Hosts Frank Cifaldi and Phil Salvador chat with Mark and Michelle Flitman, a father-daughter duo, about Mark’s career, his donated collection at the VGHF, and his autobiography: "It’s Not All Fun and Games." As a semi-retired video game and toy producer, Mark shares his career highlights as a publisher producer throughout the 90’s and into the early 2000’s at Konami, Acclaim, Mindscape, Midway, and later, Atari. Most of his titles were licensed properties including The Simpsons (Bart's Nightmare, Virtual Bart), WWF (Royal Rumble and RAW), and several Marvel properties (Maximum Carnage). Michelle shares her efforts to preserve her father's collection, which includes concept art, design documents, and prototypes. You’ll hear highlighted notable items like the Eclipse demo by Argonaut and the Monster Dunk project. The conversation also touches on the importance of trust in producer-developer relationships and the challenges of managing licensed properties.Mentioned in the show:Mark Flitman's development papers: https://archive.gamehistory.org/folder/205c628c-5d0a-4de8-a5a5-782f31706ac0.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Michelle Flitman:Website: www.flitman.siteSee more from Mark Flitman:Book - Hardcover (Limited Run - Collector’s Edition): “It’s Not All Fun And Games”Book - Hardcover (Amazon): “It’s Not All Fun And Games”Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
David Haywood, AKA Haze, discusses the MAME software preservation project: a collaborative, encyclopedic haven and emulator for all those ‘forgotten’ games of our past. In December 2020, while most of us were cowering under a table feebly awaiting the fresh start of the new year, David took a look back at the community’s accomplishments within the project over the last seven years and what still needs attention in his article Looking Back at a List. He joins the Video Game History Hour to discuss the inner workings of recovering old code (including risky chemistry, dangerous plastic-melting acids, and literally reading 1’s and 0’s with a microscope), the value of Plug and Plays, and what can be learned from poorly designed games. See more from David Haywood: Twitter: @mamehaze YouTube: /mamehaze Twitch: /mamehaze Website: mamedev.emulab.it/haze/ The Video Game History Hour music is Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
We’re joined by pioneer video game historian Leonard Herman, author and publisher of several video game history books including the first comprehensive book chronicling the history of the videogame industry, Phoenix: The Fall & Rise of Home Videogames, and its subsequent series. We touch on Leonard’s early career, the challenges of self-publishing, and the evolution of his Phoenix series through various editions, including his most recent Phoenix Five. Leonard also highlights his collaborations with Ralph Baer and his efforts to correct historical misconceptions, particularly those around the co-founders of Atari.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Leonard Herman:Website: thegamescholar.com Facebook: Leonard HermanFacebook (book): Phoenix 5 - The History of the Videogame Industry Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Host Phil Salvador is joined by Derek Alexander, of the YouTube channel Stop Skeletons From Fighting, and Zarithya, of the YouTube channel Zarithya, to talk about the fan-restored 16-player mode for the 1991 Game Boy game Faceball 2000 as laid out in My 2 Year Journey to Solve the 30-Year Myth of Faceball 2000 | SSFF. In this bit of video game archeology, Derek and Zari take us through the collaborative effort, the technical expertise required to create custom adapters and controllers, and the investigation into historical claims to execute this endeavor. But in the end, did it even work?You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Derek Alexander:Bluesky: @stopskeletons.bsky.socialYouTube: /StopSkeletonsFromFightingTwitch: /stop skeletons from fightingPatreon: /StopSkeletonsFromFightingSee more from Zarithya:YouTube: @ZarithyaTwitch: /ZarithyaBluesky: @zarithya.onlineVideo Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Frank Cifaldi and guest-host Kate Willaert (of A Critical Hit) are joined by Marylou Badeaux to discuss the history of the vitally important Computer Entertainer, also known as The Video Game Update: a monthly newsletter which covered video game availability information and reviews in the 1980’s. Co-created with Marylou’s sister Celeste Dolan, this publication has helped provide historians with game information found from no other source, especially during the time of the 1983 game crash. Marylou reflects on the challenges they faced running a mail-order video game business as well as how they were able to gather such detailed information at the time. Marylou also touches briefly on her career working closely with Prince.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Marylou Badeaux:Website: www.memories4you.com.auBook: Moments - Remembering PrinceSee more from Kate Willaert:Bluesky: @katewillaert.bsky.socialYouTube: /a critical hitWebsite: acriticalhit.comPatreon: /acriticalhitVideo Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
It’s time for a little review of what we’ve been up to, so far, this year. With the official launch of our digital library archive, livestreams of game magazine unboxing and EPROM dumping, the newest collections of Craig Stitt and Kirk Henderson, a Trade Magazine Week special event, and teasing some special new acquisitions we have SO much to catch you up on!You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Veteran game designer and author Lawrence Schick shares stories from his early 80's work with the ColecoVision, Atari 2600, and Intellivision. With over four decades of experience in the industry, Schick details how he helped pioneer a multi-discipline, team-based approach to game development designing games like Smurf: Rescue and Tarzan while pulling from a wealth of experience in pen-and-paper RPGs.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Lawrence Schick:Website: https://swashbucklingadventure.net/Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
On this special video episode of the Video Game History Hour, we sat down with Craig Stitt, retired game artist and designer. Craig worked on games including Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Kid Chameleon, Ratchet & Clank, and Spyro the Dragon. He gave us a tour of his portfolio and talked about working at Sega in America, creating Spyro, dealing with burnout, and what it means for fans to connect with his work.Access the Craig Stitt art and design papers at the VGHF Library: https://archive.gamehistory.org/folder/cbcc6ed2-324c-43f0-9002-8e07455484bc*This episode was recorded as a video, with visual components, available on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAN6AD2_fs0.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Frank Cifaldi and Phil Salvador host a discussion with Jez San, Jason Smith, and Mike Arkin from Argonaut Games about the development and remastering of the 1997 game Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. We touch on what went into the original game - incorporating 3D technology and character design influences from traditional animation - as well as enhancements for the remaster, improved controls and a virtual museum of bonus content showcasing the game's history and development process. The team’s discussion centers on the challenges and efforts in game preservation and the personal dedication of researchers who meticulously uncovered and documented game history for the sake of this remaster. Finally, we mention the potential for future updates and expansions in game preservation projects.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Argonaut Games:Linktree: linktr.ee/argonautgames Website: argonautgames.com Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Phil Salvador and Robin Kunimune chat with Chloe Appleby, games curator at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia, who shares how she turned her passion for games into a dream role blending community, culture, and quirky preservation. From Sydney’s post-COVID game scene revival to tracking down lost media and organizing a free indie games festival, Chloe shows how playful curiosity can power serious cultural impact. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the museum's efforts to preserve Australian game history, including notable games like Untitled Goose Game and Nightmare.Mentioned in the show:Nightmare: Nightmare Presenter VideoDan Dare: Pilot of the Future 87/697-3 and Shogun 87/697-6 (specifically the leaflet)Sega World audio: Sonic Live in Sydney (Full & Complete CD - 1997 - Sega World Sydney)You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-129-powerhouse-chloe-appleby/See more from Chloe Appleby:Linktree: @chloeapplebyInstagram: @c.appleby_Bluesky: @chloeappleby.bsky.socialX: @AppleBee180See more from Powerhouse:Website: powerhouse.com.auInstagram: @powerhousemuseumVideo Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Phil Salvador and Kendra Albert, a partner at Albert Sellars LLP, digest, discuss, and dissect the 2024 DMCA exemption petition to make it easier for libraries and archives to preserve video games and the subsequent ruling by the US Copyright Office. Join us for an insightful look at the recent ruling, legal implications, and what it all means for the future of video game copyright and digital access.*This episode has a follow-up bonus episode available to our paid tier Patreon members.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-128-dmca-2024-copyright-ruling/ See more from Kendra Albert:Bluesky: @kendraserra.bsky.socialMastodon: @kendraserra@dair.communityLaw firm website: albertsellars.lawSoftware Preservation Network: https://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
In this episode of Video Game History Hour, Michael Mendheim joins host Frank Cifaldi and guest-host John Rairdin to reflect on his career, from early work on Fester’s Quest to cult favorites like Mutant League Football and Sarge’s Heroes. Mendheim shares stories about creative risks, industry shakeups, and the challenges of keeping games alive — with Rairdin diving deep into his personal love for Sarge’s Heroes, expanding the definitive Vikki Grimm lore, and discussing the development materials Mendheim saved along the way.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-127-sarges-heroes/See more from Michael Mendheim:Twitter/X: @mmendheimWebsite: https://www.digitaldreamsentertainment.com/Website: mutantfootballleague.comSee more from John Rairdin:Twitter/X: @jtsknight92YouTube: /ninwrtvWebsite: nintendoworldreport.comVideo Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Gail Tilden, Nintendo of America’s marketing mastermind, takes Frank Cifaldi on a trip down memory lane in a panel at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo, reminiscing about everything from the early days of NES branding to the explosive rise of Pokémon. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about marketing mishaps (hello, Zelda Rap), strategic pivots like the iconic "Nintendo Seal of Quality," and how a quirky Game Boy RPG took over the world. From robotic flops to Pikachu-branded cars parachuting into Topeka, her journey is a testament to the creativity and unpredictability that helped shape the gaming world.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-126-a-fireside-chat-with-gail-tilden/Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Laine Nooney, an associate professor at NYU and managing editor of ROMchip: A Journal of Game Histories, joins Phil Salvador on The Video Game History Hour to chat about the journal’s mission to make game history more than just timelines. ROMchip is an open-access, independent journal that brings together academics, enthusiasts, and industry pros, supported by community fundraising instead of traditional academic publishing. They discuss ROMchip's success, its growing community, and dreams of what the future holds for the journal. You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-125-romchip-whats-next/See more from Laine Nooney:Linktree: linktr.ee/lainenooney See more from ROMchip:Website: romchip.org/Socials, Events, Blog: donate.romchip.org/Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
