In this episode, we dive into the stories of three legendary game designers: Sam Lake, Neil Druckmann, and Hideo Kojima. What drives these creators to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling? We explore their sources of inspiration, the challenges they face, the techniques and tools they use, and what it truly means to be a game designer at the top of their craft.

00:00 Hi there!

01:38 Sam Lake: cottage by the lake and Dungeons & Dragons

06:27 Neil Druckmann: criminology and Computer Science

09:39 Hideo Kojima: films and Super Mario Bros.

13:21 Sam Lake: Max Payne

19:20 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted and The Last of Us

24:33 Hideo Kojima: Metal Gear

29:39 Sam Lake: Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Control

35:11 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part II

40:59 Hideo Kojima: Death Stranding

44:51 Conclusion

The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Old Gods of Asgard.

Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov

Cover: Katya Pavlova

Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most influential game series ever created, revolutionizing the way we play and experience games. With Ocarina of Time often hailed as one of the greatest games in history, the franchise has left a lasting mark on the gaming world. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Zelda, how it evolved over the years, and what continues to make it such a beloved and groundbreaking series.

00:00 Hi there!

02:12 The Legend of Zelda

10:13 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

15:25 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

16:24 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

17:45 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

28:07 Conclusion

The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Star Sessions, David Erick Ramos - Ocarina, Nintendo of America.

Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov

Cover: Katya Pavlova

Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

In this episode, prepare for a +2 boost to your determination and a dash of luck, because we’re diving into the story of Larian Studios - the creators behind some of the most acclaimed RPGs of all time. The path to success wasn’t easy, with the studio facing countless challenges along the way. How did they overcome adversity and create Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the greatest RPGs ever made? Tune in as we explore Larian’s incredible journey and their quest to perfect the role-playing game.

00:00 Hi there!

02:25 Dungeons & Dragons

04:13 Swen Vincke and Larian

10:28 The Lady, the Mage and the Knight

15:23 Divinity and Beyond

23:32 Divinity II

26:51 Original Sin

33:24 Baldur's Gate

38:21 Conclusion

The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: BAFTA, Gameumentary, GameSpot Trailers, Larian Studios, thegameawards.

Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov

Cover: Katya Pavlova

Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov