Post Games

Get bonus content in every episode at patreon.com/postgamesGet full show notes in the free newsletter at www.post.gamesWhat's it like to pursue a degree in video games? And what's life like as a video game professor?This week, my guest is Aaron Trammell, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who teaches undergraduate and graduate students about games, ranging from video games to tabletop games, the craft of design to the critique of play. Act 1: Life as a video game student Act 2: Life as a video game professor Patreon bonus: 5 new video game books to read this fall Act 3: The news of the week (Audio note: There's a little bit of audio level imbalance with my guest's recording in this episode. I was able to fix most of the issues, but it sounds just a little strange, that's why. This should be a one-off issue. Thanks for your patience!)Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get full episode notes at post.gamesGet bonus segments and episodes for $5 at patreon.com/postgamesThis week on Post Games: Act 1: The story of a video game studio in 2025 Act 2: Behind-the-scenes of A Life Well Wasted Patreon Bonus: Games and perverts Act 3: The news of the Week Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delve into the chaotic journey behind adapting a beloved video game into film. Discover the hurdles the screenwriter faced with casting and tight deadlines imposed by Capcom. Learn how the pressures of Hollywood reshaped the movie's direction and marketing. Plus, explore the challenge of juggling character inclusion while trying to deliver a compelling story, leading to a pivotal career shift for the writer into directing.

In this engaging conversation, Claire Evans—lead singer of Yacht, journalist, and game designer—discusses her latest project, Blippo+, a game that channels nostalgia for 80s and 90s cable TV. She shares insights into the unique blend of full-motion video and interactive storytelling that captures the essence of channel surfing. Claire reflects on the creative process and the cultural intersections between video games and traditional television. The episode unfolds themes of innovation, collaboration, and the emotional ties to past media experiences.

In this engaging discussion, filmmaker and video essayist Patrick H. Willems delves into the evolution of video game movie adaptations. He highlights the dramatic shift from early failures, like Super Mario Bros., to current successes such as Sonic the Hedgehog. Patrick explores the balancing act filmmakers face between fan expectations and broader audience appeal. Speculating on the future, he reveals an astonishing 46 video game adaptations in development, hinting at an exciting new era for this genre.

Get full show notes at www.post.gamesSubscribe for bonus segments and episodes, plus everything is ad-free! www.patreon.com/postgamesHeads up! You can now watch Post Games shorts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.Today's guest is musical composer, orchestrator, lyricist, conductor, and musician Mike Pettry, who climbed the rungs of the theater world and now performs in the orchestras of award-winning Broadway shows. His performances have accompanied artists like Ben Platt and Idina Menzel.But as his Broadway career blossomed, Pettry began to fantasize about something else entirely: making a musical… video game.A murder mystery musical video game, to be precise. Murder at the Birch Tree Theater is a deduction game, in the style of Return of the Obra Dinn and The Case of the Golden Idol. Set across many years at a small community theater, it tells a story of intrigue, small-time fame, and, as the title promises, murder.I talk with Pettry about juggling his two dreams on the world's biggest stage. Or under it. He plays in the orchestra after all. Act 1: A gamer in the Broadway pit Act 2: Fine-tuning a musical murder mystery game Patreon-bonus: Three original songs based on retro gaming classics, created by Mike Pettry and his longtime collaborator Eli Bolin The two previously wrote and orchestrated songs for John Mulaney’s Sack Lunch Bunch and Documentary Now! Act 3: The news of the week Like the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get full episode notes for free at www.post.gamesGet bonus content, early episodes, and extended episode notes for $5 a month at www.patreon.com/postgamesThis week on Post Games, I'm answering your questions about the future of games. Plus, an extended conversation with video game podcaster, YouTuber, and content creator Brendon Bigley about his long-running series Into the Aether and his new gaming news publication, Wavelengths.  Act 1: A Q&A about the future of video games Bonus for Patreon: The nitty-gritty bits of gaming’s future, from AI to Act 2: How to launch a new video games media brand w/ Brendon Bigley Bonus for Patreon: The trick to creating a successful podcast Act 3: The news of the week You can now watch Post Games shorts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.Like the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kaitlin Tremblay, a talented video game writer and narrative director, dives into the meaningful interactions we have with death through gaming. She discusses how games like A Mortician's Tale and Ambrosia Sky facilitate emotional growth and contemplation of mortality. Tremblay shares insights on how these narratives spark important conversations about loss and life, revealing the therapeutic potential of gaming. Her reflections challenge us to rethink mortality's role in interactive storytelling, making death a surprisingly uplifting topic.

Gaming historian Jeremy Parish, co-creator of Retronauts and Video Works, dives into the fascinating history of Donkey Kong, detailing how it saved Nintendo from decline. He discusses the innovative gameplay that made Donkey Kong a genre-defining title and its evolution through partnerships that revitalized the brand. Parish also touches on the challenges of creative freedom in modern gaming, referencing recent controversies while addressing the impact of new titles tackling deeper themes. A must-listen for any gaming enthusiast!

Stand-up comic and gaming critic Mike Drucker teams up with Tom Francis, writer and director of Tactical Breach Wizards, to explore the humor hidden in video games. They dissect how video game comedy differs from other media and share hilarious anecdotes from their gaming journeys. Insights include balancing comedic elements with narrative depth, and the cultural connections between gaming and self-identity. Listeners will enjoy tricks for crafting funny game moments and reflections on the nostalgia that shapes our love for video games.