From the SEGA Nomad to the Virtual Boy, gaming history is littered with devices that stumbled at launch but paved the way for the future. In this episode, we dive into the tech that was “half-baked but ahead of its time” - motion controls before Wii, VR before Oculus, cloud gaming before Stadia. We share stories of quirky peripherals, failed handhelds, and bold experiments from SEGA, Nintendo, and more. Sometimes failures, sometimes forgotten gems, these experiments helped shape how and where...
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From the SEGA Nomad to the Virtual Boy, gaming history is littered with devices that stumbled at launch but paved the way for the future. In this episode, we dive into the tech that was “half-baked but ahead of its time” - motion controls before Wii, VR before Oculus, cloud gaming before Stadia. We share stories of quirky peripherals, failed handhelds, and bold experiments from SEGA, Nintendo, and more. Sometimes failures, sometimes forgotten gems, these experiments helped shape how and where...
From the SEGA Nomad to the Virtual Boy, gaming history is littered with devices that stumbled at launch but paved the way for the future. In this episode, we dive into the tech that was “half-baked but ahead of its time” - motion controls before Wii, VR before Oculus, cloud gaming before Stadia. We share stories of quirky peripherals, failed handhelds, and bold experiments from SEGA, Nintendo, and more. Sometimes failures, sometimes forgotten gems, these experiments helped shape how and where...
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Tsao, a fellow Sega veteran. Before her time as a creative director at SEGA, Jennifer was managing editor for Electronic Gaming Monthly and Next Generation, and she later contributed to VentureBeat and GamesBeat. Jennifer shares insights from her unique path: what people often misunderstand about casual games, what it takes to run a magazine, and how the early days of 1UP Yours and The 1UP Show helped launch the podcast and YouTube gaming generation...
We talk with David Wood, who has been working on video games since the Genesis era. At SEGA, he helped drive business development by signing titles across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. His portfolio ranged from licensed blockbusters like The Golden Compass and Iron Man to SEGA-branded PSP and iPhone games. David later brought his expertise to Sony’s mobile division and Bandai Namco, navigating the unique challenges of working with Japanese teams. He also shares some interes...
Michelle Vuckovich’s career in gaming traces a path from licensed console titles to the cutting edge of cloud gaming. She began at SEGA, contributing to projects like The Incredible Hulk and the trend-chasing Daisy Fuentes Pilates on Wii, before moving into the fast-paced world of social games at Zynga. In this conversation, we reflect on SEGA’s experiments with Marvel properties, explore the creative tension of casual game development, and dive deep into Google Stadia, where Michelle offers ...
From Phantasy Star IV to Elder Scrolls IV, RPGs have a way of enduring. In this conversation, we celebrate the genre’s persistence, from the grind that comforts casual players to the progression systems that now define almost every game. Alongside that, we explore remakes as both art and business: when they succeed (Last of Us, Resident Evil) and when the shine wears off. Some bonus historical content around Switch pre-order frenzy.
Andy Alamano’s career spans two decades of game development across some of the industry’s most storied studios. He began at LucasArts, with Bounty Hunter as an early highlight, before moving to SEGA to work on titles like Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, Captain America, and cult favorite Alpha Protocol. In this conversation, we revisit LucasArts’ creative peak, dive into SEGA’s brand experiments, and explore what it was like navigating the rise of free-to-play at Kabam. Andy also reflects on ...
Remember when SEGA and Nintendo were sworn enemies? In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey from the 16-bit console wars to the modern era of cooperation. From Sonic on GameCube to the wild success of Mario & Sonic at the Olympics, SEGA’s shift from hardware maker to Nintendo ally changed the industry. We share behind-the-scenes stories from working at SEGA during this transition, favorite cross-platform titles, and why Switch 2 may be the ultimate home for SEGA fans.
Afsal Kuner’s career has traced the evolution of online gaming. He helped shape the early days of SEGA’s online presence, navigated bold experiments like Nokia’s N-Gage, and brought his technical and leadership skills to PlayStation. In this conversation, we explore the birth of networked play, the unexpected breadth of licensed titles on N-Gage, and what it means to be too early with technology. Afsal also shares stories about the quirkiest peripherals, and insights into the battle between D...
From studio founder and CEO (Demiurge Studios) to bedroom game developer, Al Reed has always taken an entrepreneurial approach to mining the gaming landscape for pockets of opportunity. His success has come from his commitment to creating game experiences that really know their intended audiences. Join us as Al shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments of his career, including how a passion for player-driven experiences shaped his approach to design and leadership. We dig into the art of sm...
We sit down with Klay Vorlick to explore the cross-cultural complexities of game development and publishing. Klay shares stories from his time at SEGA and Sony, diving into what it was like helping bring Japanese titles like Panzer Dragoon Orta and Skies of Arcadia to Western audiences. We talk about the surprising challenges of working with Japanese developers while based in the US, what it means to be Japanese-speaking in an American office, and how principles of design can clash across ter...
From Sonic Dash to Crazy Taxi to a near-mythical PS3 Bayonetta rescue mission, Chris Southall’s journey through the games industry is a masterclass in adaptation, precision, and passion. In this episode, we talk about founding Sega’s elite dev rescue team, building Hardlight Studio, wrangling with IP stakeholders (including Sonic Team and a certain Hulk Hogan cameo), and the evolution from boxed product to live service games. Join us for a conversation full of war stories, wisdom, and some un...
(This episode was recorded in October 2024) VR veteran David Jagneaux joins the podcast to talk all things virtual reality—what’s working, what’s not, and where we go next. From design hurdles like motion sickness to the thrill of immersive worldbuilding, it’s a look at a medium still discovering its full potential.
Game designer Katina Noonan joins the show to talk about building games with empathy, intention, and awareness. From her work on titles like Game of War and Castle Story to broader reflections on representation, community building, and leadership as a woman in games, Katina brings hard-won insights and a clear-eyed look at what it means to create experiences that welcome everyone. The conversation also dives into free-to-play monetization ethics, allyship, and what it takes to sustain a meani...
Former SEGA insider Marc Cellucci takes us behind the scenes of titles like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. Hear stories about working with legendary developers like Nagoshi-san and the impact of Japanese culture on gaming.
Chris and Ethan are joined by veteran games journalist Chris “CJ” Johnston for a deep dive into Nintendo’s latest handheld, the Switch 2. Drawing on CJ’s 30 years in the industry,including his influential time at Electronic Gaming Monthly, the conversation blends first impressions of the Switch 2 with a broader historical perspective. From launch games and peripherals to the joy of playing Yakuza on the go, this isn’t your standard hardware review, but a thoughtful look at how portable gaming...
Chris and Ethan dive deep into the world of portable gaming, from handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck to mobile gaming. They explore the challenges of adapting AAA games to touch screens to the rise of free-to-play models and discuss the appeal console-quality titles on the go.
(This episode was recorded in late 2024) Ethan, a passionate collector, makes the case for physical game ownership, while Chris champions the convenience of digital. Together, they explore nostalgia, preservation, and how distribution is evolving in today’s gaming landscape.
Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024 Mary Casey joins to discuss immersive experiences in games like Astro Bot, GTA Role Play, and Beat Saber. The episode also explores the role of anonymity in social VR and how identity shapes modern multiplayer interaction.
Veteran developer Mike Gallo joins the show to share stories from a career that spans Konami classics to genre-defining RPGs like Knights of the Old Republic. We discuss the challenges of porting complex games to consoles, the importance of player engagement, and how technology has shaped game development over time. Mike also shares his experiences building vibrant communities around online games like Realm of the Mad God.
Step into the world of SEGA nostalgia as Chris and Ethan share their personal journeys through the Dreamcast era. From the groundbreaking visuals of Sonic Adventure to the buttery-smooth gameplay of SoulCalibur, they explore how the console captured the hearts of hardcore gamers. Plus, get a glimpse of what it was like working at SEGA during a time of innovation, excitement, and scrappy underdog energy.
From the SEGA Nomad to the Virtual Boy, gaming history is littered with devices that stumbled at launch but paved the way for the future. In this episode, we dive into the tech that was “half-baked but ahead of its time” - motion controls before Wii, VR before Oculus, cloud gaming before Stadia. We share stories of quirky peripherals, failed handhelds, and bold experiments from SEGA, Nintendo, and more. Sometimes failures, sometimes forgotten gems, these experiments helped shape how and where...
