Games Industry Podcast - Episode 15

[Ashlann]

In this episode: Guest 'Ariya' talks Free To Play MMO, we discuss Over-rated and Under-rated games, Internet Filtering and Game Classification.

[Ashlann]

Recorded: Wednesday, December 23rd 2009

Episode 15: Get it on iTunes now!

In This Episode:

• Regular gameplay - but wait! Ashlann on Guild Wars??!?
• Ned asks: What are the most over-rated and under-rated games?
• Guest Ariya talks with us about Free To Play MMOs
• Looking forward to 2010 - what games are we looking at?

Related links:

• Free To Play MMO discussion in the TOG Forums: Free To Grind
• 'The Secret World' - it's very secret.
• Allods - Ariya's pick for 2010

Direct Link:

Download here (41M mp3 - Right Click, Save As - PC)

Credits:

Music in first break written/recorded by Fox. (Thank you!)

Guitar in second break "As Warm As Tears"
Written by Phil Keaggy, performed by Ashlann.

Notes from Father and Ashlann

A special message from Ashlann.

We'd like to again encourage all our listeners to send in their feedback to us on our email address:



Feel free to send in audio questions for us to play on future casts as well

Regards,

Ashlann & Father

[Atrayo]

Hello Ashlann & Father,

I've just finished listening to episode #15.

First, i wanted to slightly correct Stefaan / Father where he mixed up his facts concerning "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes" Mmorpg, now owned by SOE.

Originally Posted by Brad Mcquaid

After leaving SOE in October 2001, Brad took a short break and then founded Sigil Games Online with Jeff Butler. There he took on the role of CEO and co-executive-producer. The company started work on the massively multiplayer Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. They made a development deal first with Microsoft and then later with Sony Online Entertainment. Sigil started out small, but grew to over 100 employees for the five years it was around. In January of 2007, Sigil and SOE launched Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. When Vanguard wasn't as successful as was hoped, Sigil sold the company and Vanguard to Sony Online Entertainment.

Source: Brad Mcquaid blog site at: http://www.bradmcquaid.com

The portion that Stefaan mentioned of the mass firing of the "Sigil Games Online" staff. Was after SOE had made the fire sale purchase from Brad Mcquaid and his company. Where Mr. Mcquaid didn't have the stomach to fire his own staff in person. (being overly distraught) That the Vanguard project producer I believe fired his staff in the parking garage.

I also noticed Stefaan's voice during the first half of this podcast. Sorta popping in close and than for a time popping out making him sound far off.

I enjoyed the 2nd break period music with the guitar more so than that of the first music break.

Although it seems that Oz is getting hit with a double whammy in regards to our hobby of games. That being the R18+ debate and that of the Internet Open Access to uncensored content.

From listening as to how Stefaan explained the issue facing Australia with Internet censorship of sites. That politician in Oz pushing for this sounds like he is offering a Trojan Horse Agenda. Promising one thing about keeping children safe, all the while carrying out his real intentions that seem fascist to a degree.

[Ariya]

Thanks again Stef and Alex for having me as a guest, I really enjoyed talking to you guys. You have to excuse me for my sometimes not so perfect English.
I also loved your music during the second break Alex.

[HenriDeacon]

Wow, this came along quick. I just finished listening to ep 14. Looking forward to this one

[Ashlann]

Originally Posted by HenriDeacon

Wow, this came along quick. I just finished listening to ep 14. Looking forward to this one

Thanks mate I spent a few days straight getting them mastered and uploaded - we wanted this one out for Christmas. Are you enjoying them?

[HenriDeacon]

Yes, they are fun and very well made. I am becoming a regular listener.

[Bufordtjustice]

Great job on the podcast, I'm fairly new to ToG and only listened to episode 15 so far. It's great to hear news and reviews about games I don't own yet or was interested in trying. Keep up the good work, I like reviews from actual gamers and not read it from a magazine which may be influenced buy someone throwing money to that magazine. Maybe I'll see ya in game sometime. You just got another regular listener.

[Ashlann]

Thanks for the feedback Buford!

[Father]

Originally Posted by Atrayo

Hello Ashlann & Father,

I've just finished listening to episode #15.

First, i wanted to slightly correct Stefaan / Father where he mixed up his facts concerning "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes" Mmorpg, now owned by SOE.



Source: Brad Mcquaid blog site at: http://www.bradmcquaid.com

The portion that Stefaan mentioned of the mass firing of the "Sigil Games Online" staff. Was after SOE had made the fire sale purchase from Brad Mcquaid and his company. Where Mr. Mcquaid didn't have the stomach to fire his own staff in person. (being overly distraught) That the Vanguard project producer I believe fired his staff in the parking garage.

Thanks for the clarification Atrayo, do you know how the game is performing currently?