They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 168 - Activision and Kotick Part 2   In part two of our look at Activision under Bobby Kotick's leadership. We see how Activision's franchises and licensed properties were leveraged for revenue. We look at how Activision had to revive the entire development apparatus from scratch. They used the animation skills of a Disney-trained trained animator for Pitfall the Mayan, Adventure. Finally, Activision was able to firmly gain footing, and regain profitability with the release of MechWarrior 2!   The Manhole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC2AgMnTFd4 Leather Goddesses of Phobos 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA0rPwUcQmQ Return to Zork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSoT0Ty8MVQ The Fox and the Hound Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbuIeTHh4To The Black Cauldron Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isAtOHLiMH8 Tron Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtyHX7z8fi8 Technological Threat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiTgoRR3tbk Ferngully - The Last Rainforest Trailer: h

TCW Podcast Episode 167 - Activision and Kotick Part 1   In part one of our look at Activision and Bobby Kotick we look at the early life, and history of the man.  We see from an early age how business was always a driving factor in his life.  Furthermore, we see some of his early companies and challenges as he transitioned into the technology field.  With the help of influential businessman Steve Wynn, Bobby Kotick was able to start a software company.  Wynn further helped in financing the eventual buy-in of Mediagenic when the company was floated as a cheap way to get into the game market by Nintendo.  We finish by looking at how Kotick and others took control of Mediagenic and renamed it Activision.  With the need to file for bankruptcy Kotick has the long task of building up the company from scratch.  Promising investors to at least break even over the next four to five years.   TCW 009 - History of Mediagenic Part I: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-i/ TCW 010 - History of

TCW Podcast Episode 166 - Centuri   We look at the rebirth of Allied Leisure under new management and funding.  The company found a niche importing Japanese games from lesser known companies.  They also continued to leverage licensing to do cocktail cabinet styles of popular games.  Most notably the big four games that made the company rocket to the top were: Eagle, Phoenix, Pleiads, and Vanguard.  Later on the company would join into a partnership with Konami to import their games.  With Japanese companies opening their own manufacturing in the states the deal with Konami ended.  That combined with other issues lead to Centuri going out of business a few years later.   Eagle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zuq0ptnKRw Moon Cresta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl5stQgPGYQ Phoenix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUUTZhkb1Y Pleiads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5YEx4-3TBo Vanguard Cabinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plZd5MzIELI Vanguard Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MwVWsHBm5g The Pi

TCW Podcast Episode 165 - Allied Leisure   We look at the origins of the coin-op company Allied Leisure! The company came from a coin-op veteran who wanted to help his son establish a company he could call his own. Despite some notable successes Allied Leisure was plagued with quality issues in production. They made some unique games in coin-op with F-114, their pong clone, and pinball with cocktail cabinets. Unfortunately many setbacks including a fire, the death of  Robert Braun, the stigma of the company being known as Allied Looser, and the near liquidation of the company when the bankruptcy was declared. Allied Leisure had a fascinating history and would be reborn as Centuri when David Braun sold the company.   Slot Cars in the 60's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFQWsUABpPk Monkey Bizz Flyer: https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=arcadedb&id=1088&image=1 Picture of Unscramble: http://www.pinrepair.com/arcade/unscram.htm Wild Cycle Cabinet Unboxing and Tour: https://www.youtube.co

TCW Podcast Episode 164 - Fallout   History. History is always changing. Greek historians recorded tales in scrolls, and simple books. Historians of the modern era use interviews, micro-film, and court documents to decipher history. In this episode Alex and Jeffrey look at the Fallout of all that historical work. How they can shape and mold it into the continuing narrative of the video game industry. Fallout almost was not a thing and possibly could not be made today. The game faced many challenges in its creation, but ended up being a very influential work affecting not just video games but role playing games as a whole.   Wasteland 1 DOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v17LQ7Ukrsk GURPS Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZMLhphjB-g GURPS Lite: http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/lite/ Wiz-War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP5vZQJG1Vo Isometric VS Oblique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tAXW_xn6rU Oblique VS Isometric Drawings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w503xvjt7mA Short Video of Knight Demo: h

