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    History

    They Create Worlds

    The games we love reveal something true about who we are, and about the world that made them. They Create Worlds is a podcast about the people, technology, and forces that built the video game industry. 

    Through video game history, the show looks at how culture, business, and technology shaped what we play, tracing the choices and circumstances that led to the games so many people around the world enjoy. 

    Each episode digs into where games came from, who made them, and why they were made the way they were. Business decisions, technological shifts, and creative choices all shaped what ended up on screen, and the show covers all of it together, not just one piece in isolation. 

    Hosted by Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum, They Create Worlds grew out of long conversations about the strange corners of the industry and the patterns that only show up when you look across companies, platforms, and decades. That conversational feel remains, built on careful research, clear structure and editing that makes even the deepest topics easy to listen to. 

    History turns out to be less settled than it looks. New documents surface, memories conflict, and the clean stories about why things happened the way they did rarely survive contact with the evidence. The show digs into all of that, following the creative and business forces that pushed and pulled on each other, and uncovering the human stories that lie beneath the games so many people around the world enjoy. 

    New episodes are released twice a month. 

    Advertise

    Copyright: © Copyright 2015-2019 . All rights reserved.

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Vestiges of Atari Aug 01, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 047 - Vestiges of Atari

    In our fourth and final episode investigating the rise and fall of the original Atari we delve into the factors that caused the fall of Atari. We cover the lead up to and tipping point of the variety of factors that lead to the crash. No one entity can take the blame for it. The major factors including distribution, overzealous sales forecasts, and Warner interference came to a head by the end of 1982 leading to the fracturing of the company a year and a half later.

    Pacman Atari 2600: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCPpgt0s70U

    ET Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ7TtE4hb1k

    Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark Atari 2600: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP-e0-0PpLc

    Mrs Pac Man 2600 vs 7800: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD4z0u_QZp8&t=220s

    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/


    Atari, Ray Kassar and Warner Jul 15, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 046 - Atari, Ray Kassar and Warner

    We continue on to part three of our four part look into Atari. We delve into Atari under the leadership of Ray Kassar. It becomes apparent that while Ray did make mistakes the leadup to the fall of Atari cannot be entirely placed at his feet. We also explore the role of Warner in the direction Atari took and the difficult decision on whether to concentrate on home console or PC. We also delve into the Arcade side of things and how, while successful, they were not without their growing problems.

    Atari Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqcDFAphThY

    Space Invaders Atari 2600: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opru6qPsPa4

    Atari Arcade Battlezone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymrYkbEbnEQ

    Atari 400 and 800: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-InWwzs8Em0

    Asteroids Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYSupJ5r2zo

    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/


    Atari, Ventures and Acquisitions Jul 01, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 045 - Atari, Ventures and Acquisitions

    In our second of four episodes detailing the rise and fall of the core Atari company we go over the rapid expansion of the company, and its ever increasing need for capital. Atari had to court venture capital, and got the patronage of Don Valentine. Later on to secure the funding needed for the VCS launch they had to be acquired by a larger company; that company was Warner Communications. This acquisition as we start to explore was a blessing and a curse. It ultimately led to the ouster of Nolen Bushnell, and Joe Keenan from Atari. Now it would start a new era under the leadership of Ray Kassar.

    Atari Arcade Tank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OsBUzYBJgU

    Atari Home Pong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqBlrULrbsg

    Atari VCS Hardware Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7n5o5Wq3q4

    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/


    Founding, Syzygy to Atari Jun 15, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 044 - Founding, Syzygy to Atari

    Part one of our four-part dive into Syzygy/Atari! We cover the personal histories of the founders, and how the company would not really be a company without the efforts of Nolan Bushnell. We go into the controversy of where he learned of Spacewar. Then off to the debut hit for Atari of PONG. We cover the rocky road Atari had after its initial launch, and how it nearly could have just been a flash in the pan like many companies that came after.

    The Mandela Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMXnCCFS2-Q

    Full Nolan Interview in '73: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp0BBnBdsVo

    Computer Space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhdu2Jh9cuc

    Space Race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDtdKxZ9vWk

    Pong Doubles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09qHnr1DMwA

    Gotcha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoDZoZqsHF8

    Gran Trak 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R014taK2pZM

    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/


    Personal Gaming Histories Jun 01, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 043 - Personal Gaming Histories

    We go over some of our early memories of being introduced to video games. Joys, tragedies, and hilarity. Very much in the vein of what inspired us to start doing this podcast. This is a light hearted episode that may help you to reflect on favorite memories from your past. So stay a while and listen as we reminisce!

    Gray and Orange Zapper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQnYsEKzJKw

    Necromancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg-XP-4LbVo

    Archon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdfIfC9BHwQ

    Think Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYmMs_eo4c8

    Civilization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpW9jTULNmM

    Dune 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tppjzT-su0Q

    Dragon Quest/Warrior Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_TlZFCabiM

    Tie Fighter Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4-EnCc-JKk

    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/


    Laser Craze May 15, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 042 - Laser Craze

    We cover the brief, yearlong, craze that was the laserdisc. We go into great detail on Dragon's Lair the game that really kicked it off in the United States. Though many other companies tried to take advantage of the medium, unfortunately it was unable to sustain itself. There were a few games that did as well, if not better than Dragon's Lair, they all ended up being part of what was just a brief fad in the downward trend of the arcade scene.

    Quarter Horse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Imd1acT2qc

    Astron Belt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPLX6HSZsx4

    Dragon's Lair Promotion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZrgeI0DDP8

    Dragon's Lair Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6uEx5gWovA

    Dragon's Lair NES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyGTMTJ6egU

    Dragon's Lair Coleco Adam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSinFyg6Y5Q

    The Making of Dragon's Lair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bIxeYYSm-c

    Cliff Hanger Operator Promotion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc5MKWJ7j6Y

    M.A.C.H. 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm5u4ErDPF4

    Star Rider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soQbVEb3-TQ

    Bega's Battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J2JVgUqSdE

    Cobra Command: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN1LC2s4P-w

    Firefox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnHl0fyejqc

    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/


    Beating Them All Up May 01, 2017
    Show notes

    TCW Podcast Episode 41 - Beating Them All Up

    We delve into beat 'em ups, and fighters. We cover why they did not take hold until computer technology progressed far enough to allow for human analogs to be animated well. We go into the beat 'em up craze, and then the transition to fighting games that occurred with the release of Street Fighter II. We touch on the fall of fighting games from the mainstream with Tekken and Soul Calibur. The scene is still out there, and has a dedicated following. However fighters are not the system sellers they once were.

    Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX4NspoYD8o

    Jungle Hunt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPATWODXlh4

    Apple II Karateka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqk9kosCs4

    Spartan X: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jncBelS_Nhk

    Karate Champ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwV3xqS9_aQ

    Renegade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1fl38u9I9k

    Double Dragon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfZz-1e-dUQ

    Yie Ar Kung Fu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXOL8tZQX20

    Street Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8al2U4xSFNQ

    Final Fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyAHGHo22Og

    Fatal Fury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG17S8yRz6A

    Street Fighter II World Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI284D4y1q4

    An Oral History of Street Fighter II: http://www.polygon.com/a/street-fighter-2-oral-history

    NARC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3jonU-XrK4

    Mortal Kombat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F82XAvCuVc

    Virtual Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-9TUlCcib0

    Tekken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GmSF_PqL84

    Soul Edge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgb64WBw_Ww

    Soul Calibur Arcade VS Dreamcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Rdg6A-KJs

    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/


    Sierra On-Line Apr 15, 2017
    Show notes

    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/


    On-Line Systems Apr 01, 2017
    Show notes

    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/


    Origin Story Mar 15, 2017
    Show notes

    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/


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