Post Games

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 pitAct 2: Fine-tuning a musical murder mystery gamePatreon-bonus: Three original songs based on retro gaming classics, created by Mike Pettry and his longtime collaborator Eli BolinThe two previously wrote and orchestrated songs for John Mulaney’s Sack Lunch Bunch and Documentary Now!Act 3: The news of the weekLike 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.

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 gamesBonus for Patreon: The nitty-gritty bits of gaming’s future, from AI toAct 2: How to launch a new video games media brand w/ Brendon BigleyBonus for Patreon: The trick to creating a successful podcastAct 3: The news of the weekYou 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.

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.

Wade Rosen, CEO of Atari, is on a mission to revive the iconic gaming brand after decades of decline. The conversation dives into Atari's rich history and its challenges post-1983 crash. Rosen shares his strategies for modernization while honoring nostalgia. He discusses innovative projects merging retro and contemporary gaming, as well as the dual nature of Atari's audience—players and collectors. With humor and insight, he outlines how Atari plans to balance classic charm with new gameplay to reclaim its place in the gaming world.

Xalavier Nelson Jr. joins the discussion as a multifaceted creator behind indie studio Strange Scaffold. He explores the evolving landscape of game development, balancing optimism and anxiety. Key topics include the potential golden age of gaming by 2025, the impact of financial pressures on creativity, and the infiltration of AI in game design. Nelson also addresses recent industry challenges, like mass layoffs at major companies, while emphasizing the importance of originality and sustainable practices in fostering innovation.

Join Jason Gastro, better known as Video Game Dunkey, a renowned YouTube critic and indie publisher, as he explores his tumultuous love/hate relationship with Death Stranding. He candidly shares his evolving perspective on the game, discussing its unique gameplay and narrative depth, as well as its unexpected pandemic foresight. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into the bizarre ideas behind Death Stranding 2 and the complexities of video game criticism, wrapped in his signature humor and insight.

Join Sarah Elmaleh, a prominent voice actor and chair of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, and Dorian Lynskey, an author exploring apocalyptic storytelling. They dive into the urgent need for AI protections in creative industries, discussing insights from the recent strike. Topics include the fine line between human creativity and AI capabilities, the potential dangers of unchecked AI, and dystopian futures that loom if society leans too heavily on technology. Their rich conversations illuminate the balance between innovation and human integrity.