Conference Call

GWJ Conference Call Episode 436

Sunless Sea, Dying Light, Evolve, Darkest Dungeon, Deathtrap, Subverting Game Design With Shawn Elliott, Your Emails and more!

This week Shawn, Julian and Elysium are joined by Shawn Elliott to talk about subverting game design!

To contact us, email [email protected]! Send us your thoughts on the show, pressing issues you want to talk about or whatever else is on your mind. You can even send a 30 second audio question or comment (MP3 format please) if you're so inclined.

Fish Tuxedo

Chairman_Mao's Timestamps

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Show credits

Music credits: 

Riding High - Echoside - http://echosidetracks.bandcamp.com/ - 41:23

Jazz - Echoside - http://echosidetracks.bandcamp.com/ - 47:31

Intro/Outtro Music - Ian Dorsch, Willowtree Audioworks

Comments

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

So long as it's in FLAC format I don't really care, I want that squeaking in the highest possible fidelity.

Subverting Game Design With Shawn Elliott

Interest piqued.

Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

Oh gosh, it was awful. Like nails on chalkboard, that constant squeakiness, pretty painful. Mr. Elliot, your audio was bad and you should feel bad. It's a shame because it really distracted from the super interesting conversation on subverting game design. I don't have much to add, because game design can be super complicated and intricate and a bit beyond me. As a gamer, I'll be able to distinguish good game design from bad game design, but I'm definitely unable to get into the nitty-gritty of it. Great stuff to listen to though, thanks gang.

Dr_Awkward wrote:
Subverting Game Design With Shawn Elliott

Interest piqued.

The perfect marriage of topic and guest.

One of my pet hates is when a game randomly takes away abilities or forms of movement depending on what environment I'm in. I can put up with it if there is a good reason, for example them not wanting me to shoot innocent villagers or, in The Last of Us, forcing me to walk while have a conversation rather than letting me running around like an over excited sheep dog.

One thing I'm finding with current Ubisoft games is that they let you level until you become too powerful for the enemies you face (something that was started in Saints Row 3 I guess) I didn't really enjoy Far Cry 3 and I suspect it was because I did all the levelling that was possible early on in the game and then felt vaguely dissatisfied with the lack of challenge later. With Far Cry 4 I'm self modding (a call back to the concept introduced way back on the Conference Call) and restricting how I level and which weapons I can use. I'm sure I've had better, more exciting fights by doing this.

I do realise that a lot of people love that feeling of being over powered in games.

BA weep granna weep ninni bon!

Eleima wrote:
Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

Oh gosh, it was awful. Like nails on chalkboard, that constant squeakiness, pretty painful. Mr. Elliot, your audio was bad and you should feel bad.

I paused the podcast after about a minute, out of frustration and annoyance, to come ask if the audio issue lasted for the whole show. Based on your comment, I guess it does. Oh well.

Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

Oh thank goodness!

I thought a mouse was hiding in my truck's ventilation system.

Even if you skip the meat, you should listen to my Pastor Michael talking about D&D in the emails sections 1:25 in, about playing D&D in a christian household.

So glad you guys like Sunless Sea. I didn't want to have to disown you all.

Wanted to clarify the statement about the map being fixed: the initial layout is randomized, and it's only fixed on later captains if you bequeath your map to your next captain. If you don't bequeath your map (and on your first captain), the Zee undergoes alteration, and the islands are shuffled around considerably - those on the western coast remain fixed, those slightly east are shuffled a little, and then the farther east and south you go the more randomly placed the islands are. Some islands, as far as I can tell, remain in the same place for story reasons, but they're the exception to the rule.

And, as I'm sure you guys know but bears saying for people who haven't played it, while the map is small in the sense of how long it takes to sail in a straight line from one to the other, it takes a long time to build up trade connections and awareness of where ports are to refuel and resupply and thus a long time to explore the whole map. I've been on my current captain for 20+ hours now and have revealed only 70-80% of the map.

All of which to say - I love it so much. Such a great sense of exploration, and it's a little different every time. Between the map shifting around, being able to choose your "ambition" or end state, and the different play-styles available, there's a lot of potential re-play value.

rabbit wrote:

Even if you skip the meat, you should listen to my Pastor Michael talking about D&D in the emails sections 1:25 in, about playing D&D in a christian household.

Uh uh, no way, no skipping here! Along with the UMBcast and Ladies of Leet, the GWJCC is one of those podcast I want to experience beginning to end, no matter what!
In fact, your Pastor really came across as a pretty awesome guy. I found that discussion pretty interesting, and I completely agree that in the end, it really comes down to what kind of relationship you have with your parents. And sometimes, you just can't change their minds. There was no way I could've changed my parents' opinion on D&D (not so much for religious reasons, but mostly because they thought it was a waste of time I could have spent on studying - never mind that I was a straight-A student). In the end, I agree with you, Rabbit - and this part is important: your life won't be ruined if you don't get to play D&D.

ccesarano wrote:

BA weep granna weep ninni bon!

+1, Hot Rod

doubtingthomas396 wrote:
Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

Oh thank goodness!

I thought a mouse was hiding in my truck's ventilation system.

I figured Shawn had a live studio audience of whispering dolphins.

ccesarano wrote:

BA weep granna weep ninni bon!

I found a 4-step explanation for how to pull off the official greeting.

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Universal_gre...

Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

I figured he was drawing a whiteboard mural during the show (squeaky markers). I came here hoping to see the finished artwork. Darn!

And here I was thinking I was working in the Batcave this morning.

We just need some Jeff Green on the show, and we can hold on for another 10 years without the Brodeo..

gorilla wrote:
Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

I figured he was drawing a whiteboard mural during the show (squeaky markers). I came here hoping to see the finished artwork. Darn!

I know it's a gimmick, but I still love those videos.

wordsmythe wrote:
gorilla wrote:
Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

I figured he was drawing a whiteboard mural during the show (squeaky markers). I came here hoping to see the finished artwork. Darn!

I know it's a gimmick, but I still love those videos.

Link?

I guess there's a bonus to listening while doing other stuff, I didn't even notice there was a problem with the audio.

The first podcast I ever listened to was Irrational Behavior. It was a fantastic podcast from Irrational Studios hosted by Shawn Elliott. I followed Ken Levine from that show to the GWJ podcast. I've been a part of this great community for about 5 years now. Thanks Shawn.
Also, I'm impressed that Shawn was able to do the whole show while being abducted by aliens. Well done.

I thought Shawn was doing dolphin sounds on purpose.

easilyBaffled wrote:

The first podcast I ever listened to was Irrational Behavior. It was a fantastic podcast from Irrational Studios hosted by Shawn Elliott. I followed Ken Levine from that show to the GWJ podcast. I've been a part of this great community for about 5 years now. Thanks Shawn.
Also, I'm impressed that Shawn was able to do the whole show while being abducted by aliens. Well done.

Did you go back and listen to the GFW podcast? You should!

kyrieee wrote:

I thought Shawn was doing dolphin sounds on purpose porpoise.

FTFY

I felt a bit uncomfortable with the pastor piece. I've no problem playing D&D with my kids, because they know its fantasy. However they also know the score with the christian fantasy and other religious fantasies.

Its about time we enjoy fantasies for what they are: enjoyable escapism. With the chaotic world around us, it behooves us to have our feet firmly planted in reality. And that reality is scary and wonderful both at the same time.

I thoroughly enjoy a walk in a spring forest with nature coming alive again, without believing elves are skipping behind the trees or see a beautiful blue sky with puffy white clouds without believing there is a sky man looking down on us.
We live in a complex and enthralling world, fantasies are awesome to enjoy yourself with, but not as a guideline for your life. That is why I try to let my kids discover the magic of reality.

The irony of the pastor running a D&D campaign and a christian campaign were not lost on me. Shame he does a Tom Hanks in the latter though.

Dryden wrote:
kyrieee wrote:

I thought Shawn was doing dolphin sounds on purpose porpoise.

FTFY

Dang it. Outdrawn!

I need my sleeveless jacket back, so I can once again be the fastest pun in the vest.

mrtomaytohead wrote:
wordsmythe wrote:
gorilla wrote:
Certis wrote:

Apologies in advance for Shawn's track. We did our best to clean it up but something weird happened with the file. It's a bit ... squeaky at times.

I figured he was drawing a whiteboard mural during the show (squeaky markers). I came here hoping to see the finished artwork. Darn!

I know it's a gimmick, but I still love those videos.

Link?

The RSA in the UK has a series of them, but it was a trend. Here's the RSA playlist.

Example:

If anyone wants to learn more about D&D, please check out my movie, Dark Dungeons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qc9...

Based upon the Jack Chick graphic novel!

And here I was going to suggest that one of you needed to invest in a neti pot.

jrralls wrote:

If anyone wants to learn more about D&D, please check out my movie, Dark Dungeons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qc9...

Based upon the Jack Chick graphic novel!

You worked on that? Cool!

Bought it on GoG when it came available there. http://www.gog.com/movie/dark_dungeons

Its painfully funny... Chick tracts, I was so weirded out when I learned that is a real thing. People handing that silliness out as a Halloween 'treat' and such.

Still practicing my spells, but no luck so far

CustodianV131 wrote:
jrralls wrote:

If anyone wants to learn more about D&D, please check out my movie, Dark Dungeons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qc9...

Based upon the Jack Chick graphic novel!

You worked on that?

Kind of; I obtained the rights from Mr. Chick and then wrote and produced the film. If you buy the extras I'm the bald guy who keeps talking.

Glad you liked it!

Cheers,
JR

Did I miss where Darkest Dungeon was discussed? I was driving when I listened, so it's possible. I thought the discussion went directly from Dying Light to Deathtrap, though.