Best Gamecraft Podcasts (2024)

1
Artificial Intelligence (Ep. 16) 1:13:29

4M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

In their final episode of Season 2, Mitch and Blake take on the complex and highly speculative topic of the impact of recent improvements in artificial intelligence on the games business. Your hosts acknowledge that the sector is moving so quickly that this episode could be obsolete by the time it airs, and warn that it's difficult at this early mo…

1
Intellectual Property (Ep. 15) 1:10:54

5M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Mitch and Blake look at the ins and outs of intellectual property licensing in games. After discussing the checkered history of the practice, they look at the creative and business reasons why licensed IP continues to be valuable to game creators. After a quick look at how IP licenses actually function and what to expect from licensors, Mitch and B…

1
Distribution (Ep. 14) 1:10:23

5M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

In perhaps their most important episode of the series, Mitch and Blake explain what they mean when they use the term "distribution" and why it is so important to their understanding of how the video games business functions. Like they did with the term "publishing" last season, they try to recontextualize distribution as a much larger and more impo…

1
Going Global (Ep. 13) 1:07:26

5M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Mitch and Blake discuss the massive expansion of gaming in emerging markets around the world. The begin with a discussion of the big-picture factors driving this expansion -- primarily mobile technology, but also new business models, payment systems, and demographics. They then take a closer look at the Middle East and North Africa, and how the dif…

1
Independent Intervention (Ep. 12) 1:03:59

5M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Mitch and Blake explore the idea of independent game development. They attempt to define "indie" in the video game context -- something that proves more difficult that it might seem on the surface. They discuss the early successful indie developers in the 90s, and examine how the technology and business innovations that revolutionized the industry …

1
A Changing of the Guard (Ep. 11) 1:19:32

6M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

Mitch and Blake expand on last season's discussion of platform-based publishers by introducing a new kind of company: the game-enabling software platform. The five companies they discuss (Epic, Unity, AppLovin, Discord, and Roblox) are all pursuing customer aggregation strategies similar to the platform-based publishers, but -- with the exception o…

1
Choose Your (ad)Venture (Ep. 10) 1:11:00

6M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Mitch and Blake discuss the nuances of game financing. They begin by explaining how the publishing model of advances against royalties functions, and what the expected costs and benefits are for both the developer and publisher. After a brief discussion of bootstrapping, they do a deep dive on venture capital financing for games. They reveal how ve…

1
The State of Play: 2024 (Ep. 9) 1:18:55

6M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

They're back! Season 2 of the GameCraft podcast kicks off with Mitch and Blake introducing the new 8-episode season, followed by an analysis of the current health of the games business. Mitch and Blake discuss the paradoxical state of the business, where a "golden age" of content is facing some increasing financial headwinds. They compare the games…

1
All the games we played this summer, from Baldur's Gate, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and many more! - Geekwave Games #12 1:13:30

10M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Welcome back to Geekwave Games, as we return from Summer Break to talk all about the games we played over the break, from Baldur's Gate, Resident Evil 4 Remake, as well as a couple games for review from Killer Frequency and Trepang2! Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and more! Remember to follow us on Insta…

1
Just how many tears did we shed during Tears of the Kingdom? - Geekwave Games #12 1:22:46

1y ago1:22:46

1:22:46

For this episode our host Jaxson is joined by one of the new Geekwave video editors Aspen Gardner to talk all about their discoveries and experiences throughout Hyrule. Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and more! Remember to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up with all the great stuff Gee…

1
An Interview with the Upcoming Crimson Gaming Officers! - CGC #11 59:41

1y ago59:41

59:41

In this episode, I am joined by Crimson Gaming's newest officers for an introduction to what they will bring to the University of Utah's biggest gaming club and their thoughts on Mass Effect, and Halo! Crimson Gaming Discord Invite Link: https://discord.gg/KZ6f72pff4 Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and mo…

1
An Introduction to the University of Utah GameCraft's new officers!! - CGC #10 1:08:55

1y ago1:08:55

1:08:55

In this episode, I am joined by Gamecraft's newest officers for an introduction to what they will bring to the University of Utah's Game Development Club in the next year! Gamecraft's Discord Invite Link: https://discord.gg/np6kUt66cf Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and more! Remember to follow us on Inst…

1
Our In-Depth Review of Destiny 2's Lightfall and what's going on with PS5 Pro - CGC #8 1:00:00

1+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This week we are joined by Crimson Gaming Director and Destiny veteran Pablo for our in-depth review of Destiny 2's Lightfall, as well as what in the world is happening with PS5 Pro? Make sure to come to U of U's Union to meet everyone at Geekwave, as well as check out the live music, entertainment, food trucks, and gaming! Check out our website fo…

