Playing With Form

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Originally created as a response to the question "Are video games art?", Playing With Form is a painstakingly-produced sonic research paper appreciating the medium, and investigating what it has to offer.

Jason Foley


    • Nov 21, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 9 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Playing With Form podcast is a truly captivating and enlightening series that delves into the world of video games. Hosted by Jason, each episode is carefully crafted and takes listeners on a journey through the various aspects of gaming. From discussing the appeal of video games to exploring the design elements that make them so popular, this podcast offers valuable insights for both gamers and non-gamers alike.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Jason's ability to set the stage for each episode. His introduction provides context and builds anticipation for what's to come. Then, he seamlessly transitions into delivering compelling examples and anecdotes that support his theses. This combination of storytelling and analysis keeps listeners engaged throughout each episode.

    The production quality of The Playing With Form podcast is also top-notch. The editing is seamless, with all the effects and content expertly integrated together. This attention to detail enhances the listening experience and makes it easy to follow along with the topics being discussed.

    For non-gamers like myself, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on video games. Through Jason's insightful commentary, I gained an entirely new appreciation for their appeal, design, and popularity. As someone who previously viewed gaming as just leisure entertainment, this podcast has convinced me otherwise. The intelligence behind game design is showcased in a way that highlights its similarities to strategic activities like playing chess.

    While it is difficult to find any major flaws with The Playing With Form podcast, one potential improvement could be diversifying the voices heard on the show. Incorporating different perspectives from gamers or industry professionals could provide even more depth to discussions and offer a well-rounded view of gaming culture.

    In conclusion, The Playing With Form podcast is an absolute gem for anyone interested in understanding video games on a deeper level. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone who has never picked up a controller before, this series will captivate your attention and leave you with valuable insights. With its engaging host, impressive production quality, and thought-provoking content, this podcast is definitely worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Playing With Form

    Behind the Closed Door

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 16:06


    A late Halloween special, because I'm not great at time management. In this episode, "Behind the Closed Door", I talk about tools of the trade for horror writers, and we're getting Lovecraftian about it. Some things to look forward to: A house containing a bug of variable size, a completely normal hike through the woods, and me hamming it up the whole time. This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I'd recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.

    Episode 8: Know Your Limits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 41:10


    Another one! In this episode, "Know Your Limits", I talk about a whole heap of things, but mainly save points. Some things to look forward to this time: A boss fight decades in the making, Link putting on pants, and a conversation between three thinkers who have never met. This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I'd recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.     And I got some links for you all, both interviews with Satoshi Nakai, both very different, and both very worthwhile. From the bonus content of Assault Suits Valken Declassified - The switch port of this SNES mecha platformer comes with this lovely interview covering Nakai's history, and his approach to mecha visual design. Thanks to the ShiryuGL youtube channel for capturing the footage. The Crimson Head Interview - A very different interview, including the sections on horror and limits that I mentioned, but also his version of Stephen King's argument in "What's Scary?", and more focused discussion on his Resident Evil monster/character designs.

    Episode 7: The Building Blocks of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2023 22:26


    The triumphant return of Playing With Form! In this episode, "The Building Blocks of Life", I talk about composition. Some things to look forward to this time: Music written and performed on a Nintendo DS emulator, a suspiciously important 2 years of game design, and multiple literal interpretations of the term "worldbuilding".   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I'd recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.

    Episode 6: To See With Your Ears

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 25:35


    Episode 6 has finally arrived! In this episode, "To See With Your Ears", I talk about the practical and philosophical merits of game sound. Some things to look forward to this time: Poetry from inside the womb, a commentated romp through the underworld, and repurposed film theory.   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I’d recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make. And some links: - The heartbeat sound I used is https://freesound.org/s/32731/ - And if you're curious about the Papa Engine (I don't blame you, audiogames are very cool), they have more info at https://papaengine.wordpress.com/

    Episode 5: A Story About A Story About A Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2019 18:16


    This one is a bit different. In this episode, "A Story About A Story About A Tree", I talk about games as human connection, unraveling a mystery from the late 90's, and airing my opinions on both Final Fantasy 7, and the entire internet. Some things to look forward to this time: Amateur philosophy and virtual film noir, all framed by the world's most boring Let's Play.   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I’d recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.   I either shortened or paraphrased all of the articles I used, so here they are in full, for your reading pleasure: A Story About A Tree, by Raph Koster (who you will hear from again) Who Killed Miss Norway?, by Tracy Spaight Revisiting the Garden of Remembrance, by Raph Koster  

    Episode 4: Where to Draw the Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2019 19:52


    Episode 4 is here! In this episode, "Where to Draw the Line", I talk about music, and introduce the concept of nonlinear media. Some things to look forward to this time: A Final Fantasy X rant, the merits of virtual radio, and a Russian composer very much out of his element.   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I’d recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.   And this time, I have only a few links, to soundtracks I really admire: - Supergiant Games' Youtube Channel, as I said, has all their music, which is great by itself, and even better in-game. - Katamari has a prolific soundtrack, which spans multiple genres, and is designed to be listened to outside of the game (they're released as albums too)    

    Episode 3: An Ode to Gibberish

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 19:34


    And with three episodes, we have formed a pattern! In this third episode, "An Ode to Gibberish", I talk about voice and character identity. Some things to look forward to this time: Visual psychology transposed to audio, ideas for new VR games, and a lot of little blipping noises.   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I’d recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.   And this time, for the more curious listeners, I have quite a few links. - For the full Charles Martinet interview I sampled, click here. - For a playable version of Colossal Cave Adventure, click here. As the precursor to all interactive storytelling, it deserves to be played just for that. It's also pretty fun. - I only talk about Nevermind briefly, but the studio and concept are worth checking out. Here's more information on them.

    Episode 2: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Random Number

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 19:03


    Welcome back! In this second episode, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Random Number”, I talk about random number generation. Some things to look forward to this time: Winston Churchill wildly out of context, goofing around on Route 1, and proof that Skype does not make for the best interviews.   This is the kind of series you can listen to out of order, but I’d recommend listening to the first episode at some point. It explains why this podcast exists, and was a lot of fun to make.   If you’re interested in seeing the Hearthstone match I was referencing, here's a link to that. And to go right to the moment where RNG decided it all, click here.

    Episode 1: To Do is To Be

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 26:54


    Welcome to Playing With Form! In this first episode, "To Do is To Be", I talk about actions, and the diegetic world within games. Some things to look forward to: Talking about murder with Mom, two kinds of tennis, and the very first use of aural block quotes.   And finally, if you’re curious about Metal Gear Solid 3, but don’t have access to the game, here’s a handy youtube video condensing all of it into one consumable package.

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