Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games, Again [Starts 01:12] Brian and I continue our discussion about MMORPGs. The genre is far from dead but the definition needs to be revised. So many games now include MMO mechanics.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games [Starts 01:12] Brian and I discuss five of the MMORPGs that we’ve played over the last decade. We share our thoughts on their respective strengths and weaknesses and how well they’ve aged.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

The Lord of the Rings Online [Starts 01:31] Brian and I return to a perennial favourite subject; the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online. Brian shares his experiences as a returning player, who has been absent for 3 years. As the game approaches its 15th anniversary, we discuss its achievements and future.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Ask Me Anything [Starts 01:11] Brian and I answer a selection of questions from our illustrious listeners. These include such diverse subjects as our thoughts on existential dread, why did we start a podcast (again) and what is the best way to clean a monocle.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Star Wars and Fandom [Starts 01:05] In many ways Star Wars fandom is a microcosm of everything that is both good and bad with fandom per se. In this episode Brian and I reflect upon the impact of Star Wars upon our own lives. Our obsession with it as children and our ongoing relationship with this ever growing franchise as adults. What makes it different from other popular intellectual properties? Does fandom grow with you or do you reach a point where you grow out of it?

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Was 2021 the year where the myth that working in video games is cool was finally shattered? [Starts 00:16] Brian and I discuss the various debacles that have plagued the triple A video games industry in 2021, especially the problems that have beset Activision Blizzard. Since the seventies, there has always been a perception that working in video game development is cool compared to other traditional careers. The reality appears to be the opposite. Bullying and harassment are rife. Crunch culture ruins lives. Is the industry just as broken as film, TV and music?

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Ongoing Adventures in LOTRO [Starts 01:05] Brian and I discuss our ongoing adventures The Lord of the Rings Online and how we decided to roll new alts on Laurelin, rather than remain on the Legendary Server, Anor.

Live Streaming [Starts 47:05] Jamie and Chris discuss their experiences and provide a wealth of information about live streaming on Twitch TV. We consider the appeal of streaming, building communities, interacting with your audience and much more.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian, Jamie and Chris.

LOTRO Legendary Severs. [Starts 01:40] Brian and I discuss returning to The Lord of the Rings Online.

Anime Bullshit [Starts 41:49] Is Anime just a style of Japanese animation or more? A broad discussion of the genre with suggestions on where to start for those who are interested but confused.

The State of Fandom [Starts 1:14:00] Are fans and fandom becoming more belligerent? Our you proud to be a fan of that which you love?

Thoughts on LOTRO (Belated Anniversary Contributions) [Starts 1:45:14] Three eulogies to the popular MMORPG.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian, Hannah and Chris.

Gifts.
Travel.
The Office Party.
Coping With Family.
Eating Excessively.
Faith.

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Bacon and Eggs [Starts 1:48]

Fruit and Vegetables [Starts 32:42]

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian.

Loot boxes, algorithms and making money. [Starts 1:39] Is games monetisation becoming to egregious?

Read the Label [Starts 41:23] Games, TV and movies are all rated. Yet some consumers choose to remain ignorant and are shocked and outraged by content. Why?

The future is co-op play [Starts 1:13:27] EA seems to think the future lies in co-op play. What does this mean for single player games?

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Hannah and Chris.

The "average gamer" and games development? [Starts 1:30] Is the so called "average gamer" still the focus of games development by studios?

Simultaneous Release [Starts 20:11] Is it time that the movie industry embraced the concept of cross platform simultaneous release?

Pre-Order versus Game of the Year Edition [Starts 37:19] Does the games community live on either ends of this binary spectrum?

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Braxwolf and Sean.

“Exposure” or pay? [Starts 3:05] Is offering content providers “exposure” a comparable alternative to pay? Jimquisition: Exposure

Are MMORPG players a minority in their own genre? [Starts 31:19] Massively Over Thinking: MMO players have become a minority in their own genre. Sour grapes or have some players been "thrown out of their own party"?

Have we had enough of experts? [Starts 44:22] Mark Kermode: Frame of reference

Theme (Quick Thinking) by Neil Cross. Voiceover by Eric Holloway.

Guest contact details: Brian and Sean.