1
Our FINAL Reactions to HBO's The Last of Us! - CGC Reacts #7 1:08:50

1+ y ago1:08:50

1:08:50

This week we talk about our Final Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the Eighth and Ninth episode, as well as our overall thoughts of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events in the game and how they compare to the show, but no specific spoilers on future events. Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies,…

1
Our Reactions to the Seventh Episode of HBO's The Last of Us - CGC Reacts #6 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

This week we talk about our Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the Seventh episode of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events in the game and how they compare to the show, but no specific spoilers on future events. Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and more! Remember to follow us on Instagram, T…

1
Our Reactions to the Sixth Episode of HBO's The Last of Us - CGC Reacts #5 46:26

1+ y ago46:26

46:26

This week we talk about our Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the Sixth episode of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events in the game and how they compare to the show, but no specific spoilers on future events. Check out our website for more entertainment coverage on tv, games, movies, and more! Remember to follow us on Instagram, Twi…

1
The New Gold Rush (Ep. 8) 1:02:31

1+ y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Mitch and Blake take on the complex topic of in-game economies. They discuss how the endemic problems of trust and arbitrage were present in the earliest in-game economies of the late 1980 and how they have persisted to the present web3 economies. They look at the concept of mudlfation, a unique economic problem of massively multiplayer online game…

1
Our Reactions to the Fourth and Fifth Episode of HBO's The Last of Us - CGC Reacts #4 1:01:00

1+ y ago1:01:00

1:01:00

This week we talk about our Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the Fourth and Fifth episode of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events that happen in the game and how they compare to the show, but no specific spoilers on future events. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with all the great stuff G…

1
The Failures and Futures of Virtual Reality (Ep. 7) 53:29

1+ y ago53:29

53:29

Mitch and Blake discuss the recurring industry obsession with the idea of virtual reality, beginning in the mid-1980s. Mitch recounts a story about his encounter with VPL and the weird world of digital artists and promoters in the early days of personal computing. They look at the second failed wave of VR investment in the 1990s and the importance …

1
Our theories on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a look into Cozy Games, and a Deep Dive into Ooblets! - CGC #7 1:02:27

1+ y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

This Episode, Jaxson is joined with Maia and Bee to talk all things Cozy Games, as well as a deep dive into one of their favorite cozy games, Ooblets! Also hear Jaxson and Bee get a little side tracked with that incredible Tears of the Kingdom trailer and all the theories they have going into the game! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, …

1
Console Castles (Ep. 6) 1:01:21

1+ y ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Mitch and Blake debate the continuing relevance of dedicated gaming consoles to the video game business. They begin with a discussion of the economics of the console business, and how console manufacturers built defensible moats that have remained relevant for over 40 years. Mitch compares the current state of the console business to the theatrical…

1
Our Reactions to The Third Episode of HBO's The Last of Us: "A Long Long Time" - CGC Reacts #3 47:16

1+ y ago47:16

47:16

This week we talk about our Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the third episode of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events that happen in the game and how they compare to the show, but no specific spoilers on future events. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with all the great stuff Geekwave is …

1
The Playground and the Stage (Ep. 5) 1:11:11

1+ y ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Mitch and Blake propose a framework for understanding user-generated content in games based on two central metaphors -- the playground and the stage -- representing the two ways users "create" content in games through play and performance. They discuss the rise of sandbox games, The Sims, GTA3, Runescape, Second Life, EVE Online, and Minecraft. Mit…

1
What Separates Pokemon Scarlet and Violet from the previous generations - CGC #6 1:26:04

1+ y ago1:26:04

1:26:04

In this episode, we are joined by two Pokemon experts as they try to convince me to play my first Pokemon Game, as well as talk about industry layoffs, the current state of Ubisoft, and the current approach to release dates! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with all the great stuff Geekwave is doing! Also,…

1
Our Reactions to the Second Episode of HBO's The Last of Us - CGC Reacts #2 49:04

1+ y ago49:04

49:04

This week we talk about our Spoiler-Filled Thoughts on the second episode of HBO's The Last Of Us! This will have spoilers on the events that happen in the game and how they compare to the show, as well as future spoilers on what could happen in the rest of the show! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with a…

1
The Forever Games (Ep. 4) 1:21:29

1+ y ago1:21:29

1:21:29

Mitch and Blake discuss how the rise of games-as-services has privileged durable, long-duration play-patterns -- leading to the modern idea of the "Forever Game" which can persist for decades. Mitch outlines his five attributes of long-term engagement and provides examples of each from games like Ultima Online, World of Warcraft, Age of Empires, an…

