They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 40 - Sierra On-Line We delve into the second half of the story of Sierra.  We cover how they managed to regroup, and rebuild from the company being close to a complete collapse.  We cover many of the classics of the era.  Even though many of them are not as fondly remembered today; they are still important for pushing gaming on the PC to new and impressive heights.  Unfortunately we also cover how Sierra was torn apart after its acquisition, and Ken Williams leaving the company shortly thereafter in the late 90's and early 2000's. Wizard of OZ Black and White to Technicolor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6D8PAGelN8 Police Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCgFYW1--JI Space Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4-e6T4sqXc Leisure Suit Larry The Land of the Lounge Lizards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyvi1pdDPUc Secret of Monkey Island on Various Sound Cards (Including PC Speaker): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr-84mjV3CI King's Quest IV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCqDIRMRTTY Ways to Die in King's Quest 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPXP5KkcMQ A-10 Tank Killer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hQTLwkGuE Gabriel Knight Sins of the Fathers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbjXuPa1uW0 Quest For Glory I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxbfd8eB89Y Phantasmagoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAXC-MwfpHA Half Life 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoV9o6b91Sc New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month! TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 039 - On-Line Systems   On-Line systems is the company that eventually becomes Sierra Online.  The brainchild of Ken and Roberta Williams.  We go over the  reasons for the company's founding, and the unique makeup of the company's initial titles.  Unfortunately due to backing the proverbial wrong horse multiple times after investment by a venture capital firm they are on the brink of failure during the mid to late 80's.   Shadow of Yserbius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnJ7BBwKZI0&t=762s   PDP8E Running Adventure with a Z52 Terminal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJdq3gK6M78   Colossal Cave Adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFrWH0na0A   Mystery House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwHwPvIHBs   The Wizard and the Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUHATnGbwl0   Time Zone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBE8K0XG65I   The Dark Crystal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBNMWnn0I6g   PC JR King's Quest 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymLvOunSuoQ   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 038 - Origin Story   We cover the rise and fall of Origin Systems.  A company that is very much defined by one of its founders Richard Garriott.  We cover the company's pre-founding as Richard tried to get his games published, and distributed to the public.  We then delve into its founding and growth into one of the great influencers of the video game industry.  Ultimately ending up with the company's dissolution by EA in 2004, we see what factors led up to how we see Origin, and EA today.   Escape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjqTn93cZOc   Akalabeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmq-cO1RCoA   Ultima I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uv22hlykLM   Time Bandits Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwnjENpIyq0   Ultima II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHftrFz1gjs   Times of Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwzRVKi8pZ4   Space Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyx6evq360   Wing Commander: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9Z4q8y-FhY   Ultima Underworld: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuNymTPko3Y   Ultima Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDvJ8RketA   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 037 - Nintendo and Gunpei Yokoi   We go over the career of Gumpei Yokoi.  From his falling into a job at Nintendo until his untimely death.  We cover his contributions to Nintendo, and the game industry, and set the record straight on what he did, and did not have influence on.  In the end his true legacy is the talent he mentored, philosophy, and vision that still influences Nintendo to this day.   Game and Watch Collection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HZiBtXwyHM   Radar Scope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvAq7Kckid8   Arcade Donkey Kong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBHJhla8TO4   Arcade Mario Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54olndhqPSA   NES Speed Run Metroid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67kQ3l-1qMs   Kids React to Gameboy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pCp8g-VjOs   Virtual Boy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjz4bls_gPs   The Wonderswan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPJrmNq-1Ow   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 036 - Raiding Eidos   We go over the rise and fall of Eidos.  A company that rose high on the huge success of Tomb Raider, and due to a number of factors ended up being in such dire straits they were ultimately purchased by SquareEnix.    C64 Rick Dangerous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwBIDlcMU5Y   Sega CD/Mega CD Thunderhawk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPS6ObO7ZdM   Tomb Raider Sega Saturn VS PlayStation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6ZzjgJuo54   Lucozade Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR2CueIrqoc   Seat Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfslfqn7AwI   Lara Croft U2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvInYhF9CfE   Tomb Raider 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xBFjw7Si_s   Tomb Raider 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR727qXuk8g   Tomb Raider 4 Ending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA5D8pMVvxk   Tomb Raider Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FdBd-FZlu0   Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxtaPEQdIYE   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 035 - EA The Teenage Years   We go over the transition of EA from a small idealistic company where programmers are rock stars; to the start of the company becoming the large enterprise it is today.  We cover Trip Hawkins later years at the helm of EA and the rising businessman Larry Probst who would later succeed him as president and CEO in the early 90's.  We go over the founding of EA Sports one of the most recognizable franchises in videogame history.   C64 one on one Dr. J VS Larry Bird: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URobcuTcBFU   C64 Skyfox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SurusNWvDmw   Music Construction Set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6wxP4fipaE   Racing Destruction Set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGgiMmo_nT8&t=847s   Tales of the unknown Vol 1 The Bard's Tale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwYrfaJ1iBM   Mail Order Monsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azyqd45WQYA   C64 Skate or Die: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEFp7SOLfxU   Iron Man in Deluxe Paint (Dpaint) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6ZZ5GngCFg   Amiga Earl Weaver Baseball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKp_fP06f0Q   5 Version of Jordan VS Bird One on One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQS5VuUANJg   PC Lakers vs Celtics NBA Playoffs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHw9Xu89jEM   TV Sports Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvA0qlecPNI   Apple II John Madden Football:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjBnF9gVEeI   Sega Joe Montana Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNYZuJ_Lblg   Sega John Madden Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaSTAGEGwB4   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 034 -The Nutting Associates   We go into the murky history of Nutting Associates.  This company's founding, and a large part of its history is still unclear due to the lack of proper documentation along with contradictory evidence and testimony.  We look at how Nutting is more than just Computer Space, and by association Nolan Bushnell.  Though Nutting Associates did not survive past the 70's it still had some influence in the arcade industry and paved the way for advancements that came later on.   IQ Computer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh2j3W6me-U   Computer Space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMicrUywSY   Computer Space Ball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U33oajPSzyc   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 033 - The Saga of Sega   A brief Namco Update, and then we delve into Sega.  We covered them before in episode 5, this time we go into detail of the company's middle and later years.  We cover how Sega changed hands from an American to Japanese company, and look at some of the products they produced during this era.   Wild Gunman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzxcsaIxaZg   Electro Dart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7EgQ0b8Q-Y   Blockade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXXk8w9yd2s   Frogger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8ZSOUU5Pt0   Astron Belt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPLX6HSZsx4   Hang On:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tMqHX-4gMg   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 032 - History of the Atari Brand   We go over the history of the Atari brand.  We go from its inception all the way to modern times with the only Atari name being owned by a company in France.  The brand changes many hands throughout the years.  The initial name split occurring under Warner Communications.  The Atari name has a bit of an allure and curse.  Many companies see the value in the properties, but almost every company that buys the properties enters into financial troubles.   The Atari History Timeline by Michael Current: http://mcurrent.name/atarihistory/   Atari Jaguar Infomercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-NBFaNSDYs   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 031 - An Epic Game   We cover the history of EPIC as one of the few remaining independent developers left.  They are most known for the creation of the Unreal Engine, and Gears of War.  They have an interesting history of having a distributed business that includes developers from around the world.  Love the unreal engine or hate it.  Epic's influence on middleware, and the game industry continues to this day.   ZZT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pccbymHpZnU   Kingdom of Kroz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPz7xVt93Zo   Jill of the Jungle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7E-P4VJbdg   Jazz Jackrabbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b16upFloYak   Epic Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU_7aG_NibI   SolarWinds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NajV4KUSDo0   Magic Carpet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zsPl4Ampw   Unreal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3qc6VIHB40   America's Army: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOzGI1oL1oc   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: tcwpodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Alex's Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download:http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love  Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/