TCW Podcast Episode 163 - California Pacific   We look at the company California Pacific. Founded by Al Remmers the company played a large role in launching the careers of Bill Budge and Richard Garriott. Al Remmers was in a unique position as a publisher. He had contacts with retailers spanning the entire country. In a way California Pacific was both one of the first distributors and used the EA model of programmers as rock stars. Promoting the games made by talented people, and promoting the individuals themselves. Unfortunately California Pacific had a too high royalty to those same programmers, and once dedicated distribution companies started to take over business declined. Al Remmers struggled with delegation, and unfortunately he developed a drug addiction.  Though not well known today California Pacific did play a vital role during a crucial stage of the computer video game industry.   A little Energon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy_6yo04Hjc Overview of the S100 BUS: https://www.youtube.com/watch

TCW Podcast Episode 162 - Spinnaker Software   Often we laugh at educational games and software.  We tend to view the products as jokes and something that cannot fully succeed.  In our look at Spinnaker Software, we learn that there is more to it.  The company was short-lived but was founded by people with a deep passion for technology and gaming. They released games, and software that helped to show that there is more one can do with a computer than just drills.  If one of them went on to become a major World Of Warcraft raid leader it can't all be bad right?   Facemaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seh6DyUPV8w Story Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpbrcpfVwPY Snooper Troops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJOFAPPfZ2I Alphabet Zoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1m4Lt-7cY8 Adventure Creator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb_7-rlocKo Rendezvous with Rama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VMbPzf_pq8 Fahrenheit 451: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnET12whCYs Dragonworld: https://www.youtube.c

TCW Podcast Episode 161 - The 100,000 Part 2   Part two of our look at the SPA's list of top programs of the 1990s!  We cover more games, and focus on the ones that made it gold with 100,000 sold!  We wrap up the episode with a few honorable mentions from the silver list of 50,000.  We see some old favorites re-appear on the list.  We also see some names we have not seen yet!  Thank you again to all the fans for helping us to reach the milestone of 100,000 downloads!   Alphabet Zoo (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNVNn5e3I3k TCW 079 - The Six Children of EA: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-six-children-of-ea/ Awardware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aVdGKKYS6A Pray for Mojo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlDEzmSff3M Choplifter (Apple II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvDnUHW_pjg FaceMaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aM6m9YqJlQ Kids on Keys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yat8qhR41us C64 KidWriter(Explicit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzk6glFJ5Lg KinderComp: https://www.you

TCW Podcast Episode 160 - The 100,000 Part 1   We want to thank everyone for helping us to reach 100,000 downloads of the podcast!  We started in September 2015 and are amazed at the love & support we have received.  To celebrate, we are looking at the list of the SPA's highest sellers of computer software in the 1980s.   We start off in part one looking at the three 500k sellers and then move on to the 250k sellers.  We get a view of the computer software market during this time, and have a little fun too!   Kent Brockman Welcoming out Insect Overlords: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4jWAwUb63c TCW 028 - Picking up the Pieces: The US Arcade Industry After the Crash: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/picking-up-the-pieces-the-us-arcade-industry-after-the-crash/ TCW 041 - Beating Them All Up: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/beating-them-all-up/ The Print Shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxL7-XLGfDg TCW 071 -A Story of Brøderbund!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-story-of%c2%a0br%c3

TCW Podcast Episode 159 - International Adventure   In this episode, we look at the computer game company 'Adventure International' which is one of the first companies to put out adventure games on early home computers.  Founded by Scott Adams, no not THAT Scott Adams, and his ex-wife Alexis.  The company had a short lifespan of less than a decade.  We look at the life of Adams, and how his love of puzzles and games turned into a small business that unfortunately ended in the mid-1980s   Mike Mayfield Star Trek:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLKw4AU4KHU TCW 016 - Early Computer Game Platforms: The Trinity, and The Disciples: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/early-computer-game-platforms-the-trinity-and-the-disciples/ Sphere 1 Computer: https://history-computer.com/sphere-1-computer/ Colossal Cave Adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFrWH0na0A Adventureland (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXalpUaECVw 3D-TicTac-Toe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1qPNY03ZuY Byte Magazine Adventure Artic

