Podcasts about Interactive fiction

This week, Chris travels through time! Matt thinks he's going to travel through time for a second then he doesn't! Politicians escape!Also, Chris challenges Matt to an extra nice (nice, nice) round of Interactive Fiction or Planet, Matt makes us all smarter with some User PSAs (ok, the Users make us smarter) and you can't have underdogs without overdogs! And middogs! Let's hear it for the middogs!Hey Why Not Do a Discord?Doing the Bluesky ThingListen on Apple PodcastsWatch the YouTubes!Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It!We're on Stitcher, TooThere's a Subreddit!Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloudCatch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So DesireIllustrations by Paul Granger.

This week, Matt celebrates Finish It!'s anniversary (about a month late) and Chris celebrates Hot Air Balloon Day (about a week late) because Matt forgot that they changed plans to do the balloon thing instead of the birthday thing!Also, Matt challenges Chris to a throwback round of Interactive Fiction or IMAX Documentary Movies Available for Your Field Trip Visit to the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT (Round 2), Chris makes Matt do a Surprise Karaoke even though he's getting over a cold, and everyone's invited to try Professor Watchit's Secret Liquid!Hey Why Not Do a Discord?Doing the Bluesky ThingListen on Apple PodcastsWatch the YouTubes!Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It!We're on Stitcher, TooThere's a Subreddit!Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloudCatch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire

This week, Matt learns the one simple trick that space plagues hate, you'll never believe what happens next after Chris retreats, and turns out sour grapes can be a good thing!Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Strangers with Candy, Chris gets to Choose His Own Smoothie, and yes it still counts as discovering something even if it cuz someone told you it!Hey Why Not Do a Discord?Doing the Bluesky ThingListen on Apple PodcastsWatch the YouTubes!Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It!We're on Stitcher, TooThere's a Subreddit!Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloudCatch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire

Warm weather is on the way and you need to stay hydrated. As a start, take a sip of water every time you hear the phrase "in the 90's." This week we're learning about Interactive Fiction - its history, communities, and transformations over the years - from living archive of the medium, Andrew Plotkin. As a bonus, Stephen discovers that he isn't the only one who is wrong about things! Credit for this episode's extra-thorough show notes goes to Andrew. Thanks, Andrew!Interactive Fiction CommunitiesEventsIRLNarrativeColossal Cave Adventure - William Crowther and Donald Woods, The Interactive Fiction DatabaseThe Visible Zorker: Zork 1Interactive Fiction Competition (ongoing since 1995!) - Interactive Fiction CompetitionInform IF language launched around 1993 (https://www.inform-fiction.org/). You can find the modern version at https://inform7.com/ This allowed people to create games for Infocom's original Z-machine, which was invented as a proprietary system in 1979 but is now open-source.The modern version of the IF community's FTP site - Interactive Fiction ArchiveInteractive Fiction Technology FoundationNarrascope ConferenceTwine - Chris Klimas, TwineryRise of the Video Game Zinesters - Anna Anthropy, AmazonThe Cuddled Little Vice (Sandman) - Elizabeth Sandifer, Eruditorum PressAndrew's Interactive Fiction and Game recommendations - IFcomp 2025 winners - Type Help - Roottrees are dead - Return of the Obra Dinn - Murder at the Birch Tree Theater

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Terry Lee, CEO of Fusebox Games, to unpack one of the most overlooked but powerful business models in mobile gaming: interactive fiction built on licensed IP. While much of the industry chases scale through mechanics or ads, Fusebox has quietly built a $30M+ business by turning hit TV shows like Love Island into living, evolving games with some of the highest payer conversion rates in mobile. Terry shares how the studio transformed from a one-season-per-year content cycle into a high-frequency content machine, why writing (not tech), is their true competitive moat, and how they've engineered a system where narrative, data, and monetization continuously inform each other in real time.They also explore what makes fandoms move seamlessly between TV and games, how Fusebox approaches community (including its complicated relationship with Reddit), and why the team is expanding beyond romance-driven gameplay into broader storytelling formats with IP like Big Brother and The Traitors. Along the way, Terry offers candid insights on leadership, scaling under pressure, and navigating the role of AI in creative industries - arguing that the real advantage won't come from replacing talent, but from amplifying it.We'd also like to thank modl.ai for making this episode possible! Using a combination of computer vision, reasoning models, and feedback loops, modl:QA+ autonomously explores builds, detects bugs, and generates actionable reports that sync directly with your existing workflows. To learn more, visit modl.ai.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - Terry Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lee-296a089/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.Links Mentioned:https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Sixteen-Lessons-Career-Level/dp/B0G49VV3R8

This week, it's all about things dying kind of! Matt bears witness to the end of the Earth (maybe?) and Chris discovers a whole new way to bring about the end of himself!Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Andor, the guys create some out-of-this-world libations as they Choose Their Own Beverages (do not make Matt's drink, Matt's drink was very bad), and YES dinosaurs CAN have lil remote controls!Hey Why Not Do a Discord?Doing the Bluesky ThingListen on Apple PodcastsWatch the YouTubes!Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It!We're on Stitcher, TooThere's a Subreddit!Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloudCatch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So DesireIllustrations by Paul Granger.

This week, Chris discovers a new delicacy, Matt becomes a REAL adventurer, and somehow the guys FINISH A WHOLE OTHER BOOK in the process! https://archive.org/download/358-final/358%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Song from the Josie and the Pussycats Movie, Matt ranks the Top 5 Space and Beyond Things of the Week, and one of the brothers has food on the mind! And also the other one does, too! Hey Why Not Do a Discord? Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Kalon Sardin.

This week, Matt slams into back-to-back cheap choose moves that make him sad, Chris gets a Star Wars-y read that makes him happy, and someone makes 18 choices over the course of just 21 pages because that is how this book rolls! https://archive.org/download/355final/355final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Razzie Award-Nominated Science Fiction Film, Chris challenges Matt to a Surprise Karaoke (and Matt is too loud like seriously come on dude), and this week's Wild Card uses a User's name how fun is that?! Hey Why Not Do a Discord? Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the incomparable Paul Granger.

This week, Chris rights a wrong from the past, Matt hits a page that makes so little sense he thinks the book is broken (it's not), and the Universe Governing Body has serious news! Also, it's Sad Pizza Party time! https://archive.org/download/354-bouncefix/354%20bouncefix.mp3 Additionally, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Space and Beyond, someone sees an ending they already got from a whole other perspective, and we got a nice wet cheese blump goin'! Hey Why Not Do a Discord? Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the incomparable Paul Granger.

This week, things get a little trippy when Chris encounters another black hole, Matt nails the body language of friendship, and someone forms a triangular force group of renegade spacecrafts (no big deal)! https://archive.org/download/352-final/352%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or A Thing A Kid Wrote to Chris, it's time to Roll an Alien Dude with the help of 1991's finest alien superhero character creation table, and silly putty on a tennis ball is a texture mashup nightmare. Hey Why Not Do a Discord? Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the incomparable Paul Granger.

New book day! Are you ready to travel to space and then also past there? Chris goes somewhere no human has gone before! Matt gets a “classic” ending that he “couldn't” be “more” excited about! There is math in this book that will break you! https://archive.org/download/351-final/351%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Sci-Fi Movie from the 1950s, Predictions are made, and the guys totally shake the curse of getting the same exact read in the first episode of a new book! I mean, what are the chances?! But, like, seriously… what are the chances? Hey Why Not Do a Discord? Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the incomparable Paul Granger.

