Historical game developer Catherine Ramen talks the New York crossdressing scene in the ’90s, a nineteenth century Socialist commune in Paris, and more – as if we needed more when those first two things are so very very good???
History
20. Make-Believe History
Alanna Shaffer joins us to talk about how, even when telling made-up stories, we can be aware of biases in the way we think about history.
42. Jessica Hammer
Game designer and Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Jessica Hammer explores how we can take a more precise approach to transformative play through research and iteration.
38. Misha Bushyager
Writer, designer, and #Feminism co-editor Misha Bushyager joins us to talk worldbuilding, YouTube, and blending the personal and historical in game design. Also: Alex learns what a Steak-umm is.
36. Kimberley Lam
Stealth designer and prolific hacker Kim Lam joins Alex to talk playing by post, making games that aren’t products, and origami. We also discuss Kim’s upcoming larp about the legacy of the Cambodian genocide, so please listen with care.
32. Emily Care Boss
Designer and theorist Emily Care Boss joins us this episode to talk Living Games, loving games, and being vulnerable in play. Can role-playing be therapeutic? How do we unite disparate gaming communities? What larp-adjacent practices can we learn from? What’s physi-ing??? You’ll have to tune in to find out! WISCON Site EMILY CARE BOSS The … Read more
27. D. Vincent and Meguey Baker
To celebrate one year of Backstory, Alex brings on indie legends and Apocalypse World co-creators Meguey and D. Vincent Baker. Topics range from sex education to censorship to masonic initiation ceremonies and quilt preservation – and yes, it’s all related to game design.
12. Kira Magrann
Can games unite the mystical and the digital? Writer, game designer, and cyberwitch Kira Magrann is here to talk magic, technology, and her new digital zine, RESISTOR. Kira on Twitter Kira on Tumblr RESISTOR A Cyborg Manifesto Eliza Gauger’s Problem Glyphs The Witch (2016) Aleister Crowley Meg Baker on Rituals in Play Mad About the … Read more