1
First Episode of our Reactions to the Last of Us Show! - CGC Reacts #1 50:35

1+ y ago50:35

50:35

Need a reminder of everything that happened in the first episode of the Last of Us, as well as how it compares to the game series? For this special series with Crimson Gaming Corner, Ronny and I will be doing weekly reactions to the Last of Us show! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with all the great stuff…

1
The Calculus of Fun (Ep. 3) 1:10:33

1+ y ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Mitch and Blake discuss perhaps the most important developments in the video games business since the 1990s: the explosion of casual and mobile gaming. Mitch explains how the casual business was catalyzed by the most unlikely of heroes. He talks about his time as the CEO of the first public mobile game company in the US (JAMDAT) leading up to the l…

1
A Look into Game Development at the U! - CGC #5 1:03:10

1+ y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

This week we are joined by the Game Jam team Grindset to talk about their experience with Game Jams, as well as their reactions to the FTC suing Microsoft over the Activision/Blizzard acquisition. If you'd like to see clips and interviews of the team during their December Game Jam, check out our Instagram to see behind the scenes! If you'd like to …

1
The Fall and Rise of Publishing (Ep. 2) 1:03:11

1+ y ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Mitch and Blake take a deep dive into the game industry’s migration from physical goods at retail to electronic distribution over the internet. They explore the rise of platform-based publishing — a new concept that marries the internet’s remarkable utility in aggregating customers on digital platforms with the traditional publishing roles of edito…

1
Steal This Game (Ep. 1) 1:09:31

1+ y ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Hosts Mitch Lasky and Blake Robbins discuss the rise of free-to-play as a dominant business model for video game marketing and distribution. They look at the roots of free-to-play in the shareware business, where companies like id Software and Apogee used it to build independent game businesses. Mitch shares some stories about his time as id's publ…

1
Introducing Gamecraft 11:38

1+ y ago11:38

11:38

Gamecraft is a limited series podcast about the modern history of the video game business hosted by industry veteran Mitch Lasky and investor Blake Robbins. In this introductory episode, Mitch and Blake discuss the series as a whole, breaking down the eight episodes and why the themes explored in the episodes are so relevant to understanding the mo…

1
God Of War Ragnarök Spoiler Talk! - CGC#4 1:27:03

1+ y ago1:27:03

1:27:03

This week we are back from Winter Break with our newest Geekwave Writer Ronny who joins me to talk about our feelings on the FTC's statements about the Activision/Blizzard Deal, as well as full spoiler talk on God of War Ragnarök! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to keep up to date with all the great stuff we do! Also, join …

1
How we made our top 10 cheap Halloween games for The Chronicle and a deep dive on Bioshock - CGC #3 1:07:34

1+ y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

This week, we are joined by Zach from the University of Utah's newspaper The Chronicle, to talk about Zach's favorite game Bioshock, as well as how we made our list of Cheap Horror Games We Played in October that You Should Too found in the newest issue of The Chronicle Page 36! Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Also, join ou…

1
Our Expectations for Upcoming Games like God of War Ragnorak and a Deep-Dive into Elden Ring - CGC #2 1:22:18

1+ y ago1:22:18

1:22:18

This week we join Ehima from Cleveland State University to recap some of the events that occurred on campus, our take on the recent Bayonetta 3 controversary, our most anticipated games coming out soon, and a deep dive into why Elden Ring is our current game of the year! Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Also join our Discord…

1
What We expect from a Cyberpunk sequel, Overwatch 2, and how Dragon Quest 3 revolutionized JRPGS - CGC #1 1:22:47

2y ago1:22:47

1:22:47

Today we are joined by Michael from Cleveland State University to talk all about our expectations of CD Projekt Red's upcoming games, the disastrous launch of Overwatch 2, owning a SteamDeck as a college student, and how Dragon Quest deserves more credit. We are currently working on a discord server and a website which should be available in Novemb…

1
Getting a publisher for your game - with Jay Powell of The Powell Group 29:28

2y ago29:28

29:28

In this episode, I talk about how to get a publisher for your game with Jay Powell. Jay has a TON of experience and wisdom about this very subject, and gives a ton of great advice and resources on the episode. If you've thought about getting a publisher for your game, this is the one you need to listen to!…

