Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&M games is, in many ways, an "epic story" that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it's Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet's Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer "Farmer"). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The "box of rocks" approach to writing for games. Neal's new Planet's Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision / small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What's the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG?

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11/24/2025

Like what you hear?
Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays

Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories).

Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links!
Humble Bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays
DriveThruRPG.com
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512

SHOW NOTES

Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book by Neal Hallford
https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Might-Magic-Anniversary-Retrospective/dp/150675130X 

Neal Hallford on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Hallford 

Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford – Episode 266 – 3/14/2023
https://shaneplays.com/betrayal-at-krondor-crpg-30th-anniversary-neal-hallford-fan-film-challenge-podcast/ 

Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh – Episode 272 – 12/29/2023
https://shaneplays.com/star-fleet-battles-with-bill-barsh-podcast/ 

Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/