Pistol Shrimp Podcast

Fred and Dan chat with Mark Yohalem of Wormwood Studios, creators of Primordia, Strangeland, and Fallen Gods. Mark describes how story and gameplay work together, and dives into some of his favorite moments from The Ur-Quan Masters. 0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:23 - Starflight and the roots of UQM9:24 - Simulation vs. arcade gameplay16:00 - Exploring space21:22 - Beginning a game story33:40 - Expanding on gameplay39:13 - Importance of controls41:24 - Space opera47:30 - Item systems and RPGs1:00:35 - Sourcing ideas from fans1:11:15 - Mark's start in games1:26:45 - How kids experience games1:34:00 - Writing and gameplay1:40:53 - Games with time limits1:58:02 - Finishing a game projectFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan talks about game design with Peter McLaren and Garry Seto of Massive Damage, creators of Halycon 6 and Star Renegades. The duo share their insights on designing sci-fi concepts, building an indie studio, and the influence of The Ur-Quan Masters. 0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions2:26 - UQM and Super Melee12:48 - Alien dialog16:37 - Creating alien races26:42 - Building an indie studio35:16 - Revitalizing retro game concepts44:27 - Contrived vs. authentic remakes 55:50 - Games growing with their audienceFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan chat with Freehold Games about Caves of Qud and making an independent game that stands out. Jason and Brian share their love of classic space games, epic science fiction worlds, and the creative appeal of retro games. Hosted live, on Twitch.0:00 - Theme Music0:14 - Introductions3:42 - Classic space games7:30 - Making The Ur-Quan Masters11:30.- Writing and character design15:10 - Making a sequel22:00 - Super Melee and combat39:30 - Caves of Qud and tile-based gameplay48:35 - Game controls55:53 - Accessibility in a niche1:08:25 - Multiplayer design1:17:17 - Modding and player feedbackFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan chat with Charlie Cleveland about Subnautica, Natural Selection, and his leadership at Unknown Worlds. They discuss the influence of The Ur-Quan Masters, and fun is more important than game balance. Charlie highlights the power of multi-linear storytelling, early access, and getting player feedback as soon as possible. Hosted live, on Twitch.0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions2:15 - Charlie's first game6:25 - Designing Super Melee9:38 - Competitive multiplayer17:31 - Game balance versus fun21:57 - Multi-linear storytelling27:13 - Open worlds and procedural generation32:53.- Simulation and systems36:45 - Games with multiple systems40:45 - Cult classics43:00 - Making a sequel51:08 - Co-operative multiplayer53:50 - The foundation for Subnautica56:30 - Natural Selection to Moonbreakers59:30 - Making of Subnautica1:05:57 - Time and money1:12:18 - Player feedback and perspective1:19:14 - Creative success1:24:08 - Open development1:29:28 - Indie vs. AAA1:40:14 - Designing game systems1:51:28 - Multiplayer technology1:59:30 - Game engines2:05:05 - Game fans2:07:06 - Subnautica vs. Below Zero2:10:30 - Early access and story spoilers2:22:35 - Zen of Soduku and casual games2:27:22 - Live service games2:40:10 - Crowdfunding2:44:11 - Creative communityFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan talk with Mac Walters about his experience on Mass Effect and Jade Empire, plus his transition from his leadership at BioWare to his new studio, Worlds Untold. Mac breaks down his sci-fi inspiration, and how he approaches game writing, building a vision, and working as a team. 0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions01:22 - Mac's path to BioWare06:20 - Inspiration and nostalgia09:20 - How to begin a game story12:00 - Playing your own games13:52 - Creative possibilities and wisdom23:55 - Delivering on an idea28:38 - Prototyping versus finishing41:45 - Building a shared vision47:23 - Distributed teams and remote work59:14 - Individual styles and personalities1:07:10 - Star Wars, Dune, and styles of sci-fi1:15:28 - Sequels versus new stories1:19:45 - Staying inspiredFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Fred talk to Richard Cobbett about writing for games, including The Long Journey Home, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, and Nighthawks. Richard shares his love for The Ur-Quan Masters, and explains how a good storyteller can draw the player into a game's story, setting, and characters.0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:56 - The Long Journey Home4:15 - The Ur-Quan Masters5:52 - Layers of sci-fi writing10:28 - Likeable villains12:33 - Where to start writing21:14 - Narrative design in Sunless Skies31:35 - Writing with a team45:46 - Star Trek and self-referencing50:42 - Changing from the first idea55:33 - Ownership and project size1:00:27 - Sci-fi and procedural generation1:04:19 - Making of Nighthawks1:09:00 - Starting a career in games1:27:10 - Sketches and iteration1:36:30 - Fusing story and gameplay1:49:43 - The unique appeal of UQM 2:02:01 - The adventure game genreFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan talk to Chris Taylor about leading a game production, including Total Annihilation, Dungeon Siege, and more. Chris talks about running a game studio, engaging the audience, and why it's sometimes better to be an employee than a leader. 0:00 - Theme music0:00 - Introductions1:16 - The UQM Team11:48 - Chris's start in games16:42 - Industrial Light & Magic20:58 - Running a game studio31:37 - Finding the fun34:40 - The "Rock War" RTS43:24 - Writing sci-fi factions47:19 - Creating for an audience56:54 - Fan feedback1:05:35 - Making Dungeon Siege1:21:24 - Development tools and multiplayer1:42:20 - Nostalgia and classic gamesFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan talk to Andrew Hume and Richard Clifford of MinMax Games, creators of Space Pirates and Zombies. The duo talk about building an indie game studio, the power of procedurally generated content, and the influence of The Ur-Quan Masters.0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions3:03 - Influence on Space Pirates and Zombies10:14 - Discovering a game's focus17:17 - Building an indie game studio24:05 - Finding an audience33:37 - Space combat40:17 - Procedurally generated content48:04 - Retro gaming51:05 - The feeling of UQMFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan chat with Christine Love about indie game development, including her work on Digital: A Love Story, Get In the Car, Loser!, and more. Christine shares her love of science fiction, and her insights on writing a memorable game story. 0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:24 - UQM and science fiction4:50 - Alien characters9:17 - Indie game development15:58 - Writing for games24:07 - Immersing the player30:56 - Early game and tutorials41:17 - Challenge and accessibility49:28 - Stories with comic relief53:04 - Game balance54:56 - Mysteries in UQM59:48 - The UQM sequel1:10:26 - Making a great sequel1:13:48 - Fiction that sticks with you1:18:47 - Cynical vs. authentic remakes 1:33:00 - Satisfying the superfansFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to Henrik Fåhraeus about his leadership at Paradox Interactive, including the game design of Stellaris and the Crusader Kings series. Henrik explains how artificial intelligence can bring a game world to life, and how The Ur-Quan Masters influenced the story and universe of Stellaris.0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:18 - Henrik and UQM3:07 - Influence of UQM6:40 - Science fiction and Stellaris12:54 - What is creativity16:05 - Games with living worlds21:23 - Storytelling in games27:17 - Artificial intelligence29:19 - UQM as a living world33:33 - Producing meaning with AI45:58 - Future of games50:28 - Replayability at Paradox55:14 - Crusader Kings58:04 - Emergent storytelling1:01:58 - Playing games you made1:06:35 - UQM alien races1:11:05 - Sandbox vs. story1:17:50 - RPGs with systemic worlds1:24:02 - UQM2Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat with Mark Darrah about his career at BioWare, including his work on Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, and more. Join the veteran game devs as they discuss the art of storytelling in an open world, and highlight the influence of The Ur-Quan Masters on the Mass Effect series. Check out Mark Darrah's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabZM40_bN40:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:54 - Ur-Quan Masters and Mass Effect4:14 - Exploring open worlds10:25 - Storytelling in open worlds12:18 - Multiplayer storytelling23:27 - Main content vs side content25:14 - What do fandoms like30:30 - Storytelling techniques34:18 - Making games in teams43:25 - Conflicting visions and Dragon Age: Inquisition53:23 - Making a satisfying sequel 1:10:56 - Mark and UQMFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan talk with Chris Remo about designing and writing Firewatch, his ongoing work at Valve, and getting his start at Double Fine. Chris talks about his love for The Ur-Quan Masters and Super Melee, and shares his creative experience across music, writing, and game design.Check out Chris Remo's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUOi3hyPkt8 0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:55 - Super Melee and battles6:47 - Retro gaming11:00 - Chris and game music13:02 - Generalists vs specialists18:15 - Creative process at Double Fine 21:27 - Writing for games29:18 - Firewatch as a reactive world32:05 - The hero's journey in games35:05 - Chris's career in games36:11 - Narrative design42:30 - Game genre expectations50:40 - Chris and UQMFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan chat with Ken Levine about his leadership on the BioShock series, plus his storytelling on System Shock 2, Freedom Force, and Thief: The Dark Project. Ken shares his love for The Ur-Quan Masters and Super Melee, and explains the subtle art of game feel and centering the player's story.Learn more about Ken and Ghost Story Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOkyTvraWps0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:52 - Super Melee5:06 - UQM combat and story15:15 - Ken and Unholy War16:40 - Game feel25:50 - Player feedback30:05 - Canon in BioShock and UQM35:52 - Graphics and the audience40:04 - Quality assurance44:26 - Ken's start in the game industry49:57 - Freedom ForceFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred and Dan chat with Tim Cain about his career in games, including his leadership on Fallout, Arcanum, The Outer Worlds, and more. Tim explains why The Ur-Quan Masters is one of his favorite role-playing games, and shares his insights on telling an interactive story and finding a