TCW Podcast Episode 158 - Computer Space   Computer space is a game steeped in mystery and myth.  The game is a reimagining of Space War.  Developed through a partnership between Nutting Associates and Syzygy, Computer Space went on to have modest success.  The game is viewed as having little to no impact.  In this episode, we explore how Computer Space had much more influence.  The game had a lot of tangible impact with the expansion of Aladdin's Castle.  Computer Space also had a great run in Ithaca, NY.  Furthermore, it had the first radio advertisement for an arcade video game!   TCW 022 - The Galaxy Game: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-galaxy-game/ WORLDLY WEDNESDAYS: A TIMELINE OF COMPUTER SPACE: https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-computer-space/ TCW 044 - Founding, Syzygy to Atari: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/founding-syzygy-to-atari/ The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/2021/11/29/why-compu

TCW Podcast Episode 157- Final Fantasy's Tale   We look at a game franchise that spans fifteen titles and is still growing strong! Final Fantasy has a deep history with many influences and creative talent coming together to create a game of somber mystery and wonder. Final Fantasy had themes drawn from Conan the Barbarian, Elric of Melniboné,  rock music, and the art of Toshitaka Amano. With the help of the programming talents of Nasir Gebelli, the game was able to do things that even Dragon Quest, released a year earlier, was unable to accomplish. The game was released with four hundred thousand copies in Japan and met with modest success leading to the development of further titles. Listen and discover the history and wonder of Final Fantasy!   Ultraman EP1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLf_yMPu6gw Astro Boy EP1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpwbNYFvZy4 Guin Saga Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guin_Saga Elric of Melniboné Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elric_of_Melnibon%C3%A

TCW Podcast Episode 156 - Madden for Some Football   We cover the man, the myth, the legend of football John Madden! He is famous for taking the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl win and a long career as a sports analyst and commentator. Madden is perhaps best known for the yearly football video game property. In this episode, we look deep at the inception of the game series, how John Madden became involved, and see how the series was almost a one-release failure. There is a quiz about three takeaways from this episode!   TCW 035 - EA The Teenage Years: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ea-the-teenage-years/ TCW 058 - EA Sports: It's In the Game!: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ea-sports-its-in-the-game/ Atari Football Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_ZOtqMWHoU George Carlin on Football (Explicit Language): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkqNiBASfI George Carlin Sports (Explicit Language): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJRIKuNJBA Super Bowl XI (Entire Game): https://www.youtube

TCW Podcast Episode 155 Nintendo Playing With Toys   In our final look at Nintendo in the early years, we see the transition into toys and electronic games.  Nintendo brought over some popular western games such as Twister in partnership with Milton Bradly.  The legendary engineer Gunpei Yokoi invented some of Nintendo's first toys.  These toys included; the Ultra Hand, the Ultra Machine, and the Ultra Scope.  Nintendo progressed further into electronic entertainment by focusing on light gun technology with photovoltaic cells.  The home light gun games were a hit.  Nintendo decided to develop a larger version to be used in bowling alleys.  However, the oil embargo of the 1970s caused such economic turmoil that most orders were canceled.  It is at this point that Nintendo refactored the technology for use in the traditional coin-op space.   TCW 037 - Nintendo and Gunpei Yokoi: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-and-gunpei-yokoi/ Nintendo Rabbit Coaster Game: http://blog.beforemario.com/2011/02

TCW Podcast Episode 154 - Nintendo Playing with Controversy   In part two of our look at the history of Nintendo, we cover the aftermath of Hiroshi Yamauchi's father abandoning the family. He ended up growing up under the care of his grandparents. Unfortunately, after a stroke suffered by his Grandfather, Hiroshi Yamauchi had to take over control of Nintendo in his early twenties. Because of this early ascension to power, Hiroshi Yamauchi was subject to a controversy that was the greatest challenge to his authority. The strike of employees at Nintendo.   A Brief History of US Troops Playing Cards: https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/a-brief-history-of-us-troops-playing-cards-and-a-magicians-trick-honoring-veterans/ Vintage Playing Cards from Postwar Japan: https://globalvoices.org/2020/11/30/newly-found-vintage-playing-cards-shine-a-light-on-post-war-occupied-japan/ Abroad in Japan Love Hotels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fso4yjbgceY Disney Playing Cards: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/