This week, Chris' fears come to life before his very eyes, Matt makes an impression on some dangerous dudes, somebody's ending makes them a little sick to their stomach, and Krampus drops in to celebrate his most special day! https://finishitpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/344-final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Ska-Punk Song Title (thanks, THEKyleThomas!), Krampus takes the fellas on a trip to Self Care Corner, the guys commit themselves mind and body to some Krampus Day Resignations, and to Dr. Wyatt—we will never forget you! o, Krampus Beast On Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe celebrate Your gloryLord Krampus Beast, great Krampus Beast,We hail your gory storyYour sulphur stench withers our youth,Your seven tongues can taste our truthYour visage at my windowsill;I close my eyes yet see you stillOn Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe worship Your true PowerOn Krampus Days we offer YouOur sanity to devourYour poison crown of dripping hornsWill rid us of our human formsOh Krampus Thing, Great Krampus ThingYou are the One True Winter King Discord is so Hot Right Now Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the great Ron Wing.

This week, Matt gets a firsthand look at why Park City has such a bad crime problem, it becomes increasingly obvious that everyone in town is an undercover cop, and Chris is from the river/returns to the river! https://archive.org/download/341-final/341%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Movie All About Skateboarding or that Just Has Some Skateboarding In It, Chris gets numerological in the segment Visit with Some Digits, someone's read is violent yellow (OR IS IT?!), and this book does not want kids to be skateboarding! Oh, and here's the amazing fountain all the kids love to gleam, cube-style. Discord is so Hot Right Now Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by the great Ron Wing.

This week, it's back-to-school time! Matt makes two whole choices, and Chris gets a read where everything turns out fine. Or does it?! And then, OR DOES IT AGAIN?! https://archive.org/download/334-final/334%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction is a License Plate (see plate “numbers” below), the guys get to Thinking Outside the Box about how to make a great impression on your first day of school, and there's an awful lot of people coming face-to-face with horrible glop just so you know. It's License plates! 4BDNCSLVMPRXPSURASHRK4STOFFRVOLKNOSPCVMPRGOSTTRNSPRBIKEWHORUSKYJAM Watch Out for Room 13 Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3! Discord is so Hot Right Now Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, there are two endings left but Matt isn't feeling so great about his read. Why, it would take a straight-up book miracle for the guys to finish this book in this episode! An honest-to-gosh BOOK MIRACLE. Who could harness the powers of chaos to complete such a mighty task? Maybe SOMEONE?! https://archive.org/download/333-final/333%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Fictional Character Matt Kind of Looks Like Right Now Because of His New Glasses, BattleCards make their first—and almost certainly not last—appearance, and it seems like some folks on Discord were concerned about the short length of episodes lately. DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU GET?! Voting for the next book is donezo! What will it be? Listen to find out! Or, if it's easier, simply exist a week from when Matt is writing this and you will just see what it is on the website. BATTLECARDS!

