range of protagonists. We also touch on the impressive roster of Avalanche Studios, what the future holds for the four developers acquired by Microsoft and where the console market is heading as rumours persist of a PlayStation 5 and a new Xbox. As always, you can find more insight, news and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The full GamesIndustry.biz editorial team unites to discuss the upcoming video games extravaganza that is E3. Working through the major press conferences that always serve as the tentpole for this annual event, we discuss what we hope to see from each platform holder and publisher in terms of both line-up and strategy, as well as speculate on some of the games that might get announced. The discussion ranges from Microsoft's lack of first-party titles and over-reliance on external publishers to Sony's oddly scattered approach to arranging game announcements before, during and after its showcase. As for Nintendo, what will the Mario maker focus on in its Direct and what will be revealed during the divisive (and very long) treehouse sessions. We also touch on third-party publishers Bethesda, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and Square Enix. A mix of leaks and pre-E3 announcements means much of these companies' line-ups is already known, but what surprises will there be? And did someone mention 'battle royale'? As always, you can find more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz, where we will of course be covering E3 extensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hot off the announcement of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, we're joined by SpecialEffect's Dr Mick Donegan, Joe Morgan and Bill Donegan - a trio of experts in the field of helping disabled gamers play the latest video games. This episode begins with an insight into the making of the Adaptive Controller - for which SpecialEffect was one of the consulting charities - and how it marries different forms of input to open up gaming to as wide a range of people as possible, no matter what disability may have hindered them in the past.   We also discuss the next steps for the industry and whether we can expect more devices like this to appear, as well as general tips about how developers can make their games more welcoming for disabled gamers with considerations as obvious as customisable controls to more practice and tutorial areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're joined by Mark Estdale, founder of leading voice production firm OMUK. Drawing on his experience directing actors for games ranging from best-selling PlayStation blockbuster Horizon: Zero dawn to Telltale's Game of Thrones series and indie hit hue, he discusses the elements that add up to a great performance in video games. We discuss a brief history of voice acting in games, the reasons why A-list screen actors aren't necessarily best suited to the medium, and the importance of giving performers as much context as possible when they record. There is also advice for studios looking to add voice acting on a low budget - even phone recordings can be of use - and how aspiring actors might get started in the field. As always, you can find more news, analysis and insight into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Kish Hirani, industry veteran and chief technology officer at new virtual reality start-up Terra Virtua. Recorded during the official unveiling of the subscription-based VR platform, this episode discusses the remaining barriers between virtual reality and mainstream adoption. Not only does this involve the ongoing search for that elusive 'killer app', but also a firmer understanding of what works in VR, the connection between the tech and rollercoasters, and the need for standards across the increasing number of devices on the market. As always, you can find all your news, analysis and insight into the world behind video games at www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James, Brendan and Haydn discuss the impact and implications of Mountains' debut title, Florence: a short but definitely sweet love story built around gameplay vignettes. We ponder the lessons to be learned from this acclaimed titles, both in appealing to a broader audience and exploring the wider remit of what video games can be. We also discuss other titles and developers attempting to break away from the typical gaming fare of bigger, better killfests. We also compare Florence to Final Fight and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - it makes sense if you listen in. Once done with this episode, why not read our interview with creator Ken Wong (https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-11-01-ken-wong-gamings-remit-is-up-for-us-to-challenge) or email your thoughts to james.batchelor@gamesindustry.biz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices