Episode 8 - Time Travel in Games

Jesse brings on guests Bebo (of Be Bold Games) and Rich Malena-Webber (of Atomic Game Theory) to talk about how time travel is used in games. We dig deep into how videogames use time travel, including one secret time travel mechanic that's been a staple of videogames since the beginning.

We also talk about several board games that use time travel in different and interesting ways, and even brainstorm how we could bring time travel into Dungeons & Dragons!

New Rule:

When using time travel in games, keep the mechanics highly constrained: time travel is hard enough to work in when you have complete control of the narrative; adding multiple authors (players) complicates that exponentially. Make the rules very clear, and limit the ability of the travelers to affect the narrative to something you can manage.

Media References:

Super Mario Bros.
Chrono Trigger
Quantum Break
Max Payne
Viewtiful Joe
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Super Meat Boy
Celeste
Dark Souls Series
https://www.sekirothegame.com/
Moonlighter
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Groundhog Day
T.I.M.E. Stories
Braid
Dungeons & Dragons
Escape from Monkey Island