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A deep dive into the golden age of video arcade games. Each episode unpacks the history, development, and cultural legacy of a single arcade classic from the nineteen eighties. Whether it was a blockbuster or a hidden gem, if it had a cabinet and took quarters, it’s fair game. With a focus on real arcade releases, not home ports or prototypes, Coin Detected delivers detailed storytelling, behind-the-scenes developer insights, and smart analysis for the generation that grew up with CRT screen ...
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The Ted Dabney Experience. Intimate conversations with leading lights from the golden age of video arcade gaming. A podcast project by Richard May, Paul Drury (Retro Gamer magazine) and Tony Temple (author of Missile Commander). Brought to you in association with The American Classic Arcade Museum (US) and Arcade Archive (UK).
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RcadeRadio is a LIVE "radio" show airing every other Thursday at 7:15pm CST on YouTube. Topics in this ‘cast include arcade collecting, restoration, console gaming, and anything related to the arcade scene from about the late 70s through the mid-90s. Join hosts Adam, Mark, and Bryan as they provide an outlet for Rcade News, History, Collecting Tips, and Interviews for their fellow gamers! Step back into the glory days of arcades with a special guest every episode. You're sure to find our con ...
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Join Mike Morrison - the "Brick Magnate" for regular news, reviews and discussion of the latest Lego sets and other brick-based banter.
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Wizard of Wor, Midway’s monster-filled maze shooter from 1981, was built on early voice synthesis, intense two-player action, and clever dungeon design. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite in arcades with a lasting legacy in cooperative gaming.…
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Galaxian, Namco’s groundbreaking space shooter from 1979, was built on true RGB color graphics, a scrolling starfield, and aggressive enemy dive attacks that pushed arcade visuals and gameplay to the next level. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive global h…
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Space Invaders, Taito’s pioneering fixed shooter from nineteen seventy-eight, was built on relentless enemy waves, innovative sound design, and a steadily increasing difficulty curve that created the blueprint for modern arcade gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it…
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720 (720° in the arcade), Atari Games’ innovative skateboarding arcade game from 1986, was built on open-ended level design, distinctive joystick controls, and a high-energy soundtrack. This episode covers how it was developed, the custom hardware that powered it, the techniques top players used to master the challenges, and how it became a cult fa…
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Pac-Man, Namco’s genre-defining maze chase game from 1980, was built on colorful character design, simple yet challenging mechanics, and a unique enemy AI system. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and influential video games in arcade histor…
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Asteroids, Atari’s breakout space shooter from 1979, was built on vector graphics, tight physics, and addictive gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most successful arcade games of all time.By Rob O
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Doug Macrae founded General Computer Corporation in 1981 with Kevin Curran whilst still an MIT student and would go on to employ many other MIT students, including previous guests Steve Golson and Jonathan Hurd. We talk with Macrae at length about the disruptive business model and general chutzpah of the fledgling company, and what can only be desc…
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John Ray joined Atari Inc in 1977 as a hardware engineer, learning the ropes with 1978’s Fire-Truck, arguably the first truly co-op arcade game and a distinctive arcade presence due in no small part to his analogue circuitry audio. Ray was also involved with the Atari-licensed versions of Namco’s Dig Dug and Xevious, the awesome arcade version of T…
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The Ted Dabney Experience is a podcast project by Richard May, Paul Drury (Retro Gamer magazine) and Tony Temple (author of Missile Commander - A Journey to The Top of an Arcade Classic). We host in-depth conversations with the creative leading lights and supporting cast from the Golden Age of coin-op Video Arcade gaming.…
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Rob Quinn joined Stern just as the company was branching out from it's core pinball business to explore the brave new world of videogames. Rob talks about his involvement with the company's early hit, Berzerk, his experiments with laser disc technology and his personal misgivings about how the company was managed.…
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Mark Pierce was a game designer at Atari and Bally Midway. We talk to him about the protracted development of Escape From The Planet of The Robot Monsters, the axonometric, somewhat baroque B-movie arcade adventure, and the conversely swift creation of the tile-stacking puzzler classic, KLAX. Pierce also shares some amusing anecdotes about scouting…
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From 1975 to present day, Jack Guarnieri has seen and done it all; from servicing mechanical pinball machines in the dive bars and laundrettes of Seventies New York, bearing first-hand witness to the inflation - and rapid deflation - of the video game bubble of popular lore, running his own operator route during the ‘80s and then to selling video a…
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Jeremy Saucier is Assistant VP at The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Jeremy talks to us about the history and evolution of the Strong Museum and its pedagogical remit - from American history and Industrialisation to a focus on play - and gives us a fascinating insight into the day-to-day management of a museum. With a doctoral degree…
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Jeff Bell was a hardware engineer in Atari Inc’s coin-op division and officially the longest serving employee of the company; literally the last person to switch off the lights in 2004. Jeff walks us through his formative years learning the basics of electronics at his father’s desk, the brotherhood of Atari Inc, suspected mob involvement in the ea…