It’s finally arrived: our digital library archive is now open in early access! Our library team: library director Phil Salvador, director of technology Travis Brown, and artist and engineer Amanda Cifaldi all join foundation director Frank Cifaldi and show producer Robin Kunimune to celebrate and discuss the years-long project sampling just a portion of our physical collection. We highlight the library’s role in facilitating video game research, the importance of fair use, the novel tools and infrastructure we created in this process, legal and ethical considerations, and future plans for and potential of this digital archive.*This episode has a follow-up bonus episode available to our paid tier Patreon members.Digital Archive: archive.gamehistory.orgLibrary Catalog: library.gamehistory.orgYou can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-124-digital-library-launch/ Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Guests Katrin Auch & Dan Amrich, formerly of GamePro magazine, discuss their time at the publication as well as the archival collection now housed by the VGHF. Kat and Dan recount their experience of transitioning from film to digital layouts, unintentional blunders, working under tight budgets and deadlines, and the creative process of creating content.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above) or on Spotify.A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/episode-123-gamepro-magazine-collection/See more from Katrin Auch:Website: katrinauch.comSee more from Dan Amrich:Twitter/X: @danamrichBluesky: bsky.app/profile/danamrich.bsky.socialSee more from both Kat & Dan:Dan & Kat Talk podcast (on hiatus): danandkattalk.comEtsy: bit.ly/katrinauchThe Kyberpunks: thekyberpunks.comVideo Game History Foundation:Podcast Twitter/X: @gamehistoryhourEmail: podcast@gamehistory.orgTwitter/X: @GameHistoryOrgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
We're joined by Director of Digital Preservation at The Strong National Museum of Play Andrew Borman to recap the events of the first ever Save the Games Symposium put on by the museum in August 2024, a conference dedicated to digital preservation and advancing the field of video game preservation.Chris Arneil, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia report: International Video Game Preservation Survey ReportGame Availability Study (87% Study): Survey of the Video Game Reissue Market in the United StatesYou can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above) or on Spotify.See more from Andrew Borman:Twitter/X: @borman18YouTube: /ptoponlineWebsite: http://museumofplay.orgFacebook: /ichegVideo Game History Foundation:Podcast Twitter: @gamehistoryhourEmail: podcast@gamehistory.orgTwitter: @GameHistoryOrgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg
Much the way we all set our status to not show when we’re in a game, the Game and Watch was originally created to allow Japanese sallarymen to play games at work while their boss was none the wiser. This week we’re joined by Matt Alt as he discusses his article, “How Gunpei Yokoi Reinvented Nintendo,” which is pulled from a chapter in his new book Pure Invention. See more from Matt Alt: Twitter: @matt_alt Instagram: @altmattalt Website: mattalt.com The Video Game History Hour music is Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In his documentary, Insert Coin, Josh Tsui explored the good, the bad, and the ugly of Midway Games' Studio from varying management styles and their resulting culture to the magic formula for sequel games. Listen in with the guy who knows where all the skeletons are buried and learn how the NBA may owe much of its current popularity to NBA Jam. See more from Josh Tsui: Twitter: @insertcoindoc Instagram: @insertcoindoc Website: insertcoindoc.com A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/ep-9-midway-games-as-seen-by-josh-tsui/ The Video Game History Hour music is Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this turn-based interview, Sid Meier takes us from zero to 255 and brings the show nuclear! Well, at least that’s the rumor. Sid opens up his lifelong dev notes to discuss how he got started in games, why he decided to write his recent book, Sid Meier’s Memoir!, and how he’s better at Red Baron than an actual fighter pilot. On a personal note, we can officially say Sid agrees: dinosaurs are the coolest thing, ever! (We see you, Argentavis). See more from Sid Meier: Website: sidmeiersmemoir.com A full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://gamehistory.org/ep-8-sid-meiers-episode-of-the-video-game-history-hour/ The Video Game History Hour music is Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
André Colabelli
I, for one, am completely unsurprised by the fact that GTA 3 was made by the Silicon Valley folks 😂
nazi 03
i saw the title and thought your going to talk about Devil may cry😅😂 any way ... yeaaaa another episode!
heamonnc@yahoo.com
Perhaps I missed it, but it seems a little strange to have an Italian guest on and not discuss Mario..? Is it possible Italians were a little wary of Nintendo because their mascot was a bizarre Italian stereotype? Would love to have heard his thoughts.