TCW Podcast Episode 153 - Nintendo Playing With Cards   We start off our look at the complete history of Nintendo.  The company started as a side project of a cement company trying to get cement into Kyoto.  From the humble start of being in a small house with six employees, Nintendo started to grow into an unrivaled producer of cards not just in Japan, but in the Japanese empire.  We end with Hiroshi Yamauchi being the first male ere to the Yamauchi line.   Hanafuda Cards and KoiKoi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WxYDIsXHOQ Hyakunin Isshu: https://www.jlit.net/premodern/hyakunin-isshu/index.html Hyakunin Isshu Karuta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx2UqSxAPfk Nintemdo Playing Card Pictures: http://www.kyotoursjapan.com/blog/2018/5/2/nintendo-kyoto-origins Napoleon Back Cards: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Hanafuda   New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Vi

TCW Podcast Episode 152 - Grand Theft Auto 2 by 3   With the groundwork of the series laid down, we continue our look into the franchise of Grand Theft Auto.  GTA 2 went to market during a transition phase with Rockstar, Take-Two Interactive, and DMA (Soon to be Rockstar North), sorting out who would deal with what.  GTA 2 was a modest success, but it is GTA 3 that made Rockstar and Take-Two take off.  The gritty storytelling, realism, and relatable real-world themes made GTA 3 a blockbuster hit.  Further refinements to the system lead to the sequels GTA: Vice City and GTA San Andreas.  Each expansion faced controversy, especially San Andreas with the infamous HOT COFFEE!   Level Zero - The History of Sega Part 1: https://levelzeropod.com/2021/09/16/the-history-of-sega-part-1/ Level Zero - The History of Sega Part 2: https://levelzeropod.com/2021/10/29/the-history-of-sega-part-2/ Level Zero - The History of Sega Part 3: https://levelzeropod.com/2021/11/11/the-history-of-sega-part-3/ Modo Historia Podca

TCW Podcast Episode 151 - Grand Theft Auto 1   We start our look at the legendary game series Grand Theft Auto.  A game series that had many influences that came out of the British PC market.  The game may not have seen the light of day if it was not for developers and executives championing the game to BMG Interactive.  With the help of a PR campaign to stir up false controversy that lead to a speech denouncing the game to the House of Lords, the game launched to modest success!  Though the best is yet to come as Rockstar gears up to release Grand Theft Auto 2 and 3!   Menace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM8r8Nn-fxU Lemmings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuiyFXMjGxA Uniracers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ5sR5Gui6U Red's Dream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96xGUa1a_zs Body Harvest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkw4Jpr0lDw Space Station Silicon Valley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX-GdHNoRRQ Syndicate Wars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7saA60qM4H4 Clockwork Knight: https://

TCW Podcast Episode 150 - Gottlieb Part 2   In part two we look at the further development of Gottlieb as a coin-op company, and how they established themselves during the 50s through the 70's.  Eventually acquired by Columbia Pictures. Gottlieb would start making small steps into the video game space.  Though many inside the company still viewed themselves as a pinball company, the shrinking pinball market necessitated a change.  When Columbia was purchased by Coca-Cola the shift into video games was made more of a priority.  One of the notable hits of this time was the game Q*bert.  A character that would even get a short run cartoon.  Unfortunately with other failures in the video game space, and the collapse of the industry as a whole Gottlieb ceased to be in the mid 80's.   How bowling Pinsetters work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iod6uwUGM2E Shuffleboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpNTY-0fhps Shuffle Alley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfHe6HKFrY8 Gittlieb Duette: https://www.youtube.

TCW Podcast Episode 149 - Gottlieb Part 1   We look at the company Gottlieb which was a major coin-op company founding during the roaring twenties, and rising to prominence in the great depression, and post war era.  The company is most well known for pinball, and the many contributions to making it more than a gabling device.  We follow the rise of the company up until the 1950s.  Though not quite at the video game era yet, the background of the company does help dictate and shape how Gottlieb made its mark in video game history.   Punch Board Price is Right: https://youtu.be/pyiMiLGfAQ0?t=210 Gottlieb Grip Tester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZjhdXMx8U Majestic Moving Target: http://www.pinrepair.com/arcade/majest.htm Bingo Pamphlets: https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=294 Google Gottlieb Bingo Images: https://images.app.goo.gl/Ki2DG8oKJCqPHYU1A Baffle Ball Pinball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1jETFi-f_c Five Star Final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMHzjaoXe7A Humpty Dumpty: https: