Gaming Gaiden

Gaming Gaiden is a podcast that uncovers the side stories of the video game world. From translation to journalism, from novelizations to musical composition, we're there to explore the wide & varied world of gaming.

S03E03: The EGM Compendium - An Interview w/EGM Editor Josh Harmon

Join us for a conversation on the Electronic Gaming Monthly compendium with EGM editor Josh Harmon. We discuss the plans for the upcoming compendium & digital archive, covering related topics such as Sushi X’s real identity, Bubsy’s hairballs, and how EGM built the future that would eventually kill it.

03-24
01:32:35

S03E01: Yoshiaki Ikeda, English to Japanese Translator

In this episode, we interview Yoshiaki Ikeda, English to Japanese translator. He's worked on such games as Window Garden, Harvest Island, and Chained Echoes. We discuss his work on these games alongside other topics such as literal translation, Japan's adaptability, and what it means to be an "indoor kid."

03-10
01:16:22

S2E10: Street Fighter 6 Impressions

The Street Fighter series is the series that we both love most deeply ... and superficially! In this episode, we discuss our impressions of the most recent "sixth" installment in the series that shaped so much of our gaming lives! https://linktr.ee/gaminggaiden

03-12
46:19

S2E09: RetrogradeTom, Twitch Streamer

Join us for an interview with RetrogradeTom, Twitch streamer extraordinaire! Tom provides us with an interesting and honest perspective on the reality of working in the relatively recent field of streaming video games. From streaming with no mic to going full-time with sponsorships, Tom has seen quite a bit, and he shares it all here! Check out his Twitch channel here: https://t.co/iRPc9U4DZO OR if you prefer VODs, check out the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrogradeTom

03-05
01:17:51

S2E08: Our Top Saturn Games

Come join the lovefest for the 32-bit 2D powerhouse that was the Sega Saturn! We lament its position in the market, and move on to discuss our personal histories with the system and, of course, our favorite games! https://linktr.ee/gaminggaiden

02-27
52:14

S2E07: Japan Foundation - A Talk with Lena & Meg

We're joined this week by Megan and Lena, the current and former Associate Program Officers, respectively, for the Japan Foundation Los Angeles. This conversation covers an incredible breadth of topics including but not limited to: family histories, language learning, the definition of "anime," ethnic identity, the JLPT, and the failings of Japan's soft power campaign. Of course, this is all in addition to some very helpful grants that the Japan Foundation offers for Japanese language teachers: salary assistance & professional development. Be sure to check the JFLA website for more information: https://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle

02-20
01:13:50

S2E06: The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

This odd beast of a test has loomed large in our minds for many years. While Mike is generally stuck on the intermediate plateau of N3, Andrew strives for N1. In this episode, we discuss our experiences and understanding of the test. We also discuss the test's "validity" as a language assessment and offer some advice for our fellow test takers. If only the test had more video game content ...

02-13
01:06:59

S2E05: Kinsey Burke, Producer at Chuhai Labs

In this episode, we interview Kinsey Burke, producer of games and media at Chuhai Labs. Kinsey has been a fixture in the retro gaming scene for many years with her own channel and regular features with the Metal Jesus Crew, but she is also hard at work on gaming in the here and now with hits like Cursed to Golf! See more from Kinsey at Chuhai Labs' Nasty Labs series: https://www.youtube.com/@chuhailabs/videos AND/OR her personal page: https://www.youtube.com/@KinsZilla/videos

02-06
01:10:46

S2E04: Our Top SNES Games

Truly deserving of the "Super" moniker, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was home to an incredible library of games that hold up very well to this day. It wasn't easy to come up with our top games because there are so many greats, and we'd love to hear your favorites as well. Speaking of hearing favorites, this is the first episode to feature a soundtrack! Check out this playlist to enhance your enjoyment of our trip down memory lane: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUNMkw9HKQyQKfd-Ym5018TOBcPOGPGY3 https://linktr.ee/gaminggaiden

01-30
56:50

S2E03: Patrick Gill, Composer of Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist

In this episode, Andrew interviews composer Patrick Gill to discuss Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist, influential artists, and the creative process behind his compositions. To explore Patrick's work, please visit the following links: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PatrickGillMusic Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patrickgillmusic YouTube http://www.youtube.com/patrickgillmusic

01-23
01:32:57

S2E02: Arcade Hidden Gems

Take a journey with us through time and across the globe as we celebrate some of our favorite lesser known games from the arcade! https://linktr.ee/gaminggaiden

01-16
56:24

S2E01: Anna Kashina, Author of the Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Novelization

In this episode, we interview the celebrated fantasy author Anna Kashina. She has branched out from telling her own stories to present us with a novelization of what is generally regarded as the pinnacle of the Ys series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. Anna discuss the novel's beginnings, her process, and the troubles with translating to and from Russian. To learn more about the book: https://lacrimosathenovel.com/

01-09
54:24

10 - Crispin Boyer and Shawn Smith Interview - Electronic Gaming Monthly Writers

Join us for a conversation with some of EGM's most macho former writers Crispin Boyer and Shawn "Shawnimal" Smith. Learn the truth about small town newspaper journalism and the top secret mode "hidden" in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Enjoy multiple entrances and exits from hosts and guests alike while learning about the development of the sorely underrated Ninja Town! || Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

12-19
01:57:11

9 - Oni Dino Interview

Join us for a conversation with games journalist and translator Oni Dino. Hear about the joys of studying abroad in Tokyo, the intrinsic link between language & culture, and the wonderful experience of translating Kokoro Clover Season 1! || [Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc]

12-12
01:16:37

8 - Matt Katch Interview

Join us for a conversation with translator Matt Katch. Learn about the varying amounts of information sharing in freelance translation, the peak of sprite work, and even Matt's father's response to Ranma 1/2 & Ninja Scroll! |  Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

12-05
02:10:06

7 - Jenn O' Donnell - Video Game Localization Director - Interview

Join us for a conversation with translation and localization director Jenn O'Donnell. Hear about the sink or swim language training of Japan's organic strawberry farms, Richard Mark Honeywood's clever programming, and one of the stronger examples of translation theory's notion of equivalence! | Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

11-28
01:16:36

6 - Jeremy Blaustein Interview

Join us for a conversation with long-time translator and current CEO of Dragonbaby, Jeremy Blaustein. Explore with us the point of diminishing returns in gaming tech while learning about the "Mary, marry, merry" test, the versatility of the Magnavox Odyssey, and the comics that influenced Jeremy's writing! | Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

11-21
01:58:06

5 - Dan "Shoe" Hsu Interview - Electronic Gaming Monthly Editor

Join us for a conversation with former editor of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Dan "Shoe" Hsu. Learn about the origins of Sushi X, how the promise of a cheat code lit the spark for a long and storied career, and how the world of games journalism has changed. | Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

11-14
01:34:02

4 - Mel OK and Emilio Gándara - Ace Translate - Interview

Join us for a conversation with two of Ace Honyaku's ace translators, Mel Ok and Emilio Gándara. Hear about growing up multilingual, the uncertain origins of Halo's Arbiter, and the truly rare idioms that transcend language! | Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

11-07
58:57

3 - Katrina Leonoudakis Interview

Join us for a conversation with translator, editor, and localization coordinator Katrina Leonoudakis. From watching Toonami to managing the translation of Persona 5 Royal, Katrina's journey has taken her through multiple roles and media. Learn with us all about the translation theory concept of equivalent experience while exploring the cultural impact of killing god! Ninja Art Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ninja-logo Ninja logo vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com Music from Kawaii! - Bad Snacks | Royalty Free Music - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXf8_Ft9-Lc

10-31
01:26:55

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