Core Elements

Episodes

1. 78

   CE 74: Nina Freeman

   This week, our experiment focuses on Nina Freeman, lead designer of Cibele. In addition to exploring the nature of intimacy in video games, we learn how to hate ourselves for playing MMOs, that we're too old for Undertale, and that if I ever want to make Spencer quit caring, I should just bring…

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   Jan 8, 2016
2. 77

   CE 73: Warren Spector

   This week we return to the laboratory with Warren Spector, creator of some of the most iconic experiences in gaming history. In addition to discussing his illustrious career making games like Ultima Underworld, Wing Commander, Deus Ex, and Epic Mickey, we learn about his work with the Denius-Sams...

   Dec 10, 2015
3. 76

   CE 72: Soren Johnson

   This week we experiment on Soren Johnson, founder of Mohawk Games, makers of Offworld Trading Company. In addition to talking about his early access release, we discuss his history with Firaxis and EA, the eventual return of rhythm games, the frustration of unlimited turn strategy games, and the...

   Feb 27, 2015
4. 75

   CE 71: Kristen Bornemann

   From deep within the Maguma Jungle, we are joined by Kristen Bornemann of ArenaNet! Kristen talks to us about the upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2, as well as her deep and confusing love for DOTA 2. We also discuss the release of the new 3DS, the slavery inherent in Ingress, and the cost to…

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   Feb 20, 2015
5. 74

   CE 70: Gabriel Mughelli

   This week, Gabriel Mughelli, Promotions Mastermind at Hi-Rez Studios, joins us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the upcoming Smite championships and Global Agenda 2, we discover why our brains like random lewtz, baffle Spencer with the popularity of e-sports, and dig into the worth of...

   Nov 7, 2014
6. 73

   CE 69: John Comes

   This week, John Comes of Uber Entertainment joins us in the Laboratory! In addition to discussing Planetary Annihilation and the Human Resources kickstarter, we discuss the nature of Wes's MMO addictions, ponder the space flight sim vacancy, and definitively define which Civilization game is...

   Oct 31, 2014
7. 72

   CE 68: Will Overgard

   Will Overgard, of The Creative Assembly, joins us in the laboratory this week! In addition to discussing Total War and Alien: Isolation, we ponder the results of internet death threads, dissect the fall of the Human Resources kickstarter, and help Spencer decide whether he should finish FFXIII or...

   Oct 24, 2014
8. 71

   CE 67: Consortium

   This week we're joined by Gregory MacMartin of iDGi, makers of Consortium. In addition to discussing their futuristic murder mystery, we contemplate the value of cancelled Blizzard games, assess the standards for debate and discourse, evaluate the concept that Mass Effect 2 is the best pc game…

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   Sep 27, 2014
9. 70

   CE 66: Ryan S Dancey

   Our guest scientist this week is Ryan S Dancey of Goblinworks, makers of Pathfinder Online. His illustrious gaming career includes product development on Legend of the Five Rings, brokering the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast, leading the development of 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons, and...

   Sep 19, 2014
10. 69

    CE 65: @MikeRugnetta

    After a long dormant period inside the volcano, Mike Rugnetta from PBS Idea Channel returns for a reasoned discussion about the nature of games and our media. In addition to talking about his work with PBS and podcasting, we look into the obtuse nature of non-DS Zelda, the corruption that…

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    Sep 5, 2014
11. 68

    CE 64: Pixel: ru²

    This week we're joined by Charlotte and Jesse, creators of Pixel: ru2. In addition to talking about their game, we discuss the expectations that are coming from E3, the future of GoG Galaxy, and the nature of taking an indie game to PAX. [MP3 AUDIO] Charlotte on Twitter Pixel: ru2 Try out Loot...

    Jun 13, 2014
12. 67

    CE 63: Wildstar

    Wildstar was released this week, and we celebrate by having Matt Mocarski and Mike Donatelli of Carbine Studios join us in the laboratory. In addition to discussing the making of their game, we also explore the expectations on Facebook's Occulus project, the extraordinary challenges of MMO...

    Jun 6, 2014
13. 66

    CE 62: Dragon Army

    Michael Stanley, of Dragon Army, joins us in the laboratory this week to talk about Robots Love Ice Cream. In addition to discussing what constitutes a "Core Gamer", we analyze the nature of the fixated Eve assassin, contemplate the lethality of weaponized ice cream, and debate whether all of...

    May 20, 2014
14. 65

    CE 61: Elysian Shadows

    This week we're joined by Falco and Tyler, developers of the game Elysian Shadows. In addition to talking about their 2d/3d RPG, we ponder virtues of old game styles, contemplate the value of being grandfathered on Steam, and continue to allow Wes to talk about how he's MMO'd out. [MP3 AUDIO]...

    May 10, 2014
15. 64

    CE 60: Phil Tibitoski

    This week Spencer makes a new best friend as Phil Tibitoski joins us in the volcano. In addition to talking about Octodad, we discuss YouTubers owning the games they play, the dollar per hour cost in games, and the need for variability in enemy camps. [MP3 AUDIO] Phil on Twitter Octodad Try out...

    May 2, 2014
16. 63

    CE 59: Dana Massey

    This week we're joined by Dana Massey of Rocket City Studios. In addition to discussing their game, Second Chance Heroes, we explore the world of 2048, we ponder the masochism of MMO development, and we pontificate on how Titanfall turns losers into winners and winners into losers. [MP3 AUDIO]…

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    Mar 21, 2014
17. 62

    CE 58: Dejobaan Games

    This week, Ziba Scott returns to the volcano to discuss his work with Dejobaan games, makers of Drunken Robot Pornography and the upcoming Elegy for a Dead World. In addition to discussing the YOLO naming of DRP, we ponder whether we really want smart AI, what we're doing with our PC games, and...

    Mar 14, 2014
18. 61

    CE 57: Raphael van Lierop

    After a long absence, we are joined in the laboratory this week by Raphael van Lierop of Hinterland Studios. In addition to discussing his game, The Long Dark, we discuss the meaning of Flappy Bird, ponder the success of Games Workshop titles, and wonder at the emerging religions in Twitch Plays...

    Feb 28, 2014
19. 60

    CE 56: Lorne Lanning

    Lorne Lanning, creator of Oddworld, steps into our laboratory to discuss his work with us. In addition to talking about Lorne's transition from film to games, we talk about breadcrumbs in MMOs, the imbecilic trolling of the gaming internet, and Spencer's New Year's insanity pact. [MP3 AUDIO]…

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    Jan 13, 2014
20. 59

    CE 55: Steve Gaynor

    This week Steve Gaynor of Fullbright joins us in the volcano to talk about his incredibly successful indie game, Gone Home. As part of his initiation, we discuss the latest YouTube shenanigans, The cinematic value of a cinematic let's play, and the strategy of price drops. [MP3 AUDIO] Steve on...

    Dec 17, 2013
21. 58

    CE 54: Pixel Piracy

    This week we welcome Alex and Vitoli into the laboratory to talk about their new game, Pixel Piracy. In addition to discussing how they've offered their own game up as a torrent, we talk about the rights of streamers to play what they want, the relative indie-ness of gaming studios, and the true...

    Dec 10, 2013
22. 57

    CE 53: Dean Tate

    We experiment this week with Dean Tate, creator of Captain Bubblenaut. We ponder the massive response turnout to buy the PS4, whether space combat can save a dying space game, and what can be considered "pay to win" in "Epic Loot". [MP3 AUDIO] Dean on Twitter Captain Bubblenaut [LINK] 10 Reasons...

    Dec 6, 2013
23. 56

    CE 52: Tim Lindsey

    Tim Lindsey of Xaviant joins us in the laboratory to discuss project development on Lichdom. In addition to talking about his game, we discuss whether Warlords of Draenor will revive the fanbase, how lasers and smoke machines can help playtesting, and the usefulness of dancing and horseriding in...

    Nov 15, 2013
24. 55

    CE 51: Davey Wreden

    This week we are joined by one of the creators of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden of Galactic Cafe! In addition to discussing his amazing new game, we address the arcane nature of Pokemon, whether fair use of video content finally has a champion, and the challenges of picking a price for a...

    Oct 25, 2013
25. 54

    CE 50: Dan Teasedale

    This week we welcome Dan Teasedale of No Goblin into the laboratory! In addition to discussing his rock star days with Harmonix, we consider the recent bevy of Valve announcements, the future of Super Drake Tracker, and the potential evil of social game IPOs. [MP3 AUDIO] Dan on Twitter No Goblin...

    Oct 3, 2013
26. 53

    CE 49: Joe Mirabello

    This week we welcome Joe Mirabello, creator of Tower of Guns into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the success of TellTale adventure games, Origin's return policy, and what we would do to fix Civ 5. [MP3 AUDIO] Joe on Twitter The Tower of Guns Greenlight page [LINK] Telltale Games…

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    Aug 23, 2013
27. 52

    CE 48: Kent Hudson

    This week we welcome Kent Hudson, creator of The Novelist into the laboratory! In this episode, we discuss the true point of the X-Bone, the balance between fun and art, and the idea of giving games we don't like any of our time. [MP3 AUDIO] Kent on Twitter The Novelist [LINK] Xbox One will work...

    Aug 16, 2013
28. 51

    CE 47: Teddy Lee

    Welcome back to the laboratory! This week we're joined by Teddy Lee of Cellar Door Games, makers of Rogue Legacy. In addition to discussing how hard it is to work with his brother, we discuss the concept of cinematic games, we cover the apparent inevitability of Ouya failure, and we show each…

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    Jul 26, 2013
29. 50

    CE 46: Ben Prunty

    This week, music fills the laboratory as we welcome Ben Prunty, composer of the music of FTL and Gravity Ghost. In this episode we discuss the ubiquity of in-game stores, the mindset of the gaming DDoS, and the relative overhype of Naughty Dog. [MP3 AUDIO] Ben Prunty on Twitter Ben Prunty Music...

    Jul 12, 2013
30. 49

    CE 45: Brad Muir & Massive Chalice

    This week, Brad Muir, our guest from episode #1 of Core Elements, returns to the show! In addition to discussing his recently crowd-funded game, Massive Chalice, we discuss the legal destruction of digital property, the omnipresent fear of a digital store's collapse, and the deep, deep rabbit…

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    Jul 8, 2013
31. 48

    CE 44: Joe McDonagh

    After an extended absence, we return to laboratory with Joe McDonagh, founder of Blue Manchu. In addition to discussing his game project, Card Hunter, we look into the slaughter of Microsoft at E3, the curious case of Peggle's popularity, and the stressful steps into indie game development. [MP3...

    Jun 26, 2013
32. 47

    CE #43: Todd Harris

    This week we're joined in the Laboratory by Hi-Rez co-founder and COO, Todd Harris. In this episode we discuss Smite, Tribes, the difficult communities they appeal to, and the nature of designing free-to-play games. We also learn how to monetize griefing and discuss the usefulness of Steam...

    May 9, 2013
33. 46

    CE 42: Monaco and Andy Schatz

    Andy Schatz joins us again from the whirlwind of his upcoming Monaco: What's Yours is Mine release! For the episode (that answers the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything), we discuss slices of gum, the curious violence of Bioshock Infinite, and question the death of the…

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    Apr 20, 2013
34. 45

    CE 41: Alan Wilson

    Alan Wilson, Vice-President of Tripwire Interactive, joins us this week in the laboratory. In addition to discussing Killing Floor and Red Orchestra, we talk about the value of community input into game design, the balance between the ESRB and regulation, and how we are all going to be MLG-pro…

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    Feb 1, 2013
35. 44

    CE 40: Michael McMain

    Xaviant CEO, Michael McMain joins us this week on the show. In addition to discussing their work in progress, Lichdom, we discuss the place of consoles in the gaming universe, the inescapable siren call of Skyrim, and the big gay planet of The Old Republic. Skype was particularly cruel to the…

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    Jan 25, 2013
36. 43

    CE 39: Erin Robinson

    For our first episode of the new year, Erin Robinson is our guest in the Laboratory! In addition to talking about Gravity Ghost, we ask her about her technological influence, her path to indie development, and whether Spencer should make a game about words or insects. [MP3 AUDIO] Erin on Twitter...

    Jan 14, 2013
37. 42

    CE 38: Robert Moran

    Robert Moran, of URealms fame, joins us this week in the laboratory! Here off his whirlwind Kickstarter tour, Robert shares his gaming wit and wisdom with us. In this episode we discuss the dubious connection between popularity and income, the ramifications of Warcraft questing, and the untimely...

    Dec 7, 2012
38. 41

    CE 37: Eric Zimmerman

    This week we are joined by Eric Zimmerman, founder of GameLab and author of Rules of Play. In this episode we discuss how games are becoming integral to our entire life experience, the reason behind our lack of female game developers, and why sex in video games feels so dirty, dirty, and wrong....

    Nov 29, 2012
39. 40

    CE 36: Ziba Scott

    This week we are once again sans Spencer, but we have with us Ziba Scott, the independant game designer behind Girls Like Robots. In this episode we discuss PS3 hostility towards hackers, the siren song of MMOs, and the curious nostalgia of gaming manuals. [MP3 AUDIO] Ziba on Twitter PopCannibal...

    Nov 15, 2012
40. 39

    CE 35: Mike Rugnetta

    This week we are joined by Mike Rugnetta of PBS Idea Channel! Sharing with us his unique intellectual angle on media, we cover topics about myopic gaming choices, the value of open-sourced hardware, and experiencing the unexperiencable. [MP3 AUDIO] Mike Rugnetta on Twitter PBS Idea Channel Get a...

    Nov 9, 2012
41. 38

    CE 34: Josh Tsui

    This week we bring Josh Tsui into the laboratory! President of Robomodo, makers of the newest games in the Tony Hawk series, Josh joins us in a lively discussion of monetized videos, mobile gaming vs. desktop gaming, and the tough line to talk between nostalgia and innovation! [MP3 AUDIO] Josh…

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    Oct 16, 2012
42. 37

    CE #33: Scott McMillan

    This week, Scott Macmillan of MacGuffin Games joins Core Elements to talk about his studio, it's death, and subsequent resurrection. In addition to discussing our Warcraft problems, we'll cover the magic of Hero Academy, the balance between art and money in gaming, and the curious desire to…

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    Sep 21, 2012
43. 36

    CE #32: Brendon Chung

    This week we are joined by Brendon Chung of Blendo Games. Brendon has made such fantastic titles as Atom Zombie Smasher, Gravity Bone, and Flotilla. In this episode, we discuss the use of descriptive adjectives in game titles, the dubious merit of new console hardware, the worth of sex in gaming,...

    Sep 10, 2012
44. 35

    CE #31: Dan Silvers Reprise

    Dan Silvers returns to the Laboratory for a new round of experiments! In this episode, we discuss the waning Blizzard love, Microsoft's fear of Steam, and the unawesomeness of Awesomenauts. The audio this week was not recorded locally and had to be recovered from Twitch... so please forgive the...

    Sep 6, 2012
45. 34

    CE #30: Roger Craig Smith

    This summer has seen a terrible drought for booking guests, but it appears the fall has graced us with more open schedules! This week, we welcome Roger Craig Smith, voice actor supreme! On top of doing the voices of Ezio from Assassin's Creed, he's know as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, Chris...

    Aug 25, 2012
46. 33

    CE #29: Ron Gilbert & Chad Dawson

    Double Fine graces the laboratory with more of it's excellent game creators! This week we welcome the dubiously ubiquitous Ron Gilbert, of Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island fame, and Chad Dawson, lead programmer on The Cave and AI developer for over a decade. Additionally, although Spencer was...

    Jul 20, 2012
47. 32

    CE #28: Kevin Dent

    We finally get Kevin Dent into the lab to dissect his opinions on a wide array of industry subjects! This week we discuss Rekoil, 38 Studios and Radical games, the excesses and failures of E3, and the real reason Cliff Bleszinski won't reply to your clever tweets. [MP3 AUDIO] Kevin on Twitter...

    Jun 29, 2012
48. 31

    CE #27: Andy Gavin

    This week, Andy Gavin, co-founder of Naughty Dog and all-around renaissance-geek, joins us in the lab. We talk about the schism between writing and gaming, the horrible reality of incubi and succubi, the curious case of 38 Studios, Diablo, Diablo, Diablo, and Diablo. SPECIAL NOTE: Despite what is...

    May 31, 2012
49. 30

    CE #26: Jeff Vogel

    This week we welcome Jeff Vogel of Spiderweb Software, makers of a wide catalog of indie RPG games. In addition to learning how much Jeff loves money, we revisit Spencers love of Bioware, we discover how disgusted Wes is with Venetian canals, and we find out how all three despise one common...

    May 17, 2012
50. 29

    CE #25: Luke Peterschmidt

    Welcome back to the laboratory! We've spent weeks in the lab cooking up a new experiment, and this week we bring you Luke Peterschmidt of Fun to 11. Luke is a prolific board game designer, and we had the privilege of meeting him at Minecon. In this episode we discuss naked vomitous piles of...

    May 10, 2012