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Chill out, relax, and let's chat about this budding laidback genre!

In their first ever Mechanic Breakdown, the fellas discuss the importance of that nifty y-axis. What makes a jump feel compelling? And what're some iconic styles and types of jumping? 

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez discuss game fatigue. What specific aspects of games can create a sense of fatigue? What does game fatigue feel like? What strategies can designers employ to minimize fatigue? During the D-Pad Delights they discuss The Sopranos Trivia Game & the Game Boy Advance SP. They round out the episode with On This Day, a brand new gaming history segment! Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:25 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:10:40 On This Day- 01:05:34 Outro-01:11:25 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss the mechanics, aesthetic and innovation of this foxy game!

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez discuss how and why people talk smack. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss The Stand With Ukraine Humble Bundle & Aragami 2. They round out the episode with some trash talk on quick time events!  Appearances by weak bones, osteoporosis, and your grandma’s weak bones. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:38 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:17:32 Hot Take- 01:17:35 Outro-01:33:30 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss the morality of vigilantism, as well as the tropes unique to vigilantes in videogames.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez consider the implications of the increasing consolidation of the gaming industry. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss Elden Ring & Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They round out the episode with a hot take on hard drive caps!  Appearances by Activision-Blizzard, Zennimax, and the EA graveyard. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:02:27 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:14:30 Hot Take- 01:07:48 Outro-01:24:30 Further reading: Biggest video game acquisitions: From Activision Blizzard to Oculus–https://www.windowscentral.com/list-biggest-video-game-acquisitions Microsoft Deal for Activision to Be Reviewed by FTC in U.S.--https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-01/microsoft-deal-for-activision-to-be-reviewed-by-ftc-in-u-s Studios EA Has Killed: A History–https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ Understanding Antitrust Laws– https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/09/antitrust-law.asp#:~:text=Antitrust%20laws%20are%20statutes%20developed,%2C%20price%20fixing%2C%20and%20monopolies. Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions– https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas discuss leadership, efficiency, and time constraints in collaborative games. Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas explore the history of videogame bots. They consider major milestones in the evolution of bots, as well as their personal experiences playing with and against bots. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss Boyfriend Dungeon and Unreal Tournament 1 (1999) Facing Worlds. They round out the episode with their second ever variety show!  Appearances by Starcraft, Dota 2, and Fortnite. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:00:52 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:11:37 Variety Show- 01:12:25 Outro-01:27:30 Further reading: An AI taught itself to play a video game – for the first time, it’s beating humans- https://theconversation.com/an-ai-taught-itself-to-play-a-video-game-for-the-first-time-its-beating-humans-118028 Evolution of AI in Video-Games from 1980 to Today - https://medium.com/@DylanCa_/evolution-of-ai-in-video-games-from-1980-to-today-e3344acaed4c Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.

The fellas explain why they adored The Pedestrian for its subtle storytelling, mechanics, and level design.

In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, the fellas discuss the role of narrative designers. What’re the roles unique to narrative designers? How does the position differ from other designers? How does it differ from videogame writers? D-Pad Delights explore the interaction between gaming and real life through Unpacking and The Last of Us. The third segment features a brand new module; we hope you’ll enjoy the variety show! Appearances by Kirby Air Ride, Atari 2600, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Intro-00:00:00 D-Pad Delights-00:02:05 Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:12:36 Variety Show-  00:44:05 Outro-01:06:15 Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork. Linkables--https://gamerant.com/atari-2600-best-selling-games-ranked-sales/

Originally exclusive to RPGs, skill points have become ubiquitous in videogames. What's their deal?!