Episodes

Insights from Elizabeth Howard of Midwest Games In this GZ Chop Shop gaming podcast episode, hosts Gregory and Daniel welcome Elizabeth Howard, the Chief Advisor of Services for Midwest Games. With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, including roles at Bungie and 2K Games, Elizabeth shares her journey into gaming, insights on the evolution of game development, and the challenges faced by developers today. The conversation covers the importance of understanding business models, the role of shadow publishing in supporting indie developers, and the complexities of IP rights. Elizabeth also offers valuable advice for aspiring game developers and discusses the impact of financial trends on the gaming industry.

We had the opportunity to sit down with actor Patrick Gallagher as he shared insights from his extensive acting career, discussing his roles in video games and film, the intricacies of performance capture, and the collaborative nature of character development. He reflects on the importance of improvisation, the nerves that come with acting, and the evolution of video games. We also discussed our fond memories of arcades.

In this episode of the GZ Chop Shop, hosts Daniel and Greg dive deep into the world of Nintendo, focusing on the upcoming Switch 2. They discuss the console's specs, pricing controversies, and the impact of scalpers on the gaming market. The conversation also touches on the graphics debate, the role of the PC community, and the challenges faced by GameStop in the evolving gaming landscape. The hosts engage with listeners, encouraging them to share their thoughts on Nintendo's strategies and the future of gaming.

In this episode host Projektitachi speaks with Ghost Recon Wildlands lead writer Lewis Manalo and level designer/Creative Director Matt Patak from Old Glory Studios about their transition from military careers to the gaming industry, their experiences working on major titles in the "Clancyverse", and their new project, Victory's Grave Outflank. They discuss the evolution of gaming narratives, game development challenges, AI's role, and their vision for creating a unique gaming experience that balances authenticity and accessibility. In this conversation, Matt Patak and Lewis Manalo share their insights on transitioning from gamers to developers, the challenges and rewards of indie game development, and the importance of finding one's niche in the industry. They discuss the role of writing in games, the significant impact of marketing on game development, and the evolving landscape of game ownership, particularly with the rise of live service models. The duo also shares their aspiratio…

In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse deep dive into the world of Solo Leveling, discussing its origins as a webtoon and light novel, character development, and the nuances of the anime adaptation. They explore the themes of humanity and power, the importance of character emotions, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming live-action adaptation. The conversation ends with final thoughts on the series and an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast.

In this episode Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent Sony server shutdown, reflecting on its impact on the gaming community over its nearly two-day blackout and comparing it to past incidents. They explore the transition from physical to digital gaming, highlighting the implications for ownership and access. The conversation also delves into the rise of subscription models in gaming, examining how they affect game development and player experience.

In this episode our hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse dive into the world of video game remakes, discussing classic titles they wish would be revived. They explore the nostalgia associated with classic games, and the impact of live service models on the industry, and share personal memories of beloved titles like Nightmare Creatures, Legend of the Dragoon, and Shadows of the Empire.

In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse dive into the latest installment of the Castlevania series, 'Nocturne', discussing their expectations and the reality of the show. They explore the differences in writing and character development compared to the original series, highlighting the impact of changes in the creative team. The conversation then shifts to the Ys series, a long-standing RPG franchise, where they discuss its convoluted timelines and the unique storytelling approach of the games. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the Ys game series, discussing its chronological order, gameplay mechanics, and connections to other game franchises. They also explore the convoluted timelines of various game series, particularly focusing on Ash Ketchum from Pokémon and the theories surrounding his character and age. The discussion highlights the nostalgia associated with these games and the challenges of understanding their narratives.

In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse engage in a lively discussion about anime, upcoming movie adaptations, and the challenges of streaming services. They share recommendations for new anime, analyze the Castlevania series, and express excitement for the upcoming adaptations of popular games like Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Zero Dawn. The conversation also addresses the frustrations of accessing anime across different streaming platforms and the impact of marketing on movie releases.

In this episode hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse celebrate the new year and discuss their commitment to highlighting indie games. They dive deep into their experience with the VR mech game Iron Rebellion, sharing insights on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and the future of VR gaming. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and mods in enhancing gaming experiences.