Core Elements

CE 74: Nina Freeman

This week, our experiment focuses on Nina Freeman, lead designer of Cibele. In addition to exploring the nature of intimacy in video games, we learn how to hate ourselves for playing MMOs, that we're too old for Undertale, and that if I ever want to make Spencer quit caring, I should just bring up sales reports. [MP3 AUDIO] Nina on Twitter Cibele Please help support my Patreon! Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Steam estimated to have brought i...

CE 73: Warren Spector

This week we return to the laboratory with Warren Spector, creator of some of the most iconic experiences in gaming history. In addition to discussing his illustrious career making games like Ultima Underworld, Wing Commander, Deus Ex, and Epic Mickey, we learn about his work with the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, the myriad of games he's playing but would never design, and why he'll never get a job in this industry again. Guest Co-Host: Joel Levin of MinecraftEDU. [MP3 AUDIO] Warren on T...

CE 72: Soren Johnson

This week we experiment on Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, makers of Offworld Trading Company. In addition to talking about his early access release, we discuss his history with Firaxis and EA, the eventual return of rhythm games, the frustration of unlimited turn strategy games, and the methods by which we will hobble Skynet's AI. [MP3 AUDIO] Soren on Twitter Offworld Trading Company Early Access Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Five ...

CE 71: Kristen Bornemann

From deep within the Maguma Jungle, we are joined by Kristen Bornemann of ArenaNet! Kristen talks to us about the upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2, as well as her deep and confusing love for DOTA 2. We also discuss the release of the new 3DS, the slavery inherent in Ingress, and the cost to make Core Elements sell out. [MP3 AUDIO] Kristen on Twitter Guild Wars 2 Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Smaller new 3DS will not be sold in the U.S. ...

CE 70: Gabriel Mughelli

This week, Gabriel Mughelli, Promotions Mastermind at Hi-Rez Studios, joins us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the upcoming Smite championships and Global Agenda 2, we discover why our brains like random lewtz, baffle Spencer with the popularity of e-sports, and dig into the worth of the CoD Riot Shield. [MP3 AUDIO] Gabriel on Twitter Hi-Rez Studios Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Your brain loves rewards - whether you like it o...

CE 69: John Comes

This week, John Comes of Uber Entertainment joins us in the Laboratory! In addition to discussing Planetary Annihilation and the Human Resources kickstarter, we discuss the nature of Wes's MMO addictions, ponder the space flight sim vacancy, and definitively define which Civilization game is superior. [MP3 AUDIO] John on Twitter Uber Entertainment Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] X-Wing and Tie Fighter fingally getting digital release. [LINK] ...

CE 68: Will Overgard

Will Overgard, of The Creative Assembly, joins us in the laboratory this week! In addition to discussing Total War and Alien: Isolation, we ponder the results of internet death threads, dissect the fall of the Human Resources kickstarter, and help Spencer decide whether he should finish FFXIII or squeeze every bit of game he can from it. [MP3 AUDIO] Will on Twitter The Creative Assembly Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Game Dev threatens Gabe N...

CE 67: Consortium

This week we're joined by Gregory MacMartin of iDGi, makers of Consortium. In addition to discussing their futuristic murder mystery, we contemplate the value of cancelled Blizzard games, assess the standards for debate and discourse, evaluate the concept that Mass Effect 2 is the best pc game, and statistically analyze how much programming indie game devs can do. [MP3 AUDIO] Gregory on Twitter Consortium Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My latest Unboxing video [LINK] Blizza...

CE 66: Ryan S Dancey

Our guest scientist this week is Ryan S Dancey of Goblinworks, makers of Pathfinder Online. His illustrious gaming career includes product development on Legend of the Five Rings, brokering the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast, leading the development of 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons, and marketing Eve and the World of Darkness MMO for three years with CCP. In edition to discussing these amazing gaming milestones, we discuss the acquisition of Mojang by Microsoft, the toxicity of on...

CE 65: @MikeRugnetta

After a long dormant period inside the volcano, Mike Rugnetta from PBS Idea Channel returns for a reasoned discussion about the nature of games and our media. In addition to talking about his work with PBS and podcasting, we look into the obtuse nature of non-DS Zelda, the corruption that nostalgia can throw on your game replays, and the persistent ear-plugging of the angry gamer bros. [MP3 AUDIO] Mike on Twitter PBS Idea Channel Reasonably Sound Podcast Try out Loot Crate and support...

CE 64: Pixel: ru²

This week we're joined by Charlotte and Jesse, creators of Pixel: ru2. In addition to talking about their game, we discuss the expectations that are coming from E3, the future of GoG Galaxy, and the nature of taking an indie game to PAX. [MP3 AUDIO] Charlotte on Twitter Pixel: ru2 Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My first Unboxing video [LINK] Ubisoft and Rockstar's huge oversight [LINK] Five video game trends coming out of E3 2014 [LINK] Playing Occulus Rift games at E3 [...

CE 63: Wildstar

Wildstar was released this week, and we celebrate by having Matt Mocarski and Mike Donatelli of Carbine Studios join us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the making of their game, we also explore the expectations on Facebook's Occulus project, the extraordinary challenges of MMO development, and the nature of in-game comedy. [MP3 AUDIO] Mike on Twitter Matt on Twitter Wildstar Try out Loot Crate and support the show! My first Unboxing video [LINK] Former Steam boss Jason ...

CE 62: Dragon Army

Michael Stanley, of Dragon Army, joins us in the laboratory this week to talk about Robots Love Ice Cream. In addition to discussing what constitutes a "Core Gamer", we analyze the nature of the fixated Eve assassin, contemplate the lethality of weaponized ice cream, and debate whether all of Notch's work has become autobiographical. [MP3 AUDIO] Michael on Twitter DragonArmy on Twitter Robots Love Ice Cream Try out Loot Crate and support the show! [LINK] NNPD Reports on "Core Gamer...

CE 61: Elysian Shadows

This week we're joined by Falco and Tyler, developers of the game Elysian Shadows. In addition to talking about their 2d/3d RPG, we ponder virtues of old game styles, contemplate the value of being grandfathered on Steam, and continue to allow Wes to talk about how he's MMO'd out. [MP3 AUDIO] Elysian Shadows on Twitter Falco on Twitter Tyler on Twitter Try out Loot Crate and support the show! [LINK] Nintendo Earnings negative for the third year in a row [LINK] Blizard profits fall 3...

CE 60: Phil Tibitoski

This week Spencer makes a new best friend as Phil Tibitoski joins us in the volcano. In addition to talking about Octodad, we discuss YouTubers owning the games they play, the dollar per hour cost in games, and the need for variability in enemy camps. [MP3 AUDIO] Phil on Twitter Octodad Try out Loot Crate and support the show! [LINK] One Explanation Behind EA 'Destroying' Bullfrong [LINK] YouTubers ask for a piece of game dev's profits to play their games [VID] Game Theory: Flabby B...

CE 59: Dana Massey

This week we're joined by Dana Massey of Rocket City Studios. In addition to discussing their game, Second Chance Heroes, we explore the world of 2048, we ponder the masochism of MMO development, and we pontificate on how Titanfall turns losers into winners and winners into losers. [MP3 AUDIO] Dana on Twitter Second Chance Heroes [LINK] How Razer is reinventing the gaming PC, one insane project at a time [LINK] Unreal Engine unveils new pricing structure [LINK] 2048, Doge2048, Flappy...

CE 58: Dejobaan Games

This week, Ziba Scott returns to the volcano to discuss his work with Dejobaan games, makers of Drunken Robot Pornography and the upcoming Elegy for a Dead World. In addition to discussing the YOLO naming of DRP, we ponder whether we really want smart AI, what we're doing with our PC games, and whether crowd-sourced content is exploitative. [MP3 AUDIO] Ziba on Twitter Elegy for a Dead World Dejobaan Games [LINK] Maybe We Can't Handle Smart Enemies in Our Games [LINK] When a Successfu...

CE 57: Raphael van Lierop

After a long absence, we are joined in the laboratory this week by Raphael van Lierop of Hinterland Studios. In addition to discussing his game, The Long Dark, we discuss the meaning of Flappy Bird, ponder the success of Games Workshop titles, and wonder at the emerging religions in Twitch Plays Pokemon. [MP3 AUDIO] Raphael on Twitter The Long Dark Hinterland Games [LINK] Flappy Bird creator pulls his game offline [LINK] Nintendo terminating Wi-Fi service for DS and Wii [LINK] Twitc...

CE 56: Lorne Lanning

Lorne Lanning, creator of Oddworld, steps into our laboratory to discuss his work with us. In addition to talking about Lorne's transition from film to games, we talk about breadcrumbs in MMOs, the imbecilic trolling of the gaming internet, and Spencer's New Year's insanity pact. [MP3 AUDIO] Lorne on Twitter Oddworld.Com [LINK] Trolling group using virtually unheard of NTP attack to grind popular online games to a halt. [LINK] Creative Assembly announces Alien: Isolation [LINK] PlayS...

CE 55: Steve Gaynor

This week Steve Gaynor of Fullbright joins us in the volcano to talk about his incredibly successful indie game, Gone Home. As part of his initiation, we discuss the latest YouTube shenanigans, The cinematic value of a cinematic let's play, and the strategy of price drops. [MP3 AUDIO] Steve on Twitter Gone Home [LINK] Eldritch [VID] YouTube goes crazy with the new content-id system [LINK] No Man's Sky [LINK] Telltale's Game of Thrones [LINK] Elder Scroll Online release date set at ...

CE 54: Pixel Piracy

This week we welcome Alex and Vitoli into the laboratory to talk about their new game, Pixel Piracy. In addition to discussing how they've offered their own game up as a torrent, we talk about the rights of streamers to play what they want, the relative indie-ness of gaming studios, and the true meaning of the poop deck. [MP3 AUDIO] Alex on Twitter Pixel Piracy [LINK] Riot Games tries to limit games their streamers can play [LINK] Microsoft tries to scavenge together good Xbox One num...

CE 53: Dean Tate

We experiment this week with Dean Tate, creator of Captain Bubblenaut. We ponder the massive response turnout to buy the PS4, whether space combat can save a dying space game, and what can be considered "pay to win" in "Epic Loot". [MP3 AUDIO] Dean on Twitter Captain Bubblenaut [LINK] 10 Reasons Why the PS4 is Better Than the Xbox One [LINK] Valve to release virtual reality prototype [LINK] Galactic Starfighter bringing space combat to Star Wars: The Old Republic For a video of this...

CE 52: Tim Lindsey

Tim Lindsey of Xaviant joins us in the laboratory to discuss project development on Lichdom. In addition to talking about his game, we discuss whether Warlords of Draenor will revive the fanbase, how lasers and smoke machines can help playtesting, and the usefulness of dancing and horseriding in keeping a princess alive... [MP3 AUDIO] Tim on Twitter Xaviant SHOW SPONSORS: PsychoChickenz: Did you have a wellspent youth? Join me as I replay the games I grew up with, as well as Minecraft...

CE 51: Davey Wreden

This week we are joined by one of the creators of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden of Galactic Cafe! In addition to discussing his amazing new game, we address the arcane nature of Pokemon, whether fair use of video content finally has a champion, and the challenges of picking a price for a priceless experience. [MP3 AUDIO] Davey on Twitter Galactic Cafe [LINK] Studio accused of blocking Youtube criticism [LINK] SimCity may get an offline mode after all [LINK] Steam Machine prototyp...

CE 50: Dan Teasedale

This week we welcome Dan Teasedale of No Goblin into the laboratory! In addition to discussing his rock star days with Harmonix, we consider the recent bevy of Valve announcements, the future of Super Drake Tracker, and the potential evil of social game IPOs. [MP3 AUDIO] Dan on Twitter No Goblin SHOW SPONSORS: PsychoChickenz: I replay old school games as well some new ones. [LINK] Three big announcements from Valve this week [LINK] PS Vita TV offering PS4 streaming in other rooms [...

CE 49: Joe Mirabello

This week we welcome Joe Mirabello, creator of Tower of Guns into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the success of TellTale adventure games, Origin's return policy, and what we would do to fix Civ 5. [MP3 AUDIO] Joe on Twitter The Tower of Guns Greenlight page [LINK]  Telltale Games hoping to follow up The Walking Dead with a game based on Fables [LINK]  Origin now offers full refunds For video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsdgdg-TtY4

CE 48: Kent Hudson

This week we welcome Kent Hudson, creator of The Novelist into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the true point of the X-Bone, the balance between fun and art, and the idea of giving games we don't like any of our time. [MP3 AUDIO] Kent on Twitter The Novelist [LINK] Xbox One will work without Kinect hooked up. [LINK] Card Hunter is the next great board game For video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDg72_7Rnbk

CE 47: Teddy Lee

Welcome back to the laboratory! This week we're joined by Teddy Lee of Cellar Door Games, makers of Rogue Legacy. In addition to discussing how hard it is to work with his brother, we discuss the concept of cinematic games, we cover the apparent inevitability of Ouya failure, and we show each other on this doll where the Steam sale touched us. [MP3 AUDIO] Cellar Door Games on Twitter Cellar Door Games [LINK] Nintendo claims a majority of gamers can't finish SMB 1-1 [LINK] Ouya has no...

CE 46: Ben Prunty

This week, music fills the laboratory as we welcome Ben Prunty, composer of the music of FTL and Gravity Ghost. In this episode we discuss the ubiquity of in-game stores, the mindset of the gaming DDoS, and the relative overhype of Naughty Dog. [MP3 AUDIO] Ben Prunty on Twitter Ben Prunty Music [LINK] Blizzard confirm in-game store for World of Warcraft [LINK] Hackers deserve some of the blame for costly gaming industry [LINK] Six games that put insane detail into stuff you didn't no...

CE 45: Brad Muir & Massive Chalice

This week, Brad Muir, our guest from episode #1 of Core Elements, returns to the show! In addition to discussing his recently crowd-funded game, Massive Chalice, we discuss the legal destruction of digital property, the omnipresent fear of a digital store's collapse, and the deep, deep rabbit hole of Xcom. [MP3 AUDIO] Brad Muir on Twitter Massive Chalice [LINK] Eve Players destroy $19k worth of items in-game [LINK] Darkspore DRM issues prevent people from playing [LINK] Head of Xbox ...

Core Elements Episodes are now Being Posted on YouTube!

CE 44: Joe McDonagh

After an extended absence, we return to laboratory with Joe McDonagh, founder of Blue Manchu. In addition to discussing his game project, Card Hunter, we look into the slaughter of Microsoft at E3, the curious case of Peggle's popularity, and the stressful steps into indie game development. [MP3 AUDIO] Joe on Twitter Card Hunter Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LIN...

CE #43: Todd Harris

This week we're joined in the Laboratory by Hi-Rez co-founder and COO, Todd Harris. In this episode we discuss Smite, Tribes, the difficult communities they appeal to, and the nature of designing free-to-play games. We also learn how to monetize griefing and discuss the usefulness of Steam Greenlight. [MP3 AUDIO] Todd on Twitter Hi-Rez Studios Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support...

CE 42: Monaco and Andy Schatz

Andy Schatz joins us again from the whirlwind of his upcoming Monaco: What's Yours is Mine release! For the episode (that answers the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything), we discuss slices of gum, the curious violence of Bioshock Infinite, and question the death of the personal twitter account. [MP3 AUDIO] Andy on Twitter Pocketwatch Games Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audio...

Nevermind the Bollocks

The next few weeks are going to be very trying for Wes, with the imminent birth of his latest and upcoming PAX East trip. Spencer has been a bit out of commission due to some family developments. With these in mind, it's highly unlikely that any new episodes will be released in the next few weeks. That COULD change, but it's quite difficult to book guests when your baby could be born at any minute. Please keep tuned, this podcast is not dead... and we do have some open invitations to so...

CE 41: Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson, Vice-President of Tripwire Interactive, joins us this week in the laboratory. In addition to discussing Killing Floor and Red Orchestra, we talk about the value of community input into game design, the balance between the ESRB and regulation, and how we are all going to be MLG-pro [MP3 AUDIO] Tripwire Interactive Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] G...

Good Reviews are Rocket Fuel

I cannot describe how incredible it is when people "get" your show. Thank you, folks!

CE 40: Michael McMain

Xaviant CEO, Michael McMain joins us this week on the show. In addition to discussing their work in progress, Lichdom, we discuss the place of consoles in the gaming universe, the inescapable siren call of Skyrim, and the big gay planet of The Old Republic. Skype was particularly cruel to the audio quality this week, so please pardon the hiss. [MP3 AUDIO] Xaviant Lichdom Lichdom Play Tester Sign-up Get $3 off today at Loot Crate w/ code "DEAD". Lootcrate.com/deadworkers Get a 30-da...

CE 39: Erin Robinson

For our first episode of the new year, Erin Robinson is our guest in the Laboratory! In addition to talking about Gravity Ghost, we ask her about her technological influence, her path to indie development, and whether Spencer should make a game about words or insects. [MP3 AUDIO] Erin on Twitter Gravity Ghost Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Does calling it a “beta” justify selling an unfinished game? [LINK] Gabe Newell talks about ...

CE 38: Robert Moran

Robert Moran, of URealms fame, joins us this week in the laboratory! Here off his whirlwind Kickstarter tour, Robert shares his gaming wit and wisdom with us. In this episode we discuss the dubious connection between popularity and income, the ramifications of Warcraft questing, and the untimely undeath of the $15 subscription model. [MP3 AUDIO] Robert on Twitter The Unforgotten Quest Kickstarter Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] To...

CE 37: Eric Zimmerman

This week we are joined by Eric Zimmerman, founder of GameLab and author of Rules of Play. In this episode we discuss how games are becoming integral to our entire life experience, the reason behind our lack of female game developers, and why sex in video games feels so dirty, dirty, and wrong. [MP3 AUDIO] Eric on Twitter EricZimmerman.com Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] #1ReasonWhy hashtag shares reasons the game industry has such...

CE 36: Ziba Scott

This week we are once again sans Spencer, but we have with us Ziba Scott, the independant game designer behind Girls Like Robots. In this episode we discuss PS3 hostility towards hackers, the siren song of MMOs, and the curious nostalgia of gaming manuals. [MP3 AUDIO] Ziba on Twitter PopCannibal Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Playstation to terminate all accounts that use have hacked PS3 content [LINK] Are Game Manuals just outda...

CE 35: Mike Rugnetta

This week we are joined by Mike Rugnetta of PBS Idea Channel! Sharing with us his unique intellectual angle on media, we cover topics about myopic gaming choices, the value of open-sourced hardware, and experiencing the unexperiencable. [MP3 AUDIO] Mike Rugnetta on Twitter PBS Idea Channel Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Microsoft Glass for Android is released [LINKS] Guild Wars 2: Power vs. Precision, and Vitality vs. Toughness ...

CE 34: Josh Tsui

This week we bring Josh Tsui into the laboratory! President of Robomodo, makers of the newest games in the Tony Hawk series, Josh joins us in a lively discussion of monetized videos, mobile gaming vs. desktop gaming, and the tough line to talk between nostalgia and innovation! [MP3 AUDIO] Josh Tsui on Twitter Robomodo Games Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Project Eternity is on a roll! [LINK] Zynga 2nd worst performing stock of 20...

CE #33: Scott McMillan

This week, Scott Macmillan of MacGuffin Games joins Core Elements to talk about his studio, it's death, and subsequent resurrection. In addition to discussing our Warcraft problems, we'll cover the magic of Hero Academy, the balance between art and money in gaming, and the curious desire to escape gaming. [MP3 AUDIO] Scott Macmillan on Twitter MacGuffin Games "Death of an Indie Studio" slides Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Biowar...

CE #32: Brendon Chung

This week we are joined by Brendon Chung of Blendo Games. Brendon has made such fantastic titles as Atom Zombie Smasher, Gravity Bone, and Flotilla. In this episode, we discuss the use of descriptive adjectives in game titles, the dubious merit of new console hardware, the worth of sex in gaming, and the quality of Spencer's internet connection. [MP3 AUDIO] Brendon Chung on Twitter Blendo Games Thirty Flights of Loving on Steam Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook...

CE #31: Dan Silvers Reprise

Dan Silvers returns to the Laboratory for a new round of experiments! In this episode, we discuss the waning Blizzard love, Microsoft's fear of Steam, and the unawesomeness of Awesomenauts. The audio this week was not recorded locally and had to be recovered from Twitch... so please forgive the poor quality. [MP3 AUDIO] Dan Silvers on Twitter Lantana Games Children of Liberty on Steam Greenlight Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] Do...

CE #30: Roger Craig Smith

This summer has seen a terrible drought for booking guests, but it appears the fall has graced us with more open schedules! This week, we welcome Roger Craig Smith, voice actor supreme! On top of doing the voices of Ezio from Assassin's Creed, he's know as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, Chris Redfield, and a host of other characters in animation and gaming. In this episode, we discuss the creation of social networks, how to figure out if your stand-up career is doomed, and why we want ...

CE #29: Ron Gilbert & Chad Dawson

Double Fine graces the laboratory with more of it's excellent game creators! This week we welcome the dubiously ubiquitous Ron Gilbert, of Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island fame, and Chad Dawson, lead programmer on The Cave and AI developer for over a decade. Additionally, although Spencer was getting his face operated on (thank god!), Eric Fullerton offered to fill in! In this episode, we discuss the chick-magnet capabilities of classic computers, the ever-present question of why anyone ...

CE #28: Kevin Dent

We finally get Kevin Dent into the lab to dissect his opinions on a wide array of industry subjects! This week we discuss Rekoil, 38 Studios and Radical games, the excesses and failures of E3, and the real reason Cliff Bleszinski won't reply to your clever tweets. [MP3 AUDIO] Kevin on Twitter Rekoil Get a 30-day free trial of Netflix Try a free audiobook and support the show! [LINK] The call to ban booth babes at E3 [LINK] Warren Spector: "The ultraviolence has to stop" [LINK] That...