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In this episode of the Brick Magnate podcast, I dive into the review of the Lego Razor Crest set from the popular Star Wars spin-off TV series, The Mandalorian. Despite initially vowing not to buy the set, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the build experience and the end result. Join me as I share my thoughts on the set and discuss its value …
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In this episode of the Brick Magnate Podcast, I discuss the Lego Gringotts Bank set from the Harry Potter series. I review the build experience, the end result, and the value for money. I also address the dilemma of displaying the set alongside the Diagon Alley set and why that makes this set a little divisive for me.…
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In this episode of the Brick Magnate podcast, I discuss the Lego Pac-Man Arcade set. I share my excitement when it was announced, talk about the building experience, the interactive elements, and the value for money of this geeky gem.By Mike Morrison
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In this episode of the Brick Magnate podcast, I discuss my recent hiatus from podcasting and my return to the world of brick building. I recount my experience at the Bricktastic event in Manchester and share my excitement for upcoming LEGO sets. I also talk about some recent sets I've built, including a special snacky set and my thoughts on retired…
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For this episode we speak with none other than Allan Alcorn, Atari employee number three after Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, and the engineer of Pong, one of the very first video arcade games.By The Ted Dabney Experience
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Senior corporate executive, serial entrepreneur, automotive designer and fine artist. Roger Hector is not only a successful businessman but a bona fide creative polymath. A long time ago, Roger sharpened his pencils at Atari Inc, working alongside co-founder Nolan Bushnell and creative director George Opperman on a vast range of videogame projects.…
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"Three Gentlemen Discuss Electronic Gadgetry Allowing One to Interact with a Game inside a TV" with Adam Mark and Bryan S05E03
1:21:14
1:21:14
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In Episode 3 of Season 5, we catch up with hosts Adam, Mark, and Bryan and find out what the Arcade hobby has them doing these days.Yup. It's real like that. Also this thing aired WAAAAAY back on December 3rd, 2020 during the peak of COVID lockdowns and madness.
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"We Fight for the Users" with Jerry, Johnny, and James S05E02
2:01:58
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In Episode 2 of Season 5, we invite James, Johnny, and Jerry--proprietors of ALAN-1 and curators of the fine games at FLYNN'S RETROCADE in Utah! You may have seen ALAN-1's products around town. They're the guys that have been selling the most beautiful reproduction Star Wars Yoke for a few years now. Additionally, James, a dentist by day and an arc…
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Part 2: Eugene Jarvis cut his teeth in the Atari pinball division before going on to produce the groundbreaking Defender for Williams Electronics. Also for Williams (contracted as Vid Kids, his new company with Defender co-creator Larry DeMar) was Stargate, Robotron: 2084 and Blaster. Jarvis left Vid Kids in 1984 to attend Stanford University where…
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Part 1: Eugene Jarvis cut his teeth in the Atari pinball division before going on to produce the groundbreaking Defender for Williams Electronics. Also for Williams (contracted as Vid Kids, his new company with Defender co-creator Larry DeMar) was Stargate, Robotron: 2084 and Blaster. Jarvis left Vid Kids in 1984 to attend Stanford University where…
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Dr Alan Meades teaches the undergraduate and post-graduate game design courses at Canterbury Christ Church University and is the author of Arcade Britannia, published by MIT Press. After dedicating so many episodes of the show to the mythic American arcade of the late Seventies and early Eighties (in some ways perhaps more a figment of our collecti…
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In today's episode I give my no holds barred review of the Lego Football Table set - one which proved somewhat divisive amongst Lego enthusiasts on its release. I delve into why I think it received so much criticism and break down the pros and cons of this set.By Mike Morrison
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In this first episode back after a short hiatus, I share my thoughts on my very first retired Lego set purchase - the incredible 1989 Batmobile. I also look forward to attending my first ever Lego conference... I have no idea what I'm letting myself in for...By Mike Morrison
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Dave Sherman joined Atari shortly prior to Nolan Bushnell’s departure and was at the company through its precipitous near-collapse and subsequent restructuring during the infamous market crash of ’83 and ’84. Sherman worked alongside Dave Theurer on iconic such as I, Robot and Missile Command, and shares many an anecdote about those early days, inc…
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Franz Lanzinger programmed the singular Crystal Castles for Atari, Inc. Released in the summer of 1983 and housed within a typically eye-catching Atari cabinet, the game found modest success as a coin-op title and was adapted for numerous home platforms. Franz talks to us about being the person to establish the long-overdue display of creator credi…
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Jonathan Hurd coded Food Fight at General Computer Corp for Atari. A decidedly ‘non-violent’ game amid a galaxy of shooters, Food Fight was GCC’s first title for a smart-thinking Atari after the infamous Super Missile Attack lawsuit was settled (for more on Super Missile Attack, listen to our interview with GCC’s Steve Golson).…
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In this episode I rave about the recently released Mighty Bowser set, and chat a little about the ongoing struggle as a Lego fan to find enough places to display our creations. Plus I muse about the possibility of starting my own Lego city and discuss which new sets I've recently ordered.By Mike Morrison
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I finally get my hands on the Lego version of The Office (US) - perhaps the most excited I've been about any Lego set ever! Tune into this week's episode for my full review as well as a discussion about the strange things that put me off buying certain sets - plus a brief mini-review of the Spider-Man and Venom Lego figures.…
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In this episode, I review the Lego Atari 2600 - a set I was almost put off buying - and give my thoughts on the build experience and final model. I also look back at my first ever childhood experience with Lego... it's a real tearjerker!By Mike Morrison
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Welcome to the very first episode of the Brick Magnate podcast! To kick things off, I'm giving my review of the Lego Hogwarts Express set and sharing a little about what got me back into the brick-building game as an "AFOL" (Adult Fan of Lego)By Mike Morrison
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In any video arcade, especially during the proverbial Golden Age of the Seventies and Eighties, it wasn’t always the games on screen that first caught the eye but the colourful, imposing, sometimes lurid cabinets that housed them. This was bona fide pop art for the coin-op kids of America and beyond. Paul Niemeyer started his career at developer Ba…
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We speak with Walter Day, the grandfather of e-sports and the inspiration for Wreck-it-Ralph’s avuncular arcade manager, Mr Litwack. Walter is the founder of the long-defunct but world-famous Twin Galaxies video arcade in Ottumwa, Iowa, and the international scoreboard of the same name. Day waxes lyrical about the trials and tribulations of running…
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Lee Feuling is a retired United States Airforce and American Airlines pilot who, once upon a time, was a coder for Centuri Video Games in Hialeah, Florida. Centuri was best known for its hugely popular licensed releases of Japanese titles such as Track & Field and Phoenix, but of far more interest to TDE listeners is Tim Stryker’s vector shooter, A…
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Howell Ivy is the creator of Exidy’s infamous Death Race. Released in 1976, this was the first arcade game to stir a moral panic over videogame violence in America, leading the company to hire round-the-clock security in response to many green-ink letters and phoned-in death threats. Exidy followed Death Race with the relatively innocuous but very …
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Evelyn Seto worked at Atari under creative director George Opperman on some of the company’s most iconic graphic material, including arcade cabinets such as Fire Truck and Soccer, a wealth of arcade game sell sheets, and console packaging for the consumer division. Not to mention the famous Atari ‘Fuji’ logo. Evelyn’s long and storied career also s…
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In accordance with Theurer’s Law - named after Missile Command and Tempest programmer Dave Theurer, which states that every programmer’s first game will be a relative failure - Ed Rotberg’s first game for Atari, Baseball, didn’t exactly score a home run. However his sophomore title, 1981’s Battlezone, with its distinctive green XY monitor graphics …
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Excerpts from our interviews with the gentlemen who created Gottlieb’s Golden Age Video Arcade titles Q*Bert, Mad Planets and Krull. Featuring Warren Davis, Jeff Lee, Matt Householder and David Thiel.By The Ted Dabney Experience
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Rich Adam joined Atari in 1978, initially working on the company’s pinball games before being assigned the role of Junior Programmer on Dave Thuerer’s Missile Command. Rich went on to take the captain’s chair for the hard-as-nails Gravitar, arguably the pinnacle of Atari’s vector game output, and the game for which he is most well known. Talking to…
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"Super Missile Pac-Attack" with Doug Macrae S05E01
2:10:49
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You're gonna love our first guest of Season 5. You've seen him recently in the HIGH SCORE documentary on Netflix. But on November 5th, 2020, the former arcade operator at MIT turned businessman, co-creator of SUPER MISSILE ATTACK and CRAZY OTTO (Ms. Pac-Man), and 100% satisfied retiree, DOUG MACRAE joins us at our usual time around 7:15pm Central t…
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Matt Householder co-designed Gottlieb’s underrated arcade adaptation of Peter Yates’s ill-fated Krull, before going on to join Atari’s consumer division to work on home adaptations of video arcade hits. With his partner Candi Strecker he went on to create and produce the critically acclaimed California Games (and much more) for Epyx. We chat with M…
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Ed Logg, AKA Super Duper Game Guy, is the programmer’s programmer. Cited by his contemporaries as one of the all-time greats, Ed designed and co-developed arcade smash hits such as Asteroids, Centipede, Millipede, Super Breakout and Gauntlet. In 2011, Logg was awarded a Pioneer Award by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences in recognition of…
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Steve Calfee has rarely gone on record about his time at Atari. His managerial role at the company’s Coin-Op division saw him channel the work of well-known programmers such as Rich Adam, Dennis Koble, Dave Theurer and Howard Delman into Video Arcade smash hits such as Canyon Bomber, Space Duel and Missile Command.…
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David Thiel is perhaps best known for his pinball audio work on titles such as Tron: Legacy, Alien, Dialed In, Avatar and Family Guy, but he was also responsible for everything aural on all the Golden Age Gottlieb video classics (Reactor, Q*Bert, Mad Planets, Krull, The Three Stooges). From synth salesman to local rock star to Gottlieb and beyond (…
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Tim Lapetino on the underrated yet enduring legacy of Atari creative director George Opperman, and behind the scenes on both The Art of Atari and the forthcoming Pac-Man: The Birth of an Icon.By The Ted Dabney Experience
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