In this episode:
Jordan sits down with legendary game designer Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants and is best known for creating the Oddworld series, including Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus, Munch's Oddysee, Stranger's Wrath, and New 'n' Tasty!. In this first part of a two-part interview, Lorne discusses how he weaves artistic messages into his games. He also shares the secrets behind creating fan cultures that last for decades and dives into the philosophical and artistic influences driving his work.
Jordan reflects on how Lorne's approach has personally inspired him to reconnect with his passion for creating meaningful entertainment. This episode will challenge listeners to make great entertainment that is also great art!
Topics covered:
- Lorne's journey from fine arts to game development.
- How to embed deeper meaning in game design to create lasting impact.
- The concept of "Trojan horse pop" and using entertainment as a tool for societal reflection.
- How art can inspire societal change.
- How fan culture around media properties like Star Trek and Star Wars can inspire game development.
- Lorne’s views on balancing commercial success with creative integrity.
For more game industry tips:
Timestamps:
04:03 How Lorne transitioned from visual effects supervisor to game creator
05:36 Lorne’s early experiences and intellectual influences
07:20 The importance of artistic messages in entertainment
10:38 Using pop culture as a "Trojan Horse" for deeper messages
17:16 Creating games that foster empathy and hope
22:36 Balancing art and business in the game industry
27:13 The challenge of ethical capitalism in the gaming industry
30:05 Why fan culture helps games stand the test of time
35:28 The role of morality plays in shaping enduring game worlds
39:02 Lorne’s thoughts on corporate power, individualism, and modern media
46:43 Entertainment as the campfire
Resources & media mentioned in this episode:
- Oddworld Inhabitants: Learn more
- Oddworld Inhabitants (Lorne Lanning’s company)
- Abe’s Oddysee, Munch’s Oddysee, Stranger’s Wrath (Oddworld games)
- Star Trek, Star Wars, The Twilight Zone (inspirational media properties)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey, Red Dawn (film)
- Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth (influence on Star Wars)
- Black Mirror, Clockwork Orange, Firefly (TV series)
- South Park, The Muppets, The Simpsons (examples of "Trojan horse pop")
- Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Mission of Art by a guy named Alex Gray (books)