Deep in the D-Pad

Chill out, relax, and let's chat about this budding laidback genre!

In their first ever Mechanic Breakdown, the fellas discuss the importance of that nifty y-axis. What makes a jump feel compelling? And what're some iconic styles and types of jumping?

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez discuss game fatigue. What specific aspects of games can create a sense of fatigue? What does game fatigue feel like? What strategies can designers employ to minimize fatigue? During the D-Pad Delights they discuss The Sopranos Trivia Game & the Game Boy Advance SP. They round out the episode with On This Day, a brand new gaming history segment! Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:25 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:10:40 On This Day- 01:05:34 Outro-01:11:25 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss the mechanics, aesthetic and innovation of this foxy game!

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez discuss how and why people talk smack. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss The Stand With Ukraine Humble Bundle & Aragami 2. They round out the episode with some trash talk on quick time events! Appearances by weak bones, osteoporosis, and your grandma's weak bones. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:38 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:17:32 Hot Take- 01:17:35 Outro-01:33:30 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss the morality of vigilantism, as well as the tropes unique to vigilantes in videogames.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez consider the implications of the increasing consolidation of the gaming industry. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss Elden Ring & Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They round out the episode with a hot take on hard drive caps! Appearances by Activision-Blizzard, Zennimax, and the EA graveyard. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:02:27 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:14:30 Hot Take- 01:07:48 Outro-01:24:30 Further reading: Biggest video game acquisitions: From Activision Blizzard to Oculus–https://www.windowscentral.com/list-biggest-video-game-acquisitions Microsoft Deal for Activision to Be Reviewed by FTC in U.S.--https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-01/microsoft-deal-for-activision-to-be-reviewed-by-ftc-in-u-s Studios EA Has Killed: A History–https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ Understanding Antitrust Laws– https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/09/antitrust-law.asp#:~:text=Antitrust%20laws%20are%20statutes%20developed,%2C%20price%20fixing%2C%20and%20monopolies. Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions– https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss leadership, efficiency, and time constraints in collaborative games. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas explore the history of videogame bots. They consider major milestones in the evolution of bots, as well as their personal experiences playing with and against bots. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss Boyfriend Dungeon and Unreal Tournament 1 (1999) Facing Worlds. They round out the episode with their second ever variety show! Appearances by Starcraft, Dota 2, and Fortnite. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:52 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:11:37 Variety Show- 01:12:25 Outro-01:27:30 Further reading: An AI taught itself to play a video game – for the first time, it's beating humans- https://theconversation.com/an-ai-taught-itself-to-play-a-video-game-for-the-first-time-its-beating-humans-118028 Evolution of AI in Video-Games from 1980 to Today - https://medium.com/@DylanCa_/evolution-of-ai-in-video-games-from-1980-to-today-e3344acaed4c Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas explain why they adored The Pedestrian for its subtle storytelling, mechanics, and level design.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss the role of narrative designers. What're the roles unique to narrative designers? How does the position differ from other designers? How does it differ from videogame writers? D-Pad Delights explore the interaction between gaming and real life through Unpacking and The Last of Us. The third segment features a brand new module; we hope you'll enjoy the variety show! Appearances by Kirby Air Ride, Atari 2600, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:02:05 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:12:36 Variety Show- 00:44:05 Outro-01:06:15 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork. Linkables--https://gamerant.com/atari-2600-best-selling-games-ranked-sales/

Originally exclusive to RPGs, skill points have become ubiquitous in videogames. What's their deal?!

The fellas discuss how the eponymous low-fi chore game combines soothing gameplay with visual storytelling.

Carlos provides a case against universal skill points in Halo Infinite. The pros and cons of universal and specialized skill points are discussed.

What makes Lumines such a sparkling gem among block puzzle games?

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss the relationship between mass media and media consumers. They reminisce about Peggle 2 and the Back to the Future: The Card Game during D-Pad Delights. Skill Treat covers semiotics–the study of signs–and how it's incorporated into level design. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:55 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:08:55 Skill Treat- 00:59:35 Outro-01:07:51 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork. Links: Agenda-Setting, Priming, and Framing by Patricia Moy, David Tewksbury, & E. M. Rinke-https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Agenda%E2%80%90Setting%2C-Priming%2C-and-Framing-Moy-Tewksbury/f262d8893c2b1cf6a4fdecc529e94b511c8f68a9 IGN Pulls Review After Plagiarism Accusations https://kotaku.com/ign-pulls-review-after-plagiarism-accusations-1828157939 About Harassment and Abuse Towards the Crystal Dynamics Community Team https://www.reddit.com/r/PlayAvengers/comments/q4au2r/about_harassment_and_abuse_towards_the_crystal/ Game of Thrones Petition to Remake the Final Season https://www.change.org/p/hbo-remake-game-of-thrones-season-8-with-competent-writers

We've discussed what peripherals are. Now let's dive into our memories of them!