game's tone. Check out Tim Cain's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A08OTbsi_NA0:00 - Theme music0:14 - Introductions1:38 - Tim and UQM4:31 - Story and characters10:35 - Colorblind players13:30 - Procedural generation17:18 - Making UQM22:52 - Aliens and Star Trek27:20 - Tim's start in games30:24 - Everyone thinks they can write35:02 - Essence of a great role-playing game37:42 - Finding a game's tone44:27 - Game genres diverging46:46 - Teaching game design49:21 - Tools and technology59:54 - Developing UQM21:04:43 - Developers playing games1:08:46 - Multiplayer and MMOs1:18:46 - Player-driven story1:25:06 - Tyranny at Obsidian1:27:05 - Inspiring the player1:28:42 - What Tim wants to play1:33:25 - Game trends1:36:32 - Mysteries in Fallout and UQMFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmasterDiscuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKpPlease support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimpLearn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our 30th Anniversary Celebration, we have an additional, special episode of the Pistol Shrimp podcast with UQM illustrator George Barr. George was responsible for many of the iconic, physical illustrations which would then become digitized for use in UQM. Beyond UQM, George contributed artwork to science fiction and fantasy works from books, to magazines, to Dungeons and Dragons rule books.This interview was originally conducted when Paul and Fred visited George’s residence to acquire some of his original works. George talks about his beginnings in art, what it was like to be in Los Angeles on the set of Star Trek, and his techniques for working with physical mediums. It contains several sections where George, Paul, and Fred are rifling through sheafs of artwork which, unfortunately, are not able to be appreciated entirely in an audio recording.A text transcript is also available.However, this interview is also special for another reason. In Paul’s own words:“George Barr was instrumental in creating the fantasy world and adventure of The Ur-Quan Masters. We very much want him involved in this new game. Unfortunately, he’s suffered vision loss and is unable to create new artwork. We decided to come up with a different plan. We went through some of his original artwork that he was able to sell and license, and by god we are going to find a way to use it because George is awesome.”Some of this artwork was, indeed, created for other purposes without UQM2 in mind. We wanted George to be a part of UQM2 just as much as we wanted him to be a part of UQM, and we’re excited to show you some of his involvement. Spoiler Alert: These images are going to be part of UQM2. Also Spoiler Alert: We may or may not have no idea how or why just yet. Maybe you can tell us!We hope you enjoy this conversation with a key member of the original UQM team and a first look at some of the new pieces that have been created for UQM2 (even if no one knew it at the time).Last but not least, some of the original UQM pieces seen here are being provided for the first time in the form of high-resolution scans. They contain many pixels and can be downloaded in a very large zip file here.All the photographs and art for UQM and UQM2 are available on our Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our 30th Anniversary Celebration, we have a special episode of the Pistol Shrimp podcast with none other than Erol Otus. Erol was responsible for several creative parts of The Ur-Quan Masters – art, sound, writing, and voice – but was primarily responsible for creating physical and digital paintings of the various aliens' communications screens. Beyond UQM, Erol has contributed art and design to products and games ranging from Dungeons and Dragons to Skylanders.Originally recorded for the 25th anniversary, Paul sits down with Erol to discuss what it was like to work on art in the time of UQM, D&D, their experiences with games in Berkeley, California, and even limericks.A text transcript is also available.Erol has generously provided some of his artwork outside of UQM to share, as well, on our Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Reiche and Lee Hutchinson returnin for another episode of our podcast about the creation of UQM, UQM2, and the many steps taken to get here.The main topic for this discussion is all about how war & space (and war in space) influenced our personal upbringings and the history of gaming through our lenses, which in turn influenced us. Why is Paul so obsessed with space combat? What did we learn from science museums, the threat of nuclear warfare, and pressing buttons in front of screens?Additional information and photos of topics discussed available on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first in what we hope will be a series of dialogues with Pistol Shrimp about the making of The Ur-Quan Masters 2. In this opening installment, UQM2 contributor Lee Hutchinson sits down with series co-creator Paul Reiche and digs in on the role character dialogue plays in storytelling. Come for the behind-the-scenes details, stay for Paul’s anecdotes about the early days of the games industry and the role Pogo the Possum played in UQM’s conversation engine!Check out the Patreon post for visuals and more information about some of the things discussed!A text transcript is also available. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.