They Create Worlds

By: Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Love of the worlds created by video game designers and personalities drives Alex Smith & Jeffrey Daum (history, law, CS degrees) to provide a scholarly yet light-hearted discussion of how arcade, home console, and PC games merged into a Video Game Industry. Emphasis is on the combination of business and creative elements needed for financial success. Interviews of Atari, EA, Activision, & other execs with detailed source evaluations produce the insights you hear in these 140+ hours!
    Copyright 2015-2019 . All rights reserved.
    Show more Show less
activate_WEBCRO358_DT_T2
Episodes
  • The Games of Ed Logg

    The Games of Ed Logg
    Sep 1 2024
    TCW Podcast Episode 217 - The Games of Ed Logg Ed Logg had a long and distinguished career in Atari's coin-op division. Initially aspiring to be a math professor, his path changed after encountering the Atari 2600 at a friend's Christmas party. While at Atari, Logg created the legendary game Asteroids, which became a massive success. He continued his streak with Super Breakout and co-created Centipede with Dona Bailey. Inspired by his son's love of Dungeons & Dragons, and the game Dandy, Logg developed the classic Gauntlet. He later created one of the first arcade first-person shooters, Xybots. Although his attempts to transition into the 3D era with games like Steel Talons, San Francisco Rush, and Dr. Muto did not achieve the same level of success; Ed Logg's deep understanding of what makes a great arcade game has left a lasting impact not only in the coin-op space, but across the entire gaming industry. TCW 081 - The Meeting of SpaceWar: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-meeting-of-spacewar/ TCW 022 - The Galaxy Game: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-galaxy-game/ Sprint 2 (Atari - Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R32e7O6tfdg TCW 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-2/ Super Breakout - Progressive mode (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EyrTQGt_tU Atari Video Pinball (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4aB8ukBIcM Asteroids (Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBVGCw5kl9E TCW 212 - The Exidy of the 70's: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-exidy-of-the-70s/ TCW 213 - The Exidy of the 80's and 90's: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-exidy-of-the-80s-and-90s/ Centipede (Arcade Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwh3wcrUtR8 Centipede (Arcade Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7XEmf02zEM Millipede (Arcade Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rU6aKcyGqc Millipede (Arcade Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8IX8Y2t0LQ Maze Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSja0y0N-N8 Road Runner (Laserdisc Arcade): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7v55T3dxyk Dandy (Atari 800): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8grHJweO4 Tank 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0NMfl32t2Y Gauntlet (Arcade Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me68G1l-kPY Gauntlet (Arcade Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtNv4AlJhQM Gauntlet (Commercial): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oju5vAfFBDc Gauntlet 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78A0p5jfjVk Xybots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrvfBUjvj2k Othello (VCS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNx9ULi3Uk Tengen Tetris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUJbiLJrkgo Steal Talons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg5IF50mJrY San Francisco Rush (N64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl9PXqG0dvg Dr Muto (Ps2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-558CiCOqcc New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month! TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1 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/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • The 100 Games Redux - The Removal

    The 100 Games Redux - The Removal
    Aug 15 2024
    TCW Podcast Episode 216 - The 100 Games Redux - The Removal We revisit our list of the top 100 most influential games, making decisions on what to keep, remove, or change. We’ve removed 19 games and altered another—do you agree with our choices? What would you add or remove? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Email us at feedback@TheyCreateWorlds.com to make your case. We’ll use your feedback in our September 15, 2024 episode, where we will revisit the list, add new games, and reorder the top 20. Join us for a fun debate on what deserves a spot! TCW 098 - The 100 Most Influential Games Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-100-most-influential-games-part-1/ TCW 099 - The 100 Most Influential Games Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-100-most-influential-games-part-2/ TCW 100 - The 100 Most Influential Games Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-100-most-influential-games-part-3/ Roko's Basilisk : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roko%27s_basilisk Pac-Man Fever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrwnAdqBCg0 The Original list of Games: (Removed) -- Pot Shot (Scorched Earth DOS video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDw_mpjKlpg Star Trek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6f9_9kzuzk Star Raiders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_VDM8nC9sM Empire (Plato): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qodf2AjrEQo The Dungeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm53IKtL9zw Computer Space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3BQsCCwo8w Gran Trak 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYEcDpBLDpc (Removed) -- Speed Race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jc9_xrD2_M Table Tennis (Odyssey): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfmL6l128JU Breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW7Sg5pXAok Scramble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vc-RIkpk40 Heiankyo Alien (Game Boy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY3qVBkIu74 Xevious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpyFHvPizYM (Removed) -- Gradius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-OaZv3Jfkg Mortal Kombat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F82XAvCuVc Street Fighter 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI284D4y1q4 Dragon's Lair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dg4J9_nes One on One (c64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URobcuTcBFU (Removed) -- Brezerk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFSQ0Pl4KDk Robotron 2084: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l800GL6NQPY Pac-Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dScq4P5gn4A Defender: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gss3lxeqCok Outrun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELUl-cAtUIE Pole Position: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFs1Xc82Q0U (Removed) -- Renegade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0GZNjZVH8 (Removed) -- Manic Miner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFA2d4G9q30 Metal Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehlAMTh42Ko Prince of Persia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqCxHlEIrlM Sonic the Hedgehog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQYDLcvkBc Wing Commander: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfRvCSBD4q0 Super Mario Kart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAmXXNz5ac Adventure 2600: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQZDRELOqoI Legend of Zelda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ADhznw1zhc (Removed) -- Mystery House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwHwPvIHBs (Removed) -- King's Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0TLhR51uGY Portopia Serial Murder Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcQhnJxP7qU (Removed) -- Otogirisou: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SVP9TiqIhA&list=PL4BBFCC3CDD581BE2 Maniac Mansion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7oUArcVis0 Metroid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly1PUEmxyyQ Symphony of the Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HnhPNS0rqM (Removed) -- Rescue Raiders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_XsRYTO-0 (Removed) -- Herzog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU2FDnKzt5I Dune 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOscXf0Fpmk StarCraft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j3X3EuCf98 (Removed) -- Seven Cities of Gold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57qE1arvo3U (Removed) -- Dynasty Warriors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2SARDWdZIM Fire Emblem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp2NqY3M6fI DikuMUD: https://dikumud.com/ (Removed) -- Neverwinter Nights:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwFv_LerIAg World of Warcraft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vlVQYjkCDM Maple Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_0hm9Xj5dQ Tower of Druaga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCCGIP4SifE Wizardry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYLn_ij5G10 (Changed) -- Ultima (III - Exodus): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrQFzWO4pYo Ultima IV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHfAE5tXHv4 Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riN2FDtPCnw (Removed) -- Baldur's Gate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WYOH5PmoaE (Removed) -- Dungeon Master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGLkPY22pkg (Removed) -- Parappa the Rapper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbYdRZ8FiuA Dance Dance Revolution:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jywza4So-eU Shariki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8XKS7tLB8w Pokemon Red & Blue: https://www.youtube.com/...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Final Fantasy VII

    Final Fantasy VII
    Aug 1 2024
    TCW Podcast Episode 215 - Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy VII holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. For some, it was the first time they really connected with a JRPG. For others, it marked the transition from pixel art games to 3D gaming. Final Fantasy VII owes much to the storytelling work of its predecessor, Final Fantasy VI, led by Yoshinori Kitase. Kitase used his love of filmmaking to add an artistic flair to games, improving on the static scenes most games relied on. With Final Fantasy VII, Kitase aimed to overcome hardware limitations in storytelling. This desire to push beyond hardware constraints also led SquareSoft to break ties with Nintendo and join Sony with their new PlayStation. The marketing of FF VII in the West as more than just an RPG helped it become the first Final Fantasy game to sell more in the West than in Japan, thereby cementing JRPGs in the public's mind. TCW 157 - Final Fantasy's Tale: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/final-fantasy-s-tale/ FFVI - Sand on my boots!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W79EPTyL7Pc FFVI - Opera Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwHrQdC02FY FFVI - Cid's Death and Celes Reaction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHNcwGol0zo FFVI - Loke and Rachel's Backstory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl7urWIrQTU FFVI - The Falcon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZA9om3Ezww The Original Trilogy ILM Special Effects Makers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85MK2GDkoxo Star Wars Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJguy6wSYyI Spaceballs Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dZveoBfiww TCW 053 - This History and Merger of Enix and Square: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-history-and-merger-of-enix-and-square/ TCW 011 - The Genesis of JRPGs: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-genesis-of-jrpgs/ FF IV - Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njl7aBS0Ah4 FF IV - The Giant of Babil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6k1gHh_2k FF VI - Coin Toss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0ZSXwMe678 FF VI - Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAD31P49hsw FF 7 - An Oral History: https://www.polygon.com/a/final-fantasy-7 Polygon - Final Fantasy VI Tech Demo with Kazuyuki Hashimoto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DTjrY1LXrk FF VI SGI Tech Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHHdODEMD9c FF VII Opening Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CORYpK6_W8 Interview With Hironobu Sakaguchi: https://youtu.be/wucMb3Hcuhc?t=269 Friendly Tap of the Horn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mYHss0Xmus Following the Blood Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkQq79OZIvE The Midgar Zolom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfqkWu1Yrj8 Knights of the Round cast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv9aI5RkoeQ Sephiroth's Ultimate Attack - Super Nova: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktc022h9Nj8 Final Fantasy VII Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDz9A4ByHIQ FF7 Promo Art: https://www.mobygames.com/game/858/final-fantasy-vii/promo/ Aerith's Death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGuohjmGY3Q New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month! TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1 Intro Music: FF VII Opening ~ Bombing Mission: https://archive.org/details/final_fantasy_vii_soundtrack/02-Opening+~+Bombing+Mission.mp3 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/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 40 mins
World
Show more Show less

What listeners say about They Create Worlds

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for John Daum

CEO/CIOs, creative/marketing Success & Failure

Alex Smith and Jeffrey Daum get to the heart of the story by speaking with those involved in the creation of the systems and games we have loved and hated. I enjoy the banter as these two communicate who, what, why, and how entertainment systems and game systems succeeded and failed over the decades

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!