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss the concept and presentation of death in video games. They explore No Man's Sky misadventures during the D-Pad Delights. During Skill Treat, RK Taylor introduces Carlos to panpsychism. Appearances by Super Smash Brothers, FTL: Faster Than Light, and Pac-Man. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:28 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:11:04 Skill Treat- 00:58:48 Outro-01:10:48 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas brainstorm segments for future episodes.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss gaming peripherals. Peripherals are auxiliary devices used for… nevermind, just listen to the episode. D-Pad Delights explore the Xbox 360's messenger keyboard and the Mad Catz Air Flo controller. During Skill Treat, Carlos breaks down the five pillars of toy design. Appearances by Guitar Hero, Brave Firefighters, and Dance Dance Revolution. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:43 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:08:15 Skill Treat- 01:07:15 Outro-01:30:40 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

What's the difference between leading an empire and building an urban environment? In this installment of deeper into the genre, the fellas discuss city- and civilization-management games. Appearances by Age of Empires, Cities: Skylines, and Total War.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss games that challenge intuitions about mind, self, and identity. For his D-Pad Delight, Carlos describes his first experience in VR for the first time. RK Taylor juxtaposes John Locke's theory of personal identity with the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. Appearances by Soma, Superliminal, and Pocket Mortys. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:01:11 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:10:15 Skill Treat- 01:06:40 Outro-01:17:13 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The boys discuss why rougelikes can drain a player. Special focus on Back 4 Blood, Hades, and Spelunky.

What can games teach us about time management? Which games address existence from a philosophical lens? In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss the relationship between time management and existential dread in and out of games. For his D-Pad Delight Carlos Gutierrez discusses how Dead Rising killed his Xbox360. We round out today's episode by exploring small unit tactics as they pertain to AI during Skill Treat. Appearances by Zelda--Majora's Mask and Skyward Sword—Spiritfarer, and Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. Intro-00:00:04 D-Pad Delights-00:00:15 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:10:15 Skill Treat- 00:53:15 Outro-01:01:00 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Eidos-Montréal and Eidos-Sherbrooke have adopted a four-day workweek. What implications might this have for other game studios?

Let's talk about pooches! In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss various roles that dogs play in videogames—characters, supports, accessories. They reminisce about Neopets and Nintendogs during the D-Pad Delights. In Skill Treat, RK Taylor introduces “What Is It Like to Be a Bat?” by Thomas Nagel. Appearances by Call of Duty, Fable, and Dog's Life. Intro-00:00:04 D-Pad Delights-00:00:30 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:13:42 Skill Treat- 00:47:30 Outro-00:58:20 What Is It Like to Be a Bat?—https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~cavitch/pdf-library/Nagel_Bat.pdf Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

These iconic puzzlers beg to be discussed. Let's get deeper into the genre!

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas break down the psychology and game mechanics of revenge. They explore the Psychonauts series and Squid Game during D-Pad Delights. In Skill Treat, Carlos discusses how network topology has changed the way he approaches level design. Appearances by God of War, South Park's World of Warcraft parody, and John Wick. Intro-00:00:04 D-Pad Delights-00:00:30 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:13:42 Skill Treat-01:05:15 Outro-1:06:00 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Check out this behind the scenes episode where the fellas discuss the development of an episode from rant to release.

Carlos Gutierrez and RK Taylor discuss their experiences with this dodgeball fave. Note: Contrary to initial comments, Knock Out City is not free, but is currently included with Game Pass.

Do cartridges, CDs, and arcade cabinets add something to the player experience? In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, Carlos Gutierrez and RK Taylor discuss the ramifications of digital media. They reminisce about Tetris and Casper (1996) during D-Pad Delights. Skill Treat explores the relationship between form and function. Appearances by World of Warcraft, Moore's Law, and old school memory storage. Intro-00:00:04 D-Pad Delights-00:00:54 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:16:28 Skill Treat-00:58:18 Outro-1:06:00 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas talk about their misadventures in the titular physics-based fighting game.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, your friendly neighborhood game developer breaks down milestones of game creation. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and bar trivia are this episode's Delights. Skill Treat juxtaposes waterfall and agile game development. Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:36 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:09:24 Skill Treat- 01:03:36 Outro- 01:08:36 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Deathloop, Hades, and Zelda—oh my!

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, Carlos Gutierrez and RK Taylor analyze how gender and sexuality are typically presented in games. Tomb Raider and Resident Evil are discussed during the D-Pad Delights. Skill Treat provides a resource (read: GAME) to aspiring musicians who hope to improve their ear training. Appearances by Bayonetta, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, and Little Nightmares. Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:48 Deep in the D-Pad- 00:12:18 Skill Treat- 01:13:05 Outro 01:17:26 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The boys discuss how DDP has developed thus far.

Wonder how gaming interests correspond with personality? In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, Carlos Gutierrez and RK Taylor discuss how theorists have attempted to classify gamers. Shadow Complex and Old Pokemon Snap are discussed at the top of the show. Skill Treat covers how some developers incorporate the concept of cognitive load into their craft. Appearances by Celeste, Hypnospace Outlaw, and Papers Please. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:01:05 Deeper into the D-Pad-00:08:02 Skill Treat-00:53:23 Outro-01:11:30 Bartle's Index- https://matthewbarr.co.uk/bartle/index.php Quantic Foundry's Player Segments- https://quanticfoundry.com/2020/08/17/player-segments/ Cogntive Load Theory- https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/cognitive-load-theory.htm#:~:text=%22Cognitive%20load%22%20relates%20to%20the,t%20directly%20contribute%20to%20learning Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

What the heck's a game engine? In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, Carlos Gutierrez and RK Taylor discuss the applications that facilitate game creation. The boys discuss games they're developing in their free time. Skill Treat describes the Hero's Journey--the backbone of many narratives. Appearances by Tennis for Two, Super Mario Maker, and Snake. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:01:13 Deeper into the D-Pad-00:11:19 Skill Treat-00:40:58 Outro-00:51:52 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss why Dead Rising was a marvel for its time.

The boys discuss their recent experiences with battle passes.

In the first of several Bonus Bytes exploring genres, the fellas discuss the conventions of action/adventure games.

The fellas discuss the evolution of cheat codes. Glitches, Easter Eggs, hacks, mods, fanatical button pressing, and Amibos are explored. Reminisce along if you recall old school Pokemon glitches, flying cars in GTA, Doom, or Time Splitters 2. During the Skill Treat, Carlos explains the method and importance of strategy canvassing. The Story of GameShark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4vs4X66nas Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights: 00:00:25 Deeper Into the D-Pad: 00:09:39 Skill Treat: 53:16 Outro: 01:03:40 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Mario Party, Demeo, and Trivial Pursuit Live bend board game conventions. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz and Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Why do video games evoke such anger? The fellas discuss a hypothetical etymology for the term tilted. They also analyze the distinctions between challenge and frustration, as well as external and internal challenges in gaming. They break down their emotional regulation techniques, such as grounding, meditation, and self-monitoring. The Skill Treat introduces cognitive distortions while Megaman, The Sopranos, Snoop Dogg, and pinball gambling weasel their way into the conversation. Intro- 00:00 D-Dap Delights- 00:33 Deeper into the D-Pad- 05:25 Skill Treat-48:00 Outro-54:45 Links: More on cognitive distortions: https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/unhelpful-thinking-styles-cognitive-distortions-in-cbt/ Self Made Man Sculpture https://www.bobbiecarlylesculpture.com/SelfMadeMan.php Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz and Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

We felt the 2021 flick was FATALity flawed. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz and Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The guys analyze how the titular legal concept applies to the videogame industry. Spiritual successors, cross-overs, the Fair Use Protection Act (FUPA), and licenses are discussed. They make references to Left 4 Dead, Yooka-Laylee, DBZ Buddaka to illustrate these concepts. In an unexpected turn, their discussion leads to John Locke, Abraham Lincoln, flappy bird clones, THAT HELICOPTER FLASH GAME, gamefeel, proprietary code, Hyrule Warriors. Finally, Carlos discusses how animators build suspense in Pacific Rim: The Black. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:50 Deeper into the D-Pad: 00:19:50 Skill Treat- 01:46:53 Outro- 02:00:53 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas jump into a discussion on the objectives created outside a game's narrative--often called achievements or trophies. How do these goals operate on different platforms? Why do gamers feel an incentive to earn achievements? What could make them even better? They also discuss No Man's Sky, achievement hunting, Xbox 360 badges, simple achievements--like those in Avatar the Last Airbender, purchasing gamerscore, secret achievements, and Carlos describes his experiences creating trophies for Days Gone. The guys also introduce a new segment Skill Treat. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:01:33 Deeper into the D-Pad-00:06:22 Skill Treat-00:58:43 01:11:40--Outro Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz and Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss updates on their VR experiences, the relationship between Control and Alan Wake, tactics games, how games journalism could be improved, what went wrong with the coverage of Cyberpunk, celebrity brand endorsements, review scores, the subjective nature of reviews, embargoes, and Framing Brittany. Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:52 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:07:32 Change of Heart- 01:17:20 Outro: 01:25:34 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Join us for our deepest dive yet! RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez discuss their first experiences with virtual reality, special effects in 3D films, Robert Nozick's experience machine, worlds within worlds, the magic circle, VR addiction, blocking incalcitrant preteens, what makes virtual reality environments convincing, metaphysical idealism, and Care Bear superfans. Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:43 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:06:57 Change of Heart- 00:59:55 Outro- 01:15:15 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

Carlos and RK Taylor share their first impressions of Monster Train. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz and Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show

Carlos and RK Taylor discuss various forms of microtransactions. From extra lives in Candy Crush to Rocket League's Rocket Pass, the hosts analyze the merits of free-to-play games charging for non-essential features. They explore the moral weight of microtransactions, camouflage cosmetics, whales, the origins of microtransactions, gacha games, hard determinism, and rigged algorithms. Intro- 00:00:00 D-Pad Delights- 00:00:27 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:12:09 Change of Heart- 01:05:38 Outro- 01:11:30 Edit: Double Fine is owned by Microsoft, rather than the other way around. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.