Can it be?! Is it possible?! Could the dummy brothers get the same exact read two episodes in a row? Or will one brother dig deep and save the day with a thrilling twist?! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW! (Yes.) https://finishitpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/331-final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Balatro Joker (thanks, Jellyfish Lightning!), the bros get to some monster matching with a surprisingly tough round of Who Do You Ship?, someone's been livin' that sleep life, and did you know we've been reading this book since DECEMBER?! Voting is still on! Pick the book you want to hear most! Head into the Discord and vote with a cute emoji in the Announcements channel, or heart your favorite reply on the bluesky! (Sorry, they don't do polls yet still.) Discord is so Hot Right Now Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, somebody gulps, somebody winks, and nobody wins! The end of the book is nigh! Vote for the book you want to hear next! You'll believe a man can save a fly! https://archive.org/download/330-final/330%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of My Brother My Brother and Me (thanks, Ty!), the User Mailbag is opened in order to enjoy a sweet postcard, and the guys give their picks for the next book – with a little help from Premium User Ana! Vote for the book you want to hear most! Head into the Discord and vote with a cute emoji in the Announcements channel, or heart your favorite reply on the bluesky! (Sorry, they don't do polls yet still.) Discord is so Hot Right Now Doing the Bluesky Thing Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, Chris takes a very literal leap of faith; Matt finds a new park, new monster, new story branch, and an entire new kind of ending; and everything is feeling very BOFFO! https://archive.org/download/327-final/327%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Title ExinBear Wrote to Trick the Yules (thanks, ExinBear!), Chris asks Matt Are You Smarter Than a Child, and the legend of Charlie Boogers endures! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, Chris goes full clean slate! Matt gets an ending so bleak he is compelled to apologize! John Muir was eaten by the monsters he loved! https://archive.org/download/320-final/320%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Pinball courtesy of Super User Hieronymus Peppo (thank you!), the guys play Which Kaiju Are You to find their monster personality matches, and SOMEONE has big fairy garden energy! And don't forget to join the guys for a Livestreamin' good time Friday, April 25 at 7pm PT on the YouTube as they do a Sad Pizza Party! Drop your q's, requests and anything else in the discord! See you then (unless you have plans, in which case, have a lovely evening)! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, Chris joins the wild rumpus! Matt retires happily after 40 mostly good years! The Sad Pizza Party livestream has an actual date! Send us your impression and physical challenge requests! Please be gentle! https://archive.org/download/319-final/319%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Song by Blue Öyster Cult Who is the Band That Did That Song Godzilla in Guitar Hero, the Ad Boys do their thing for the National Park Monster Ranger Service, and Matt lets pandas take the wheel! ALERT! Join us for a Livestreamin' good time Friday, April 25 (in the year 2025 because I am probably not going to ever update this post) at 7pm PT on the YouTube as we do a Sad Pizza Party! Send us all the q's you need a's for! Or requests for impressions! Or ideas for toppings we should hide under each others' cheeses! Stream Pandas Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing Watch the YouTubes! We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, Matt meets a taller, better-looking version of himself! Chris is thoroughly humiliated! The podcast gets an official mascot! This week's Wild Card is delightfully cruel! https://archive.org/download/317-bounce/317%20bounce.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of the User-generated Interactive Fiction for Young Readers or Episode of The Godzilla Power Hour Quiz (thanks, Ty!), Chris presents the new segment Let's Roll a Monster (pdf is below!), plans are in the works for some Deep Dish Dungeon Pepperoni Punishment, and from here on out all chrissions are mandatory! Lets Roll a Monster – Sheet1Download Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

This week, Chris witnesses something never before seen by human eyes, and Matt gets some good ol' fashioned satire. Also, Earth explodes! https://archive.org/download/315_20250307/315.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Monster Truck (thanks, Adam!), Matt Arts the Book, and there's an awful lot of ice cream and peanut butter talk! Crunches are good! Chris is wrong! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

Chris finds himself in yet another How to Train a Dragon remake, Matt learns that doing the right thing is for “suckers,” and it's Lovey-Dovey day but we don't lean super hard into it but the quiz is kind of lovey-dovey so happy day if you're into it! https://archive.org/download/312-bounce/312%20bounce.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Potentially Problematic Valentine's Day Gift, Chris drops a gnarly Finish It! Finds It so you never have to try a Taco Bell Dirty Baja Blast, and the infusiasm is so thick you can practically taste it! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

Chris tastes flight with the ManBats yet again, but in a very different way! Matt goes to jail and saves the whales! Someone gets a jump on a future endeavor! And there's a pirate submarine! https://archive.org/download/311-final/311%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Song by 311 because it's episode #311, Matt has some Steamin' Hot Takes to drop, Yogi Bear is basically Walter White, and IT IS NOT A BIT! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Paul Granger

Chris finds an unexpected new life down a dark hole! Matt watches a bus full of schoolchildren get eaten! Everyone is shirking responsibility for their actions! Happy New Year! https://archive.org/download/309-final/309%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of the Animated Godzilla TV Show, Matt takes us on a trip to Self Care Corner, and you'll never guess which monsters have large human torsos! And legs! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

Krampus is back and he's got a song in his “heart”! The guys read a new wintery book by “special request”! Everyone's all “Daryl in the Halls and John in the Oates”! It's a “gnarly” Choosemastime! Also, someone is a sweety widdle kitty cat, Chris foists a Surprise Holiday Caroloke on Matt, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Scary Place Krampus Said He Would Drag Turd Brother To While He Was Asleep and He Would Wake Up There and Be So Scared, and our older friend Dan gets help with a move – NOT! https://finishitpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/308-final.mp3 O, Krampus Beast On Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe celebrate Your gloryLord Krampus Beast, great Krampus Beast,We hail your gory storyYour sulphur stench withers our youth,Your seven tongues can taste our truthYour visage at my windowsill;I close my eyes yet see you stillOn Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe worship Your true PowerOn Krampus Days we offer YouOur sanity to devourYour poison crown of dripping hornsWill rid us of our human formsOh Krampus Thing, Great Krampus ThingYou are the One True Winter King Listen on Apple Podcasts Discord is so Hot Right Now Say Stuff to Us on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Tom La Padula

Ooo new book day! You better like National Parks and monster stuff because that's what's up! Chris' read takes a sharp turn into unexpected territory! Matt gets a satisfyingly Packardesque ending! This book has 39 ENDINGS! https://archive.org/download/306-finalll/306%20finalll.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Godzilla Movie, wild Predictions are made, tons of new jangles hit the scene, loose business is handled, and someone regrets eating a bar burrito! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts Doing the Bluesky Thing We're Still on Twitter Check Out the New Book and More! Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustration by Matt

Thankschoosingtime is nigh! Let us give good Gratitudes and take another trip into a horrible day! Chris discovers something he did not know before! Matt learns something new, too! Or perhaps not! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Character from Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow (as Credited), Gratitudes are liberally distributed, and a Wild Card comes to a tragic end! Happy Thankschoosing to all! https://archive.org/download/304-final/304%20final.mp3 Listen on Apple Podcasts Discord is so Hot Right Now Say Stuff to Us on Twitter Merch Time: You Probably Need a Snake Canyon Skateboard! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

WOW you guys and these wild cards! Chris tackles another huge wild card challenge while somehow cracking open the last new bit of this book, Matt has a read that is short and sweet (mostly short), and GEEZ this wild card! https://archive.org/download/302-bounce/302_bounce.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Agents of Shield, Matt brings a hot lil Data Dump, someone is challenged to win a Bonus Points Bonanza, and at no point does Chris start bleeding from anywhere! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

Are you ready for the icky willies? Creeptobscare has returned from the graaaave! Chris finds a truly traumatic ending! Matt answers the phone! It's pure Halloweeny gold! Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Awesome Halloween Costume Idea, How Do You Boo? returns to drop more hot holiday strategies in your collective lap, Matt has a cold and tries not to be gross, and you better believe everyone's getting spooked off! https://archive.org/download/297-final/297%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Creeptobscare Merch is Too Scary to Buy! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Cover Illustration by Mark Nagata

This week, Matt finally feels a bit of that James Bond vibe, Chris' read is left to the Fates, and the guys find a typo! https://archive.org/download/294-final/294%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or TTRPG (thanks, Ty!), Matt makes sure no one will ever forget about National Waffle Day, and WHO LET THIS KID IN THE CASINO?! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

This week, Matt has no idea if he got a new ending or not, Chris finds an ending that raises the bar AGAIN for deeply distressing storytelling, and boing whiff buzz doink honk! https://archive.org/download/293-final/293%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated (possibly previously-used) round of Interactive Fiction or Title of a Movie Featured on MST3K (thanks, BigFella!), Chris forces Matt to do some Surprise Karaoke, and art collectors continue to do absolutely zero art collecting! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

My guest today is the American video game developer Steve Meretzky. Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, he attended MIT, where he earned a degree in construction management. In 1981, after two years spent working in the construction industry, a friend asked him if he would like to become a tester for Infocom, a publisher that specialised in interactive fiction. He agreed and was soon invited to write a game of his own, the science fiction game Planetfall.After he included a reference to Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in the game, my guest was invited to collaborate with Adams in adapting the novel into a best-selling game. In 1988 he wrote A Mind Forever Voyaging, an ambitious and politically charged work that stretched the boundaries of what a video game could do ––and saw him become one of the first interactive fiction writers admitted to the Science Fiction Writers of America.After stints working for Blue Fang Games, Playdom and King, he is currently VP of design at the mobile games company PeopleFun.LINKSBBC Documentary from 1985 takes us inside Infocom.Play 30th Anniversary Edition of Hitchhiker's Guide in your browser.Google's AI experiment with Zork...Hire Ed Hawkins to voice your game. Be attitude for gains. https://plus.acast.com/s/my-perfect-console. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris uses his super spy skills to smoothly uncover yet another traitor, Matt kicks a guy in the head, and if you like the idea of someone having a laser pistol but not using it YOU ARE IN LUCK! https://archive.org/download/291-final/291%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Search Engine Autocomplete the Title, Chris subjects Matt to a personality test to make sure he can hack it as a spy, and there is some light human sacrifice. Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

This week, Matt naps his way into a truly distressing ending, Chris is betrayed again in an even funnier way, and only the accordion player knows how the song will end! https://archive.org/download/290-final/290%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of The Americans, Teasel the Read Tease Weasel stops by with his rattle box, the brothers Art This Book, and everyone is in an absolute tizzy! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

The brothers are back! Illness can't keep us down! At least not for more than like a couple weeks! Matt refuses to listen to good advice! Chris is betrayed hilariously! Spy stuff! https://archive.org/download/288-final/288%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of the Interactive Fiction or Episode of Get Smart (thanks, Steven's Corner!), the guys discuss the contents of their Attaché DREAMcase, and everyone loves spice gadgets! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

New book day is back! Chris is comin' atcha from ONE YEAR IN THE PAST! Matt plays it safe and gets FULLY EXPLODED! Learn all about our very first LOST EPISODE! It's high time for spy time let's go! https://archive.org/download/286-final/286%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Dragon Magazine Adventure (thanks, Minibit!), the guys give some awfully specific predictions, and super sweet code names are assigned! So official! Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Don Hedin

This week, Matt gets an ending so triumphant he wishes it was his last read of the book, Chris teases, “This guy, look out it's liquid horn,” and the latest Wild Card melts Chris' brain! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Bugles Flavor, Matt drops off a Data Dump, townfolk townfolk tidal splash, and Chris is certain that “say ok is totally similar to how you build the word ok!” https://archive.org/download/283-final/283%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

We talk about Get Lamp (2010), along with its bonus materials, a documentary about the history of "IF" or Interactive Fiction which has its charms, but is ultimately a little unfocused Visit the Get Lamp site: http://www.getlamp.com/ Also, the full documentary (and bonus/additional material) is on YouTube. Main Documentary: https://youtu.be/TmBSYho5Gbk?si=8jhdN91bGqA6PKLN Cut Scenes: https://youtu.be/zEJXZ2wnO3w?si=DfVJVmTTyiofBveN Infocom Documentary: https://youtu.be/OXNLWy7rwH4?si=afu1Ll5wbITqWxMp

Grasp the godbunny's paw and prepare for “adventure”! There are only two endings left, but do the Yules have what it takes to track them down? Matt talks to nature! Chris goes on a meaningless adventure to a haphazard collection of places lazily thrown together by an uninspired author in a book that has no right calling itself an Easter story! Huzzah! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a deceptively tricky round of Interactive Fiction or Fabergé Egg, Matt manages to score a CYOBeverage fail, someone learns what the bunny knows (it is not fun) and maybe we FINISH THIS BOOK! https://archive.org/download/281-final/281%20final.mp3 Pink Peeper Sparkling Rosé Add Peeps to taste For a non-alcoholic alternative, just eat the Peeps! Putting them in liquid is not great. Sloppy Narrative White wine Splash of OJ Coffee from this morning Some coca-cola Lime juice Find a guava-citra kombucha Put ingredients in a glass and mix or whatever. Or just find stuff and dump it together with the same care that was taken in the creation of this bizarre book. Listen on Apple Podcasts Say Stuff to Us on Twitter We're on Stitcher, Too Chooster 1! Chooster 2! Chooster 3! Chooster 4! There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Merch Time: Godbunny is Here Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Original illustrations by Ted Enik

This week, Chris takes a big ride, Matt suffers a slow and painful death that he gets to watch in its entirety, and someone learns that sometimes all you gotta do is ask and the impossible becomes possible! Also, Chris challenges Matt to Interactive Fiction or Episode of Vikings which maybe we already did who knows, Matt drops the hot new segment The Worst Thing I've Ever Heard (Norse Mythology Edition), someone takes a golden boat ride (not a euphemism) and WE FIND PROOF THAT MAGIC IS REAL! https://archive.org/download/280-final/280%20final%3B.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

Matt becomes famous! Chris tells history's most ridiculous lie! Both bros save the day with secret messages only Carlos can understand! It's another trip to Yeti Town for another holiday season, and you better believe Krampus has a new challenge for the dudes! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Present He Got Matt for Xmas, K.I. just does jazz improvisation now, and Krampus has a big presentation to give the board and nothing to show! It's a CHOOSEMAS EMERGENCY! https://archive.org/download/270_20231225/270.mp3 O, Krampus Beast On Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe celebrate Your gloryLord Krampus Beast, great Krampus Beast,We hail your gory storyYour sulphur stench withers our youth,Your seven tongues can taste our truthYour visage at my windowsill;I close my eyes yet see you stillOn Krampus Days, these Krampus DaysWe worship Your true PowerOn Krampus Days we offer YouOur sanity to devourYour poison crown of dripping hornsWill rid us of our human formsOh Krampus Thing, Great Krampus ThingYou are the One True Winter King Listen on Apple Podcasts Discord is so Hot Right Now Say Stuff to Us on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Laurence Peguy

This week, Chris enjoys some good old fashioned body horror, Matt sees snakes do a neat trick, and just when you thought the boat made of fingernails couldn't get any worse, it does! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or App (thanks, SherlockMeg!), Matt discovers a Yule-rific connection to Norse “Xmas,” and more! https://archive.org/download/269-final/269%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

This week, Matt gets bamboozled by the best, Chris goes on a wet and wild ride, and a warship made of fingernail trimmings goes boom! Now that is a gee-dee podcast! Also, Matt challenges Chris to a Krampus-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Scary Place He Said He Would Drag Matt To While He Was Asleep and He Would Wake Up There and Be Very Scared, Chris challenges Matt to a rootin' tootin' (mostly tootin') round of Surprise Karaoke, someone talks a god into giving them a sturdy raft, and if you don't like the idea of a monster sinking its fangs specifically into your back this ain't the ep for you! https://archive.org/download/268-final/268%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

This week, Chris achieves immortality! Also, Matt achieves immortality! UH OH! Did they get the same read? Or are they just INCREDIBLE AT THIS?! Additionally, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Thing Chris Has Acted In, Matt points the spotlight at a special user (eventually), a rockin' valkerie is met, a pantheon falls, BUCKETS, and a boy gets a sword right through the chest! https://archive.org/download/267_20231130/267.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

It's New Book Week, so you know these doofuses are going to get the same read somehow… OR WILL THEY? It's Vikingtimes so Matt takes an “outwardly pragmatic” approach, and Chris plays it safe! Thrilling! Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Song from the Højskolesangbogen, Chris takes us through some new book Predictions, a new Bingo challenge takes off, and the guys are “back in the studio” living that “studio artist lifestyle”! https://archive.org/download/264-final/264%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ted Enik

This week, Chris finds an ending HE'S never found before, Matt manages to keep his read nice and short for once, and someone absolutely blows it! Also, Chris challenges Matt to an encore round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Captain Planet, Matt sprinkles around some relaxing tips in a new Self Care Corner (check out TheScottishIsle on YouTube and the awesome band Choir Boy and watch the Venture Bros. movie and get some bath bombs!), and a Premium User points out that the perfect title for this book has been out there all along! https://archive.org/download/259-final/259%20final.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ron Wing

This week, Matt learns a completely unnecessary bit of heartbreaking animal family trauma, Chris tries to smile but can't, and someone gets referred to as pounds and pounds of meat which is fair tbh! Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of Street Sharks (thanks, Sam Lastname!), CYOB returns with some surprisingly drinkable concoctions, and if you ever dreamed of being an albatross this is the episode for you! https://archive.org/download/257-bounce/257%20bounce.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ron Wing

This week, Chris is lots of animals and hates every second of it, Matt has a strong brotherly moment in the book that reminds him of real life, and someone gets slapped with their own meat! Also, Matt challenges Chris to a round of Interactive Fiction or Guns N' Roses song, the Ad Boys return to tweak a misleading title, and a cat gets spanked! https://archive.org/download/256-bounce/256%20bounce.mp3 Discord is so Hot Right Now Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Still on Twitter Merch Time: Keep Your Business the Way You Like It! We're on Stitcher, Too There's a Subreddit! Check Out Songs from the Musical and More on SoundCloud Look at More Dumb Stuff on Our YouTube Catch up on Meanwhile in the Cave of Time, if You So Desire Illustrations by Ron Wing

In the latest episode of Programming Throwdown, we delve into the captivating world of interactive fiction. We explore: Wordnet, Inform, and how games in the past have been the forerunners of today's NLP challenges. 00:00:22 Introductions00:00:39 To hard mode or not to hard mode00:08:58 No moats in Google00:16:37 Stable Diffusion blows Jason's mind00:21:31 Putting beats together00:23:38 GPT4All00:27:44 White Sand00:35:28 Fortuna00:38:55 Patrick's ‘dirty' secret00:47:20 Wordnet00:53:56 Procedural generation00:57:29 On tabletop RPGs01:00:48 Inform01:07:27 FarewellsResources mentioned in this episode:Join the Programming Throwdown Patreon community today: https://www.patreon.com/programmingthrowdown?ty=h Subscribe to the podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@programmingthrowdown4793 News/Links: Google: We have no moat and neither does OpenAIhttps://www.semianalysis.com/p/google-we-have-no-moat-and-neither Stable Diffusion QR Codes https://stable-diffusion-art.com/qr-code/  Beginning to Make Musichttps://learningmusic.ableton.com/ GPT4Allhttps://gpt4all.io/index.html Wordnet:https://wordnet.princeton.edu/ Inform:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inform Book of the Show Patrick:White Sand https://amzn.to/43CPMKA Jason: The Fortuna https://www.generativefiction.com/ Tool of the Show Jason:Gatsby.js https://www.gatsbyjs.com/ Patrick: Peglin https://store.steampowered.com/app/1296610/Peglin/   If you've enjoyed this episode, you can listen to more on Programming Throwdown's website: https://www.programmingthrowdown.com/ Reach out to us via email: programmingthrowdown@gmail.com You can also follow Programming Throwdown on Facebook | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Player.FM | Youtube Join the discussion on our DiscordHelp support Programming Throwdown through our Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★