1
Someone wants to buy your game company! - with attorney Matthew Roazen 36:44

2y ago36:44

36:44

With game company acquisitions becoming so common in the industry lately, I sat down to talk with Matthew Roazen, M&A lawyer and a part of my law firm. We discuss why you'd want to sell your game company, what to look for in a deal, and how to prepare yourself for the sale. If you have dreams of getting acquired and cashing out, don't miss this one…

1
Flamecraft and Gamecraft with Cardboard Alchemy's Brad Brooks and Peter Vaughan 26:04

2y ago26:04

26:04

In this episode, I talk about starting up a new board game company and running successful Kickstarter campaigns with Peter and Brad from Cardboard Alchemy. We discuss their amazing Flamecraft campaign, working with artists, and how to build your community. Don't miss it!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Building Dark Towers with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games 31:33

2+ y ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, I talk tabletop game production with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games. Specifically, we discuss all of the work involved in bringing the titular "Dark Tower" from Restoration Games' Return to Dark Tower game to life. From design considerations to engineering and manufacturing, we discuss it all. We also touch on the difficultie…

1
Getting DMCA'd with podcast lawyer Gordon Firemark 22:19

2+ y ago22:19

22:19

In this episode, I explore the world of DMCA takedowns with podcast and entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark. We discuss how to protect yourself from copyright infringement if you run any kind of online service and the recent news about Nintendo taking down a ton of game music from YouTube. Don't miss it!…

1
Designing and Publishing Solo Board Games with Greg Favro, designer of Spire's End 24:11

3y ago24:11

24:11

In this episode, we're talking one of my favorite things - solo board games! I discuss the design and publishing process with Greg Favro, who is coming off of a HUGE $300,000+ Kickstarter for Spire's End: Hildegard. Don't miss it!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Talking Game Jams with Game Jolt CEO Yaprak DeCarmine 24:01

3y ago24:01

24:01

In this episode, I speak with Game Jolt's CEO Yaprak DeCarmine about why game jams are so great, how the Game Jolt platform helps make them happen, and about Game Jolt's newest feature, Fireside. Don't miss it!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Board Game IP Issues Explained - with Prof. Christopher Seaman and Thuan Tran 34:45

3y ago34:45

34:45

In this episode, I discuss all types of intellectual property for board games with law professor Christopher Seaman and law grad Thuan Tran. We go through patents, trademarks, copyright and more in our explanation of what is protected and what isn't in board game law. Don't miss it!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Analyze and Accelerate your Game with G.Round and Global Top Round - featuring Pontus Mahler and Lex Bhukkanasut 35:26

3+ y ago35:26

35:26

In this episode, I talk with Pontus and Lex from G.Round and Global Top Round, two companies that help indie developers get publishers and funding, analyze and test their games, and basically help to turn your games into successes! We discuss how their services work, how game devs can better tailor their games to the potential audience, publishing …

1
PPP and EIDL for Game Devs - featuring Rachel Presser of Sonic Toad Media 52:48

3+ y ago52:48

52:48

In this episode, I have a candid conversation about getting US COVID-relief loans, such as PPP and EIDL loans, for game development. I'm joined by former tax pro and head of Sonic Toad Media, Rachel Presser, to talk through some of the challenges and nuances in the PPP and EIDL systems.By Zachary Strebeck

1
Episode 69 - Orange Nebula - Recovering from an unsuccessful Kickstarter 27:30

3+ y ago27:30

27:30

In this episode, I talk about bouncing back from an initially-unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign with Marc and Tom from Orange Nebula (creators of the Vindication series and Unsettled). We also touch on the reasons WHY you're designing and publishing games, and more!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Road to Infamy Games - Canvas and COVID 24:24

3+ y ago24:24

24:24

In this episode, I chat with Jeffrey and Andrew from Road to Infamy Games, designers of Crypt, Canvas, and Cosmocracy. We talk designing, playtesting, and publishing games during the pandemic, tips for new designers, and lots of other great stuff!By Zachary Strebeck

1
COVID19 and the Tabletop Games Industry - with Justin Jacobson and Ben Harkins 36:57

4y ago36:57

36:57

In this episode, I discuss the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on the tabletop games industry with Ben Harkins of Floodgate Games and Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games. We talk conventions, manufacturing, sales, and the effects on running a Kickstarter during coronavirus. Don't miss it!By Zachary Strebeck

1
Talking game music law with entertainment attorney Tamera Bennett 34:49

4+ y ago34:49

34:49

In this episode, we get an amazing lesson in all things music law with my friend and colleague, attorney Tamera Bennett! She breaks down all the rights you need to have music in your game and we hit on other game legal topics, too. Don't miss this!By Zachary Strebeck

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Gamecraft Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide